American
Bluegrass music is alive and well on the Delmarva Peninsula, also
known as the Eastern Shore. The name Eastern Shore has its roots
in early Maryland history. The earlist colonial records of
Maryland indicate that the Peninsula east of the Great Chesapeake
Bay was and still is referred to as the Eastern Shore. The fact
is that before 1634 this area was a part of the Colony of
Virginia, and known as the "Isle of Kent". The Calverts
of Maryland were granted part of the Peninsula by King Charles I
of England. William Penn aquired the upper part of the peninsula
on the west side of the Delaware River to protect his interest in
Pennsylvania. His part became known as the three lower counties
of Pennsylvania, later becoming Delaware, the First State in
United States of America. So there you have it a short history of
why the place is called DELMARVA.
The area is famous for many things, such as Eastern Shore Hospitality, Delmavalous Fryed Chicken, Maryland Blue Crabs, and now Bluegrass Music. Small groups of musicians are showing up at Jamborees all over this Delmarvalous Land. They play and sing the songs they enjoy, and entertain those that follow this American style of music. The instruments have been around since colonial times, and sound good even without amplification.
There are many groups that can be found playing on the Eastern Shore on any given weekend. Some bands are found in the basement of someones home, just to practice and learn new songs. On some occassions there are large gatherings called jamborees. Many who come to these gatherings can not play but follow the cause religously.Some of my favorite bands are list below;
REKINDLED with
Larry
EASTERN SHORE TRAVELERS
FLATLAND
BLUEGRASS
WALLS & MACGLASHAN
THE OIL CITY RAMBLERS
SKELETON CREEK
Fretloose