Bluegrass and folk news

Tom Feller was born and raised in Milan, southern Indiana, and Chris Hill was born in Covington, Kentucky. There was just the Ohio River between them, and a great closeness extends to their music as well. Feller was born into a musical family; his uncles [...]

Tommy Sells of Big Country Bluegrass wants to let folks know that the band's brand new Rebel Records recording, Memories of the Past, is available from band members or can be ordered through their website. Fans of bluegrass music will agree that the project is aptly titled for Memories of the Past as the recording is overflowing with mighty fine traditional bluegrass music. Street Date isn't until June 18th so if you want an early copy, visit them on the web or at a concert near you.

Big Country Bluegrass delivers their own hard driving and heartfelt style of bluegrass music, and it makes them crowd favorites wherever they perform. Whether it's at a festival in Missouri, on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, or at a small intimate concert in their hometown of Independence, Virginia, the band brings back memories reminiscent of the early days of bluegrass music.

Tommy and Teresa Sells formed Big Country Bluegrass in the late 1980s, and the group's name comes from the instrumental "Big Country" that the late Jimmy Martin recorded many years ago. All band members live in and around the Virginia-Carolina Blue Ridge, and their music reflects much of the deep musical heritage found in this region which is at the heart of the Crooked Road Music Trail.

Tommy plays mandolin and does most of the emcee work while Teresa plays rhythm guitar, sings lead and the high harmony vocals. Eddie Gill handles most of the distinctive lead vocals and plays the guitar. Lynwood Lunsford, a former member of both Lost and Found and Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys, plays banjo and also sings harmony for the group. Tony King of Galax, Virginia, plays the acoustic upright bass, and bluegrass veteran Tim Laughlin, of Bristol, Tennessee, plays fiddle and sings harmony with the band.

The recent success of Big Country Bluegrass on the bluegrass charts has helped spread the word about their traditional sound. Their current Rebel recording and it's title cut, "The Boys in Hats and Ties" has garnered the prestigious # 1 spot on both the Bluegrass Unlimited and the Bluegrass Music Profiles' radio air-play charts.

Track listing for Memories of the Past:

1. "I'm Putting on My Leaving Shoes"
2. "My Time is running Out"
3. "Somebody's Waiting for Me"
4. "The Little Girl and the Dreadful Snake"
5. "If Teardrops Were Pennies"
6. "Headin' South"
7. "Like the boys on Music Row"
8. "Choking the Strings"
9. "99 Years is Almost for Life"
10. "Won't You Think of Me"
11. "I'm Longing for My Old virginia Home"
12. "John Doe Made the Crossing"
13. "Baby, You're Cheatin'"
14. "Stop Playing a Game"

Big Country

Tags: Big Country BluegrassMemories of the PastRebel RecordsCD Release

May is almost here so what better time for an Urban Monroes update? May, being the heart of spring, means renewal and rebirth; new flower blooms, new trees blossoms, a new CD... Ah yes, Mother Nature in all her glory. New in May will be the Urban Monroes latest CD CD Appaloosa Daydream with the cut “Never My Love” going out on Poetman Records Radio Sampler that month. On Feb 8th the Urban Monroes released the single “Never My Love” making it available to DJ’s at Airplay Direct. Now, some of Urban Monroes' videos are also going to be featured on the Mountain Folk TV Show out of Pennsylvania. Mountain Folk has been on the air in one form or another for over 30 years. Unless you are in PA you won't be able to view it on TV but you will be able to see it on Youtube. The band is very excited about being on the show. It’s always nice to be on TV and not have to worry about stepping on the Blu-Ray player. Check the feed on the front of the band's webpage www.urbanmonroes.com to stay informed.

"Never My Love" from CD Appaloosa Daydream will travel around to 1200 radio stations, which by some calculations should sustain the postal service well into summer. Jim Chatfield, host of the World Wide Bluegrass show Bluegrass in the BASSment, joined the band on bass for several of the final album cuts, including “Never My Love.” Jim says he plays the Urban Monroes on every one of his shows and the band has been more than honored to be a regular part of his playlist. So it is fitting to have Jim as an “honorary UM” on the bluegrass release of the Association hit. In advance of the release, the Urban Monroes are #6 on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Bluegrass Chart. Want to see what the band sounds like? Well then, you can join them at YouTube. The UM's are well on the way to 700 subscribers and would love to have you join them there at www.youtube.com/urbanmonroes.

