Our History: 

 

Folk w/Shades of Blue began in November of 2002.    A local Ortonville family placed an add in the Ortonville paper announcing a free & open acoustic jam at the Old Town Hall in downtown Ortonville.   After dinner, the family loaded up the car with  instruments and a key to the hall, expecting to get there a bit early to turn on the lights, and expecting to be sitting there alone, lucky to have a few musicians show up.

 

To their surprise, there were approximately 25 musicians waiting outside the doors!  With such a warm and exciting response that lasted every first Friday throughout that 2002 winter, it was realized that this was more than they could handle on their own.  After finding a few residents to join them, the Historical Society was approached and asked to sponsor this music jam and later, concerts at the Old Town Hall.   And thankfully the Historical Society said YES!  At which point, it was decided to call the music committee “Folk w/Shades of Blue.”  Hoping that this would welcome folk, bluegrass and blues musicians.

 

Performances began on the century plus stage of the Old Town Hall with the exciting sound of the Hot Grass Band in April,2003.  Hot Grass, a reunited award winning bluegrass band of the 80’s packed the little house and had folks on their feet, begging for more.  Thus, it was realized, musicians love to jam yes, but they really desire an audience and they like to have their peers on stage too!   To make this happen, it was realized that the support of the general community had to be present, that something of value had to reach beyond the  music circle.  And so, as bands performed for free on stage, donations collected at the door were used to hire more bands to grace the stage.  In addition to the Hot Grass band, Folk w/Shades of Blue must extend a huge thank you to the Blue Train Band,  Dancin Feet Studios and The Paint Creek Boys. 

 

Although jams are not solely specific to Bluegrass music, it might be said that bluegrass players know the tradition best.   To be certain to welcome all musicians, Folk w/Shades of Blue jams are open to all genres, by keeping with acoustic instruments, almost anything becomes folk.   The tradition is; bring a song and know the key it’s in, everyone will give it a whirl.   And, if you don’t know your “keys,” then folks are generous in sharing  them.

 

Additionally, Folk w/Shades of Blue has attempted to demonstrate various styles of acoustic music in it’s selection of performers.

 

It was Spring, 2004 when musicians started feeling the hardship of not having a jam to attend over the spring and summer months.  Many attend festivals, but for those who have to stay  home, they were already missing  the jams before they ended.  So the Ortonville Village Council was approached .  After explaining what jamming was (not a acid rock bash)  and requesting; would they please open the sidewalks to musicians every Friday evening, weather permitting?  And with a unanimous vote,  “Friendly Folk Jammin Fridays” began.   These events take place every Friday evening, starting in May and ending in September as weather permits. 

 

Additionally, musicians  began playing (again free of charge)   and dancing behind the Old Mill (home of the historical society) during Ortonville’s 2004 Septemberfest.  With special thanks to “The Future is Blue” (aka; the Heller Boys), “Dancin Feet Studio,” “ Inis Ceol,” “The Cats and the Fiddler” and “Blue Train,” another new tradition has begun!

 

If you or someone you know is interested in the efforts of Folk w/Shades of Blue and would like to contribute, we are always welcoming new ideas and assistance!  We invite you join the historical society and help build on the traditions we are re-establishing!  www.ochsonline.org

The 150 Year Old Mill

366 Mill St.

Folk with Shades of Blue is a part of the Ortonville Community Historical Society.   Considered primarily, the music committee within the historical society.   The OCHS membership meetings take place at the Old Mill at 7:00 every first Thursday of the month.   Folk with Shades of Blue meetings take place before or during First Friday Jams at the Old Town Hall.   The Old Mill Turned 150 years Old in 2006!

The Old Town Hall

460 Mill St.