Bernie Caouette(MA), builder of Caouette Banjos, passed away from cancer in June, 2006. In the few years he was building banjos, several professional musicians chose to play a hand~crafted Caouette Banjo…..Jake Jenkins with Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show(TX), Abe Spear with King Wilkie(VA), and several others from the Northeast area as well.
Bernie’s family established a scholarship in his memory and have been amazed by the overwhelming support by the bluegrass community! A bluegrass benefit show was held in Oct., 2006, with many bands stepping up to lend their talents to the cause…..King Wilkie, the Gibson Brothers, Jake Jenkins & Lyle Meador (formally of KSBC) with the Old Time Bluegrass Singers, the Stillhouse Jammers, the Seth Sawyer Band, Bean Hill Bluegrass, and the Cowtippers. As a result, the Bernie Caouette Music Scholarship ~ available to students wishing to persue an education in the music industry and/or children of fire department personnel ~ awarded six scholarships this year!
Another Bluegrass Benefit Show is in the works for Sunday, October 14th, 2007, at the Athol/Orange Elks Hall, in Orange, Massachusetts. This show is shaping up to be another great one ~ check out their website ~ not all the details are finalized just yet, so please check back again as time draws closer.
The Caouette family is humbled by all the love, prayers & support that they have received! If you have any questions, comments or need further information, feel free to contact Julie at [email protected]
Thank you all very much!