Fashioned from the heart of tradition and infused with adrenaline, the Urban Monroes’ bluegrass style combines the skills of some of the Pacific Northwest's finest talent. Fast-paced and highly energetic, the band performs both original and traditional bluegrass with a style and delivery uniquely its own.

If you haven’t stopped in at Janet Davis Music lately, the Urban Monroes have been featured on the front page there since April 6th as one of “Derek’ s Finds.” The band is very grateful to Derek for finding them. It made being lost all the more worthwhile. In case you’re afraid you’ll be lured by one of Janet Davis’ magnificent Martins or glorious Gibsons, you can avoid temptation and read Derek’s review at the following link: http://home.comcast.net/~urbanmonroes/jdmcreview.html

In addition to all that has gone into their releases and pending CD, The Urban Monroes’ fast-paced, highly-energetic bluegrass found itself on the “Top 40 and 200 European Bluegrass Countdown for 2012.” It’s a nice touch as 2013 gets rolling. With the new CD set for a springtime release, the band looks forward to all that the new season brings...besides hay fever.

Tags: Urban MonroesMountain FolkVideoAppaloosa DaydreamNever My LoveCD Release

The CD Eyes Wide Open brought Jeff & Sheri Easter the honor of Country Gospel Album of the Year at the Absolutely Gospel Awards on April 9. "We're so excited about Eyes Wide Open and the messages that it offers,” Sheri said. “It's all about living with eyes wide open and hearts full of gratitude and that's a wonderful perspective to have. It's amazing how just a slight detour from your routine can make you truly grateful for the things that are important in this life.

heri said her family’s recent detour was her battle with breast cancer in 2008. “This year we're celebrating 5 years cancer free,” she said. “Just like many others, we know what gratitude is all about!"

She said that songs are really what make a difference in creating a project that will move the audience. "As an artist, you spend many months searching for, or writing just the right songs,” she said. “Then, the recording process begins and after many more months, you're finally ready for the release. I can't think of anything that means any more to me than getting this kind of reception for something for which I worked so hard. The awards and recognition are simply verifying that the messages are right on target and just what the listener needed!" Jeff added that folks will hear music from Eyes Wide Open at the Jeff & Sheri Easter 5th Annual Homecoming in Lincolnton, Georgia.

Among the world-class award-winning talent coming to help raise funds for the Lewis Family Homeplace Restoration Fund are Lynda Randle, Little Roy Lewis and Lizzy Long Show, Karen Peck & New River, Lewis Tradition and Jason Crabb. "We're so excited to be bringing in Lynda Randle, Karen Peck and New River and Jason Crabb for this year's event,” Sheri said. “And of course, the event would not be complete without performances by the Little Roy Lewis and Lizzy Long Show and the Lewis Tradition.”

Jeff said that the show offers an amazing mix of performers loved by fans of all ages including the remaining traveling members of the Lewis Family who entertained audiences for 58 years. Two-time Grammy nominees and six-time Dove winners Jeff & Sheri Easter host the event performing all three days at the Lewis Family Homeplace, 1935 Lewis Family Road, in Lincolnton, Ga.

Lynda Randle and Little Roy Lewis and Lizzy Long Show appear on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 7 p.m.; Karen Peck & New River and Lewis Tradition appear onFriday, May 10, at 7 p.m.; and Jason Crabb appears Saturday, May 11 at 6 p.m. Adult admission is $15 and an additional love offering will be received. Concessions will be available for sale.

Jeff & Sheri’s performances include the contributions of their three children Madison, Morgan and Maura Easter daughter-in-law Shannon and drummer Landan Smith as they share a love of Jesus through their music and uplifting experiences of life on stage. The Easter children each add dimensions to the show - vocally, musically and even with uplifting comedy.

Their latest CD Eyes Wide Open from SpringHill Records is available from iTunes and retail stores. Homecoming attendees should bring a lawn chair. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the non-profit Lewis Family Homeplace Restoration Fund honoring the career of Georgia’s three-time Hall of Fame members The Lewis Family. For more information, call (706) 359-1997 or visit www.jeffandsherieaster.com.

Tags: Jeff and Sheri EasterGospelAwardEyes Wide Open

Thanks to Bill Warren for these photos of Dailey & Vincent from their show at Bearcreek Farms in Bryant, IN on Friday afternoon (4/19).  

