Re: Sam, Curtis, John, Tony, Dan, J.D. and the boys benefit concert - Mar 20 '09

General Discussion
21

WtF? I look in my e-mail box this a.m. and it’s full of stuff about Sam bailing out next week, along with damage control. I personally have nothing to do with this. I am as much in the dark as anyone else. I am bewildered too.

Posted on Sam Bush’s website yesterday, March 10:

Concerning the “Bluegrass Hotel” concert … March 10, 2009

[b]Sam will not be performing in Louisville Ky March 20 as continues to be advertised. As this was being filmed and with sound recordings; and even though none of the performers were being paid (as this is a benefit performance) agreements and clearances were needed with and from the Producer of the event. Sam’s recording, distribution contracts, and sponsorships require them. None have been forthcoming. A statement from Sam’s attorney will be released tomorrow.

Sam is extremely upset, confused and sickened that the Producer has used his name and likeness without authorization and continues to do so.[/b]

Will let you guys know why and how this has happened once we figure it all out…

More tomorrow.

Rob

I, Monte Barry, apologize once more: to any and all of you die-hard and dedicated newgrass music loving fans whom I may have impressed negatively - with my sources - regarding this turn of events. I am NOT one of the Producers. I am NOT being paid one cent either. I have NO power to make any decisions on this project. I built and hosted TheBluegrassHotel website on my dime, out of my heart’s love that we share for this great music. I am former sound man for Bluegrass Alliance and Lazy River. I lived at the Bluegrass Hotel '75 to '77. I recently circulated some historic and unique old tapes of all the boys from this incredible musical era. I posted here on the Festivarian - just like so many of you.

I feel terrible. I am sorry for what I did to be part of this ship-wreck. I am sorry Tom. I am sorry Cindy Lou. I am sorry Steph and the rest of the Nelson’s. Hopefully, “Rob” (above) will explain what’s up here. Somebody owes ALL of US an explanation. I have just provided mine. Again, I am sincerely very, very sorry.

peace,
Monte

22

This just in…

THE BLUEGRASS HOTEL NOTIFICATION RE: SAM BUSH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Louisville, KY, March 11, 2009. Sam Bush is a cancer survivor and his father recently passed away from the disesase. New Grass Revival founder Courtney Johnson also died from cancer.

Therefore it came as a complete surprize to receive notification from Sam Bush’s manager informing The Bluegrass Hotel Project that unless Sam was paid a $10,000 fee to perform at the benefit concert for the American Cancer Society on March 20 at the Galt House, Sam would be pulled from the concert.

After consultation with the American Cancer Society and our media partners, it was agreed that paying Sam Bush an appearance fee of $10,000 would rob money from the charity. Paying Sam Bush and not the other artists would also create an inequitable situation for the other performers, who all agreed to donate their time at the benefit concert, stating so at two (2) Press Conferences on Dec. 13, 2008 and Feb. 13, 2009 in Louisville at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, KY. Sam Bush also appeared and spoke at the Dec. 13 press conference with officials from the American Cancer Society.

The Bluegrass Hotel project has subsequently declined to pay Sam Bush a $10,000 fee to perform at The Bluegrass Hotel benefit concert on March 20 in Louisville, KY.

The Bluegrass Hotel concert on March 20 at the Galt House in Louisville, KY features the original members of Kentucky’s greatest Newgrass era bands, The Bluegrass Alliance, New Grass Revival and J.D. Crowe & the New South. Plus performances by many other Kentucky artists including Bobby Osborne, Ben Sollee, Buzzard Rock String Band, and The Bluegrass Alliance Tribute - featuring the original 1968-era line-up of Dan Crary, Danny Jones & Buddy Spurlock with Michael Cleveland and Marshall Billingsley. Other performances by Glenn Lawson, Jack Lawrence, Steve Cooley, Robert Pool, Al White, Steve Cooley, Chuck Nation, Keith & Darrel Sanson, Marty Townsend, Danny Wiley, Bob Briedenbach, John Jump and many others.

PBS Television is filming the concert for a national broadcast Nov. 2009.

Fore more info contact:

Lorraina Aldridge
Executive Director
American Cancer Society
502.584.
6782
www. cancer. org

Bill Millet
Executive Producer
The Bluegrass Hotel LLC
972.365.
3303
www. thebluegrasshotel. com

23

I hate to hear anything negative about Sam…
Consider these are hard times and I think we are not aware of the entire story here… It sounds like there is more to tell…
I will keep an open mind on this one. :flower Sorry to hear this…

Bluegrass Hotel, hummm , I still entertain the thoughts of Caribou Ranch … I could see this happening here again in the mountains of CO.

