Jason Keiser of San Jose, California, has a broad array of influences in his approach to the guitar. From Tony Rice to Joe Pass, Jason seamlessly blends these styles in a captivating way. Keiser’s solo effort Grassologyis an incredible example of his combination of the bluegrass and jazz idioms.
The true beauty of this album is the fact that it’s solely Jason and his guitar. It allows us to truly focus on Keiser’s technical abilities alongside the emotion that comes through in each piece.
Of the fifteen instrumentals featured, two were written by Jason, the first being the title track, Grassology. This tune is a definitive example of who Jason Keiser is as an instrumentalist. It’s the most appropriate piece to open a recording of this nature. The other original tune, Val For Dawg, is Keiser’s tip of the hat to the Dawg music of David Grisman.
The other thirteen tracks are all Keiser’s interpretations of well-loved tunes within the bluegrass and acoustic jazz canon. Gold Rush and Bill Cheatham are excellent showcases of Keiser’s bluegrass flatpicking, while Manzanita is Jason’s tip of the hat to his hero, Tony Rice.
Other tracks that should be familiar to listeners are Tennessee Waltz,You Are My Sunshine, and Amazing Grace. While Keiser does take creative liberties with each of these pieces, he does make a point to start and end each of them with a clear statement of the tune’s original melodies, giving us a clear reference of the artistic canvas he’s adding to.
Jason Keiser is a brilliant guitarist, composer, and interpreter of timeless, traditional pieces. Grassology is evidence of his unlimited creativity. It’s a spellbinding and intriguing effort.
The Fort Worth Livestock Show stands as not just a celebration of agriculture and livestock, but also a vibrant hub for showcasing talent and nurturing educational pursuits. At the heart of this iconic event is the 6th annual Fiddle Showdown, a beloved tradition that embraces the rich musical heritage of the region. Beyond the melodies that fill the air, the Fiddle Off contest also serves as a platform for aspiring musicians to vie for scholarships that pave the way for their academic endeavors.
Let’s take a look at the intersection of music, education, and community spirit at the Fort Worth Livestock Show, highlighting the significance of scholarships in empowering the top five fiddle virtuosos and shaping their educational journeys.
At the Fort Worth Livestock Show, there’s more action than a stampede at sundown. From rodeo showdowns to livestock exhibitions, there’s something for everyone to hoot and holler about. But the one event that really strikes a chord is the fiddle contest, where talented young musicians take the stage to saw away at their strings and dazzle the crowd with their tunes.
Fiddlers from 14-18 who are residents of Texas can compete in this toe-tappin’ showdown to see who can make their strings sing the sweetest. From old-timey reels to waltzing ballads, contestants bring their best to win over the judges and claim the top prize. Playing two tunes for the judges, the field of ten was cut in half. As the top five went to tune, and warm up for the second round, the crowd was entertained by Leah Sawyer, Joey McKenzie, & David Sawyer. Leah has many fiddle championships of her own, but since aging out of contests she has taken on the role of showcasing this scholarship event.
Scholarships aren’t just bits of paper with dollar signs – they’re the golden ticket to a brighter future. In the world of education, scholarships play a vital role in leveling the playing field and giving all students a shot at success. Whether it’s helping to cover tuition costs or easing the burden of student loans, scholarships open doors that may have otherwise remained closed.
When it comes to awarding scholarships in the fiddle contest at the Fort Worth Livestock Show, the judges don’t just pick names out of a cowboy hat. They use a finely tuned ear to assess each fiddler’s technique, creativity, and stage presence to determine who’s deserving of the coveted scholarship prize. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. The judges this year were Ridge Roberts, Katie Elmore, and Robert Weeks.
From the twang of the strings to the twinkle in their eye, there are a variety of factors that come into play when selecting scholarship recipients in the fiddle contest. Talent, dedication, and a sprinkle of showmanship all play a part in earning the judges’ favor. So, if you want to snag that scholarship, you better practice those scales and shine brighter than a Texas star in the night sky.
From the fire fiddle tunes to the many heartwarming moments among the competitors, the event was a true testament to the power of music. As the curtain fell on another year at the Fort Worth Livestock Show, it was an unforgettable experience, with friendships made, and tunes shared.