Jim & Valerie Gabehart are the latest bluegrass act to utilize Kickstarter to help raise funds to record their next album, Loving Life and Each Other. They are hoping that fans and friends will assist by pledging a collective $2000 towards their recording budget for a [...]

Musica Poetica is the title of the first release from Greece's ATTIKA Plucked String Orchestra and is dedicated to the famous Greek poet Nikiforos Vrettakos. The recording reflects samples of Vrettakos poets (in Greek and English/American) between the music of J. Bach, A. Vivaldi, H. Purcell, F. Mendelssohn, N. Mantzaros (arranged by Victor Kioulaphides), J. Offenbach, P. Tchaikovsky and C. Galanti.

It's The Boxcars and It's Just a Road. And, just who are The Boxcars? The band is a group of astounding artists with a vast and broad experience comprising the best of bluegrass music for many years. Comprised of Adam steffey, Ron Stewart, John R. Bowman, Keith Garrett and Harold Nixon, the Boxcars are the current International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) Instrumental group of the Year. With their latest release, It's Just a Road this phenomenal band demonstrates its musical prowess. Twelve dynamic tracks are steeped in emotion, precision and characteristic cleverness.

It's Just a Road will be released April 30th and will be available on iTunes, Amazon, Crossroads and other retailers. The band will also be on tour and you can catch all the dates and updates at www.TheBoxcars.com as you will definitely want to catch them if they are anywhere near your area. This is one of the hottest bluegrass acts on the circuit today.

An East Tennessee native, Adam Steffey found a place in the Tennessee-Virginia border area’s thriving bluegrass scene in short order, serving early stints with the Lonesome River Band (Tyminski was his replacement there) and then helping to found the near legendary group, Dusty Miller, along with Barry Bales and guitarist Tim Stafford. The three jumped to the big time together when Alison Krauss recruited them into Union Station, and for nearly seven years, Steffey lived the life of a high profile musician, as the band earned Grammy awards and IBMA trophies, toured extensively, made national TV appearances and recorded albums that reached far beyond the core bluegrass audience. Yet by 1998, the restless side of Steffey’s spirit made itself felt when he left the group and, after helping to lay plans for what would become Mountain Heart, joined bluegrass gospel favorites The Isaacs—a setting in which he played a different, though no less important role.

Ron Stewart is well on the road to becoming a legend in contemporary bluegrass music. He is already one of the most sought after multi-instrumental session players in the genre’s history, and is in high demand as an engineer and producer. Stewart grew up in rural southern Indiana, an hour and a half from the famous Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom bluegrass festival, surrounded by a family that played bluegrass and old-time country music and a community rich with musicians. In his thirty-three years of playing banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass, and mandolin, Ron has gone from fronting his family band for over ten years to working with a who’s who of bluegrass, including Lynn Morris, Curly Seckler, a guest appearance at age nine on a live album with Lester Flatt, and, most recently, a six-year stint as fiddler for JD Crowe and The New South, followed by a stint as a member of the Dan Tyminski Band. Notably, Ron engineered much of and played fiddle on The New South’s 2006 release, “Lefty’s Old Guitar,” which is nominated for a Grammy.

How many folks can say they were born in Mayberry, worked for Alison Krauss, and are married to one of the Isaacs? Well, one: John R. Bowman. A family move to Ararat, VA and exposure to the rich musical heritage in that region eventually lead to Doyle Lawson asked him to join Quicksilver in 1991. He stayed with the band from 1991-1992 and recorded 4 CDs with Quicksilver. During the summer of 1991, he met back up with his old buddies from a group called Dusty Miller, Adam Steffey and Barry Bales. They were playing with a young lady from Champaign, Illinois named Alison Krauss. By September of 1992, Alison had asked him to join her band as Dan Tyminski was going back to the Lonesome River Band. He played with Alison about 15 months. In 1994 he married Becky Isaacs and worked with them on various levels for over 12 years.

