• Old and New at DCBU

    Brides are told to include something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue in their wedding get-up. At the D.C. Bluegrass Union’s fourth annual festival in the Washington suburbs, it was something old, something new, something borrowed and everything bluegrass. The

  • In which Tara journeys north to Joe Val

    This first-timer's overview of the 2013 Joe Val festival is a contribution from Tara Linhardt, noted mandolinist, instructor, filmmaker and Guinness World Record holder. Tara also took the many photos which accompany this piece. I decided to broaden my horizons and

  • A First-Class Reunion

    This reflection on the Bluegrass Album band reunion in Asheville is a contribution from Alan Tompkins, prominent Texas bluegrass musician, impresario, and radio host. Mid-February weather in Dallas is usually great, some of the best each year, and not something I

  • A ‘Clusterpluck’ for Mike Auldridge

    It’s one thing when one of the most talented Dobro players on the planet attributes his success to Mike Auldridge. It’s something else entirely when a whole stageful of top Dobro players line up to pay tribute. Sally Van Meter had the

  • The MOB claims its first victims

    "The MOB is on its way!” is what Don Rigsby of the Rambling Rooks had promised when they left the stage. He was talking to an excited crowd of onlookers at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) in Bowling

  • Yonder Mountain heats up Music City

    Friday night, January 11, was downright balmy in Music City when Yonder Mountain String Band rolled into town for the second stop of their winter tour. Near 70-degree temperatures lured fans out to Marathon Music Works for the venue’s first concert