We just heard from Ryan Cavanaugh, letting us know that he will be filling in for Scott Vestal this week with the Sam Bush Band. Scott is under the weather, and Ryan is johnny-on-the-spot when you need a progressive banjo picker
banjo
Dave Denman on the mend
Another member of the bluegrass community on the mend is popular Indiana musician Dave Denman, who is at home recovering from triple bypass surgery. Among Dave's claims to fame is being the mandolin/guitar player with the original version of Union Station,
Jens Kruger tackles JS Bach
Jens Kruger has released a video which captures his arrangement of the first Bach Cello Suite, played on the banjo. It was recorded in late September at Double Time Studio near Kruger's home in North Wilkesboro, NC, produced by Philip Zanon. Jens
Noam talks Punch Brothers, Martin Prize
I had a chance last week to speak with Punch Brothers banjo maestro Noam Pikelny about his new solo project, Beat The Devil and Carry A Rail, due from Compass October 25. He was very frank in discussing the album,
Bela Fleck’s Concerto For Banjo
Saturday, September 24 was a grand evening at the Nashville Symphony. Béla Fleck's Concerto for Banjo was the obvious centerpiece of the night, but the piece was bookended by two symphonic pieces, the first being Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring (with a transcendently serene outro). Next
Good Friends, Good Times from Haley Stiltner
Since its founding in 1982 by Jack Tottle, the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has helped to further the careers of many of today’s prominent bluegrass and country musicians, including Adam Steffey,
Béla Fleck with the Nashville Symphony
This interview with Béla Fleck was conducted by fellow banjoist Jake Schepps, who will review the Concerto based on Saturday's performance. Jake's latest CD, An Evening In The Village, also places the banjo in a classical setting, drawing on the
Sammy Shelor wins Steve Martin prize
Lonesome River Band leader Sammy Shelor has been announced as the 2011 recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music. The award is in recognition of Sammy's high level of musicianship, and the impact he has
Steve Martin on Sammy Shelor
We reported on Tuesday that Sammy Shelor had been selected as the 2011 recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music. This is the second year that Martin has endowed this $50,000 annual award, which
Noam Pikelny: Beat The Devil and Carry A Rail
Punch Brothers' banjo monster Noam Pikelny is set to releases his second solo project, Beat The Devil and Carry A Rail, on Compass October 25. Fellow Punch Brothers Chris Thile and Chris Eldridge provide mandolin and guitar respectively, while Punchy fiddler