Keith Garrett grew up in the community of Citico in East Tennessee. His earliest and possibly most important musical influence was his dad, William Garrett, who taught Keith to play the guitar at the age of thirteen. Almost immediately he was drawn to the music of such greats as Tony Rice, Keith Whitley, the Bluegrass Album Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and Ricky Skaggs, and he soon began playing with various local and regional bands. In 2000 Keith became a founding member of Blue Moon Rising, an East Tennessee based bluegrass band that received national acclaim and was nominated for “Emerging Artist of the Year” in 2006 by the International Bluegrass Music Association. As a member of Blue Moon Rising, Keith continued to hone his talents and earned himself a place alongside some of the best singers and songwriters in bluegrass.

Harold Nixon has been a working musician since he was 15 years old, and has had an intense interest in recording almost from the beginning. With a keen ear and a rock solid sense of rhythm and timing, he has gained the respect of the very best in the business, eventually leading to a six year stint with JD Crowe and the New South, touring in the band and appearing on the 2008 Grammy Nominated record “Lefty’s Old Guitar.” Some recent work with Blue Moon Rising has kept him in the spotlight the past couple of years.

Tags: The BoxcarsIt's Just a RoadCD Release

When the producers launched their Kickstarter Campaign last week to make a DVD and BluRay of How To Grow A Band, they never thought they would have achieved this goal so soon. They say "Thank you to everyone who's joined the campaign so far! Of course, the flip-side of being halfway there is that we still have halfway to go."

Many of you who have already backed the project have taken to Facebook, Twitter and good old-fashioned conversation to let people know about it. Thank you! This is big part of how we WILL succeed.

During production, we filmed over 150 hours of Punch Brothers starting their musical lives together. In shaping the 89-minute film, we had to make some painful decisions about what should stay and what had to go. This DVD and BluRay package will give you a kind of tour of the “best-of-the-cutting-room-floor.”

Here’s a little example. It’s a scene of Thile and Critter working out the beginnings of what would ultimately become the song “Alex.” It’s late at night -- or, more accurately, early in the morning. Circa January 2008. Downstairs the Celtic Connections festival rages on, while Chris and Chris do what they do...

DELETED SCENE - Late Night Writing from Mark Meatto on Vimeo.

The way Kickstarter works is that if we don’t reach our goal of $32,000, your pledge will be returned. But if we do reach or exceed our goal, we will be able to start creating these special DVD/BluRay packages right away. Please consider sharing, liking, tweeting, tumbling, pinning, mountaintop shouting or engaging in any other activity that will politely and exuberantly spread the word. With your support, we hope to be firing up the DVD presses soon!

Tags: How To Grow a BandPunch BrothersChris ThileKickstarterVideo

The Earl Brackin Band has been invited to play Bluegrass music in Sochi Russia during the 2014 Winter Olympics. In February 2014, The Earl Brackin Band will tour Russia during the Winter Olympic games as performing members of the Engage Sochi project. The band will start in Moscow with a concert then spend 4 days playing in Sochi, the site of the winter games. They are trying to raise the funds to get the band there, feed and house them.

There was always music in Earl’s home. His dad was a woodwind specialist and a band director. His mom played piano, violin and cello. Earl’s earliest memories were of swing music and close vocal harmonies. He learned to play guitar first as a means to accompany his singing and was soon was captivated by the warm acoustic sound.

As a writer, he draws from these varied musical influences. As a performer, his concerts are more like an honest conversation between two people instead of a performance. His relationships with his friends, his family and his faith craft the themes of his lyrics. When not performing solo he can be heard playing mandolin with the popular bluegrass group “Spatial Effects”.

After their debut performance in Moscow, the band will fly to Sochi where the games are being held. One special feature of their mini concerts involves Olympic pins. Since pin trading is a popular activity, we’ve will have specially designed pins to give away at each of these impromptu gigs.

Would you please consider supporting us by sharing this event with your friends? We would also love to have you as a prayer partner throughout the year and if you can help financially through the Kickstarter project, well we would be very thankful and have a few items to show our gratitude.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1875085068/earl-brackin-bluegrass-to...

Tags: Earl Brackin BandKickstarterTour

The Southern Gospel Music Association’s (SGMA) announced April 19 the 2013 inductees to the SGMA Hall of Fame. Dr. Jim Goff, induction committee chairman, made the announcement. In the living category are Polly Lewis Copsey, “Little” Roy Lewis, Duane Nicholson and Tim Riley; and in the deceased category - John T. Benson, Jr. and Thomas A. Dorsey.

"Recognizing the careers and contributions of our newest inductees this fall at Dollywood will bring some wonderful opportunities to mark their legacies," said SGMA Executive Director Charlie Waller.

