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The history of the banjo stretches across a complex, international terrain, from West Africa and the Caribbean, to North America and around the world. On August 6, Smithsonian Folkways will release ‘Classic Banjo from Smithsonian Folkways,’ a 30-track compilation that captures the great versatility of the banjo and how it helped shape American musical identity, including the instrument’s vital role in the 1960s folk revival.

The collection offers an introduction to some of the many faces behind the music of the banjo, such as a recording of a young Pete Seeger performing a rapid-fire banjo medley as well as Doc Watson’s 1976 rendition of “Rambling Hobo,” the first banjo tune Watson, better known for his guitar playing, ever learned. Other featured performers include Elizabeth Cotten, Bill Evans, Snuffy Jenkins, Bill Keith, Dink Roberts, Roni Stoneman, Tony Trischka, and Don Vappie.

Listen to selections from ‘Classic Banjo from Smithsonian Folkways’: http://www.folkways.si.edu/radio/classic_banjo_preview/index.html

‘Classic Banjo’ was compiled by ethnomusicologist Greg Adams and archivist Jeff Place from over 300 albums in the Smithsonian Folkways collection, and is the 22nd album in Smithsonian Folkways acclaimed ‘Classic’ series. Place, archivist at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage’s Rinzler Archives, has produced more than 50 Smithsonian Folkways recordings, including the GRAMMY-winning ‘Woody at 100: The Woody Guthrie Centennial Collection’. Adams is also currently an archivist at Rinzler Archives and has been playing banjo and studying its history since 1994, working closely with scholars, musicians, and collectors to raise awareness of the banjo’s broader multicultural significance.

As with every compilation in the Smithsonian Folkways Classic Series, ‘Classic Banjo’ explores the breadth and depth of a genre while the liner notes offer insight into the cultural and historical contexts of each selection. During the last 10 years, Smithsonian Folkways has released Classic compilations of bluegrass, folk, blues, maritime, old-time, and mountain music, among others.

‘Classic Banjo from Smithsonian Folkways’ tracklist:
1. Fly Around My Blue-Eyed Girl / Cripple Creek / Ida Red / Old Joe Clark — Pete Seeger (2:35)
2. Banging Breakdown — Hobart Smith (1:17)
3. Johnson Boys — Frank Proffitt (1:41)
4. Peachbottom Creek — Wade Ward (1:24)
5. Coo Coo — Dink Roberts (2:10)
6. Josh Thomas's Roustabout — Mike Seeger (2:38)
7. Jaw Bone — Willie Chapman (0:52)
8. Bright Sunny South — Dock Boggs (3:36)
9. Coal Creek March — Pete Steele (1:52)
10. Mississippi Heavy Water Blues — Josh Thomas (3:37)
11. Walk Light Ladies — Rufus Crisp (1:28)
12. Buck Creek Girls — Bill Cornett (1:00)
13. Gut Bucket Blues — Don Vappie (4:15)
14. Skylark / Roaring Mary — Mick Moloney (3:24)
15. St. Anne's Reel / La Renfleuse Gorbeil — Ken Perlman (2:50)
16. Smokey Mokes — Roger Sprung (2:21)
17. Golden Bell Polka — A.L. Camp (2:25)
18. Banjoland — Tony Trischka with Bill Evans (3:00)
19. Sally Ann — Snuffy Jenkins (1:10)
20. Lonesome Road Blues — Roni Stoneman (1:12)
21. Fox Chase — Lee Sexton (0:56)
22. Hop Along Lou — John Tyree (1:08)
23. Cotton Eyed Joe — "Big Sweet" Lewis Hairston (1:23)
24. Foggy Mountain Top — Ola Belle Reed (2:29)
25. Rambling Hobo — Doc Watson (1:37)
26. Old Rattler — John Snipes (2:46)
27. Georgia Buck — Elizabeth Cotten (1:42)
28. I Wish to the Lord I'd Never Been Born — Irvin Cook (3:07)
29. Black Eye Susie — Roscoe Holcomb (1:24)
30. Bluegrass Breakdown — Bill Keith with Bill Monroe and The Blue Grass Boys (3:09)

California, MD -- This year’s Bluegrass for Hospice-2013 is in full swing of planning and it’s looking to be an exciting year for the event. Headlining this year will be Larry Sparks, celebrating 50 years in Bluegrass entertainment, along with Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, a Rebel recording artist. The event will be held on Saturday October 26, 2013 at the Flat Iron Farm in Great Mills, Maryland.

