Matt Nozzolio 1954 - 2008

Matthew Anthony Nozzolio, of Middletown, died unexpectedly Saturday, August 2, 2008, in New Haven. He was 53. He was the husband of Jean A. Wertz.
Matt, who was the official spokesman for the MDC, in Hartford, had a career in newspapers as a reporter and editor. He was also a noted musician, performing bluegrass, blues and folk music.
Matt played the Dobro, or resophonic guitar, performing solo as well as with a variety of bluegrass and folk bands. He also performed his own compositions.
In the 1990s, Matt toured Europe as a member of Amy Gallatin and Stillwaters. He also performed with Allan Harris and the Cross That River Band, of New York City, the New England bands Charter Oak Bluegrass and The Bristol Boys, and was a frequent guest musician with The Remnants and Horizon Blue.
He was a member of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Music Under New York program, for subway musicians, and performed in Connecticut for entertainment programs at Derby Hospital and Meriden’s MidState Medical Center.
In 2007, Matt took 3rd place in the 21st annual Blues Challenge, in Greensboro, N.C.
As a journalist, Nozzolio was a bureau chief for the New Haven Register, city editor for The Evening Press, in Binghamton, N.Y., and bureau chief for the Finger Lakes Times, in New York. He also worked in communications for United Technologies.

Bluegrass at Buttery Brook

We had the privilege of playing at this annual one-day festival at beautiful Buttery Brook Park in South Hadley, Mass. Thanks, Dave, Rose and Dan for having us, providing great sound, and thanks to Michelle for staffing the well-stocked band hospitality tent.

It was a real treat to hear the other bands, as well. We enjoy Crabgrass' take on Lonesome River Band-style songs, and White Mountain Bluegrass continue to play some of the most honest, heartfelt songs.

Josh Williams is a 13-year-old singer and guitar player. You can't call him an up-and-comer because he's already arrived and has the goods; great voice and song selection, and a stage presence that belies his age.

It was definitely worth the wait to hear Travers Chandler and Avery County, who had an arduous trek, flying from Fla. to North Carolina; and then driving to Mass. (striking a deer in Virginia on the way). The boy can burn it up and tear your heart out in the space of a few minutes.

For another account and some photos, see bluegrassers.blogspot.com

It was great to see old friends and make some new ones. We're getting excited about the Danby (VT) Bluegrass and Old-Time Country fest this coming weekend.

Buffalo busker

A young violinist takes to the streets, bringing klezmer music to the western New York city.

Don Helms suffers heart attack

Don Helms, who was a key part of Hank Williams' sound is recuperating from a heart attack, it's reported here.

Don has been very active, attending steel guitar conventions regularly. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Speedy Krise is honored at gathering

Some day I hope to make the Gathering of Resonateurs in North Carolina. The Gathering and its tribute to Speedy Krise made the local press.

"They are young and stupid..."

That's the takeaway from this article on an attack on a northern California street musician.

Imagine that

Sioux Falls, SD, merchants hire street musicians to play downtown and civilization doesn't crumble. In fact, folks seem to like it.
In New Haven, the Chapel Merchants Association is hiring musicians and performers for Saturdays in good weather. I'll be there Aug. 2 and 9.