Missy Raines

America's favorite pre-teen grassers, Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, have announced October 4 as the release date for their debut album, America's Music. It's their instrumental tribute to their bluegrass forebears - their musical great-grandfathers? - with 12 tracks featuring the picking

The now world-famous Sleepy Man Banjo Boys have been in the studio of late, recording an album of traditional bluegrass instrumental music. The timing of this long-planned venture coincides perfectly with their sudden popularity. A number of appearances on national

As a songwriter, I’ve been curious about the origins of a somber tune Missy Raines wrote called Ides of March since I first heard it in 2008. So with March 15 approaching, I decided to ask. Missy was a few weeks

The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment is a new non-profit organization based in Crewe, Virginia (west of Richmond), at the historic WSVS 800 AM radio station. Its mission is to turn WSVS into a working museum and have it designated

David Morris attended Bass Strummit III as the winner of Barry Bales’ Have Bass, Will Travel video contest on Bluegrass Today. Here, he shares his thoughts from the workshop. If you need to reach him, he’s probably practicing. Sorry, honey, but

Mike Witcher, who has played resonator guitar with Missy Raines and the New Hip since its inception in 2002, has announced his departure from the group. In addition to being a fine musician, Witcher also has a photography business, and

Jim Hurst has announced his departure from The Claire Lynch Band after 10 years of faithful service. He worked with her as a member of The Front Porch String Band from 1995-2000, and again with The Claire Lynch Band from

We posted last month about the benefit concert for Eddie & Martha Adcock, held to help them overcome the financial difficulties they face as a result of Eddie's medical issues this past year. Scott Street, an attorney in Richmond, VA

In addition to preparing for IBMA, WAMU's Bluegrass Country host Katy Daley has several big interviews on tap this week during her morning show. This morning (9/23) at 9:00 a.m. (EDT), Katy will speak with Valerie Smith about her 3rd annual

Mike Witcher, current reso man with Missy Raines & The New Hip, has published a second instructional book for resonator guitar. Resonator Guitar: 20 Bluegrass Jam Favorites contains precisely what the title suggests. Mike has created intermediate level arrangements for 20