Bluegrass for Hospice is a one day music festival and a family oriented event that is a fundraiser for our local Hospice House of St. Mary’s County. Last year Bluegrass for Hospice-2012 raised $23,000.00 with a $2,500.00 increase from the previous year. In its 5th year of success, this event has grown to be the largest fundraiser for our local Hospice of St. Mary’s. The event was inspired by Jay Armsworthy when his 2 Grandfathers past several years ago. The mission of Hospice is to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their families and bereavement care to those families and the community. Hospice of St. Mary's is a 501 (c) 3 organization.

Along with many local Bluegrass Bands, there will be, as always, money raffles, Door Prizes, Silent Auctions, and food available for sale. Non-perishable food items will also be collected for the Helping Hands Food Bank in Hollywood, MD.

If you or someone you know would be interested in being a sponsor for Bluegrass for Hospice-2013, please contact Jay Armsworthy at 301-737-3004 for further information. Flyers and tickets will be printed soon, but there’s still some time to be included. Advanced tickets are on sale now at http://www.ticketderby.com/event?id=247117&ref=1.

For further information about the “Bluegrass for Hospice-2013”, go to the website at www.BluegrassForHospice.com or call 301-737-3004.

Come support the I'll Fly Away Foundation Scholarship Program, enjoy great food in a fun atmosphere at Margaritaville Nashville, and be entertained by award winning and exciting talent! All for a great cause! The lineup includes: Grammy and Award Winning songwriters, Cordle Jackson and Salley, Sony Music Artist The Rhett Walker Band, International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Band of the Year Monroeville, Atlanta GA favorites The Deadfields, Commedian Josh Phillips, and many more new up and coming acts!

Three of Nashville's premiere songwriters, Lary Cordle, Carl Jackson and Jerry Salley, have written for names such as: Garth Brooks, Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, Patty Loveless, Alison Krauss, Diamond Rio, Gene Watson, Pam Tillis, The Osbourne Brothers, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Mel Tillis, George Jones, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Glen Campbell, Nancy Sinatra, Dolly Parton and a host of others. Now, as Cordle, Jackson and Salley, the trio offers the crowd a glimpse into their Grammy and industry award winning minds by performing and telling the behind the scenes stories of some of their greatest musical hits and original compositions.

This outspoken 25-year-old son of a preacher was born and raised around the South, his mellow yet animated voice a sure mix of Georgia and the Carolinas. In that drawl, he tells an intense wild oats story tempered by God’s grace, a testimony that fuels the deep-fried rock and deep- down worship on Rhett Walker Band’s debut, Sony/Provident/Essential Records recording, Come To The River.

Embracing a crossover sound between progressive bluegrass and acoustic country, the 2012 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Band of the Year, Monroeville, has caught the attention of music lovers on both sides of the track. Based out of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg, TN, each member is multi-instrumental, and has been nominated for and or won awards from Dove, CCMA, IBMA, and or the GRAMMYS®. They have appeared at events such as Grey Fox, NASCAR, Rocky Grass, and devote much of their time with youth projects while on tour, appearing in front of already 12,000 kids in schools the first of 2013 alone. Their new project is slated to be released this summer.

Americana/Folk-Rock group from Atlanta, GA, The Deadfields' live show is full on, honest energy from start to finish. Whether performing to a packed house or just the lucky few that happen to discover the room, no matter, The Deadfields’ show is something you can’t forget.

The I'll Fly Away Foundation was establlished for educating young people through musical expression while preserving our musical heritage and providing scholarships for those who wish to go to school for a career in the music industry. Click here for more information.

