Author: Sandy Hatley

IIIrd Tyme Out at the 2024 Bluegrass First Class - photo © G. Nicholas Hancock Bluegrass First Class in Asheville, NC is the place to be this weekend. The three-day festival lives up to its name with a star-studded line-up. Gracing

Sally and Matthew Ziesing, professional musicians who have individually and collectively performed with notables such as Rhonda Vincent, Little Roy & Lizzy, and the US Navy Band Country Current, announce the birth of their baby girl, Faye Monroe Ziesing, born

Young Richmond, VA musical prodigy Jeremiah Gilmer has released an all gospel Appalachian-style worship album, Blessed Every Day. The project features 12 songs; seven originals penned by Gilmer (including the title track), four traditional songs, and one Don Reno number,

Jake Goforth photo © G. Nicholas Hancock Good things are happening for Edgar Loudermilk in 2024. Just after receiving the Bass Player of the Year Award at SPBGMA, he announced that he is adding a new guitarist to his band in

Veteran North Carolina bluegrasser, Lester Deaton, has formed a new group, The Dusty River Band. Deaton says of his new band, "Our music genre is primarily bluegrass with a little country and gospel sprinkled in. We have five seasoned musicians with

John Holder at a Balsam Range show - photo © Mike Duncan After 10 years, John Holder is stepping down as full time sound man for Balsam Range.  "After much deliberation and prayer, I made a decision to turn in my notice

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers on Danny Stewart's Bluegrass Cruise - photo by Gary Hatley Bluegrass promoters Danny and Christa Stewart have been conducting bluegrass cruises since 2012. They have mixed up the perfect combination: great bluegrass entertainment, cruise line

Mandolinist Harold Killian, 95, of Catawba, NC, passed away on January 12, 2024. Along with his brother, Tommy Killian, they formed the group The Catawba River Boys and performed together for many years. Harold always greatly enjoyed playing and singing

The Earls of Leicester at The Ryman Auditorium (1/6/24) - photo © Bryce LaFoon Earl Scruggs, surely the most influential and imitated banjo picker to date, was celebrated and remembered at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Saturday night on what

Christmas is all about gift giving and spreading cheer. Lincoln Hensley and Aynsley Porchak, banjoist and fiddler, respectively, with the Tennessee Bluegrass Band, have done just that. The talented young duo became a conduit and provided musical instrument donations to