Author: John Lawless

  • Charlie Derrington accident in Nashville paper

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    Charlie Derrington's tragic death in a senseless accident on Tuesday night has received some attention in The Tennessean, the primary daily paper in Nashville. The details are not pleasant for any friend of Charlie's to contemplate. His funeral will be

  • News and new models from Tranjo

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    We heard recently from Sam Farris, developer of the Tranjo Travel Banjo. His company had a humble beginning, to wit, Sam's desire for a practice banjo he could easily disassemble and reassemble when traveling. He built one himself with a

  • Charlie Derrington, drunk driving victim

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    Charlie Derrington, long time employee of the Gibson company and a noted luthier, was killed last night while riding his motorcycle in west Nashville. He was struck by a suspected drunk driver who was traveling against traffic on Briley Parkway,

  • Mac Wiseman visits XM in Nashville

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    Legendary bluegrass pioneer Mac Wiseman spent two hours on the air earlier this week on XM's Bluegrass Junction with host Kyle Cantrell. Their chat was carried live on XM, and served as a kick off for a planned series of

  • New CD from Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands

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    HighTone Records has announced that September 19 will be the release date for The Golden West, the first "bluegrass band project" in more than 6 years from West Coast fiddler/vocalist/songwriter, Laurie Lewis. Laurie Lewis and her Bluegrass Pals was released

  • Michael Cleveland joins RBW faculty

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    Michael Cleveland has been added to the Roanoke Bluegrass Weekend faculty for 2006, taking the place of Kenny Baker, who has found that he will be unable to teach this year. The RBW staff will make refunds available to any students

  • Welcome Mikayla Rose Harris

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    We just got word that Mickey Harris, bass player and vocalist with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, is a new proud papa! Mikayla Rose Harris arrived yesterday (7/31) at 9:48 Central Time, and weighed in at 7 lbs., 7 oz. Congratulations

  • Ron Block comments on his new Huber

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    We posted an announcement last week of the new Huber Ron Block model banjo. It is a near-replica of the pre war Granada Ron has been playing for many years, which was designed and will be marketed with his cooperation. Ron,

  • August issue of Silver Strings available

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    We have posted many times about the online banjo magazine, Silver Strings, written especially for new banjo pickers getting started later in life. It is published monthly by Angie Sumpter of Angie'sBanjo.com. Each new issue is available at no cost