Presented by the Sheri Clark Agency, The AcoustiCana Journal and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Nashville. For more information and updates: http://www.acousticana.us/acousticana-series-cma

Hiltons, VA --Saturday, June 1 st , 2013, at 7:30 p.m. the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert by an old time band - Wayne Henderson and Friends. Performing with Wayne will be Jeff Little, piano player extraordinaire. Concert admission is $10for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free. Wayne Henderson’s top-notch finger-picking is a source of great pleasure and pride to his friends, family, and neighbors in Grayson County, Virginia. His guitar playing has also been enjoyed at Carnegie Hall, in three national tours of Masters of the Steel-String Guitar, and in seven nations in Asia. In addition to his reputation as a guitarist, Henderson is a luthier of great renown. He is a recipient of a 1995 National Heritage Award presented by the National End
owment for the Arts. He produces about twenty instruments a year, mostly guitars; he is almost as well-known for the mandolins he has made. Doc Watson owned a Henderson mandolin.

Some of Henderson's instruments are intricately decorated, but they are most respected for their volume, tone, and resonance. Blues guitarist John Cephas said that Wayne Henderson “is probably the most masterful guitar maker in this whole United States.” There is a waiting list for Henderson's guitars made up of the “famous (and not-so-famous).” He built a custom guitar for Eric Clapton. Above and beyond his great talents as a musician and instrument maker, Wayne Henderson is known as a “friend to everyone” and shares his talents and knowledge unselfishly.

Hotshot rockabilly pianist Jeff Little comes from Boone, North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge, where he grew up surrounded by music. Jeff began to play piano at age five. His family owned a music store, and musicians of all persuasions dropped by to play a few tunes with the kid, which helps account for Jeff's mastery of a range of styles.

But Jeff’s critical influence was Appalachian singer and guitarist Doc Watson, a neighbor and close family friend. His uncompromising approach helped shape Jeff's approach to music. Known as a keeper of deep Appalachian traditions, Watson was a rockabilly guitarist when he began visiting Little’s Music Store in Boone to play a few tunes with his young friend. Today Jeff Little is still conversant with a range of music, but finds his greatest joy in performing two styles that were hot when he was growing up in the music store – rockabilly and traditional Appalachian music. An astounding performer in the rockabilly genre, he obviously owes some inspiration to Jerry Lee Lewis. “Oh sure, you had to know some Jerry Lee when I was coming up. His tunes would buy you a burger; you didn’t have to live on peanuts. But even back then I never did get to thinking I was Jerry Lee. I kept a lot of me in my music.”

Jeff Little’s approach to the music of his native Blue Ridge is based upon the traditional dance of the area and a regional piano style. Made famous by Al Hopkins of The Bucklebusters on 1920s Brunswik recordings, the piano style was also performed by Woodie Blevins and others. Hopkins lived at Gap Creek, between the ancestral homes of Doc’s and Jeff’s families. But there is also an echo of more contemporary mountain tradition in Jeff’s performance. His lead solos, much influenced by the flat-pick guitar tradition, are breathtaking in their speed, precision and clarity. They tell that he learned much from Doc Watson.

Rounding out Wayne’s group of friends accompanying him will be Helen White on fiddle and guitar, Greg Cornett on banjo and vocals, and Herb Key on bass. For one of the best nights of old time music you can imagine, don’t miss Wayne Henderson and Friends with Jeff Little. Be sure to bring along your dancing shoes –and your friends!

Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go to http://www.carterfamilyfold.org. Shows from the Carter Family Fold can be accessed on the internet at http://www.carterfoldshow.com.

Carter Music Center is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http://thecrookedroad.org. Partial funding for programs at the center is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054. The Fold is on Facebook – page Carter Fold – and Twitter – Twitter @carterfoldinfo. To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276-594-0676.

Nashville, TN -- Bluegrass music artists Nu-Blu kicks off The Ten Tour (#thetentour) in the Midwest this week with numerous performances in Kansas, then to Oklahoma and West Virginia before beginning their east coast leg of the tour. The Ten Tour, is just one of the ways that Nu-Blu is celebrating their 10 year anniversary, with many contests and special events planned for the coming year.

The band’s bus, Lola, as known to their fans, includes a new bus wrap thanks to Peterson Tuners. “We are thrilled to have our wonderful partners Peterson Tuners, D’Addario, QSC, and Neumann Microphones this year. We are excited about the upcoming year and everything that we have planned for our fans.” said Nu-Blu.

