Reviews

Finnish musician Jussi Syren and his band the Groundbreakers have been mining their music since 1995, not only emulating an authentic bluegrass sound but also mining it to the max under their own auspices. They’ve toured Europe and several states

Friday dawned warm and sunny with threats of thunderstorms that never materialized at the 2019 Norwalk Music Festival. Early risers played bingo called by Betty Jo Hickman. Then was a day that showcased Ohio based bands. MC, Earl ”The Pearl” Workman, greeted

There’s something about Tom Petty’s sweet song Wildflowers that ensures the fact that no matter who covers it, or how many times one hears it, it’s bound to remain as indelible as ever. A great song stands up to any

The 7th Norwalk Music Festival is in full swing. Promoters Kurt and Betty Jo Hickman have set up this festival as a 501(c)(3) to benefit Alzheimer’s research. The festival is held at the Huron County Fairgrounds in Norwalk, Ohio over

There are many country artists whose songs and style have impacted bluegrass music throughout the years, but perhaps none more than Merle Haggard. These days, it’s rare to find a bluegrass band – especially those in the more neo-traditional, hard-driving

There’s something to be said for longevity, especially in today’s transient world. Fads come and go, musical tastes seem to change on a daily basis, and any definitions meant to determine a specific style of music seem to fluctuate with

Taking the name of his new band from the title of his debut album, Scott Slay makes an impressive bow with The Rail, 13 easily accessible songs that effectively affirm his gift for composition and craft. A veteran of the

Once again this month, musicians descended upon the little town of Weiser, Idaho for the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival (NOTFC). Plenty of folks of all ages come to compete, but even more come to jam, and to meet and

Wednesday night and Thursday morning brought inches of rain to the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival. But Friday and Saturday brought acres of sunshine and warmth! One little girl had found some of the remaining mud and was having great fun wading

After three previous albums, the Colorado based band that refers to itself as FY5 — the “F” and”Y” refer to the last names of the group's two principals, singer, guitarist and songwriter Mike Finders, and bassist, vocalist Erin Youngberg —