Generation Bluegrass at IBMA

Generation BluegrassHere’s more news about an upcoming bluegrass film project, this time the youth-focused Generation Bluegrass.

Actually, this film is more than just youth-focused. It was conceived, filmed, produced, edited and financed by bluegrass teens Corey Smith and Zeb Snyder. Both young men, who perform with their family bands, decided to make this film to showcase the talent of this next generation of talented grassers.

Corey set up a studio at his family’s home in Glendon, NC and shot all the footage between November of 2011 and this past June. He financed the project himself by pooling all the money he made working on his family farm, performing with the band (The Smith Family), and doing film work for local businesses in his area.

Generation Bluegrass features both performances and interviews with the members of the Snyder Family Band, The Church Sisters, The Moore Brothers, and The Smith Family Band. Individual pickers are also included, with spots highlighting Jacob Burleson, Daniel Perry, and Alex and Shane Edwards.

Judging from the extended trailer released last week, the production values are quite high. Young Mr. Smith displays quite a talent as a videographer as well as a guitarist.

 

Corey will have a booth during IBMA’s World of Bluegrass at the end of September and hopes that finished DVDs will be available at that time.

Each year at IBMA, there are discussions and panels about getting young people involved in the music, and the organization. There will never be a recruiting tool more effective than seeing other young folks playing and enjoying the music. Bravo Corey and Zeb!

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.