Ned Luberecki and Stephen Mougin are a pair of busy bluegrass boys. Both serve as sidemen and band members with different outfits (Chris Jones and Sam Bush respectively), and have “regular jobs” in the biz as well. Ned is an on-air host on Sirius-XM’s Bluegrass Junction, and Stephen operates a studio, Dark Shadow Recording. When they have some free time, they tour as a duo, Nedski & Mojo.
They have agreed to chronicle their current N&M tour for the readers of Bluegrass Today. Day 7 takes them to Mojo’s old home place.
Day 7 begins at the Casa de Mojo in Ashfield, MA. I woke up with a screaming headache after five hours of sleep, but Nedski managed to make it all the way to noon. We sure needed to catch up after a long week of driving, teaching and picking. My Mom (a fantastic cook) made some scrumptious gourmet french toast (with REAL, local maple syrup – of course), bacon and eggs for brunch. It was great to visit for a while and catch up. Though we talk often, we don’t get to see each other much because of my busy touring schedule.
Elmer’s Store in downtown Ashfield is a quaint, old general store that has been revived as a partial store/partial restaurant. They have occasional concerts there, but really roll out the red carpet when we come through. Built in 1835, Elmer’s is filled with rustic charm and tasty goods. The dinner, which preceded the show, featured an amazing pork dish with sweet potatoes and veggies, created by the New Orleans-born head chef.
Well fed, the crowd seemed ready for the show. They really responded well to the new material, especially the audience participation portions. We are eager to hear the recording of this evening’s show. Hopefully there are a few keepers in there!
A couple of surprise attendees were Ted and Irene Lehman, noted bluegrass bloggers and Bruce and Kelly Stockwell, half of the band Hot Mustard. We knew that they only came to the show to be part of THE POSE. We were happy to oblige. They didn’t want to be shown up by the other bluegrass celebrities (and animals).
It was great to see so many pals from my youth. My little league coach, Thunder Mountain Bluegrass bandmates, high school duet partners, and Wayne Higgins – the guy who taught me how to play guitar! It is usually nerve-wracking to play for friends and family, but there was a nice vibe in the room and the show took on a life of its own.
After several technological failures, because Ashfield is in the middle of nowhere (no cell, very little internet), Nedski had to use the landline to call home. He protested, but finally caved… then had to have my mother show him how to use the phone. Ah, the irony.
We head out tomorrow for the final show of the tour, American Legion Post 574, Hudson Falls, NY. Looking forward to visiting our pals at A B & B On The Green (a fantastic bed and breakfast) and seeing more friends from my Northeast bluegrass days!