2025 entrants were:
Heather Wyrick
Thomas Paskvan
Michael Tarpley
Gregory Tarpley
Izzie Arnold
Dallin Flake
Clara Mitchell
Max Tarpley
Jude Stewart
Cameron Fleck
After the judging the top five were:
Thomas Paskvan – $2,500 scholarship, buckle, and Certificate to attend Texas Fiddle Clinic. (second consecutive win)
Gregory Tarpley -$2,000 scholarship
Jude Stewart – $1,500 scholarship
Clara Mitchell – $1,000 scholarship
Michael Tarpley -$500 scholarship
Until next time, keep on fiddling and embracing the magic of music at this one-of-a-kind event. As the echoes of fiddles fade and the scholarship recipients embark on their educational pursuits, the Fort Worth Livestock Show’s legacy of talent, opportunity, and community support continues to resonate.
The Fort Worth Livestock Show Fiddle Showdown stands as a beacon of inspiration, uniting passion, talent, and scholarship in a harmonious celebration of excellence and opportunity.
Benny Sidelinger seems like an unassuming sort of guy. His bio consists of an anecdote about an introduction he was once given at a local watering hole where he was rather anonymous at the time. Nevertheless, it’s a clever means of introduction, citing credits that include, performances with Allison Russell, a banjo jam with Michael Franti, a performance at the Rhythm and Blues festival in the Netherlands, and various other festival appearances that have taken him from Vancouver to Calgary to the Newport Folk Festival. That’s not to mention the various albums he’s contributed to by the likes of Po’ Girl, JT Nero, the Shiftless Rounders, the Blackberry Bushes, the Pine Hearts, and any number of others.
The narrative concludes by saying, “He seems to have been everywhere, played with everyone.”
While that may seem an overstatement, the fact is that his new album, Cherry Street, seems to have come out of nowhere. Said to have taken years in coming to fruition, it seems to be the product of an intensive effort involving a number of capable musicians, among them, co-producer Michael Connolly on guitar, fiddle, bass, vocals, and percussion, Aida Miller on vocals and mandolin, Tony Wright on fiddle, and Jason Haugland on drums. Yet at the same time, the results are uncluttered and straight-forward, mostly, but not exclusively, old time banjo-driven tunes flush with honest emotion.
They veer from a rousing take on the traditional standard, House Carpenter, and the steady shuffle of the oft-covered, Corrina, to a series of down-home rambles that include Dirt, Lilacs, and the familiar folk tune, Sugar Babe, as well as a handful of forlorn ballads, Every Goodbye, The Letter Carrier, and She Goes.
To his credit, Sidelinger needn’t rely only on lyrics to convey his astute emotions, as the opening and closing instrumentals Last Chance and a rugged cover of the age-old offering, Growling & Grumbling, prove conclusively.
Still, given any apparent disparity, the material fits together remarkably well, and despite the fact that the 13-song set consists of both original material and music culled from archival sources, it makes for a seamless garment throughout. One can only hope that Cherry Street allows Sidelinger to pursue similar avenues in the future. No doubt there’s more great music awaiting just around the bend.
Variety and versatility have long been the hallmarks of Nefesh Mountain’s career. Based in upstate New York, the duo — consisting of the husband-wife team of singer Doni Zasloff and vocalist, guitarist, and banjo/guitar player Eric Lindberg — have shown their appreciation for traditional music through their ability to bend its boundaries and give it a contemporary context. Americana, folk, bluegrass, jazz, and blues are all part of their wheelhouse, all tempered within the context of their Jewish heritage and reverence for roots music in general.
They take that combined devotion several steps further with Beacons, a two CD set with Eden Sky Records that devotes one disc to Americana and the other to bluegrass. Boasting 18 tracks, it features an impressive array of iconic contributors — Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Mark Schatz, Greg Leisz, Rob McCoury, and Cody Kilby among them.
Given the presence of those particular musicians, it’s certainly understandable that the bluegrass offerings on the second disc provide certain standouts. In many ways, they become astute examples of the duo’s talent and tenacity. Although they wrote the majority of these offerings, their covers of Derek and the Dominos’ Keep On Growing, Rodney Crowell’s beautiful ballad Song for the Life, and the seasoned standard, Keep You Lamp Trimmed and Burning demonstrate the verve and versatility that’s at the very core of Nefesh Mountain’s efforts and ingenuity.
