Editor, Author at Bluegrass Today

After Party

I assume, since our dedicated bloggers John and Brance worked so hard during the awards show that they didn’t stick it out through the after party at the Gibson Bluegrass Showcase. And also I didn’t see them there, so I’ll pass along some of what happened. Hosted by the Del McCoury Band and Sirius Satellite Radio many attendees and winners made their way across the parking lot from the Opry House to Gibson. I caught a ride with my friends Laura and John Carter Cash who were in attendance because they played on Curly Seckler’s CD, which lost Recorded Event of the Year to Daughters of Bluegrass. Having the party in a bar/restaurant was SO MUCH BETTER than the former stand-up reception with greedy bluegrassers rushing the hors d’ourves (spelling??) tables.

As I entered the Infamous Stringdusters were on stage and the bar was already crowded. I saw, among others, Tim O’Brien, reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, and hugged his neck, Nick Forrester, Alison McCoury (Mrs. Ronnie), Rob and Lisa McCoury (the new baby, named Del after his Granddaddy, is a doll and only wakes up once or twice during the night), Megan Lynch and Mike Anglin, Sirius DJs Chris Jones, Ned Luberecki, and Joey Black, Roland White and Diane Boska, Kathy Chiavola, Larry and Dreama Stephenson, David Parmley. The new Emerging Artists of the Year Steep Canyon Rangers, my friends from North Carolina were there and pretty darn excited about their win. Shortly the Del McCoury Band took the stage and played some of their many hits. It was a wash-out for them awards wise, but they didn’t seem bummed out about it. They asked Sam Bush and Tim O’Brien on stage with them and with Del the they sang the classic Monroe trio “On and On”. That’s some good harmony. Ronnie Bowman also got on stage and Del handed over his guitar. He sang “Drifting with the Tide” with Del on tenor. Yeah buddy.

I had to leave just as Missy Raines was taking over the bass from Alan Bartram but she looked resplendent in her red dress. The outfit she wore to play on the show with Claire Lynch was also cool–black pants and a long tailed black coat over a white shirt with ruffled cuffs and front–but the dress was much more glamorous. On the way out I congratulated Grasscal David Talbot and his wife Myrna on the big Entertainer of the Year award. They certainly deserved it. The Grasscals have put in a lot of hard work in a few years.

As far as after parties go, this was the best one I’ve been to. I hope they continue to do it in the future. The awards show is really moving up in the world. All we need now is a red carpet entrance for people to snap photos and it will really feel like the big time!

The Pre-Awards Reception

I was so bummed that the servers were acting up last night. I lost a really long, detailed post about the Pre-Awards reception, but, I will attempt to redo it to give you all an idea who was there and what was happening.

The Pre-Awards reception was held in Studio A, which is adjacent to the backstage area of the Grand Ole Opry. Once upon a time, Studio A was where a lot of the shows on the late Nashville Network were taped, as well as Hee Haw, from the early 80’s on.

BMI put out a nice spread of finger foods, an open bar and provided some wonderful music in the background that featured Pete Wernick, Mike Bub as well as some bluegrass vibes and clarinet. It was wonderful and definitely provided a festive backdrop. I couldn’t see who all was in the band and I apologize for not having all the names, but, they were wonderful. It was so crowded in that room, it was difficult to see.

When we made our way into the reception, the first person we saw was Rounder Records head Ken Irwin who introduced me to the legendary Hazel Dickens. I got the biggest kick out of seeing that Hazel and my mother in law Hazel Smith giggling. What they were giggling about, I do not know. They were sure enjoying each other’s company though.

I was surprised and happy to see my old boss man, Stan Hitchcock,who I had not seen in about 15 years. Remember the days of the old Country Music Television when Stan and Ronnie Reno would pick in between videos? I didn’t get a chance to talk to Ronnie, but, he was milling around Studio A as well.

Rhonda Vincent looked great in her white evening gown; all of the Cherryholmes ladies were decked out in lovely gowns, greeting and posing for pictures;

Everybody appreciates and loves Bob McLean, the man who made it possible for Mother Maybelle‘s guitar and Bill Monroe’s mandolin to be where they belong…in the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s always great to see Bob.

Molly Skaggs looked beautiful in black. I was so happy to see her aunt, Cheryl White Jones, and her new husband (new as since Labor Day), Billy Paul Jones; her grandpa Buck White; her cousin Rachel (Mrs. Andy) Leftwich;longtime Skaggs staffer Barbara Kimes; I later saw the Patriarch himself, Ricky Skaggs and had to tell him, “No, you can not give my 8 year old some coffee.”

All of the McCoury Clan was present, even Lisa McCoury (Mrs. Robbie) who you could not tell just delivered a baby about a month ago. Mama Jean, Daddy Del, Sister Rhonda and her son, Jacob,who has suddenly turned into a young man. He looked simply smashing in his tux.

I was thrilled to see legendary songwriter/mogul Bill Gaither. Bill was there to induct The Lewis Family into the Hall of Honor. His Mountain Homecoming video prominently featured bluegrass artists like Rhonda, Del, Doyle Lawson and Marty Stuart.

