• Joe Newberry Shifts Gears

    You might not know Joe Newberry, but you know his work. You’ve heard his picking and singing as a regular on Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion. And you’ve heard his award-winning songs – Singing As We Rise, The Darker the Night

  • Kyle Perkins Steps Forward

    After solidly backing up JD Crowe and the New South and American Drive on bass, as well as playing some dates now with Kenny and Amanda Smith, Kyle Perkins is stepping front and center. His new CD, Take Me Back, is

  • Ben Eldridge Retires from Seldom Scene

    Nothing lasts forever, but Ben Eldridge’s 44-plus years with the Seldom Scene seemed to come close. His long run with the legendary bluegrass band came to an official end this morning, when remaining members announced his retirement and the addition of

  • Two Songwriting Contest Deadlines Drawing Near

    Entry deadlines are approaching for two top songwriting contests that are of interest to bluegrassers. The deadline to enter the DC Bluegrass Union’s second annual Hazel Dickens Songwriting Contest is Jan. 15. Winners will be announced March 10. The entry fee

  • Dave’s Dozen: The Best of 2015

    The good news for bluegrass fans last year: A lot of terrific music was released. So much, in fact, that it made picking my annual best-of list harder than usual. I eliminated bands that recorded songs I wrote because of

  • Still Time to Speak Up for Bluegrass Junction

    My opinion, admittedly biased: The flap about SiriusXM’s plans for Bluegrass Junction isn’t just about the upcoming nine-day disruption of Channel 61 to provide a home for Hanukkah. It’s about the long-term survival of the bluegrass channel itself. In other words, it’s

  • Adkins & Loudermilk Branching Out

    Promoters will have an unusual choice in 2016: They can book Adkins & Loudermilk or they can book Adkins or Loudermilk. Both Dave Adkins and Edgar Loudermilk will release solo albums early next year, and will book their bands as well

  • New IBMA Board officers elected

    The Board of Directors of the International Bluegrass Music Association has elected a new slate of officers to lead the organization. According to board members who asked not to be identified, previous Director Jon Weisberger, who was eligible for another term, did not stand