This past few years have seen a bluegrass variety show travel across the eastern US, billed as the Bluegrass All-Star Jam. Over the years it has hit dozens of cities, with a live concert featuring a bevy of top bluegrass artists performing together in a number of different groupings.
Part of the appeal has been the fun of seeing pickers and singers you recognize, playing together in an unfamiliar setting. It makes the show feel more like a jam, with the incumbent level of spontaneity and uncertainty.
Here is video from the 2010 series with Dale Ann Bradley singing Tom Petty’s Won’t Back Down from her x album y, assisted by Alan Bibey on mandolin, Ron Ickes on reso, Terry Baucom on banjo, Mike Bub on bass, Michael Cleveland on fiddle, and Kim Fo and Steve Gulley on harmony vocals.
The 2012 shows will feature Sammy Shelor on banjo, Claire Lynch on guitar and vocals, Missy Raines on bass, Josh Williams on mandolin and vocals, Michael Cleveland on fiddle, and Kenny & Amanda Smith on guitar and vocals.
They have two shows scheduled for this coming weekend:
- February 10 – Troy, NY
- February 11 – Alexandria, VA
More shows will hopefully be added after this weekend. Find all the details online.