May – June 2013 performances include:
Tuesday, May 21 - Rodgers Ultimate House Concert Series, Condordia, KS
Thursday, May 23 - Mayberry's Restaurant, Washington, KS
Friday, May 24 - The Blair Theater, Belleville, KS
Saturday, May 25 - Ad Astra Books and Coffee House, Salina, KS
Sunday, May 26 - Americana Music Academy, Lawrence, KS
Thursday, May 30 - Tallgrass Festival, Skiatook, OK
Sat-Sun, June 1-2 - 14th Annual Bluegrass and Gospel Festival, Hamlin, WV
Friday, June 7 - Charleston Music Hall, Charleston, SC
Saturday, June 8 - The Great American Music Reunion, Robersonville, NC
Wednesday, June 12 - Brewing Station, Kitty Hawk, NC
Thursday, June 13 - Chilli Peppers OBX Tour, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Friday, June 14 - Outer Banks Jubilee, Kitty Hawk, NC
Saturday, June 15 - Rivertown Bluegrass Society, Conway, SC
Sunday, June 16 - Outer Banks Fishing Pier Music Series, Nags Head, NC
Tuesday, June 18 - The Shack, Corolla, NC
Wednesday, June 19 - Chilli Peppers OBX Tour, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Thursday, June 20 - Red Drum Tap House, Nags Head, NC
Friday, June 21 - Bluegrass @ Sugar Creek, Nags Head, NC
Saturday, June 22 - Banjo Island @ Bob Bates Bluegrass Theater, Frisco
Sunday, June 23 - MUSEP Concert, Greensboro, NC
Friday, June 28 - Mason District Park, Annandale, VA
Sat-Sun, June 29-30 - Madrid River Bluegrass Festival, Madrid, NY
Sunday, June 30 - Madrid River Bluegrass Festival

While still receiving chart success for their last album, Nail by Nail, the band is poised to announce a brand new album next week. Fans can keep up to date on Nu-Blu news including band members Daniel Routh, Carolyn, Routh, Levi Austin and Austin Koerner, by checking out their brand new website, Facebook and following them on Twitter (@nu_blu, #thetentour, #10things), and Instagram.
“Martha and Mary,” written by Becky Buller and Nancy Cardwell, is the first single release from Nail by Nail released on Pinecastle Records. The song appears at #2 on this month’s Singing News Magazine Top Song Chart for the second month in a row, climbs higher on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 30 Bluegrass Song Chart, and previously debuted at #8 on Bluegrass Today’s Weekly Top 20.

Nu-Blu is also proud to announce their lead vocalist and bassist, Carolyn Routh, graduated from the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Leadership Bluegrass 2013. Leadership Bluegrass is an intensive, three-day program focused on interactive learning and networking experiences that invite participants to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the bluegrass music industry, along with leadership development issues. Leadership Bluegrass 2013 was hosted at BMI, and Bone McAllester Norton PLLC in Nashville, Tennessee earlier this month.

By mixing their original songs along with traditional material, and incorporating songs from other generes, Nu-Blu creates a unique and driving blend of music which has been attracting fans and new audiences across the country.

Nashville, TN -- Home Sweet Home by Mike Scott is Now available on iTunes, Amazon and other fine digital and CD retailers. The album is also available now to radio programmers and DJ’s via. AirPlayDirect. Rural Rhythm Records is saluting the 150 th Anniversary of the Civil War (1861-1865) with an instrumental album titled Home Sweet Home, which contains 14 songs that were popular during the Civil War Era.

Mike Scott (producer & performer) has assembled an all-star group of musicians to pay tribute to the popular parlor songs, minstrel songs and marching songs from this era, which are now known as traditional standards. Joining Scott on this album are awarding winning players Adam Steffey, Rob Ickes, Bryan Sutton, Aubrey Haynie, Tim Stafford, Mike Compton, Ben Isaacs, Jeff Taylor and Scott Miller.

