Three prominent bluegrassers are taking part in a remarkable genre-crossing musical pitch to raise money for victims of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. John Cowan, Darin Aldridge and Brooke Aldridge are part of an all-star cast of musicians – including bluesman Keb
After a hall of fame career, recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts, more IBMA awards than one guy can carry, two Grammy nominations, and credit for launching more bluegrass careers than you can count on two hands, Doyle
When a Lonesome River Band CD pops up in the mailbox, I have a pretty good idea what to expect: Impeccable picking, impressive vocals and some of the best banjo picking this side of Earl Scruggs, all expertly recorded and
The cover of the new CD from The Grascals shows the six bandmates around a table holding seven coffee mugs. It’s almost as if they’re waiting for you to join them. You can call it truth in advertising. Before Breakfast is
If there was an IBMA award for blue-collar bluegrass band, Hammertowne would easily win my vote. No fancy outfits, no frills, just straight ahead traditional bluegrass delivered with a high degree of consistency. The latest evidence of Hammertowne’s craftsmanship is found
Pete Kuykendall, circa 1960 - photo courtesy of Bluegrass Unlimited Wednesday morning’s funeral for bluegrass icon Pete Kuykendall was a lot like the songs he wrote: Arranged with precision, filled with some memorable lines, short, and to the point. What wasn’t short
If, for some awful reason, I could only attend one bluegrass festival each year outside of IBMA’s big bash in Raleigh, I would most likely pick one of the twice-a-year extravaganzas at Gettysburg. The music, of course, is terrific, with enough
Here’s an idea that’s long overdue: A writing contest that focuses on instrumental numbers in the bluegrass and old-time traditions. The DC Bluegrass Union opened entries today for the inaugural Mike Auldridge Instrumental Contest, which will go hand-in-hand with the organization’s
A few decidedly subjective thoughts about yesterday’s awards announcement. These sentiments may or may not be shared by anyone else at Bluegrass Today, or maybe even by anyone else in bluegrass today.First and foremost, congratulations to the newest members of
It started as a lark. John Lawless and Brance Gillihan would find themselves talking about politics and the 2004 presidential election during their spare time working on bluegrass music teaching videos for John’s company, AcuTab. Sometimes the conversation drifted to