Although some listeners may be drawn to one disc over another, in truth, the two halves work well in sync. The music flows well throughout, and in truth, though it’s billed as “unadulterated Americana,” there’s not a lot of discernible difference between the two sides other than the instrumentation. Those that appreciate any sort of traditional tapestry will find reason to revel in all Beacons has to offer. In that regard, Nefesh Mountain has scaled a new summit.
California-based Broken Compass Bluegrass is a band that specializes in original, inventive jamgrass music. Their second studio release, Through These Trees, demonstrates even more growth through nine songs, all of which were written within the group.
The opening track, Alien Song, really defines not only who Broken Compass Bluegrass is as a band, but also the general theme of this album. Written by Kyle Ledson, this composition carries a sense of oddity and uncertainty about what someone has seen. Along with Ledson on mandolin, octave mandolin, guitar, banjo, and vocals, the group also consists of Django Ruckrich on guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, and vocals, Mei Lin Heirendt on fiddle and vocals, and Sam Jacobs on bass and synth.
Fairies and Lightning by Heirendt also captures the uncertainties of life through mystical metaphors about nature. Set In Stone by Ledson brings things back to a somewhat lighter mood with a song about one’s longing for the person they love.
Try by Ledson is a song of motivation, its lyrics carrying a message of perseverance. This track also features percussion from Adam Steckley.
Trails of Home by Heirendt speaks of the passage of time and the nostalgia that comes with that. It’s one of those songs that subtly reminds the listener that going back home may not be what it once was.
Circustown captures the group’s instrumental abilities, particularly the fiddling of Mei Lin Heirendt, who penned the tune. With a strong joyous melody, this tune demonstrates Heirendt’s refined, commanding approach to the instrument.
Through These Trees is a release filled with uniqueness. With their abilities as vocalists, instrumentalists, and lyricists, Broken Compass Bluegrass is continuing to explore varying musical territory and break new ground in the process, a combination that will further cement their place in the jamgrass world.
Bands included The McClain Family, Kentucky Just Us, Deeper Shade of Blue, Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul, Nick Chandler & Delivered, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, The Country Gentlemen Show, and The Kody Norris Show. Appalachian Road Show brought the house down with their stellar instrumentals and exciting vocal performance. The evening rounded out with The Waddington Brothers, and The David Parmley Band.
However the stage show was only part of the great music at SPBGMA. Jamming has always been a huge part of this long-running weekend event. Jam sessions overflowed the huge lobby of the Sheraton Music City, elbow to elbow and wall to wall. Jam sessions could also be found in many of the guest rooms, stairways, and sometimes even in the elevators.
The Bluegrass Jamboree, last years Bluegrass Radio Station of the Year, was well represented by Jeff Lipchick and Roger Black as they broadcast live from the lobby of the Sheraton. They could be seen conducting interviews with some of bluegrass music’s biggest stars, such as Larry Stephenson, Troy Pope, Caroline Owens, Mike Phipps, and many others.
Stephanie Jones, the President of SPBGMA, also gave an insightful interview about the founding and growth of SPBGMA. The Awards Show and The International Band Competition will take the stage on Saturday and the show will finish off with the final round of the band competition along with several other bands and events on Sunday.
Danny Paisley on Danny Stewart’s January Bluegrass Cruise – photo by Janice Bailey Travis
In the midst of a severe mid-winter polar blast and snowfall, several hundred lucky members of the bluegrass community were able to take a break from the winter weather by attending/performing on Danny Stewart’s Bluegrass Cruise to the Bahamas, January 16-20.
Approximately 350 bluegrass fans boarded Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas for four nights and five days of great music, much nicer weather, and first class treatment.
Stewart shared, “This year’s cruise was probably the best one we’ve had so far out of the fifteen years I’ve been doing this, based on the way the ship was laid out. All the bands did a stellar job. Tennessee Bluegrass Band knocked it out of the park. A lot of people were talking about them, and my new MC, Kelle Perry. They liked all the bands. Fast Track was awesome. Danny Paisley always nails it. Valerie Smith did a great job. Monroe Crossing brings the most people from Minnesota. It’s cold and they want to get out, sail on the seas, and get some sunshine. And Sideline is always a staple. It’s really a good homey feeling. It’s like a big bluegrass family reunion.”
This was the first cruise for the Tennessee Bluegrass Band, and their mandolinist, Tim Laughlin, weighed in. “We’ve had a great time. We’re glad to be here. We appreciate Danny having us. All the fans here have just been great.”