“I am so excited about this Civil War Era project. My own banjo heritage traces back to both of my grandfathers. Also, my great grandmother “Verdie” on my dad’s side played banjo and was born during the 1860’s Civil War period. I never had the opportunity to meet any of them, but I am proud to carry on the banjo legacy in our family”, says Mike Scott.

The songs on Home Sweet Home could be heard during the 1860’s in America’s major cities, small towns, rural areas and soldier encampments during the Civil War. The song “Ashokan Farewell”, written by Jay Ungar, and heard throughout the Ken Burns Civil War TV series was included in the collection due to its familiarity to this period in time based on the TV series popularity. 150 years later, these 13 American musical treasures can be enjoyed again on this special collection. These songs should not be lost and forgotten, but passed down to future generations as a part of America’s musical heritage.

Mike Scott says, “I dedicate this project to those who broke through the pages of our nation’s history and paved the way for a better America. I hope these tunes will touch you and give you a reminder of a period of time captivated as part of our nation’s journey to unity and freedom. May it bring you joy, put a smile on your face and put some ‘giddy-up’ in your step”!

Mike Scott is seen by millions of TV viewers each week during prime-time on RFD-TV, (72 million households), performing with Ronnie Reno & Reno Tradition on the Reno's Old-Time Music Show. He also is the host of the new music TV series Behind the Dream™ currently airing on BlueHighways TV.

Nashville, TN -- Dave Adkins & Republik Steele are celebrating their hot new album That's Just the Way I Roll (Rural Rhythm) with a busy tour schedule and heavy radio airplay. Dave Adkins and Republik Steele member Kenny O’Quinn head to Nashville this week in support of the album. They will appear on WSM 650.AM Radio’s “Coffee, Country and Cody” show with Bill Cody Wednesday morning at 9:15 am before making a stop by the new offices of the International Bluegrass Music Association. Later in the day, they will sit down with Sirius XM Radio Bluegrass Junction Host, Kyle Cantrell for an in-depth interview scheduled for later broadcast.

Wednesday evening, you can hear a live interview with Adkins on Virginia’s WBBC Bobcat Country Radio’s “Sweet Brenda & Him” show at 8:00 pm as the band travels to Mossy Oak Music Park in Guyton, Georgia for a performance Thursday evening. This weekend, Dave Adkins & Republik Steele continue their tour with performances at Dr. Ralph Stanley’s 43rd Annual Memorial Weekend Bluegrass Festival in Coeburn, Virginia on Friday and at the AMVets Post 61 Bluegrass Festival in Hillsboro, Ohio on Saturday.

The band is receiving significant radio airplay and a multitude of positive album reviews for That's Just the Way I Roll. The title track and first single release, written by Terry Herd, Tim Stafford and Steve Gulley, is currently #4 on Bluegrass Today’s Top 20 Airplay Chart. Numerous other songs like “Heartstrings” and “Rio” (written by Adkins), along with “Please Come To Boston,” “Get Em Up” and more have become immediate fan favorites at the band’s live shows and are also receiving significant airplay. Radio stations can download the entire album at AirPlaydirect.com.

Dave Adkins can also be heard on another new album, God Didn't Choose Sides: Civil War True Stories About Real People (Rural Rhythm) performing the song, “The River Man”.

Dave Adkins & Republik Steele includes the talents of David Adkins, Kenny O’Quinn, Danny Ray Stiltner, Wesley Wolfe and Matt Cruby. Be sure to check out their website RepublikSteele.com, Twitter, and Facebook for more information.

Aspen, CO -- James Reams & The Barnstormers, with special guest Blaine Sprouse on fiddle, will be appearing on Sunday, June 16th as part of the Aspen Bluegrass Sundays Concert Series. A bluegrass band that was nominated by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2002 as Emerging Artist of the Year, James Reams & The Barnstormers provide a contemporary take on traditional bluegrass; blending it with innovation and vitality to create their own branch on the “roots” tree. In a review of an early album by James Reams, fRoots (an international magazine that specializes in world music) declared, “Traditional music kept alive by a stylish performer… Powerful, emotional music that needs to be heard.”

