Author: Brance

  • Driving with a banjo

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    I've heard some pretty odd things in my time, but I hope this is merely over the top Hyperbole. The Detroit News ran an article yesterday about careless and distracted drivers, and the danger they present on the road. They give

  • Love Guru with a banjo

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    From time to time the banjo makes an appearance in a movie. Opening this Friday, June 20, 2008, The Love Guru, starring Mike Myers, is the latest movie to contain a scene with some bluegrass music and a banjo present. The

  • Rural Rhythm to Radio

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    Rural Rhythm Records is committed to tradition and progress simultaneously. In an effort to promote all the good bluegrass recordings they are putting out these days, the label has just started their own Bluegrass Radio service. They are calling it

  • Punch Brothers : Take Me Out To The Ballgame

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    Mandolin master Chris Thile has had a long love affair with America's favorite pastime. Thile's great-great-grandfather is Baseball Hall of Famer, Sam Thompson. Thile himself, at one time, hoped to be a ball player. His first solo CD, Leading Off,

  • Grascals Keep On Walkin’ & Win a Guitar

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    We've already told you about the upcoming release of Keep On Walkin' by the Grascals. The release date is July 15, 2008. The has now teamed up with Rounder Records and Takamine Guitars to bring you a special offer. If you

  • Pickin 4 Chicken: Jingle Contest

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    The Springer Mountain Farms jingle contest we told you about a while back is in its finale stage. The judges have narrowed the entries down to their favorite ten. Now it's your turn to be the judge. Visit the contest website

  • Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame

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    Last Friday, June 13, the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame held a ceremony inducting its charter members. The ceremony took place at the Walker Center on the campus of Wilkes Community College, the home of Merlefest. The Hall of Fame

  • Fate of Monroe’s Mandolin still uncertain

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    The Tennessean is reporting this morning on the terms of a settlement between MTSU and the estate of Bob McLean. As we reported in October of 2007, McLean defrauded investors of millions and then generously spread the money around. Some

  • Reselling Promo Discs?

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    I've had many conversations in the past with bands, songwriters, and even label reps about the practice of selling promo copies of CDs. Several of them have expressed frustration concerning the practice. When a new CD comes out several hundred are

  • Seldom Scene at the White House

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    Few bluegrass bands have had the opportunities to perform for important persons that have been enjoyed by the Seldom Scene. Being based in Washington D.C. has obviously helped. But that alone wouldn't be enough to recommend them for the gigs