24

And now, From John Cowan’s MySpace page…

It is with regret we announce that John will NOT be participating in the Bluegrass Hotel concert at the Galt House in Louisville, KY on 3/20/09. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing all of you at one of the many shows he has scheduled this year.

What’s next??? :mad

25

Sam’s website - right now:

PRESS RELEASE: Nashville, TN March 11, 2009

"Sam Bush announced last week that he will not be participating in the Bluegrass Hotel Project and will not be performing at the festival in Louisville, KY on March 20, 2009. There has been considerable misinformation and falsehoods disseminated regarding Sam’s decision, and it is time to set the record straight.

First, Sam will not be performing at the festival. For many weeks, the Producer of the Project has used Sam’s name and likeness without his permission. Despite being advised of Sam’s decision on March 5th, the Bluegrass Hotel website continues to list Sam as one of the featured performers. The website’s information is not correct.

Further, Sam’s decision not to perform had absolutely nothing to do with money. Contrary to statements posted on the internet by the Project’s Producer, Sam has never requested to be paid anything, including what is being fraudulently reported as requiring a $10,000.00 fee as an executive producer. Any statements to the contrary are false.

For several weeks, now months, Sam had been unsuccessful in his attempts to obtain information relating to the Project’s financial and legal structure and unable to substantiate that all necessary agreements, clearances, and approvals had been obtained for completion of the Project. Accordingly, after extensive consultation with legal council, Sam reluctantly decided he could not go forth in such a manner of chaos and liability."

26

Feb 9, 2009
from: The Bluegrass Hotel
to: Monte Barry
re: The Bluegrass Hotel new website floated by Monte

The Bluegrass Hotel LLC is temporarily allowing you to use its intellectual content that is posted on the Eric Levine site and at thebluegrasshotel.com web site, which is our sole property. However, this will only remain in effect based on your cooperation, and if John Jump and I review ALL content IN ADVANCE of it being posted on any web site.

We really appreciate your enthusiasm for the project, Monte. But this is your last warning.

Bill Millet
Executive Producer
The Bluegrass Hotel LLC
972.365.3303
www.thebluegrasshotel.com

Cc:
John Jump, co-producer
Andrew Bergman, attorney at law
Lisa Haler, Mngr. Galt House Hotel & Suites
Eric Levine

Feb. 9, 2009

Mr. Millet
The Bluegrass Hotel LLC

Re: Intellectual property of The Bluegrass Hotel LLC

The Bluegrass Hotel LLC, a Texas based corporation owns the name, url, web site, media content and all intellectual property rights belonging to the project, which encompasses a documentary, concert, film, recording and product releases. The Bluegrass Hotel LLC is the sole owner of any use and representation of the name “The Bluegrass Hotel”, and all photos, text, press releases, site maps related to The Bluegrass Hotel concert, festival and projects.

Mr. Monte Barry hosted elements of The Bluegrass Hotel concert & festival, without prior notification or authorization, on the Eric Levine hosted site, utilizing names, logos, media content, images, event sponsor logos, names of artists, assets and venues that he took from web sites, press releases and other materials that are solely the property of The Bluegrass Hotel LLC, the Galt House Hotel & Suites and the major Artists involved with the project. Unless Mr. Barry receives a clearance in writing from the principals of The Bluegrass Hotel LLC, the Galt House Hotel & Suites and the Artists associated with this endeavor authorizing his use of any of the property belonging to the parties, he and Mr. Levine will be subject to legal action that would recover any loss and damages. Additionally, a complaint will be lodged with the FCC re: Mr. Barry and Mr. Levine and their sites ordered to shut down.

In closing, I would urge caution in assigning Mr. Barry any type of control over the content and intellectual property of The Bluegrass Hotel LLC, as his disregard for protocol and the law could place your entity and that of the Galt House Hotel and the Artists associated with the project in jeopardy.

Sincerely,

Andrew Bergman, Attorney at Law

27

The wheels are coming off of this thing fast…

28

From an unconfirmed source…
Tony Rice has backed out as well. :eek

29

Re: Letter to Monte regarding the PRIVATE PROPERTY of the Bluegrass Hotel

If I were the people at the BLUEGRASS HOTEL, I would be embarassed too death!!! The very idea of harassing people over things that have been posted or said - they should have gotten their act together on the front end and done things in the proper manner and they wouldn’t have this problem.

There is an old saying of “What goes around comes around” and I truly believe that if you set out on a mission of wrong doing - it will come back to bite you in the butt! I believe that is what is happening at this very moment to the Bluegrass Hotel bunch. The whole show is falling apart right before their very eyes.

Some times things are a matter of PRINCIPLE!!!

