No stranger to the limelight, by age 21, Ricky was already considered a “recognized master” of bluegrass, one of America’s most demanding art forms, but his mandolin career took him in other directions, catapulting him to popularity and success in the mainstream of country music. His life’s path has taken him to various musical genres, from where it all began in bluegrass music, to striking out on new musical journeys, while still leaving his musical roots intact. It seems like Ricky Skaggs has been a Reunion Blues fan almost as long as he’s been around. It’s been a life full of music.
Founded in 1976, Reunion Blues has become known as the music industry’s premier gig bag and case company with over 70 models available for fretted, brass, woodwind, strings and percussion instruments. The products are available in Performance fabric, in Classic full-grain leather, and in a new leading-edge RB Continental series that is enjoying huge success in the industry. There’s even a selection of multiple instrument bags like double guitar and triple trumpet.

All Reunion Blues cases and bags feature a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Like us on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/reunionblues

Visit http://www.reunionblues.com.

Click HERE to learn more.

Watch his videos HERE.

Laurence & Paul

Reunion Blues endorser Michael Davis has been playing behind Mick and the boys for quite some time.

We’ll pop the question to Mr. Davis and uncover what we can.

See Mike’s page HERE.

Michael Davis & Rolling Stones

In speaking with James Counts of Counts Brothers Music in Muscle Shoals Alabama, I was moved by his sincere assessment of the damage in his state. I asked James what he thought was the most direct way to help the people in his area. Being in the musical accessories business, I wanted to try and help in this arena. We provide a lot of our products to students and we believe that school music programs are very important in shaping young lives for the positive.

James sent me this letter from Bobby Patrick, Band Director of The Phil Campbell High School in Phil Campbell Alabama. Click here to read it. Phil Campbell Letter (Please be patient. It takes a minute to download.)

They were hit hard in terms of lives lost, which can never be replaced. Their supply of instruments, accessories and equipment for their band program was wiped out. I read the letter and, bingo, I knew this is how I wanted to help. Attached is the letter. If anyone is looking for a way to help, here is good one. I chose the Phil Campbell High School in Alabama because it was presented to me by a good man and I know that my contributions will go directly to the band program.

We all wish we could do more, but as simple as it sounds, every little bit helps. I believe it’s not only the money but the moral and psychological support that will help them move forward from this tragedy. Let’s do it.

http://john-5.com/main/2011/05/18/j5-and-fender-donate-guitar-for-queensland-

John 5 and Fender have teamed up with Soundwave Festival and donated a Black Fender Squier American Standard Telecaster to be auctioned in support of the QLD Disaster Relief Appeal.  As you may be aware in December 2010  Queensland was hit by flooding and Tropical Cyclone Yasi.  Many communities have been left devastated.

The guitar, which you can start bidding on tomorrow (19 May 2011) has been signed by John 5.

BID ON EBAY HERE (click) (Link will open at noon on May 19 2011 – AEST)

The auction will end 29th May 12.00 noon (AEST)

You can find out more about the QLD Disaster here: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/

You can find out more about the auction by following @soundwavefest on Twitter and by going HERE

Thank you for your support in this auction. Please retweet, like on Facebook and spread the word.

Check out our Reunion Blues Endorser Tommy Duke on drums!

Nikki told me that the guys were giving him a hard time because he didn’t have a gig bag for his guitar.  He said that “he needs a gig bag”!!!  I told him that the Sonoma Bass Gig Bag, in black leather (model #314 15-29) is 49″, not long enough for his new Signature Blackbird Bass, which is a staggering 57″! Nikki said that he can use it for his P Bass.  Yes!  He now has the RB Sonoma Bass gig bag in black leather.  I also hooked him up with our black Merino Wool Pinstripe RB guitar strap.   DJ Ashba, his guitarist of Sixx .AM., has the same strap,  which I presented to him at the NAMM Show.

Nikki was just as I had imagined … charming, kind, warm, and an all over beautiful person.  Let’s just say that I was 15 when I first started listening to the Crue, and Nikki was plastered all over my room.  You can imagine this meeting was one of the best days of my life!  Thank you Nikki!

Details on his new book are as follows: This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography And Life Through The Distorted Lens Of Nikki Sixx, is part photo, part journal—but all Nikki Sixx. It is a collection of compelling photography and stories that capture the rage, love, optimism, darkness, and determination that shape his work. Combining the raw authenticity that defined his New York Times Bestseller The Heroin Diaries with a photographic journey, This Is Gonna Hurt chronicles Sixx’s experiences—from his early years filled with toxic waste, to his success with Motley Crue, to his death from an OD and his eventual rebirth through music, photography, and love.

Love story, bad-ass rock tell-all, social commentary, family memoir, This Is Gonna Hurt offers the compelling insights of an artist and a man struggling to survive, connect, and find a happy ending—a search that fuels Sixx’s being.

You can view his book tour dates and videos of the “This is Gonna Hurt” documentary by checking out Nikki Sixx’s official site:  http://www.nikkisixx.net

Motley Crue is on Tour this year!  For all of you Crue fans check out the following link for tour dates near you! http://www.nikkisixx.net/tour/

West Music's John Feldman and Nate Ersig with Reunion Blues' rep Jay Lewallen - Photo Credit: Music Inc. Magazine

Business sessions with titles like “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Instrument Rental Programs”, “Future Trends in Retailing”, “Changing Technology and Your Business” and “Saving Music From the Chopping Block-Politics” helped conference attendees stay at the forefront of critical issues.  Events like the Road Rep Olympics (including an Obstacle Course, Van Schlepping and Loading and Equipment Repair) and the Golf Tournament ensured that everyone had a rollicking good time. Throw in a few cocktail parties and poolside receptions and you’ve got the perfectly complete conference. Madeleine Crouch with NASMD has to be the hardest working, nicest event organizer in the world. She was everywhere and did everything.

Equipment Repair winner Chris Behrens from Summerhays Music stands atop his RocknRoller Multicart first prize while Madeleine Crouch looks on. - Photo Credit: Music Inc.

A Road Rep Olympics contestant navigates the dreaded NASMD obstacle course! - Photo Credit: Music Inc. Magazine

One of the highlights was “Rep-Ardy”, a take off on the Jeopardy game. Hosted by George Quinlan “Trebek” of Quinlan and Fabish with industry leaders as participants, this event tested industry knowledge amidst much laughter and good sportsmanship. The panelists were Steve West of West Music, Jim Kidder of Kidder Music, Bill Harvey of Buddy Rogers Music, Roger White of White House of Music and Scott Summerhays of Summerhays Music. Everyone who witnessed the game was a winner.

George Quinlan, dressed in his Alex Trebek costume, congratulates Rep-Ardy winner Jim Kidder - Photo Credit: Music Trades Magazine

NASMD Professional Standards are:
• To Help Teachers Develop Successful School Music Programs
• Help Parents Support Their Child’s Active Participation in School Music Programs
• Help Students Enjoy the Benefits of Making Music in their School

Based on the Professional Standards listed above, NASMD is doing a great job. It is becoming widely known that students who participate in music programs score higher on tests, develop higher IQs and build social skills and lifelong self-motivation. Much of this can be attributed to NASMD dealers who work closely with schools and band directors to keep the music programs marching onward and upward.

The final evening festivities included Grayson and Kristina Zeagler of Zeagler Music passing the plaque to new NASMD President Joel Menchey of Menchey Music. - Photo Credit: Music Trades Magazine