bluegrass and folk news

For the Infamous Stringdusters' fiddler and vocalist Jeremy Garrett, 2007 was truly a "blur of highlights." Dobroist/vocalist Andy Hall says the year came off better than anyone in the band ever imagined. Now, on the eve of the release of their self-titled second album, the Infamous Stringdusters have had a chance to reflect on their individual high points. ...

The 2008 USA Songwriting Competition deadline is fast approaching. Win a top prize of $50,000 worth of cash and merchandise such as cool gear from Sony, Ibanez Guitars, D'Addario Strings, Peavey, Audio-Technica and more. Also, have your winning songs played on radio! Enter in Pop, Rock/Alt, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Instrumental, etc. ...

IBMA is proud to announce the following acts have been invited to perform in featured showcases for their colleagues in the bluegrass industry during the organization's 2008 Business Conference. The purpose of these presentations is to introduce the group’s talent and material to event producers, broadcasters, labels, media and other prominent industry professionals attending the events. ...

"Bluegrass music has been influenced by, and has influenced, many other styles of music since its creation"

Amid the flavors of bluegrass music are the seasonings of an All-American barbecue. via Branson Courier

Recorded in the style of early recordings such as The Bristol Sessions (live picking and singing) Before Bluegrass is a tribute to the treasured music that Heather and her husband Tony hold dear. There are no overdubs. Their obvious Carter Family and old time music influences shine through on this unique recording but do not overshadow the blossoming original talent that has taken root. They are a fan favorite and receive requests at their Bluegrass shows to showcase this "primitive" God given ability. www.HeatherBerryMusic.com ...

Upstate New York quartet, "J. Peter Yakel & Flood Road" announces the release of their debut CD, Pickin' On Park Ave. The 11-song, self-produced disc was recorded live in Albany, NY, and contains 10 originals and one adapted traditional that run the range from toe-tappers to eye weepin' ballads. ...

The aptly named Angel Band features soaring, angelic three-part harmonies from three amazing singers - Nancy Josephson, Jen Schonwald and Kathleen Weber - each possessing a powerful, expressive voice that would make her the lead vocalist in any other band. Their sound is grounded in world-class musicianship, inventive and original songwriting and an irresistible mission to have and share a great time. That's evident on their sophomore CD, With Roots & Wings, due out May 27 on Appleseed Recordings. Legendary producer and pedal steel player Lloyd Maines produced and played on the album. ...

I'm Ronnie Reno and I'm contacting you as one of the founders and a fellow member of the IBMA to help us expand the reach and visibility of BlueHighways TV (BHTV). BlueHighways TV is the only TV network available today that holds a deep connection and commitment to bluegrass and roots music, and we are hoping that you can help us spread the word about our service. ...

Video from a Punch Brothers Concert for Folk Alley has been posted online. The show was recorded on April 2 in Kent, OH and both sets of music can be viewed at FolkAlley.com The concert contains a complete performance of The Blind Leaving The Blind, split between the two sets. This is Chris Thile’s magnum opus [...]

Scholarships were open to anyone whose financial need would otherwise prevent them from attending.

Orrin Star has released a list of his mandolin workshops to be held during the month of June, 2008.

Every so often, we find a wealth of opportunities to catch live bluegrass on the radio, and this next few days promises a bonanza over the air, online and via satellite. Dennis Jones will have Dan Paisley & The Southern Grass performing live on WNCW this afternoon (5/9) during the 5:00 p.m. hour (EDT). WNCW broadcasts [...]

The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced the bands invited to be official showcase acts at their 2008 World Of Bluegrass Business Conference in Nashville this fall. The following bands have been chosen to showcase: Balsam Range Blue Highway Cumberland Gap Connection Dappled Grays Dixie Bee-Liners Farewell Drifters The Gibson Brothers Red Wine Sawmill Road The Charlie Sizemore Band The SteelDrivers Donna Ulisse Widow Maker IBMA

Yesterday, Gibson officially announced the debut of their latest limited edition, vintage-styled instrument - the Victorian F-5 mandolin. Only 15 of these unique instruments will be made, which combine features and appointments from both the F-4 and F-5 models that revolutionized the mandolin world in the 1920s. Each will be constructed of figured maple for the [...]

A charitable, not for profit venture featuring an all-star line-up. All proceeds go to benefit Yank Rachell's surviving family.

Jim is sad to announce that he has cancelled his dates for the month of May. His doctor has placed him on strict vocal rest for the next 4 weeks to prevent what could be permanent damage to his vocal cords. ...

Nashville, TN -- Multi-award winning and popular musical group, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver will be featured during the weekend of May 9 on the XM Radio's popular enLighten34 program. XM Radio's Dan Dixon hosts an in-depth interview with Doyle Lawson, as the two discuss Doyle’s faith and his popular group’s music. ...

Two years in the making, the Grammy(r) considered work entitled Music of Coal: Mining Songs from the Appalachian Coalfields is a pair of audio CDs containing 48 songs addressing various aspects of coal mining history and culture, including black lung, union organizing, environmental impacts and the contribution of coal to the national economy. The CDs are accompanied by a richly detailed book of liner notes with striking historical photographs. ...

Marion, VA -- The music of Song of the Mountains showcases the best in bluegrass and old-time music from the heart of the region where it all began in the southern Appalachians. The music is performed by talented musicians who are either natives of the Appalachian mountains and the Blue Ridge Highlands or musicians who have fallen in love the unique sound of the region. Song of the Mountains is both a live stage show and a syndicated television program. Each performance at The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia is videotaped and edited into a one-hour production for distribution to Public Television stations across the USA. ...

/CMA/ Nashville, TN -- Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, BNA Records star Kellie Pickler and Country Music Association Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese were at Thurgood Marshall Middle School today for a special delivery. A truckload of musical instruments and equipment were delivered to the students courtesy of "Keep the Music Playing" and CMA Music Festival. ...