The Roys Host Christmas 4 Kids Golf Tournament!

 Celebrities set to take a "swing in the name of charity"

Co-hosted by The Roys - 2011 ICM Bluegrass Artist of the Year and Tennessee Titan Placekicker, #2 - Rob Bironas 

The late Conway Twitty, with a little help from friends Loretta Lynn and The Oak Ridge Boys, had a vision to help make children who otherwise would be without a Christmas, enjoy the spirit and joyful times of the Holiday.  Since that time, then known as Christmas Caravan and now incorporated as Christmas For Kids, the organization has helped brighten thousands of children's lives during the Holidays.

Since its debut to the Nashville area, Christmas 4 Kids has had the whole community buzzing with anticipation for its annual events.  Now 29 years later, in the spirit of Twitty and Lynn, Debbie Lamberson, President of Christmas For Kids, Inc., has announced the organization has created an annual golf outing to continue raising awareness and funds. 

New CD from Nothin' Fancy on Brand New Label!

Recorded at Virginia Dreams Studios in Harrisonburg VA and released on the fledgling Virginia Dreams record label, Nothin' Fancy's new self-titled record is a delight for the senses.  Ranging from straight-up bluegrass to original material to a throwback reworking of Credence Clearwater Revival's "Lookin' Out My Back Door" to the trademark Nothin' Fancy humor in "Grandma Bought A Hog," the whole band is thrilled with the relaxed, down-home atmosphere of this recording. 

Says fiddler Chris Sexton, "we worked harder on this record than we ever have before - this is not our first rodeo, and we know what we want the record to feel like. 

FOR AUGUST 6-7 2011

• Highwoods String Band and Green Grass Cloggers to Live Again – on Film!—Thanks to the Bluegrass Ireland Blog for alerting us to this important story on...

• Sam Bush Teaser Interview! —The ArtistWorks Academy of Bluegrass has found a creative and effective way to...

• Best of MerleFest 2010 CD Set Discounted! —BEST OF MERLEFEST 2010 3-CD SET JUST $24.95!For this year's MerleFest, we...

• New Representation for Michael Martin Murphey! —Michael Martin Murphey has signed an agency representation agreement with...

• Darin and Brooke Aldridge Secure Sponsorship! —...We are exceptionally happy to have Darin and Brooke join with us to make an...

• Bluegrass’ Best On Two Discs - Tribute to Monroe! —With Body And Soul and Let The Light Shine Down feature a total of 34 cuts,...

• Look for New CD From The Bee Eaters in Early September! —“It is a joy to hear both the exploration of this music and the grounding...

• Steve Martin – Number 1 and Number 3 on Retailer’s Hot Bluegrass List! —A quick check of the Amazon Hot List for Bluegrass, (The best in Bluegrass...

• THE BLU-DISC by Nu-Blu To Be Released Next Tuesday! — Band hosting two CD Release Parties (Siler City, NC and Asheville,...

• Laurie Lewis To Receive “Best Of The West” Award —Congratulations to Laurie Lewis!  We received word from Laurie that she is...

• Songwriters: Cordle, Jackson and Salley Combine for Benefit! —Grammy Winning Group of Songwriters / Producers Announce a Benefit Concert at...

• Final Decision – No Parole for John A. Brown This Time! —The Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole today officially denied parole to...

• From Johnson Mountain Boys to Broadcaster Extraordinaire! —Eddie Stubbs Celebrates 15 Years On-The-Air!..."When they know that you rode...

• Two New Steve Kaufman Books Now Available —My First Banjo Picking Songs Level: Beginner This fun and easy bluegrass banjo...

• From Rock-n-Roll to Bill Monroe—Tommy Webb pays tribute to the Father of Bluegrass In celebration of Bill...

• Friends of Kenny Baker Gather to Remember and Celebrate! —There will be a gathering of Kenny Baker's fans and friends in Nashville on...

• Rhonda Vincent Achieves a Sell-Out in Switzerland —SOLD OUT INTERNATIONAL SHOWS FOR THE QUEEN OF BLUEGRASS Rhonda Vincent and The...

• Next In IBMA Webinar Series: “Recording Acoustic Instruments in your Home Studio” —...Webinar Date: August 16 REGISTER NOW BY CALLING 615-256-3222 ...Do you...

• Teacher’s Workshop to Focus on Bill Monroe —“CELEBRATING BILL MONROE, THE FATHER OF BLUEGRASS MUSIC IN THE CLASSROOM”...

• Bluegrass Film Named Best Documentary – Music/Culture at the Film Festival of Colorado in June.—Fanning the Fire tells the story of a young teen who followed his dreams all...

Bluegrass’ Best On Two Discs - Tribute to Monroe!