This open air concert takes place just outside the Sundeck on Aspen Mountain located in the heart of downtown Aspen. Tickets are included in the price of the Silver Queen gondola ride to the top of this scenic mountain. The views of Maroon Bells, Roaring Fork Valley and Elk Mountains are spectacular. The concert runs from noon to 3PM. So come out and make a day of it. It’s bluegrass music the way God intended it to be heard!

Raised in eastern Kentucky but now living in Phoenix, James Reams puts a layer of desert grit over a solid base of traditional bluegrass music. His band treads the terrain where bluegrass, old-time, classic country and rockabilly meet in the night to swap stories. These are the sounds of the hills and hollers combined with the sounds of factories, railroad yards and honky tonks.

Here’s how the band is described by noted bluegrass authority Stephanie P. Ledgin in her book, Homegrown Music: Discovering Bluegrass (Praeger Publishers, 2004): “A plentiful selection of younger, emerging artists continues to grow in both traditional as well as progressive bluegrass camps. James Reams & The Barnstormers rely on early country material and originals written in authentic style. The results are a virtual history of the music and its roots, played in a clean, heartfelt manner that is somewhere between Bill Monroe’s and the Stanley Brothers’.”

Their latest CD, One Foot in the Honky Tonk, made two Top Ten CDs of 2011 lists and had a single that charted nationally. Here are some reviews of their most recent CD (One Foot in the Honky Tonk):

Lonesome Road Review by Larry Stephens: " [James Reams & the Barnstormers] have been around almost two decades, playing their own style of music. James’ music is hardcore traditional bluegrass and acoustic music. There’s no indication that he feels bound to the Monroe tradition and you’ll hear some old-time sound in his music, but if he isn’t in the same vein of coal with Monroe he’s certainly in the same coal mine." Joe Ross, reviewer for Bluegrass Now and SPBGMA’s Bluegrass Music News: “James Reams and the Barnstormers have built a solid reputation for lively, spirited, soulful, no-frills-added bluegrass with a nice mix of traditional numbers, covers and originals. Fronted by his rustic and rural lead vocals, they dish up exciting bluegrass in a classic old-school style of yesteryear…this album has plenty of songs that belong on today's jukeboxes and ipods.” JP Tausig, Country Standard Time: "With a voice like Del McCoury's, Reams has captured the feel of old honky-tonk jukebox music. ‘I Can't Settle Down’ is a great example of what Reams and the Barnstormers can do. ‘Snake Eyes’ is an original Reams tune about bad luck and gambling, with clean instrumentals and surprising harmonies on the chorus… Reams' style turns even this topic into a song you might dance to on a Saturday night.”

In honor of the band’s 20 th anniversary, their Barnstormin' album is now available as a FREE download from www.NoiseTrade.com/jamesreams. John Lupton, of Country Standard Time, wrote this about the album: “The music on this disc features elements reminiscent of the sophisticated stylings of fellow Kentuckian Bill Monroe mixed with the old time, deep-hollow sound of the Stanley Brothers...This is hard-core bluegrass from down home.” The band’s next album —James Reams, Walter Hensley & The Barons of Bluegrass — was nominated by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2002 as a Recorded Event of the Year.

For more information about the Aspen Bluegrass Sundays, check out the Aspen Chamber of Commerce website at www.aspenchamber.org and click on Events. Directions and information about the concert are also available at www.aspensnowmass.com. Take the Silver Queen gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain. The concert takes place near the Sundeck. The gondola lift runs from 10 AM to 4PM with the last ride down the mountain at 4:30 PM. Tickets (1 day) are $28 for adults (ages 13+) and $11 for children (ages 4-12).

For more information about James Reams & The Barnstormers (including music clips) visit http://www.jamesreams.com or http://cdbaby.com/all/jamesreams. Booking inquiries - please call 718-374-1086.

