• Chris Pandolfi’s IBMA Address

    Chris Pandolfi has posted video of the Keynote Address he delivered last Tuesday (9/27) at IBMA's 2011 World Of Bluegrass convention. After a brief introduction from Craig Havighurst, Chris launches into the thoughts behind the Bluegrass Manifesto which he published earlier this

  • Driven from Matt Hayes

    We got a note from Canadian fiddler, Matt Hayes, about his new release, Driven. The 20 year old has what appears to be a straight-ahead bluegrass album, mixed and mastered by banjo, fiddle, everything ace Ron Stewart - who also

  • Bringing Songwriters into the IBMA Community

    Louisa Branscomb remembers the feeling of a different IBMA world. Walking along the banks of the Ohio river at a past World of Bluegrass celebration (then held in Owensboro, Kentucky), she reflected on the honors bestowed upon groups, vocalists, instrumentalists,

  • A year of Bill Monroe – Thanks Richard!

    Over the past year, while celebrating the Bill Monroe Centennial, we have enjoyed Richard F. Thompson's daily posts chronicling important career milestones regarding Big Mon and his many Blue Grass Boys. Richard chose to entitle his series I'm Going Back To

  • 2011 Fan Fest photos

    As we pack up to head back east from Nashville, here's one last photo gallery from Roy Swann, capturing this weekend's Fan Fest activities.  

  • They’re Changing MY Music

    As if I wasn’t conflicted already, Laurie Lewis had to fan the flames. The face of the Bill Monroe stared down from the huge banner that adorned the stage. Preparing to announce the Dobro Player of the year award, she

  • Bluegrass Today test of knowledge

    Have you ever thought of someone you know as a “bluegrass know-it-all?” Has anyone ever accused you of the same? Or worse, has anyone ever suggested to you that you know nothing about bluegrass music? I can say from personal experience that,

  • Clay Hess, With Help From His Friends

    Of all the great jam sessions during IBMA’s World of Bluegrass this week, the hottest of all took place Friday night when Clay Hess gathered with some friends to celebrate the release of his solo project, Rain. And what friends they

  • Blue Yodel #2: Ask Mr. Blue Grass Smarty Pants

    Ask Mr. Blue Grass Smarty Pants will appear at odd times in the Blue Yodel column. Please send questions and comments to chris@chrisstuart.com for possible use. Dear Mr. Blue Grass Smarty Pants, When was the Blue Grass music discovered and what was it doing

  • And a note from Bryan Sutton

    We also heard from Bryan Sutton this morning, who like Rob Ickes, was unable to attend Thursday's IBMA Awards Show and receive his trophy. Bryan's Guitar Player of the Year award was accepted by his Hot Rize bandmate Pete Wernick,