• Bruce Johnson passes

    Noted west coast fiddler Bruce Johnson passed away on November 20, presumably from complications of COVID-19. He was 67 years of age. Best known to the larger bluegrass community for his time with Sawmill Road and the album he recorded with

  • Sawmill Road returns to bluegrass!

    Back in the early days of the new century, there was a very popular group out west that was making waves in the bluegrass community. Composed of a quintet of veteran performers, Sawmill Road, thrilled audiences close to home, but were

  • Folk Remedies from Steve Spurgin

    California singer/songwriter Steve Spurgin has had a long career in acoustic music, weaving his way in and out of the bluegrass world over the years. Moving out west from his native Texas in the 1960s, he eventually found his way into

  • Sawmill Road in the studio

    California's Sawmill Road is in the studio this month as well, working on their third recording at Eric Uglum's New Wine Studios in Apple Valley. Despite a well-received showcase at IBMA in 2008, the band is not well known beyond the

  • Fire On The Kettle from Sawmill Road

    Just in time for the big festivals in California this weekend, Golden Staters Sawmill Road announce the release of their second CD, Fire On The Kettle. The band, made up of five experienced west coast pickers, was a big hit at

  • Wednesday luncheon showcases

    This afternoon's (10/1) official IBMA showcase offered a number of surprises - new faces, even with familiar acts. Brance and I were there to catch it all while we grabbed a plate or two of "free food." Alecia Nugent was first