New faces of Discover Bluegrass

We posted last month about the upcoming revision to the IBMA’s Discover Bluegrass DVD, a major part of the organization’s efforts to cultivate interest in bluegrass music among younger students. Though most of the material in this video will remain unchanged, IBMA has tasked Phil Bankester with updating the open and close of the project, and the Bluegrass Music Today chapter, which was feeling more like Bluegrass Music Yesterday six years out.

The original was hosted by fresh-faced youngsters Sierra Hull and Ryan Holladay, and with Sierra in college and Ryan about to finish high school, it seemed like time for a change. In AJ Lee and Max Schwartz, they have found another mandolin/banjo duo to take the bluegrass message to the adolescent masses.

Phil shared an update on the progress of the project.

“Aissa (AJ) and Max flew into Nashville Friday along with AJ’s mom, and Max’s dad and brother Nate. We spent time Saturday recording voice overs and setting up the set which you see in the photo. The video shoot took place in the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday morning. The kids have never done anything like this before, but they both did an incredible job.

They had a great time in Nashville touring the Country Music Hall of Fame Saturday afternoon, then cheering their San Jose Sharks to a 4-3 victory over the Nashville Predators in a hockey game at the Sommet Center. Following the game they stopped into The Station Inn to see The Josh Williams Band.

AJ, Max, Nate (Max’s brother) and another Californian Marty Varner all play together in a band they call OMGG (obviously minor guys and a girl). AJ has also been playing and singing with Jack Tuttle and The Tuttles.”

This completes the shooting for the project, and now it’s editing time.

Here’s a video of OMGG from IBMA 2009.

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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.