Miscellaneous bluegrass news

Five string banjo pickers in the US, especially here in my home state of Virginia, typically know a little something about Joel Sweeney of Appomattox. He was an early popularizer of the banjo in the pre-Civil War south, often using

The 2016 edition of Bluegrass First Class was held this past weekend at the Crowne Plaza resort in Asheville, NC. Everyone seemed to have a fine time enjoying the music and the lovely surroundings, with the possible exception of one banjo

This past September we reported on prominent bluegrass songwriter, publisher, and studio owner Bobby Starnes suffering serious injury after tumbling down the stairs in his Kingsport, TN home. The fall caused several broken bones, but of most concern to his

Earlier this week several members of Flatt Lonesome made a trip to Memphis, TN to visit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and to deliver a check representing the proceeds from the band's first ever live online concert event. The band

Things are starting to heat up between two of bluegrass music's prominent brother acts. As part of their campaign to win the coveted hosting position at the 2016 International Bluegrass Music Awards, The Darrell Bothers have taken to impugning the

LeRoy “Mack” McNees is well-known for playing dobro with the Country Boys (later the Kentucky Colonels), and for his appearances on the Andy Griffith Show. He is a favorite at the annual Mayberry Days reunions in Mount Airy, North Carolina. A devout

Sammy Shelor, banjoist extraordinaire and leader of the indomitable Lonesome River Band, was surprised last week when he was presented with the Key to the City of Martinsville, VA. Shelor was performing with some buddies of his at Mtn' Jax Restaurant

Bluegrass singer/songwriter Dave Adkins has been announced as the newest endorser for Eastman Guitars. Eastman is currently building one of their E20D Dreadnought guitars for Dave, which is expected to be presented to him in the next few weeks. Adkins says that he

On this day …. On February 5, 1959, Starday Records purchased the masters to Charlie Moore’s recordings No Grave (Is Gonna Keep This Soul); Over in Gloryland; When They Crucified My Lord and Why Is Mother Buried. The four Gospel songs were

Wonderful news from the great Allen Mills. The Lost and Found bass player and vocalist this past 42 years is resting comfortably at home recuperating from a second back surgery in the past 6 months. And at 78 years of age,