Reunion of the Bluegrass Bands Concert Series will feature The Fastest Grass Alive reunion show at the Concerts at Rob's Barn located at 1037 Pinch Valley Road, Westminster, MD 21158 (for GPS directions you may want to use: 805 View West Drive, Westminster, MD 21158 which is nearby) on Sat., May 25, 2013. Show admission will be at least a donation of $10.00 at the door (with more requested to help cover additional 2013 expenses incurred); show time will be at 8:00 PM; there may be some jamming outside the barn before the show if you come earlier; Rob's Barn is a smoke free environment and does not allow hard liquor on the premises (however, soda, beer, or wine is acceptable, although it is asked that restraint be observed in respect of others where applicable); chairs will be provided, but you may also bring your favorite one; food may be brought to share or you may bring snacks only for yourselves, no food or beverage will sold on premises; outlets will be available at the provided food tables for those who wish to bring hot dishes; for further info please contact Rob Miller at 410-857-7473.

For the most serious of bluegrass fans, there is no greater satisfaction than that which comes from hearing the music done right. Though it's a style in which tradition plays a greater role than in practically any other form of commercial popular music, that doesn't mean simply recapping the classics. To those who know and appreciate the history of the music, "tradition" doesn't describe a style or sound, but rather a way of learning and a kind of musical conservationism; traditional musicians learn their craft by a process of apprenticeship, and concentrating their creative energies on variation, not wholesale or radical change. Bluegrass is done right, then, when it's played with soul, drive, elegance and equal measures of familiarity with the classics and appreciation for the creativity of the musicians who made them.

From this perspective, Fastest Grass Alive is unquestionably a traditional bluegrass band. Among the re-casted members of the band, there are some familiar figures. Warren Blair on fiddle & vocals is perhaps the most well-known of the group, having served with distinction in the bands of bluegrass legends Charlie Moore and Bill Harrell, as well as the Bluegrass Cardinals, the Del McCoury Band and Jimmy Gaudreau's Bluegrass Unit. David Propst on mandolin & vocals has impressed East Coast audiences for years with his deft contributions alongside multiple higher profiled bluegrass bands such as Paul Adkins and the Borderline Band, Norman Wright, Kevin Church & The Travelers and Darren Beachley's Maryland Line Band; while Steve Streett on banjo & vocals and Tom Reeves on bass & vocals have done the same and excelled within lesser known East Coast acts. Lastly, Kenny Blair, on guitar & vocals, is less familiar to bluegrassers, but does bring his own considerable experience and unique perspective to the group as a country music veteran, having worked with brother Warren for acts like Melba Montgomery, Tommy Overstreet and Johnny Rodriguez.

This assortment of backgrounds and interests made Fastest Grass Alive a group with an especially sharp eye for engaging material. Rather than disdain country music, they saw bluegrass as integrally related to the larger genre, a fertile ground from which to harvest outstanding songs. Add it all up, and the conclusion is inescapable: the blend of the old and new, its dedication to craft and its devotion to "songs that tell a story," Fastest Grass Alive shows just how deeply it absorbed not the outer attributes, but the innermost values of bluegrass's greats; an accomplishment that is still all too rare these days, and does deserve the highest praise. But in the end, that's all one really needs to know.

So, we'd like to invite everyone to come on out to see the first of six Reunion of the Bluegrass Bands Concert Series, starting with the Fastest Grass Alive band. This band did wow the larger Baltimore area for a short amount of time in the early 2000's, and created a big musical impact on the area. There was a sadness when band's demise came. There are only two CD's to the band's credit as to carry their legacy of sound to those whom did miss seeing them; but not, there comes another chance to witness what was, as they once again reunite to reprise the music they created as the sounds of yester-year again will leap back to life. It is hoped that you attend the Concerts at Rob's Barn and not miss this opportunity to witness a extraordinary show from the reprisal of an extraordinary band. See you there!

Don Rigsby’s Rebel Records album Doctor’s Orders: A Tribute To Ralph Stanley makes its eagerly awaited debut in stores and online today, Tuesday, May 21. “Rigsby has really outdone himself with this reverent yet fun collection,” enthuses bluegrass critic Chuck Dauphin. “Each cut on the disc is nothing short of a delight.” The album features guest artists Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs, Larry Sarks and others. In addition to organizing the album, Rigsby also produced it.