The 2013 Induction Ceremony and Singing News Fan Awards is Oct. 2 at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Tickets for the event are on sale now available from the SGMA office by calling 865-908-4040.

The SGMA is a non-profit organization that maintains the Southern Gospel Music Museum and Hall of Fame, the only facility honoring Southern gospel music and dedicated to the historic preservation of the genre’s accomplishments, both for the music and the people. Museum hours coincide with Dollywood’s operating schedule. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information about the museum or its inductees, visit www.sgma.org

Tags: SGMASouthern Gospel Music AssociationHall of Fame

Bristol, VA/TN -- Friday, Believe in Bristol, alongside community partners Birthplace of Country Music® and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, revealed plans for a summer packed with free live music and family fun on State Street and beyond. Border Bash, the twice-monthly free concert series held annually May through August, celebrates its fourteenth anniversary as a roving mini-fest that has grown to include children’s activities and vendors in addition to live music.

Now in its 14th year, Border Bash, a free concert series, has grown into a true Bristol tradition! Every first and third Friday, May – August, families join Believe in Bristol, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, and Birthplace of Country Music® to celebrate our music heritage and community spirit! This year’s lineup is unmatched – from Folk Rock and Alt-Americana to Southern Soul and Country Swing, the bands will deliver soulful vocals and toe-tapping sound throughout the summer.

“Border Bash attendance has seen steady growth over the years because it is a quality family event and always a fun-filled evening,” says Believe in Bristol Associate Director René Rodgers. “We are very grateful to our volunteers, sponsors, and community partners for their continuing support – they are what makes Border Bash possible.”

Border Bash will take place on the first and third Fridays, May through August, with the exception of July 4. Children’s activities will begin at 6:00p.m., live music at 7:00p.m. Admission is free.

“Our first Border Bash in July will be on Independence Day as part of the Celebrate Bristol festivities,” states Vicie Dotson, Believe in Bristol Promotions Committee Chairwoman and Celebrate Bristol organizer. “Our Border Bash concert on that Thursday will be held at Cumberland Square Park.”

Celebrate Bristol’s Independence Day activities will be announced at a later date.

In May, Border Bash will be held on the 700 block of State Street. The event moves to the 600 block in June and July (with the exception of July 4), and to the 500 and 400 blocks in August.

The band line-up for Border Bash consists mainly of artists slated to play Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in September. A third group has been added to the June 21 line-up, courtesy of King University. Many Border Bash acts will also perform at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion's monthly free Concert Series at Big Glades in Wise, VA, May through August.

“We consider it a mini-tour of emerging artists,” says Birthplace of Country Music® Executive Director Leah Ross. “Our Wise concerts were first held on the University of Virginia’s College at Wise campus. We moved the event to the new Big Glades Community Square facility and it is really beautiful.”

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion’s Concert Series at Big Glades, located on East Main Street in Downtown Wise, VA, is the first Saturday of each month, May through August. Each concert begins at 6:00p.m. Admission is free.

Border Bash is hosted by Believe in Bristol, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, and Birthplace of Country Music®. Sponsors in 2013 include AACA, Bank of Tennessee, Blakley-Mitchell, Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol Virginia Utilities, Burke, Powers & Harty, Campbell Printing, Child Study Club, Citizens Bank, City of Bristol, TN, City of Bristol, VA, Coca-Cola, Cranberry Lane, Edward Jones Investments, Express AV Productions, First Bank of Virginia, First Tennessee Foundation, William and Brenda Johnstone, Kerr-Boswell Inc., King University, Mary Landrum, MedExpress, Merrill Lynch, Serendipity, Tom and Barbara Smith, Spiegler Blevins & Company, Strongwell, Tri-City Tent & Event, Walling Distributing, WCYB News 5, Wells Fargo, WAEZ 94.9, and Z-ROCK 99.3.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion’s Concert Series at Big Glades is sponsored by The Town of Wise, Pro-Art, Cavalier Pharmacy, The Hangar Grill, Dr. William C. Horne, Jr. DDS, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, The Inn at Norton, Edward Jones Financial Consultants.

Border Bash and BRRR’s Concert Series at Big Glades are partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and Virginia is for Lovers.

