Author Archive: John Goad
John Goad is a graduate of the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music program, and is now pursuing a Masters degree in Appalachian Studies at ETSU.
Reborn – Mark Newton & Steve Thomas
Every now and then, two artists come together and form a collaboration that fans are sure to remember for years to come. With their debut release, Reborn, Mark Newton and Steve Thomas have likely earned themselves a spot in that category. This twelve-song collection is [...]
Bluegrass Weather Report – 5/17/13
Here’s our Special Bluegrass Correspondent with information about the Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass festival this weekend, and a quick guitar lesson. And don’t forget our Ugly Mandolin contest… Ugly Mandolin May will continue until the end of the month. We’re not mocking anyone or anything; we just [...]
On The Front Porch – Kenny Thacker
Many bluegrass musicians first developed their love of this genre from listening carefully to their grandparents and other relatives making music. Kenny Thacker is no different. On his latest release, On the Front Porch, this Kentucky-born pastor pays tribute to his grandfather, and the others [...]
Grandma’s Rules for Drinking – Annie Lou
With a title like Grandma’s Rules for Drinking, the most recent release from Canadian folk group Annie Lou, offers intriguing possibilities for potential listeners. What they will find upon pressing play is an enjoyable collection of original music in the string band tradition. The songs [...]
Heart of the Country – Chris Brashear
The title of roots musician Chris Brashear’s latest album certainly reflects the songs he has included on it. Heart of the Country is a collection of thirteen tunes celebrating the rural parts of America and the people who make their homes there. Although Brashear is [...]
Bluegrass Weather Report 5/11/13 – More ugly mandolins
Our Special Bluegrass Correspondent talks about the Doyle Lawson festival, and our Ugly Mandolin Competition.
It’s Just A Road – The Boxcars
It’s difficult to name a band that is more all-around talented than The Boxcars. Band members have numerous IBMA and Grammy Awards and have shared the stage with most of the top names in bluegrass. Their first two releases as a group helped earn them [...]
Ugly Mandolin Contest at Bluegrass Today
Our Special Bluegrass Correspondent, John Goad, has organized a fun competition for the month of May. He’s trying to locate the ugliest mandolin amongst the readers of Bluegrass Today. If you’ve got an ugly mandolin, we want to see it! Don’t be bashful; show [...]
Milestones: Legends of the Watson Clan
For fans of traditional music, 2012 was a sad year, with bluegrass, folk, and other acoustic genres all losing notable figures. Several of these artists, such as Earl Scruggs, have recently been remembered with tribute albums and collections of their most influential work. Doc Watson’s [...]
Bluegrass Weather Report 4/26/13
Here’s our Special Bluegrass Correspondent with this weekend’s Bluegrass Weather Report, and a timely warning for those who miss his weekly broadcast.

David
Chris
Chris
Daniel
John
John










Latest Viewer Comments