Karen

30

I think they still had John and Tony until the crap was posted dissing Sam on the myspace page for The Bluegrass Hotel. Just my opinion.

Auntie Hope

31

In the words of a law professor I once had …

“Sue the bastards”

I have a feeling a lot of people will.

32

How did you pay, Credit Card. If so you can dispute or stop payment.

33

This is soooo disappointing! If this is a matter of false advertising on the producer’s part, I think they can be held liable for any losses people incur as a result. I don’t know that for a fact, but I imagine there are some on this forum who would know the legalities involved concerning a class action lawsuit.
bummer bummer bummer waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
I am in no way at all disappointed in the musicians, so don’t get me wrong on that. I LOVE Sam and John and always have and always will and I support them whole-heartedly, always. Their music is a huge part of my life and I know they are the good guys in all this. I’m just sorry they are having to deal with crap like this.

34

When I made my reservations I was told that a “portion” of the money was non-refundable, not the entire thing, so I’d talk to them again.
I’m kinda bummed at how the promoter put this thing together and I may try to recoup some funds in the long run.
I still plan on making the trip, but it’s mainly to see my new great grandson at this point, and maybe visit some friends in the area. :cheers

35

I just got off the phone with the Galt House and they told me what I already knew; that I was out my $185. The lady at the Galt House told me to work with the Bluegrass Hotel Festival people. Their number is (210) 745-5840. I called and left a message and a request that someone from their office call me. Like that is going to happen! But, you never know.

It was my understanding that this was to be a fund-raiser for the Cancer Society, or something like that, I wonder if I could call this a donation for taxes, if I tell the Galt House that we will not be coming and to donate our room and ticket.

36

"Benefit Concert highlights include:

  • a confirmed All Star performance featuring Sam Bush with Curtis Burch, John Cowan, J.D. Crowe, Tony Rice & Dan Crary
  • special performance appearance by major Guest Stars (tba Jan. 09)
  • opening sets by The Bluegrass Alliance Tribute and Buzzard Rock String Bands.

Proceeds of The Bluegrass Hotel concert benefit the American Cancer Society in Louisville."

The above was on the original post. Note that it says “Confirmed”, and proceeds of the “Concert” benefit the ACS. It does not say that proceeds from room rentals will benefit the ACS, and considering the latest development, they really need to concede and issue refunds.
I think if a lot of people do not go, the Galt House will suffer as a result of:

  1. loss of revenue from meals/drinks not being bought
  2. the festival itself will not turn as big a profit due to less sales
  3. any future opportunities to have the musicians there. After all this, I doubt any of them would ever want to play/stay there.
  4. the ACS most likely will not want to hold events there in the future
  5. just a general bad taste for anything to do with Bill Millet and the Galt House for what appears to be false advertising from the get-go.

I know it sure does dim my former and any future excitement for going there, monetary damages aside.

37

The thing to remember is that the Galt House is not responsible for what has happened with The Bluegrass Hotel. Bluegrass people enjoyed many years there with IBMA and finally there was a major event back in a wonderful setting. The Galt House is caught in the middle. At this point in time, there is still an event. At this point in time people can still go to the Galt House and have a good time with old and new friends (don’t forget that the Itchin’ to Pick festival is also there the next day). The show you thought you were going to see - it isn’t going to happen. Once at the Galt House, you don’t have to attend the concert if you don’t want to. Don’t confuse the Galt House with The Bluegrass Hotel promoters. The Galt House is a victim as well.

I truly hope that the performers do not let one poor promoter ruin a perfectly good venue and that the Galt House does not judge all bluegrass events by The Bluegrass Hotel. Both cases would be most unfortunate. I would very much like to see future events happen in Louisville and particularly at The Galt House.

38

I hope this helps. But, I am NOT promoting anything. This is now a blog. Is there anything else I can do to help?

peace,
Monte

— from “The Bluegrass Hotel” [Bill Millet], just circulated to The Bluegrass Hotel Crew et al —

The Bluegrass Hotel updated concert & festival schedule
March 20, 2009
Galt House Hotel
Louisville, Kentucky

CONCERT STAGE SCHEDULE
Grand Ballroom
8:00 - 10:00pm

  1. Buzzard Rock String Band

  2. Arnett Hollow

  3. “Bobby Osborne and the Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music” with Bobby Osborne Jr., Dean Osborne, J P Mathes, Curtis Burch & guest Michael Cleveland.& Tony Williamson

  4. The original line-up of The Bluegrass Alliance (cir. 1968)

  • Dan Crary, Danny Jones, Buddy Spurlock with Michael Cleveland (fiddle) and Marshall Billingsley (bass)
  • also featuring band members (cir. 1972 - 1978) Glenn Lawson, Tony Williamson, Steve Cooley, Chuck Nation, Al White, Keith & Darrel Sanson, Marty Townsend, Danny Wylie and many others.

