The New River is legendary in bluegrass and old time music, primarily through the song New River Train. The river actually flows quite near where I live, and I cross over it regularly traveling south on I-81 from Roanoke – headed that way shortly, in fact.
When I discovered a 24/7 online bluegrass audio feed called New River Valley Bluegrass, I figured they must be neighbors, only to find that the stream is operated in Ocala, FL by Dennis Quesenberry. He plays traditional and contemporary bluegrass, and the whole project is a labor of love for this retired transportation manager and world traveler who grew up in a family of bluegrass musicians.
We caught up with Dennis late last week to find out a bit about this venture – and how a Floridian chose to name his Internet station for a river in Virginia.
“I am from the New River Valley of Southwest Virginia. Many great musicians and great songs came from Galax, Roanoke and or Wytheville…..Like bisquits and gravy….
I have been streaming Nrvbluegrass since July 2007. The music I play is what I would call straight up bluegrass….music that has been flavored or influenced by Martin, Monroe, The Stanleys, Reno&Smiley and like. I try to play some of the most current flavored with classics of the past and occasional great Gospel.
I do not charge to provide this site, but ocassionally I advertise festivals for the largest promoters around the country to help with costs.”
You can check out New River Valley Bluegrass at nrvbluegrass.com.
