Many of central and eastern Kentucky's bluegrass favorites will come together this Saturday, November 2, at Meadowgreen Appalachian Music Park at Pickin' for Styx, a benefit for beloved bluegrass superfan Allen "Styx" Hicks. Known throughout Kentucky and beyond for his
LIke most guitar players, I’ve used all sorts of capos throughout my life. I currently own vintage spring-activated Eltons (think Jimmy Martin/ Larry Sparks/ Doyle Lawson), large clunky Hamiltons (that can be improved with a couple pennies - IYKYK), Kysers
The Dr. Ralph Stanley Memorial Day Weekend festival held on Smith Ridge in McClure, Virginia, has celebrated the music of the Stanleys for more than 50 years. With Ralph Stanley II at the helm, an additional festival, held annually on
After a fairly lengthy absence from the bluegrass scene, Dan Tyminski began a long-awaited return to touring and recording recently, both on the road with the Dan Tyminski Band, and with the release of a Tony Rice tribute EP last
In a recent conversation with Joe Mullins about his latest album, Let Time Ride, he told me, "I've never been more excited to lead a group of musicians than I am now." I have to say, I agree with those
There have been plenty of events in bluegrass music history that live on as legendary, even magical, moments when the genre was changed forever. From Earl Scruggs's debut at the Opry as a Blue Grass Boy to Carlton Haney's first
Michael Cleveland is generally associated with fiery, traditional-leaning fiddle playing - often the faster and more attention-grabbing, the better. While his latest album from Compass Records, Lovin’ of the Game, goes a long way to continue showcasing his expertise at
One of my hands-down favorite songs from the past year was Jr Williams’s Railroad Town Without a Train, the poignant story of the closing of the Clinchfield railyards in Erwin, TN. Written by Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz, the song
One of the brightest voices in bluegrass music in recent years has been Amanda Cook, who has continually offered fans a selection of well-written, thoughtful numbers that keep the radio waves hot. Now on her fourth full length project for
With so many bluegrass roots in states like Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, many folks often forget that the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas have their own long-standing bluegrass traditions. One of the region's most well-known and respected artists is