  1. Ben Sollee

  2. Ben Sollee & J.D. Crowe (banjo duet)

7, The Bluegrass Hotel All Stars

Fred Bartenstein - emcee

FESTIVAL STAGE SCHEDULE
Exhibit Hall

12 noon - 1:00pm. WFPK FM Radio “Live Lunch” - broadcasting live from The Bluegrass Hotel concert site (festival stage) - featuring Ben Sollee, Kati Penn Band, Arnett Hollow and The Bluegrass Hotel Artists

1:00 - 2:00pm. (Kati Penn band)

2:00 - 3:00pm. (Town Criers)

3:00 - 4:00pm. (Hurley Ridge Band)

5:00 - 6:00pm (Say Darlin Say)

6:00 - 7:00pm (Down On 5th)

7:00 - 8:00pm (Relic)

8:00 - 10:00pm (Open Slot - taped music only during concert)

10:00 - 10:30pm “Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music” with J P Mathes, Andrew DeKemper, Kathryn Boggess, Obe Golding & guest students

10:30 - 11:00pm (Buzzard Rock String Band)

11:00 - 11:30pm (Arnett Hollow)

11:30 pm - 12midnight (The International Bluegrass Music Museum auction, conducted by Dan Crary and Fred Bartenstein)

12midnight - 2:00am (The Bluegrass Alliance Tribute band)

  • Dan Crary, Danny Jones, Buddy Spurlock, Curtis Burch, Glenn Lawson, Michael Cleveland, Tony Williamson, Marshall Billingsley, Steve Cooley, Chuck Nation, Al White, Keith & Darrel Sanson, Marty Townsend, Danny Wylie and many others.
39

Newgrass Music Lovers,

As a couple of die-hard Newgrass fans who have followed this music for well over thirty-five years, we feel the need to get on our soap-box and take a stand. 
First, let us say that we were early supporters of the Bluegrass Hotel/Bluegrass Alliance Tribute in Louisville on March 20th.  When the hotel package/tickets went on sale on Jan. 5th, we were one of the first callers. We called friends both near and far to help promote it.  I even had a conversation with Bill Millet, the Executive Producer and offered to volunteer if needed.  We talked about the March 20th show and all the incredible Newgrass talent that would be performing.  He also told me that Vince Gill and Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top would be there.  With much anticipation, we’ve been counting the days.
Fast forward to this week and it is now apparent that this project has all turned to crap. We’ve read all the information that we could find from both Sam Bush and Bill Millet and we have a few comments.  We are fans and don’t need to, nor even want to understand the legalities of making music for a living and/or a charity.  In all the years that we have followed Sam Bush, the Bluegrass Alliance, the New Grass Revival and any side project that he has been affiliated with, Sam has never missed a show.  Sam and his business partner/manager/wife Lynn have always been the consummate professionals, along with his band, road manager and sound crew.  Sam Bush is a true musician’s musician!

Obviously in regards to the artists, we’ve been lied to. Besides the situation with Sam Bush, it does not appear that Vince Gill or Billy Gibbons will be performing. As of this writing, John Cowan’s MySpace site states that he won’t be there. There is also no indication that Tony Rice will be there either.
Bill Millet, the project’s Executive Producer has taken it upon himself to use the two MySpace sites ( http://www.myspace.com/thebluegrasshotel and http://www.myspace.com/thebluegrassalliancetribute ) in an unethically despicable way. He has taken Sam Bush’s personal battle with cancer, the recent cancer death of his father, and the cancer death of his dear friend and band mate to a public forum for the soul purpose of public humiliation to benefit his agenda and/or The American Cancer Society. This act exemplifies a new low that we cannot fathom. We don’t even think politicians would dig that deep into the gutter. This definitely speaks volumes in regards to his character. Shame on you Bill Millet!
We, as fans and supporters of Newgrass music, feel that Bill Millet owes us an apology for his lies and actions. For us, this is about the misrepresentation of someone we respect (Sam Bush). If you agree, please contact Bill Millet at 972-365-3303 or via www.thebluegrasshotel.com.
In addition, please contact Lorraina Aldridge at the American Cancer Society (502-584-6782 or www.cancer.org). Let her know how you feel about this mess. If you have a little extra jingle in your pocket, send it her way in honor of someone who has fought the battle against cancer. They are an incredibly honorable & worthy organization.
Most Sincerely,
Patrick & Barbara Day

40

While the Galt House will survive in all it’s tacky glory, I fear as a Louisvillian that the spirit of “The Bluegrass Hotel” has been compromised by a promoter of questionable integrity.