Author: John Lawless

Tyler Griffith has been announced as the newest member of Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. Tyler will play bass and add harmony vocals. Like so many bluegrass pickers, Tyler grew up in a family rich with music, and is comfortable on a

IBMA's newly-announced Momentum Awards have generated a bit of confusion among the membership, and within the wider bluegrass community. That is partly due to the fact that these new honors (for artists, venues and business people who are just starting to

Eastern Kentucky's Jeff Clair is a long-time student of the music of such masters of tradition as Larry Sparks and James King. So no one will be surprised that his new solo project, They Called Him Jesus, is marked by soulful,

The International Bluegrass Music Association has a announced a new set of awards to be distributed during their annual World Of Bluegrass convention. These will be separate from the annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, and focus specifically on new artists in

James King Band bass player Eddie Biggerstaff will be taking a few weeks off the road this month. He is recovering from back surgery July 3, and should return to the band in a few weeks. Jason Moore will reprise his

Bryan Sutton is on most everyone's list of favorite flat pickers. His several recordings and prominent supporting roles put him in the forefront of modern acoustic guitarists. Sutton's remarkable technique and deep musicality won him raves during a brief stint with

Wayward Vessel is a popular bluegrass/Americana group based in Portland, OR. They've just returned from a tour in support of their second CD, Before The Grey, during which they snagged the second place trophy at the Telluride band competition. To introduce themselves

Jay Allen, long-time bluegrass radio host at WBRF in Galax, VA, has announced that he will be retiring at the end of next week. Allen has spent the past 23 years at the station, which broadcasts a very strong signal at

MerleFest, the daddy rabbit of roots music festivals, has posted a job opening online. The position is year-round, with the successful candidate responsible for coordinating all contracts and handling artist liaison for the annual event. If you think you have what

Rodney Dillard has issued a statement on today's passing of TV icon Andy Griffith, who died at his home this morning at 86 years old. Dillard appeared on six episodes of Griffith's television show, as one of the Darling Boys, along