Jon Kahn is a country music artist and songwriter, who was convinced by a chance encounter with a bluegrass band that his song, American Heart, needed to be recut as a bluegrass song and released to bluegrass radio. Kahn is also
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Andy Carswell passes
We received a note from Australian grassers The Stetson Family with news that their mandolinist, Andy Carswell, had passed away in mid-March after a three year bout with cancer. Both Andy and the band had made an effort to keep his
Section House – A Collection of Instrumentals
Back in 1995, an unexpected event triggered one of the most successful instrumental bluegrass series in history. Guitarist Clay Jones recorded an album of scorching fiddle tunes with a group of his friends for Pinecastle Records. But after it was completed, he slipped
15th Annual KSMU Youth In Bluegrass Band Contestants
Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO has announced the 23 bands that have been accepted into this year's KSMU Youth In Bluegrass Band Contest. The competition is scheduled for May 28 at the park during their annual Bluegrass & BBQ Festival,
Mitch Manns Memorial in Flat Rock
“What’s goin’ on?” Mitch Manns greeted everyone with these words. His greeting was silenced on March 18, 2016. Mitch was an icon in the southeast Michigan music scene, especially in the bluegrass and country arenas. He had a long and storied music career,
IBMA Keeping Eye on ‘Toilet Bill’
Controversial legislation in North Carolina has IBMA stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place, a development that makes the usual arguments about the definition of bluegrass seem quaint. On one side are some members, musicians and fans who say
MerleFest announces Chris Austin finalists for ’16
MerleFest has today announced the finalists for the 2016 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Well over 700 entries were received for the annual competition this year, broken into four board categories. Austin was a native of nearby Boone, NC, an artist and songwriter
Merle Haggard, R.I.P.
I'm sure most of our readers have heard by now of the passing of the great Merle Haggard today, departing on his 79th birthday. As is appropriate, the news is a major media story in the entertainment industry. Such was
Shaun Richardson to Dailey & Vincent
Dailey & Vincent have announced the addition of Shaun Richardson to their band, filling the spot vacated by Seth Taylor's move to full time with Mountain Heart. At only 20 years of age, Shaun is already an experienced hand on the road,
Dixie & Tom T. Hall: A Homegrown Love Story
The International Bluegrass Music Museum is hard at work preparing a new exhibit that traces the lives of legendary country and bluegrass songwriters, Tom T. and Dixie Hall. Tom T. had a successful career as a country singer as well, while