The band schedules for Border Bash and the Concert Series at Big Glades are as follows:

Border Bash:

• May 3 – This Mountain - Bryan Elijah Smith & The Wild Hearts
• May 17 – River Whyless - Lizzy Ross Band
• June 7 – Woody Pines - Paul Burch
• June 21 – The Tillers - Hurray for the Riff Raff
• July 4 – L Shape Lot - Jon Stickley Trio
• July 19 – Barlow Gin & The Hatchetmen - Field Report
• August 2 – Erick Baker - Amber Rubarth Trio featuring Dave Eggar
• August 16 – St. Paul & The Broken Bones - Blair Crimmins & The Hookers

Big Glades Concert Series, Wise, VA:

• May 4 – This Mountain - Bryan Elijah Smith & The Wild Hearts
• June 1 – St. Paul & The Broken Bones - Earth By Train
• July 6 – L Shape Lot - John Stickley Trio
• August 3 – Erick Baker - Amber Rubarth Trio featuring Dave Eggar

Tags: Border BashBristolConcertEvent

I don’t know whether there are many fellow Brits who have a deep interest in the American Civil War and much that goes with that era as I do, but Rural Rhythm and Mike Scott and his friends know just how to please with the [...]

Rural Rhythm Records has announced June 4 as the release for their third album for The Roys, Gypsy Runaway Train. In something of a departure for this brother/sister duo, who have typically recorded their own original music, this new project will include six new Roys [...]

The Farm Hands Bluegrass Quartet is offering a free download of the title track from their upcoming album, In A Country Town, due April 30. The song was written by Daryl Mosley, the band’s bass player and lead singer, who says that the song is generating [...]

Our Special Bluegrass Correspondent catches us up with this weekend’s festival weather, and a quick review of world news.  

Great news from Tex Logan. Though still staying in a rehab facility for physical therapy after being released from hospital earlier this week, Tex Logan was able to spend the evening last night at Rhonda Vincent’s show, held just around the corner from the facility [...]

The Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series' 2013 season will continue on July 13 with some of the top names in bluegrass music with performances by Mountain Drive, Jerry Butler and the Blu-Js and Leroy Troy. The Rigney's, Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice and the Lonesome River Band will play on October 19. Doors open at 6 p.m. and shows start at 7 p.m.

Nestled in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee is a unique town full of natural beauty and rich heritage. The perfect addition to this quaint destination is the Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series, an annual concert series that brings a fantastic lineup of acoustic and bluegrass musicians. Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice are the official ambassadors of the event. Previous performers include JD Crowe and the New South, Brandon Rickman, The Gibson Brothers, Balsam Range, Mark Newton’s Stillhouse Band, The Larry Stephenson Band, Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road, and The Boxcars.

The Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series was proud to announce last year (2012) the series was awarded the primary Pinnacle Award in the entertainment and recreation category from the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA). The NETTA Pinnacle Awards pay tribute to individuals, groups, businesses and organizations that significantly contributes to the region's economy through tourism promotion and development.

"We were thrilled to be recognized for our contribution to tourism by NETTA," stated Steve Johnson of Mountain Music Entertainment, who used to produce the Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series. Welcome Entertainment assumed the role for 2013 "Our objective has always been to bring headline entertainment to the region while giving back to the community and to be recognized for that is a wonderful accomplishment."

2011 was the debut of Mountain Music Entertainment's brand new Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series and they were thrilled with the support they received from all the fans of bluegrass music.

Tickets are available in person at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center (117 Boone St) or by calling 423-753-1010 or 866-401-4223, at the door the night of the performance or by visiting www.JonesboroughTN.com. Season tickets are $50 per person, and single show ticket prices are $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under and $10 for ETSU students (with valid ID). A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc.

Tags: Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass SeriesMountain DriveJerry Butler & The Blue-J'sLeroy TroyConcertEvent

There are two free online music workshops happening next week. The first is "Banjo Meets Mandolin" with Tony Trischka and Mike Marshall on Tuesday at 6 PM PDT. It will feature Tony and Mike playing, teching and talking about their careers and how the two instruments fit together in the bluegrass context and beyond. This will be especially interesting for bluegrass musicians.

Hangout with two legends of bluegrass and beyond as they play, teach and answer questions about what happens when banjo meets mandolin. ArtistWorks, the leading interactive lifestyle social learning platform, in conjunction with Mandolin Cafe are proud to present a free online workshop featuring Tony Trischka and Mike Marshall.