Guitarist and 18-year-old vocalist of TBB, Jacob Sheffield, added, “It’s been a lot of fun. We got to meet a lot of new people and see some familiar faces. We got to hear a lot of good bluegrass music this week. There’s a lot of things to do here so it was a good time overall. I’ve enjoyed playing music, getting to jam some late into the night, and getting to jam with some of the guys like Dale Perry.”
Josiah Sheffield, Jacob’s older brother and TTB bassist, teased on stage that this was his third cruise. The first he went on was to the Canary Islands, but said that he didn’t see any canaries. It became a running joke throughout the remainder of the cruise if he’d seen any canaries.
Skip Cherryholmes of Sideline, who also performed on stage, is also a veteran. “I’ve been doing bluegrass cruises my whole life and Danny and Christa have the most well put together bluegrass cruise I’ve ever been on. They certainly give their patrons their money’s worth while also going out of their way to accommodate all of the bands.”
In addition to all the live entertainment and late night jams, there were also workshops. Ryan Paisley led one on the mandolin, Mark Anderson on the bass, Valerie Smith on vocals, and Lincoln Hensley on the banjo. Participants of the latter were excited to go home having learned the famed Sonny Osborne “jello” lick.
Stewart concluded…
“Going forward, I’m going to be doing another cruise next year out of Florida, right around the same time with different bands. I’d love to have all the bands back, but I’ve got to keep the rotation going.
We’re going to be cruising out of Seattle in August, too. I’m also going to be building my 2027 cruise in July. You’ve got to stay way ahead of it. I know 2027 seems like it’s far away, but you really have to stay ahead or I won’t be able to get the rooms that I need and the group space to make it all happen.”
A fun time was had by all. To get in on the action, visit Danny Stewart’s Bluegrass Cruise online and explore his upcoming events.
Combining the talents of musicians with New Mexico and Texas ties, the Southwest Bluegrass All-Stars is a supergroup chock full of creativity. The group’s debut EP, Introducing The Southwest Bluegrass All-Stars, is made up of mostly original material along with some intriguing interpretations of a couple well-loved standards.
Of the EP’s five tracks, three of them were written by the group’s guitarist, Elliott Rogers. Bluegrass Trucker is a fun up-tempo song about the tedious profession of driving a big rig up and down the roads. Along with Rogers on guitar and lead vocals, the Southwest Bluegrass All-Stars also consists of Steve Smith on mandolin and harmony vocals, Bill Evans on banjo and harmony vocals, and Anne Luna on bass.
Lay My Shovel Down is one of a few story songs on this recording. This particular track is filled with reflection about one’s choice of devoting their life to hard labor and the rewards and consequences that come with it. The latter track, The Ballad of Buster and Nancy, tells a beautiful story about a woman adopting and raising a child who came from less than ideal circumstances.
Mandolinist Steve Smith handles the lead vocals on The Wreck of the Old 97. Smith does an excellent job delivering this tragic, yet timeless tale, as does Bill Evans with his interpretation of Rueben towards the end of the track.
The EP closes with Deputy Dalton, which was a signature piece for the legendary Country Gazette. Fittingly the group collaborates on this track with Alan Munde, who plays stellar twin banjo alongside Evans. This track is the greatest demonstration of the Southwest Bluegrass All-Stars’ instrumental capabilities.
Introducing the Southwest Bluegrass All-Stars is a stellar debut. With captivating original material from Elliott Rogers, plus excellent vocal and instrumental work from Smith, Evans, and Luna, this quartet is bringing something completely fresh and unique to the forefront.
What a wonderful day of fellowship and music Saturday at Pickin’ for a Purpose in Afton, TN!
Bands who donated their time and talents to raise money for hurricane relief in Greene County, TN were Ashleigh Graham & Appalachian Highway, Tennessee Borderline, Red Camel Collective, The Grascals, Lonesome River Band, and No Joke Jimmy’s (Jamie Johnson, Josh Williams, Mike Cleveland, Kyle Perkins, Jason Davis, and Brandon Rickman).
Promoters Ronnie and Tara Crum put their all into anything they do. They’re known for their huge hearts and selfless charity work alongside their friends and helpers Tonya and David Tackett, Robert “Sleepy” Porter, Roger Shelton, Mr. Emmons, Gary York, and many others. With charity events like CamFest, Orange Army, Mandolin Farm, Skinnyfest, and Rudyfest, these hard working people have truly made a huge impact in helping our bluegrass family over the years.