With Body And Soul and Let The Light Shine Down

feature a total of 34 cuts, some previously unissued, as well as notes by distinguished writer and Monroe biographer Neil V. Rosenberg

2011 marks the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Bill Monroe, creator of bluegrass, and without doubt one of the most important and influential figures in American music. In a career that began in the late 1930s, Monroe and his band The Blue Grass Boys started a new genre of roots-based music that not only influenced artists worldwide, from Elvis Presley on down, but effectively shaped or changed the lives of literally thousand of professional and amateur musicians.

New "Behind-The-Scenes" Video from Jim Lauderdale!

..."Jim puts a Buck Owens twang on all his bluegrass vocals, which allows me to be his Don Rich". . .         -Randy Kohrs

Grammy winner, songwriter and performer Jim Lauderdale gives us a sneak peek behind the scenes for his new CD "Reason and Rhyme - a collaboration with legendary Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.

2-time Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale returns to bluegrass for his third full-album collaboration with legendary Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. Hear the story behind the making of the album.

Shot in Nashville on my 60D with a Carl Zeiss 50mm lens by the superb Brett Johnson (Jim, Mike) and myself (Randy Kohrs). The performance footage was supplied by the fabulous folks at Music City Roots. Thanks to Eric Martin for the quick turnaround.

CHARLIE SIZEMORE is #1 with "No Lawyers in Heaven”

Song appears on chart album,  HEARTACHE LOOKING FOR A HOME

Acclaimed bluegrass songwriter/vocalist Charlie Sizemore is celebrating  the #1 single this month on Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine Top 30 Hot Singles chart for "No Lawyers in Heaven."  The song is from his current album,  HEARTACHE LOOKING FOR A HOME (Rounder Records) that appears at #3 this month on theBluegrass Unlimited Magazine (BU) Top 15 Albums  with the single at #4 on the BU Top 30 Singles.

HEARTACHE LOOKING FOR A HOME includes 13 other songs with fan favorites such as: “Ashley Judd”, “Down in the Quarter,"  "Red Wicked Wine" and "Walking the Floor Over Me.”  Not only do fans love the new album, but critics agree Sizemore is at the top of this game:

IBMA Fan Fest Celebrates Bill Monroe and Bluegrass Music!

Nashville, TN….
Bluegrass music’s premier indoor festival is just around the corner, and this year’s event celebrating the 100^th birthday of the late Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass Music, will definitely be one you don’t want to miss! 
Reserve your tickets now for IBMA’s Bluegrass Fan Fest, scheduled for Sept. 30 – October 2, 2011, at the Nashville Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The star-studded grand finale of World of Bluegrass Week (Sept. 26 – Oct. 2) will present the talents of more than 60 headline acts on the Main Stage, the Masters Workshop Stage and at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship—thanks to the sponsorship of L.R. Baggs, Martin Guitars, Martha White, Knee Deep in Bluegrass and WSM-AM 650. 

In addition to the “cool factor” of breathing in some of the best live bluegrass music on the planet and meeting artists after their sets at their merch tables, Fan Fest attendees will enjoy visiting a bluegrass music-themed exhibit hall with more than 100 booths, taking part in a number of special promotions and giveaways, and of course there will be plenty of space for picking on all three levels of the Nashville Convention Center.

Donna Ulisse Wraps It Up From Russia With Love!

Donna writes:

Dobroyea utro…..I know I slaughtered the spelling because it’s in Russian and they have a whole different alphabet but it says “good morning” and that will have to do for now because that’s the only greeting I know in Russian and I wanted to open up with some kind of howdy.


The Poor Mountain Boys and I have been far away since last I wrote. It was the most wonderful experience, one that I will not likely get over in my lifetime. Talk about your positive energy….whew!

Brother/Sister [The Roys] Take Their Bluegrass to Larger Audiences!

Rural Rhythm recording artist, THE ROYS, are on tour promoting their hot new bluegrass album, LONESOME WHISTLE including their stellar performance this past weekend at the COUNTRY THUNDER festival in Wisconsin.
This coming weekend, THE ROYS head to the Blue Moon Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Prestonsburg, Kentucky where they will join fellow Rural Rhythm label mates:  Blue Moon Rising, Cumberland River, Carolina Road, and Josh Slone & CoalTown for what is surely to be an exciting event.

Free Download – Dehlia Low’s Ravens and Crows

Asheville’s Dehlia Low has just announced a free download of the title song from their new CD “Ravens and Crows” is available on their website. Scroll over the CD Cover below and you’ll get the player and a download link.

Dehlia Low ~ Ravens and Crows by dreamspider

Blue Highway to Perform on Song of the Mountains

The award winning bluegrass band Blue Highway will headline the upcoming Song of the Mountains concert series at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia on
Saturday, August 6^th. Blue Highway who is and has been a top notch touring bluegrass band for over 15 years will be making their second appearance on this nationally syndicated public television program which is now taping season 7 of the long running concert series.

