‘Storytelling and life adventures’

Valley resident Kathy Murbach likes to make others tap their feet and smile.

As the president of the Inland Northwest Bluegrass Association and member of the band, Bluegrass Conspiracy, it is easy to accomplish.

Murbach sings and plays the bass fiddle. She has been a part of the Sweet Adelines for 20 years, and when she was introduced to bluegrass music nine years ago, she found a whole new style of synchronization.

A fusion of hillbilly, folk and various types of country, bluegrass music is fast-paced and energetic. Sometimes called mountain music, the vocal and instrumental harmonies bring memories of simpler times, of good old days and neighborhood gatherings.

“The music is fun and happy,” said the band’s mandolin player, Greg Davis, “Even when the song is sad, it’s still happy.”

Dave Wright, the band’s guitar player and main singer, agreed. “It’s all about storytelling and life adventures. It’s not a negative type of music.”

All five members of Bluegrass Conspiracy were surrounded by music when they were young.

Murbach’s mother taught piano. Wright’s parents were country-western dancers and Davis’ father played in a country-dance band. Chris Howie, who plays the guitar and banjo, had a mother who taught music and played eight instruments.

Milt Asher, guitar and mandolin player, had a mountain-man fiddler for a father. Asher, whose father’s family was from the Ozarks, remembers singing with his father’s band on the radio when he was 6. “My father often said, ‘if you don’t like it, don’t pat your foot.’ “

The five musicians range in age from 56 to 61 and they all agree that they are happier people because of music. They find that the stresses of life melt away when they play.

“Sometimes we get pulled many different ways in our lives and I believe the music helps keep us grounded,” said Murbach, “Bringing enjoyment to ourselves and others is very rewarding.”

The band plays a couple of gigs a month and practices once a week for three hours. The group made one CD and is thinking of making another.

Bluegrass music officially began in the 1930s when Bill Monroe’s band The Blue Grass Boys coined the phrase, but the music has deep roots in American culture.

Like the members of Bluegrass Conspiracy, many bluegrass musicians are self-taught, motivated by the desire to harmonize with the world around them.

“There are festivals and jams throughout the year that bring people together,” said Murbach.

“It is like you can go anywhere with your instrument, including your voice, and you will find yourself welcomed in.”