World of Bluegrass 2021 has, through Wednesday, elicited a mixture of emotions and responses. In the main, the fact that the organization has managed to hold a convention this year in the face of steady headwinds is remarkable, and they
Daily Feature
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From The Side of the Road… World of Bluegrass admission quiz
I've just arrived at the IBMA World of Bluegrass and I have a short report that mainly has to do with the check-in process. If you've kept up with social media discussions (something I don't recommend), you may recall there was
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Hell on Church Street – Punch Brothers remember Tony Rice
Punch Brothers have announced a new album recorded as a tribute to the late Tony Rice, who had served as a major influence on each of them, and to the group as a whole. Hell on Church Street is set
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Ken Seaman passes
Ken Seaman, an integral part of the bluegrass community in Colorado died on Thursday, September 23. He passed quietly in his sleep, and was 79 years of age. Ken had been a founding member of The Bluegrass Patriots, who entertained bluegrass
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Ask Sonny Anything… what about metal thumbpicks?
Bobby, my dear brother and partner of 52 years... I'm so happy for you because I see you are #1 on the Bluegrass Today playlist chart this week. White Line Fever was a good choice. I didn't hardly agree with the
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Winfield competition winners for 2021
Paul Sgroi, Jason Shaw, and Holten Doucette - winners at the 2021 National Flat-Picking Championship After being unable to host their 2020 competitions, the Walnut Valley Festival held its National Flat-Picking Championships this past weekend in Winfield, KS. Though named for
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From The Side of the Road…. return to live shows haiku
For my band, Labor Day weekend marked the first return to playing in front of in-person audiences. Now, a few weeks later, after more festival dates and some real night-driving thrown in (Bean Blossom to Nashville in the wee hours),
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I’m Free Again from new Norman Blake album
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has announced an October 22 release for Day By Day, their first project for Norman Blake, perhaps the most iconic and quintessential flatpicker and folk singer since Doc Watson. At 83, Blake is churning out new music at
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The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys to Smithsonian Folkways
The Po' Ramblin' Boys have been on a roll since they burst on to the scene about six years ago with their throwback vibe and classic bluegrass sound. Setting themselves apart from the clone bands by writing genre-appropriate original material
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Ask Sonny Anything… what did you think of the Earl Scruggs Revue?
We just lost one the most prolific songwriters ever in Tom T. Hall. Did the Osborne Brothers ever play any shows together? And did you all record any of his songs? Thanks for your time! Sean M Yes on both counts. We did