Lots of great couples moving through Studio A- Bluegrass Unlimited’s Pete Kuykendall and his always colorful and hilarious bride, Kitsy; another great Bluegrass couple Terry and Cindy Baucom; Jeff and Sheri Easter; I had the pleasure of meeting another nice couple Kevin and Pam Sluder; Jan and David Harvey, along with their daughter, Emma; Mike & Meredith Bub with their 2 year old son, Riley, in tow;Earl and Janis Phillips and Earl offered his sympathies to me for enduring 17 years of marriage to that Smith Guy.

The Finale

Because of the technical issues, I haven’t been able to blog as we’ve gone along tonight, but, I promise, I will either late tonight or tomorrow do a complete rundown.

I have to tell y’all, Brance and John, who keep this Bluegrass Blog going, are two of the nicest people in Bluegrass music. I look forward to being able to work with them in the future. Y’all do what you can to support this website.

I said I’d give him a shout out and I will….my pal Chris who is working…..Told ya I’d say hey.

Entertainer of the Year

Vince Gill is announcing the nominees for Entertainer of the Year…and OH MY GOSH!!!! I am married to one of the Entertainers of the FRIGGIN YEAR!!!!!!!!!

Sorry…I must go collect myself.

Bobby Osborne

I may be slightly biased where the legendary Bobby Osborne is concerned since Mr. Smiff spent 13 years traveling the country and the world with The Osbornes,but, I think perhaps one of the best performances I’ve seen tonight has been Marty Stuart and Bobby singing What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul.

Marty was so right when he said that Bobby should’ve been nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year. After a million years traveling with Sonny and then in his 70’s, upon Sonny’s retirement, Bobby continuing on, doing new things and breaking new ground. It’s inspiring for all of us young folks.

Yay

Just about everybody in Bluegrass has won Album of the Year for their participation in The Musicians Against Childhood Cancer‘s Celebration of Life project.

I’m tickled that one of the trophies will come to our house, but, proud of all the artists who donated their time for this great cause.

Scene and Heard Backstage

Some minor technical snafus and I am back.

Andrea Roberts, booking goddess extraordinaire and fellow Grascal wife, is acting as something of a Stage Manager for the evening. (She wouldn’t tell me her official title so I’m giving her that title). She says that everybody is “behaving and doing what they’re supposed to do.”

I’ve been roaming around while the server has been down and everything does seem to be going smoothly. Well, except for Sheri Easter. She is having some allergy troubles (welcome to autumn in Middle Tennessee) and she left her nose spray on the bus. “I don’t have a key to Mama’and them’s bus” she told me. “Mama and Them” being the illustrious Lewis Family, who are being inducted into the prestigous Hall of Honor.

It’s great to see all the Lewis Clan here, especially Janis Lewis Phillips who, next week, is having some very serious surgery and she delayed the procedure so she wouldn’t miss tonight. Keep her in your prayers.

Some Part of Something

My down the street neighbor and friend Ricky Skaggs is performing with The Nashville String Machine as we speak. I’m not sure of the title of the song, but, it’s very Irish sounding and fantastic. I imagine there will be a purist or two in the house who might not like it and say that it “ain’t no part of nothing”, but it is part of something and quite breathtaking.

When was the last time you heard some French Horns with a bluegrass band? It’s happening now. I ran into an old co-worker, Kirk Kirkland, son of famed choral arranger Camp Kirkland and his wife, Julianne, who are part of the orchestra. I never dreamed I see those two performing with a bluegrass band. They seem a little shell shocked. Let’s hope their lives will change for the better tonight!

Andy Leftwich is some kind of fiddle man. Mark my word, a hundred years from now, when our great-grandkids talk about great fiddlers, Andy will be one they talk about. Yes, he’s but a boy now…just trust me on that.

Mighty Fine and a Great Big Howdy

Hey Boys and Girls…

It’s awards night and I am backstage in historical (or is it hysterical) Dressing Room #11 at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House. I’m going to be one of your hosts with the mosts as we celebrate bluegrass music at the Seventeenth Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards. Things are just about to get underway and I’m here to tell you, it is just electric back here.

We’ve already commenced from Studio A and the Pre-Awards reception and the National Anthem is being performed flawlessly by 3 Fox Drive. Wow! Those three can sure sing. I’m tickled to hear our Anthem opening the show because I was told on the drive over, by one Terry Smith that there would be no patriotic music performed this evening because it is the International Bluegrass Music Association. Pssht….whatever.

If this event were taking place in Canada, I would expect to hear O Canada and love every second of it, because it is a beautiful song, but, also out of respect for the country, or any country, for that matter.

Anyway, back to why we’re here…to celebrate bluegrass music. We’re going to have a great time, so y’all sit back and enjoy. You can listen live on XM Radio. If you don’t have XM, go sign up for a free, three day trial.

Good News From the IBMA

Tom T. and Dixie Hall announced Wednesday that they have placed the IBMA in their will. At some point, hopefully in the distant future the IBMA will become owners of Good Home Grown Music the Hall’s Publishing Company.

Tom T.and Dixie have contribuited many songs to Bluegrass community of the last few years and the catalog continues to grow.

This will be an great asset to the IBMA, in the years to come. Tom T. and Dixie have once again shown their love for Bluegrass Music.