• Bé Holdtman passes

    This remembrance of a prominent figure in the Dutch bluegrass community is a contribution from Pieter Groenveld. Bé Holdtman: 1943 – 2012 I’m very sorry to report that one of the most productive bluegrass concert organizers in Holland, Bé Holdtman passed away on

  • Blue Yodel #56 – Mr. Blue Grass Smarty Pants

    Our guest smarty pants this week has been called the Father of Bluegrass History—okay, I just called him that, but it’s apt. Neil Rosenberg is Professor Emeritus of Folklore at Memorial University of Newfoundland, a chair formerly held by Gandalf. Neil

  • The Outliers Fit In

    The Outliers, as the name of this North Carolina band might suggest, aren’t afraid to stray beyond the bounds of bluegrass for their self-titled debut CD. It’s evident in the song selection, especially on Shout – a pop hit for Tears

  • Dueling Christmas lights

    Here's a clever video to start the week, one that first made the rounds two years ago. Folks who go big for flamboyant outdoor Christmas decorations are well aware of programmable controllers that allow the end user to create their own

  • Grand Marshall Doyle

    Following on the heels of his percussion thunderation earlier this week, Doyle Lawson found himself in a ceremonial role last night, serving as the Grand Marshall for the 31st Annual Bristol Christmas Parade. He waved and smiled like a real parade pro as

  • The Expedition Show in the studio

    The Expedition Show is recording this month, sequestering themselves at Depression Lies Studio in Sevierville, TN. That's the studio owned and operated by Show mandolinist, Alex Hibbitts. The new album will be released on Mountain Fever Records sometime in the Spring or

  • Two new mandolin books from Mel Bay

    Mel Bay has a pair of new mandolin books, aimed at two different strata of pickers. Children's Mandolin Method, written by William Bay (son of the company's founder, Mel) is just what the title suggests. It follows the familiar method book