Bluegrass Beyond Borders

When guitarist Steve Volz made the fateful decision to relocate from the US to Germany, little did he know that in doing he'd become an ambassador of sorts for genuine American music. While that may be overstating the case a

Mountains have always been an integral component as far as bluegrass and traditional music is concerned. Songs that reflect the inspiration of altitude originated with those who once dwelled overseas before eventually resettling in the US, and Appalachia in particular,

Malin Petersen is what some folks might refer to as bi-continental. Raised in Norway by parents that considered themselves steadfast music lovers — her dad being a country musician and her mother a lover of jazz — she began her

One of the first countries to ever reflect the extent of America's musical influence was the Soviet Union. Even at the height of the Cold War, visiting musicians from the US managed to find an immediate connection with their Russian

If there’s one individual in particular who has been the most ardent promoter of bluegrass in his native New Zealand —and one who has done so with a determination and dexterity that reflects his true devotion to the cause —

It may seem like an unlikely connection at first, but the ties that bind Scandinavia to the birth of bluegrass are more common than most would think. Many of the settlers that originally arrived in Appalachia came from those nordic

Johnny & The Yooahoos - photo by Ron Ronson Bavaria may be known to much of the world for its majestic mountains, its celebration of Oktoberfest, its rich cuisine, and a host of oompah bands. So credit Johnny & the Yooahoos

Finding a common connection that bridges a cultural divide can often present a challenge. However, when it comes to building bridges, music makes the challenge seem a lot less formidable. Ireland’s Bat Kinane & the Whole Hog Band has asserted

If Switzerland has anything at all in common with Appalachia, it’s due to the mountains and a penchant for celebrating in upper elevations. That gave the Swiss band that calls itself Caludo cause to create a new brand of bluegrass,

It’s a credit to bluegrass’ international popularity, that Abalone, a band from the Czech Republic would come to embrace the style as its own. Founded in 2010 as an offshoot of a previous band, P.O. Ruby, its original three members