Bluegrass Today Profiles

Better known as the land of the midnight sun than as a place where the grass grows blue, Norway has nevertheless managed to spawn a band that stays true to tradition despite the seeming disparity between Scandinavia and Appalachia. Based in

The Lady of Tradition, Lorraine Jordan, front woman and mandolinist for her band, Carolina Road, didn’t let the global pandemic stop her when venues shuttered their doors and bookings evaporated in 2021. Instead of sitting at home wondering how to

Scott Gates with Get Down Boys - photos © Robin Frenette Described as a fun-loving and remarkable musician, Scott Gates is yet another product of the California Bluegrass youth movement. He has been playing mandolin, guitar, and singing hard core bluegrass

Band names can be a funny thing. Consequently, Canada's Concession 23 naturally inspires some curiosity as to how their handle originated. Fortunately, vocalist and mandolin player, Kevin Golka, has a ready explanation. "When we formed the band, we wanted it to

Modern bluegrass often tows a fine line. On the one hand, there's a need to respect the musical heritage and stay true to tradition. On the other, it's essential to secure contemporary credence and find ways to bring it to

Tommy Edwards - photo and stylization by Carol McDuffie In our bluegrass community, some folks perform, some promote, some teach, some deal/trade instruments, some encourage others in the business, and then there are those that amazingly do it all, and do

It may seem unlikely to some, but Belgium's affinity for bluegrass is hard to deny, with six-piece The Straps helping to provide a supply.  "Our sound is a mix of bluegrass and old-time music sound," says singer and mandolin player Sébastien

Donna Ulisse says that she is a logomaniac, which simply means that the singer/songwriter/author/avid reader is a lover of words. Known for her original tunes, Ulisse's songs have been recorded by Claire Lynch, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, the Bankesters, Doyle

Belgium may be a relatively small country, especially compared to its immediate neighbors, but its enthusiasm for bluegrass still looms large. One need look no further than the Borderline Breakdown Band. The group first formed in 2014, originating with four musicians

Leave it the Brits to put a clever spin on anything they undertake. That's especially true when it comes to their version of bluegrass. Not surprisingly then, the Thumping Tommys are no exception. The band, which consists of Alex Hunter