Mr. Bluegrass Manners is back! I requested that he take some questions this week, while I’m still on a European tour, possibly writing from a Spanish jail (a nice one, though). As always, these questions came via my Facebook page and are
Opinion / Humor
From The Side of the Road… find your true bluegrass spirit animal
In this general feeling of turning a corner, seeing light at the end of the tunnel, and whatever other hopeful clichés, we can attach to the year 2022, we're all at least looking forward. Recently I advocated acquiring some self-awareness
Turtle on a Fence Post – 2022 Bluegrass Awards show reflections from Mike Fiorito
The sun sets on the 2022 World of Bluegrass - photo © Frank Baker As the 2022 IBMA Awards and live performances kicked off, Hurricane Ian began its approach on the West Coast of Florida, eventually smashing into Fort Myers. The
From The Side of the Road… please IBMA, can I have some more?
The recent IBMA awards show received some sharp criticism in some quarters, one of those quarters being right here in Bluegrass Today. The following is not an attempt to disagree with any of that criticism, nor to pile on with
From The Side of the Road… imagine a bluegrass Google
Whenever you search something or ask a question of the Almighty Internet gods (whose names are Pete and Roscoe) on your computer, the usual procedure is to type a question in the search bar at the top of your internet
Dear IBMA, please do a better Awards Show
There was a lot to like in last night's IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, the 33rd uninterrupted running of the annual event. It's always fun to observe our bluegrass stars done up in all their finery, with spouses and families in tow.
From The Side of the Road… Can IBMA not afford double-sided printing?
Greetings from the IBMA World of Bluegrass. I know that "this space" is not a place to be plugging my own musical appearances, but this week is all about self-promotion. So in that spirit... Here are the upcoming showcase appearances for
From The Side of the Road… health tips for your World of Bluegrass experience
In past years when we get to this month of the calendar, I have discussed sleep, fitness, and diet strategies for having a safe and healthy IBMA World of Bluegrass. For the uninitiated (most of the population), this is bluegrass
From The Side of the Road… Juke app invades the world of bluegrass
There's an intriguing new app that's recently been developed, designed to both enhance a concert-goer's experience and make a few extra bucks for the artist at the same time. It's called Juke, and it was developed and first used in
From The Side of the Road… World of Bluegrass seminars for today’s realities
The IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, NC is fast approaching, and by all indications this is going to be a huge and exciting event this year. For some, it will be their first in-person attendance since 2019, which sometimes