The workshop takes place online April 23rd at 6PM Pacific Daylight Time and will be moderated by Mandolin Cafe Founder Scott Tichenor. On hand will be twice Grammy-nominated Banjo player Tony Trischka and fellow Grammy nominee, mandolin teacher and performer extraordinaire, Mike Marshall.

Viewers will be treated to a celebration of the banjo and the mandolin with some playing, some teaching and some discussion with two masters at the peak of their abilities.

Tony Trischka made 15 solo albums in his storied career. In addition to his solo work, he has played with artists such as Peter Rowan, The Zac Brown Band, The Allman Brothers, David Grisman and countless others. He’s received multiple IBMA awards and a Grammy nomination. He produced Steve Martin's highly acclaimed Rare Bird Alert, which was nominated for Bluegrass Album of the Year. Trischka was the musical director for the documentary "Give Me the Banjo," which aired on PBS in 2011.

Mike Marshall started out with the Dave Grisman Quintet, played with everyone from Stephane Grapelli to Jerry Douglas to Bela Fleck and his frequent collaborator Darol Anger. He has done stints with the group Montreux and his current experimental bluegrass group, Psychograss with fellow Academy of Bluegrass teachers Darol Anger and Tony Trischka.

Trischka teaches banjo at the ArtistWorks Online Academy of Bluegrass where Marshall teaches mandolin.

At the Academy of Bluegrass, students can learn from dozens of pre-recorded online video lessons, tabs and backing tracks. They can use ArtistWorks Video Exchange Feedback Platform to submit practice videos and get personalized video responses from their teachers with feedback and additional exercises.

These Video Exchanges are paired together, combined with the lessons and made available for all students to see and learn from. “Banjo Meets Mandolin” will stream live at http://AcademyofBluegrass.com and at http://www.mandolincafe.com. To sign up for the event and receive an event reminder, click here.

Tags: Banjo Meets MandolinTony TrischkaMike MarshallWorkshopsEducation

Do you bring your instrument to a festival but feel shy about taking it out and actually playing with other people? You are not alone, even if it sometimes feels that way! For years I've been helping closet pickers start jamming, playing real bluegrass at slow speeds, and learning the ear skills and ensemble skills that are hard to pick up on your own. My approach has worked for so many, I am now certifying Wernick Method instructors to teach bluegrass jamming in communities nationwide.

In just a few weeks, Joe Quesenberry, a certified Wernick Method teacher, is offering a set of jam classes at a super-convenient location -- the Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival in Palisade, Colorado -- within driving distance of where you live. Spend some time each day learning from Joe and you will be jamming that night. In fact, there's a fair chance you'll meet some picking buddies at the class!

Joe is a very popular instructor who teaches multi-week Wernick Method classes in Grand Junction. And now he's offering a special 6-hour jam class -- one two-hour session each day of the festival! Joe is friendly, understanding, and very experienced with novices. He knows his stuff! He will show you what it takes to be a part of a bluegrass jam session, fitting in at your own ability level. You'll be jamming almost immediately, on good and easy two-chord songs!

Here's what students at Joe's recent jam classes had to say: ... I really like this teacher - he is one of the best I have ever had! ... Great teacher - would love to have again ... Joe is an amazing teacher - he works very hard to make sure that we all understand everything .... Que rocks!

SPECIAL -- Register now!! Get the best rate and receive in advance by mail a full jamming information packet. Click here for more info.

The Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival will be held in Palisade, CO Friday June 14 through Sunday June 16. The class will run 2-4pm on Friday and 9-11am on Saturday and Sunday.

• All skill levels are welcome.
• Only requirements: You must be able to change smoothly between G, C, D, and A (fiddle and bass players need to know which notes work in each chord).
• Fast playing is not expected, nor is the ability to solo required. Mistakes expected!
• Singing is not required, but is encouraged and taught.
• Festival admission required

If you've ever wished you could be part of a bluegrass jam, or have friends who would like to but might need a push start, I strongly recommend this class with Joe. And if you can already jam but want to brush up on your picking and singing and meet new music buddies, you're welcome as well.

For more information about Joe's class, click here. For more information about the Wernick Bluerass Music Method, click here.

Tags: Jam CampJammingPete WernickPalisade Bluegrass FestivalEducationWorkshopsEventBluegrass Festival