• Very Merry Christmas – Williamson Branch

    As the snow flies outside my studio window, and the pressures of unfinished tasks threaten to bring out the grinchiest of my Grinch-like qualities, I'm sitting here wearing a huge who-cares smile. Reality can wait until next week, maybe even

  • The Perfect Gift – Becky Buller

    As Christmas approaches, it’s a good time to ponder what makes the perfect gift. One thing is certain: As my expiration date draws ever closer, I have a much different definition than I did as a kid. Back then, it was

  • Notes from World of Bluegrass 2022

    John McEuen accepts a Distinguished Achievement Award from Jerry Douglas at WOB 2022 - photo © Frank Baker Another World of Bluegrass is in the books, the 10th held in Raleigh so far. For the second time in IBMA's visits to Raleigh,

  • Heidi Brooke marries love of bluegrass and art

    Heidi Brooke is no stranger to music. Her mother, Jennifer Brooke, is married to songwriting fiddler and band leader Mike Mitchell. Together they run the Floyd Music School in Floyd, VA, and host occasional house concerts. And Heidi, 18, often accompanies

  • The Legacy of the Red Shoes

    Lucy Khadder and David Morris with their red Chucks at World of Bluegrass (9/28/22) - photo © Jeromie Stephens Dr. Bobby Jones died 10 years ago. But his spirit lives on at IBMA's World of Bluegrass, in the hearts of many

  • IBMA announces 2022 Momentum Award winners

    Full Cord Bluegrass performs at the 2022 IBMA Momentum Awards (9/28/22) - photo © Frank Baker IBMA's annual Momentum Awards luncheon always serves as a powerful reminder that the future of bluegrass is in good hands. This year, as the pain

  • New IBMA Keynote format is a hit

    Craig Havighurst with Dale Ann Bradley and C.J. Lewandowski at the WOB Keynote Address - photo © Frank Baker Dale Ann Bradley grew up in a Primitive Baptist Church where her father was the preacher and musical instruments were not allowed. Then