Brush Fire

With Chris Hillman – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

Sally and I enjoyed the performance by the JOHN JORGENSON BLUEGRASS BAND last night at Red Clay Theater. John, Herb Pedersen, Mark Fain and Patrick Sauber did a great job of some well known songs and some new material. Sally and I met John and Herb some 40 years ago with the Chris Hillman Band. They have always been hospitable when we catch them on the road in various incarnations. If you get a chance check them out. Thanks to all 4 for the great music and friendship.

BRUSHFIRE BLUEGRASS….A GREAT DAY

We, ( Kerry, Robert, Jeff and I) the band, had a great day today,playing for LUNCH AND LEARN at SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN CHURCH. This was our fourth opportunity to perform for the good folks there. A great lunch and a wonderful audience. Something seems to click there and we love to entertain and interact with them. Thanks to James White for keeping the communications open.

Last Sunday we did our last service for this year at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. We’ve been playing there 4-5 times per summer for their Lakeside Service for well over 10 years. More great people and staff. Thanks to John Leforge for retaining us.

This year , August 2025 marks 48 years since BRUSH FIRE was formed here in Newnan/Coweta . It’s been a great ride and while we are not as active as we once were( by choice) we still love to play for all kinds of groups.

Special thanks to Kerry, Robert and Jeff for being great friends and band members. Unlike some, I don’t have to worry about dependability. These guys are always there and ready to do the job. SALUTE. Thanks also to all the others who have gone thru the group over the years.

Special thanks to Joe Partridge and Eddie Turner for taking me in back in 1977 and giving me a chance. It’s been great.

Happy New Year to all you Bluegrass fans out there. We’re still playing and hope to see you somewhere this year. We still have open dates in our schedule so send us a message if you’re looking for an experienced Band.

From the Brush Fire guys
Playing for 47 going on 48 years.

Dateline Gainesville……Brush Fire……another enjoyable, inspirational service at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. We’ve been involved with their summer Lakeside Services for well over 10 yrs providing Bluegrass Gospel music for the service. Thanks to all involved especially John LaForge and Pastors Jamie and Carolyn.

August is here. This month marks 47 years (1977) since Eddie Turner, Joe Partridge and I met for the first time. They had the beginnings of a bluegrass band but were having personnel issues. That night we found that the vocal harmonies had possibilities and decided to push forward. We added Mike Head and Russel Owen and began practicing. Again, that was 47 years ago and the music continues. Eddie and Joe both passed away and there were a few other band members changes but we were always able to find a replacement. These days, along with Kerry Warbington, Robert Brewer and Jeff Partidge we are still performing, although,by design, less than in our earlier years. It’s been a great run so far. Thank you to all the musicians, promoters, fans, families and venues who contributed to our success.
Hope to see you all on the road somewhere.

Saturday July 13 Brush Fire will be preforming at the Brasstown Community Center in Brasstown, NC. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, children under 12 are free. Hot dog and barbecue sandwich plates, homemade cobbler, ice cream and root beer floats will be available for purchase.

This may be our only North Carolina appearance this summer ( maybe not). Come on out and enjoy the show, the fellowship and the food.

RIP Dumplin’. If.you haven’t heard, we lost Eddie Turner last night. I met him in August 1977 along with Joe Partridge. Word on the street was that they were looking for a guitar player for their Bluegrass band. The catalyst was Donnie Lee. Eddie( before he was Dumplin) , Joe and I met , played and sang a few songs and decided it was worth persuing. Their band was Pike Trucking Company. With the addition of Mike Head on bass and Russell Owen on dobro we were a band. A short time later we changed the name to Brush Fire and the rest is history. Joe passed away in 1990. Eddie was transferred to Fla and then Asheville N. C. With his work and left for a while but circumstances brought him back around . About 3 years ago his health took a bad turn and we replaced him with Jeff Partridge with the understanding that when he was able to come back Jeff Would switch to Dobro. Unfortunately that was never possible.

Dumplin was a natural musician/singer and nobody loved it more. He was a bit shy and rarely took center stage but loved the excitement of performing. He was a great guitar, bass and mandolin player and a gifted singer both lead and harmony. I cannot begin to guess how many shows we did over the years or how many songs we sang together. We traveled to the Pyrenees Folklore Festival in Oloron, France in 1990 with Kerry Warbington and Red Yates and took an oath to never talk about the n**e beach.

We had our moments but always knew that the music would always come first. He was dependable, cooperative and loyal. He has been and will be missed. I will always consider him part of the group. Thanks to Judith for taking care,of him in his final days. Fly high Dumplin

Funeral arrangements for Eddie Dumplin Turner are set for Thursday at 2 PM at Mckoons Chapel on Jackson St in Newnan, Ga. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 PM till 8 PM.

Can't wait.

Dillard Bluegrass Festival – Bluegrass Festival in Dillard, Georgia Dillard City Hall Fairgrounds • 892 Franklin Street • Dillard, GA Gates open • Friday 9:00 a.m. & Saturday 9:00 a.m. FREE parking on site…follow the signs! • Handicapped Parking • Dogs are welcome: on leash, non-aggressive (Please bring bags to pick-up after your dog!) NO COOLERS ALLOWED...