Reviews

I don’t think many of us realized just how much bluegrass music festivals have been such an important part of our lives until they were taken away. Many Charlotte Bluegrass festival goers spent Thursday morning visiting with old friends and

"Music makes the world a better place." That's a line Russell Moore sang from Grandpa's Mandolin Saturday afternoon at Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival in Roxboro in north central North Carolina. Written by Billy and Terry Smith and Mark Irwin, the

Often described as a "Jewgrass" band due to the commitment and connection to their religion and upbringing, Nefesh Mountain’s Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff manage to dismiss any disparities between ethnicity and the essence of abject grassicana. So too, as

Lonesome River Band at the 2021 Willow Oak Park Bluegrass Festival - photo by Sandy Hatley Wonderful weather, a pristine park, and marvelous music make a perfect combination for a great weekend of bluegrass music. Willow Oak Music Park, a 60

Grace van't Hof and Conner Vlietstra — a.k.a. Sinner Friends — take their traditions seriously. Both musicians are seeped in the sounds of vintage bluegrass and the seminal styles of country, ragtime, Gospel, and other musical forms culled from old-time authenticity. Of

Yonder Mountain String Band at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (June 10, 2021) - photo © 529 Photography With bluegrass providing the official soundtrack to mountain towns and mountain sports everywhere, Yonder Mountain String Band was the perfect choice to open this year's

For many bluegrassers, especially those of the older generations, the name Camp Springs is synonymous with festivals. With Carlton Haney at the helm, it was the place to be on Labor Day weekend throughout the 1970s. After several decades with

Merle Monroe made a huge splash in the bluegrass world back in 2019 with the release of their debut album, Back to the Country. With a great, fresh sound mixing bluegrass and classic country, guided by Tim Raybon's clear vocals

Given the angst and uncertainty the world has encountered over the past 18 months, Waiting Out the Storm would seem to be an apt title for Billy Droze's latest release. Then again, Droze knows a little something about longevity and

Mount Airy Bluegrass & Old Time Fiddlers Convention - photo by Mark T Brown Some of the most cherished traditions for bluegrass pickers, particularly in the Appalachian region, are the annual fiddlers' conventions that take place throughout the spring and summer