New Video - John Brown Before Parole Board!

..."I cannot imagine me doing it, but I done it" - John Brown before the Parole Board 2011...

Opponents and advocates for John A. Brown's Release Speak Out In Front Of Tennessee Board of Parole

Niall Toner Releases New Single Honoring The Father of Bluegrass!

Niall toner Bluegrass and Roots Music Singer/Songwriter from Ireland Releases New Single: William Smith Monroe
The leader of the Niall Toner Band from Ireland is still celebrating his music reaching the number one download spot on the bluegrass and folk charts for Air Play Direct during the month of March, an extraordinary achievement for a songwriter based in Ireland. As a result, Niall Toner Band has been enjoying an ever-increasing amount of air play on American Radio. Niall's songs about Bill Monroe, Bill Monroe's Mandolin and The Master's Resting Place, are proving most popular with Radio DJs and listeners in this year of Monroe's Centenary.

Share America Foundation Chooses Bluegrass Banjo Player for Scholarship!

18 Year Old Cody Harvey, of Signal Mountain, TN is Foundation's First Recipient

The Share America Foundation, Inc. announced its first 2011 scholarship winner July 8, 2011 at its Sacred Sounds Fridays concert featuring the Watkins Family and Mountain Cove Bluegrass Band at the Ringgold Depot in Ringgold, Ga.

The events help fund the organization's Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, "Officer Randy Goode" from TV's "In the Heat of the Night." The scholarships honor students excelling in the Appalachian musical arts.

Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings On NPR's Fresh Air!

Fresh Air's Terry Gross returns today to interview Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings about their new CD, The Harrow and The Harvest.

..."We've kind of half-jokingly said that this record is 10 different kinds of sad," Welch tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross. ...

In some markets the show has already aired and will air tonight in other markets.

The transcript and audio file are already available on the NPR Website or LISTEN HERE. (Audio Player at bottom of this story).  The musical duo perform live on the show.

Delta Reign Brings Fresh New Sound to Bluegrass!

Delta Reign, from the Mobile River Delta region of the Gulf Coast, is bringing a fresh new sound to bluegrass by incorporating swing rhythms, blues and a dash of jazz...

...The band is driven by strong fiddle and banjo, pushed along with swing rhythms,solid upright bass and a Jazz-smooth female vocalist...

Delta Reign’s sophomore album entitled, "Home", released December, 2010, brings to the listener a taste of delta bluegrass, with unique arrangements of six originals, four covers and four traditional favorites...a total of 14 professionally mixed and mastered tracks.

Clever artwork with a swampy, menu vibe, along with a song selection as diverse as the delta itself, the album showcases the band’s ability to appeal to listeners regardless of genre.

Formed in the fall of 2004, Delta Reign's bluegrass has evolved into something that contemporary as well as traditional fans can appreciate. The band is driven by strong fiddle and banjo, pushed along with swing rhythms and solid upright bass.

Crowe Brothers Sign with Mountain Music Entertainment!

Crowe Brothers from Western North Carolina sign with Mountain Music Entertainment for Exclusive Artist Representation
The Crowe Brothers are music veterans and recently achieved the number one spot on Bluegrass Music Radio with their release of "Cindy Mae"

Mountain Music Entertainment proudly announces exclusive management and booking representation of acoustic music brother duo, The Crowe Brothers. Mountain Music Entertainment will provide exclusive representation for The Crowe Brothers effective as of 1 July 2011. The Crowe Brothers are based in Western North Carolina near the eclectic music scene of Asheville, North Carolina. The band has a raw and exciting acoustic sound that appeals to a wide range of audiences from Americana to Roots Country.
"Josh and Wayne have a true appreciation of the songs they sing. I have heard them perform for a number of years and its great to see their artistic ability reach across many different genres." said Steve Johnson, President and CEO of Mountain Music Entertainment. "I hope everyone will take the opportunity to get to know their music. Keep an eye and ear open for more exciting things to come for the Crowe Brothers."

Dr. Stanley and Lewis Family to Perform at “DukesFest”!

HAZZARD NATION CONVERGES

ON THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS AUGUST 13 and 14

Sperryville, Virginia -- If you are driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia in mid August, don't be surprised if you see scores of 'General Lees,' the orange 1969 Dodge Charger which has become the most recognizable car in the world. 

...Special musical guests include T. Graham Brown on Saturday night, Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys on Sunday, the Lewis Family gospel show on Sunday morning...

And don't be surprised if you see a gal that looks like Daisy Duke, because Catherine Bach, who played Daisy in the hit TV series "Dukes of Hazzard," will be there among the several thousand fans gathering for the First Annual 'Hazzard Homecoming' in Sperryville, Virginia.

Bluegrass is America's Music At America's Biggest 4th of July Party!

