From Jim's Virginia Acoustic News at VaBluegrass.com
http://www.vabluegrass.com/News.html

[Posted 04/16/2006] I had a couple of first experiences. I heard the Sargent family for the first time, and I visited the Gospel Chicken House for the first time. The Gospel Chicken House was a fun experience and I really enjoyed it. The people are friendly, the food is great and the music is even better. The evening's show was kicked off by the house band (not bluegrass) and then followed by the Sargents. There was another family band who wasn't bluegrass on after the Sargents played their set. The Sargents are made up of Mom (Melinda) on dobro, Dad (Robbie) on bass, Lee (15 yo) on guitar, Joshua (12yo) on mandolin and Danielle (11yo) on banjo. Although Melinda and Robbie are very talented performers who pull their weight in this band - they did not overshadow the talents of their children and everyone took their turns at singing and leading with their respective instruments. Danielle is awesome on banjo and has a knack of making it look so easy. Joshua is a talented mandolin picker who I really enjoyed hearing take his breaks as well as when he is backing up the others. The first few tunes Lee played backup guitar and didn't sing so I started to think this was the quiet sibling - but of course I was wrong. A few songs into the set he held the guitar up close to the mic and let go of some of his own fine lead playing. This was a fun evening and if you haven't caught the Sargent's (or even if you have) you should check out their schedule and see when they are playing next. This is my second post in a month that mention the Sargent Family Bluegrass band so I think that makes them my local Band for the month.

I think that
makes them
my local Band for the month.

From Jim's Virginia Acoustic News at VaBluegrass.com
http://www.vabluegrass.com/News.html

[Posted 04/07/2006] Went out to The Montpelier Center for the Arts & Education tonight to hear the opening act Crusaders For Christ and their guest artist 11 year old banjo player Danielle Sargent from the Sargent Family Bluegrass Band. I wrote up this review of the night's events on the forum.

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 10:52 pm Post subject: Crusaders For Christ with Danielle Sargent April 7 review

Well I talked Gary (elwil) into joining me and taking a ride out to Montpelier Center for Arts and Education to hear the opening act Crusaders for Christ and the main entertainment West Hanover Boys.
http://www.montpeliercenter.org/1_events_fundraising.html

This venue was quite outstanding and upon arriving was pleasantly surprised with the surroundings. The opening act was Crusaders For Christ and I had never heard them in action before even though I know one of the band members. This particular night they were being joined by guest performer and banjo player for The Sargent Family Bluegrass Band - Danielle Sargent.
Note: Sargent Family Bluegrass Band website is
http://www.sargentfamilybluegrass.com/.

Evidently 11 year old Danielle had graciously agreed to join the Crusaders for this evenings entertainment - and her playing was exactly that - gracious. What I mean by that is that not only did she do some technically impressive playing, but she played with a level of maturity and consideration that I didn't expect of someone her age. She seemed to have the timing down almost perfect, and knew just when to "support" the band quietly in the background and when she needed to step it up and take center stage. I enjoy hearing a banjo being played well even more than I like to hear it played at breakneck speed. Tonight I heard it played well. I asked Danielle after her set was over how long she has been playing and she admitted to me she picked up the banjo "almost" a year and a half ago.

For the entire review, go to http://vabluegrass.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=45

All in all this was a good Friday night to be out at Montpelier. Thanks Danielle Sargent, Crusaders For Christ and the West Hanover Boys for a great night of wholesome entertainment.
_________________
Jim Ellis
www.vabluegrass.com