Author: Chris Jones

A reader recently asked if I would consider, at some point, addressing the issue of playing for free. I replied: “Sure, for 80 bucks I will.” After some negotiation, my fee was reduced to barter payment of a used lime

Shortly after the announcements of the IBMA Awards nominations, an important discussion was started here in Bluegrass Today about the award nominations and voting process. Many readers joined in with ideas, constructive criticism, and in some cases, good old-fashioned griping. With

One of the many creative challenges facing songwriters (besides paying this month’s utility bill) is the naming of a new song. This is frequently done after the song is written, and sometimes it feels like a big decision. Unlike a

This column from Chris Jones is a reprise of one from March 2012 - with a new introductory paragraph. Some time ago, I published a list of topics for bluegrass music camp elective classes that, based on trial and unmistakable error,

Last week, after passing along some of the findings in my research into the whereabouts of some familiar characters in bluegrass songs, I received some questions, comments, and suggestions. The suggestions, which mostly involved where I should go, and what I

People always seem interested in where music celebrities, or lesser-known one-hit wonder types, have disappeared to. I seem to recall VH-1, or one of those channels, devoting a whole show to the subject. I think people get a particular kick

This marks the first time I've ever composed one of these on a smart phone (my manual typewriter is in the shop). I'll be using a lot of short words or words suggested by the washcloth, even if it's not

Judging by the hate mail, the slashed tires, and the kidnapping of my goldfish, I’d say last week’s column was a little too edgy. And I guess I understand; after all, what could be more controversial than suggesting that entertainers

This was the column I was hoping to get someone else to write for me. It was the one that was supposed to deal with the issue of politics and/or religion in stage MC work. I called some pretty reliable friends

This is the third in a series on stage-show MC work. In the previous installment, I tried to  answer a few frequently asked questions (or FAQ, for those in a hurry), covering issues like who should do most of the