The Steep Canyon Rangers brought America's music to America's Day, teaming with entertainment icon Steve Martin to bring serious bluegrass with a comedic twist to the Fourth of July Celebration at The National Mall in Washington DC. 

Their high-energy performance, part of a star-studded Independence Day event, marks the year's highest profile and most-watched bluegrass concert, the latest milestone for The Steep Canyon Rangers in a year that has included two Presidential concerts!

for Musical Fireworks At

America's Biggest 4th of July Party

Performing for almost half a million people gathered on The Mall, as well as millions more at home tuned onto PBS' annual presentation of A Capitol Fourth, Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers debuted their new MP3 single, "Me and Paul Revere." 

...Hard Driving Bluegrass filled the Mall with dancing and flag waving Americans - all captured by PBS Cameras...

The original song, based on Martin's historical research, sets the record straight amid all the recent confusion and controversy. Sung by Steep Canyon Ranger guitarist Woody Platt, "Me and Paul Revere" tells the story of that famous ride from the point of view of Revere's horse, Brown Beauty.

The song has become the official show closer of Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers' 50-plus date national tour in support of their recent celebrated CD, Rare Bird Alert (Rounder), featuring guest appearances by Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks.

Part of a patriotic evening that ranged from first-generation rock 'n' roll legend Little Richard to Glee star Matthew Morrison, Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers turned Independence Day into Jubilation Day.

Their hard-driving set had folks dancing all over mall, all captured by PBS' cameras. Along with his trademark comical emcee work, Martin displayed his versatility on the banjo, performing both Scruggs style and clawhammer pieces. The Steep Canyon Rangers took the spotlight for the finale, showcasing Nicky Sanders' explosive improvisations on the fiddlers' national anthem, "The Orange Blossom Special."

Watch the full episode. See more A Capitol Fourth.

The Steep Canyon Rangers' appearance on A Capitol Fourth is the latest episode in a remarkable year of working with Martin to bring bluegrass to new audiences at such high-profile, non-traditional venues as Carnegie Hall and headlining Bonnaroo, New Orleans Jazzfest, The Newport Folk Festival and Merlefest. SCR also just signed with Rounder Records, the premier bluegrass record label.

Their partnership further establishes Steep Canyon Rangers as an extraordinary presence on the bluegrass and roots music scene, joining the likes of other Rounder artists such as Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Robert Plant. SCR will release a new album with Rounder in 2012.
 

Sept. 9-10, The Steep Canyon Rangers will present their annual Mountain Song Festival at the world-renowned Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC. With previous headliners like Doc Watson, Sam Bush, Del McCoury, David Holt, David Grisman Quintet and Steve Martin, the festival has raised over $190,000 for the Transylvania County Boys and; Girls Club.

"Me and Paul Revere" is available at www.steepcanyon.com, where you can also find Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers' "Jubilation Day" video and a complete SCR tour schedule. For Mountain Song Festival tickets and information: www.mountainsongfestival.com. The archive of the PBS broadcast is located here: http://video.pbs.org/video/2042635078.

About Steep Canyon Rangers (SCR): Brothers in music - Mike Guggino (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass), Woody Platt (guitar), Nicky Sanders (fiddle), and Graham Sharp (banjo) - met and began playing bluegrass during their college days in Chapel Hill, NC, And ten years later, the band has only deepened their commitment to roots music performing with fierce instrumental prowess, but also providing deeply moving songwriting and harmonies, infusing traditional bluegrass with contemporary themes and arrangements.

Ricky Skaggs Combines Two Loves For: COUNTRY HITS BLUEGRASS STYLE!

COUNTRY HITS BLUEGRASS STYLE In Stores Next Tuesday

Musical legend Ricky Skaggs' newest CD,COUNTRY HITS BLUEGRASS STYLE (Skaggs Family Records), will be in stores Tuesday, July 19. The 14-song release is a mix between Skaggs' country and bluegrass roots, something he has been sharing with fans around the country during his current Treasure Chest Tour.


Both bluegrass and country lovers alike will enjoy the bluegrass instrumentation along with the impeccable tenor voice of Ricky Skaggs, the man who "single-handedly" saved country music in the early 80's, according to renowned guitarist and producer, Chet Atkins.  Ricky's eight-time IBMA Instrumental Band of the Year, Kentucky Thunder, along with some of Ricky's original award-winning country band alumni, and special friends add to the magic of this album.

"We did such good music in the 1980s and early '90s that a lot of fans still shout out 'Honey (Open That Door),' and I felt like we needed to do those songs for them, too," explained Skaggs.  "For years now I've had fans come up and ask me to do a CD that would have my old country hits on it.  So here it is, done a little different than the original recordings.  These were done in more of a bluegrass style.  Folks have loved it when we play them on the road.  Sure hope you love them too."