Mark Ramsey, known from the popular show Moonshiners, came to MC the event, and little did we know, he can sing! The Grascals invited him up on stage to sing Lefty Flynn.
I asked Mark and Ronnie about how they came to know each other, and just like anyone else who has been bitten by the bluegrass bug, it was meant to be. They had met at the Dumplin Valley Festival years ago and have been friends ever since.
Quoting Tara Crum with regard to Mark Ramsey, “Mark is…. well he’s Mark! Just like the rest of us, with the most giving heart.” Ronnie asked Mark to MC this show and without hesitation Mark said, “You dang right I can!”
In between bands, there was a live auction for home made cakes and pies, raffle tickets were sold for a 50/50 drawing, and the final count on funds raised is $19,000, which was donated to AIDNET of Greene County. Donations are still being accepted online.
I am so honored to now know these fine folks, and have the opportunity to help with more charity events in the future.
The 2025 edition of the YeeHaw Music Fest is now in the memory banks. Evans Media Source is growing this festival year over year.
Newish Florida band, Dirt Road Dreams, opened the Friday show. Justin Mason, Mr. Florida Bluegrass, came up with the idea for this band in a jam session with twin sisters Spider Prevatt and Moe LaRosa, and Mary Kate Brennan. The harmony of these three needed to be heard from the stage as well as around the campfire. They, along with James Vickers and Justin, do a variety of bluegrass covers and original tunes.
Another Florida band, Penny Creek, followed. They are a group of veteran musicians who present top shelf original music. Seventeen year old Logan Lobdell joined them for a tune. He and John Apfelthaler showed off a little “one handed” banjo playing.
Deeper Shade of Blue spent a second day at YeeHaw wearing more than one hat. Ernie Evans filled in on mandolin with the band. They provided one of the unexpected highlights of the festival. They invited the Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters to do a couple tunes. The band is the four Shamanov sisters who range in age from 9 to 13. We all sometimes hear some people complain about the state of bluegrass music, but with youngsters like these sisters learning and playing bluegrass music, the music has a bright future! Keep an eye out for them.
Rhonda Vincent & the Rage play most of EMS festivals. Few accolades are left to share about Rhonda. She has assembled a band of the very best musicians. She was informed this weekend that she is to be the first “stand alone” female inducted into the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame. Congratulations Rhonda! She is also very proud of daughter Sally’s honor. Sally was a member of the combined forces choir that sang at the late president Carter’s funeral last week. Congratulations Sally!
David Frizzell, younger brother of Lefty, presented a traditional country show during the evening. He presented his and Lefty’s music. Scott Burgess, Troy Pope, and Chris Paganoni also sang some country music – from Haggard to Milsap and beyond. Rhonda Vincent joined him on stage to sing a duet on You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma.
Headin’ Home is a family band from near Savannah, Georgia, featuring Mom and Dad and fthe our older children of the Lindblom family. Lucy and Luke handle the sound reinforcement for EMS festivals. They have five younger siblings who have their own band.
Saturday was kicked off by Florida band, Sandy Back Porch. Sandy Holdeman leads the band and is on the EMS staff. You will find her hawking t-shirts at just about every EMS festival.
Justin Mason and Blue Night is another “newish” Florida band. Justin teamed up with Mary Kate Brennan to form the band. Justin writes songs for the band, and Mary Kate is the “little girl with a big voice.” She also has a solo career doing traditional country music.
Keith Bass and the Bluegrass Express is an Okeechobee group that has long been a part of the YeeHaw festivals. Just turned 18. Ian Lane is the newest member of the band. He has already had the opportunity to play on the Grand Ole Opry. This is a hard driving bluegrass band.
Country star Mo Pitney presented sets of traditional-sounding music. He was joined by Judy Spiva, John Roberts, and Justin Mason. The back up band for both David’s and Mo’s shows were Lonnie Rowland on drums, Mitchell Brown on bass, Sid Spiva on steel guitar, and Ernie Evans on electric guitar. Mitchell produced both shows. Mo has teamed up with John Meyer and they are soon releasing a bluegrass album as Pitney Meyer.
The Malpass Brothers closed out the festival as only they can. I read somewhere that if one shenans, they’ll shenanigan! That’s Taylor! Everyone needs to see these guys for both their top shelf country music and their shenanigans!