A rabid fan of Stanley since he was six years old, Rigsby has gone on to become one of the most acclaimed singers in bluegrass. Affirming that Rigsby has a “world-class” voice, reviewer Jon Weisberger adds, “The album touches on well-worn [Stanley] favorites and obscurities with consistent quality and heartfelt devotion.” Stanley has been referred to as Dr. Ralph Stanley since receiving his honorary doctorate in music from Lincoln Memorial University in 1976.

Rigsby has twice been nominated for Grammy awards and is a two-time winner of the Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year award from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA).

Except for the “keystone” tune, “Mountain Doctor,” which Rigsby co-wrote with Larry Cordle (of “Murder On Music Row” fame), the other 13 songs on Doctor’s Orders were recorded by Stanley at various stages of his 67-year (and counting) career. Stanley guest stars on the album, along with such past and present members of his Clinch Mountain Boys band as Ricky Skaggs, Larry Sparks, Charlie Sizemore, Steve Sparkman and James Alan Shelton.

Nashville, TN -- APA Nashville has signed Bluegrass superstar duo Dailey & Vincent to their roster, it was announced today by APA's Cass Scripps. The duo, celebrating its five-year anniversary, has earned two Grammy nominations, three consecutive IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Awards for "Entertainer of the Year" and three awards for "Vocal Group of the Year," respectively, and over 40 other awards and honors. They have multiple #1's and currently have two albums in the Top 10 on the Billboard charts.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the award-winning and multi-talented Dailey & Vincent. Adding them to our roster will open many exciting doors of opportunity in the future," comments Scripps.

Dailey & Vincent's current single, "Steel Drivin' Man," was the #1 most-played song on Bluegrass Today's monthly chart in April and marked Jamie Dailey's first #1 as a songwriter. The video premiered on CMT Pure and remains an ongoing top-trending clip. Their new CD, BROTHERS OF THE HIGHWAY, is currently #2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart. In addition, THE GOSPEL SIDE OF DAILEY & VINCENT is currently sitting at #7 in its 69th week of activity on the Billboard Gospel Albums.

Notes Dailey, "We are excited to be working with some of Nashville's finest and hardest-working agents." While Vincent adds, "We are looking forward to a great future with a fantastic group of folks at APA Nashville."

Dailey & Vincent are also represented by Zac Koffler / APEX Entertainment Management, attorney David Crow of Milom, Horsnell, Crow, Rose, Kelley, PLC. and Rounder Records.

Nashville, TN: Carolina Road bandleader and Daughters of Bluegrass co-founder, Lorraine Jordan, has released a new song, "Nothin About Trains", with the 2012 SPBGMA Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, Jeanette Williams. The tune is featured on Pickin' Like a Girl, the latest Daughters of Bluegrass box set from Blue Circle Records.Written by Dixie Hall, the "Nothin' About Trains" compares one's love affair to the experience of riding a train.

"This track, created for the latest release from the Daughters of Blue Grass, is a fine traditional song with hard driving music," said Lorraine Jordan. "Jeanette and I sing a duet during the verses and Gena Britt joins us during the chorus."

"Nothin' About Trains" also has the talents of Gena Britt on banjo, Becky Buller on fiddle and Rebecca Long on guitar as well as Jordan on mandolin and Williams on bass.

Make Welcome Entertainment provides management and publicity services for bluegrass, roots and country artists. With offices in Nashville, Tennessee and Washington, DC, Make Welcome is well positioned to focus on the details so artists can focus on making great music. To learn more about Make Welcome Entertainment, call 1-800-838-6087 or visit www.MakeWelcome.com

Over the past several years, the Mountain Park Old Time Band has been creating a stir in old time music circles. The group has five members, all of whom are versatile and talented musicians. Johnny Gentry plays guitar, dobro, and fiddle as well as doing vocals for the band. Nancy Gentry plays upright bass and sings. The only thing better than one fiddler, is two fiddlers. Roger Stamper also plays the fiddle. C. T. Janney plays the washboard – an “instrument” rarely played today. Dr. Mark Handy plays banjo and does vocals. When he’s not playing old time, Dr. Handy practices medicine in Abingdon, Virginia. Saturday, May 25th, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert by the Mountain Park Old Time Band. Admission to the concert is $8 for adults, children 6 to 11 $1, under age 6 free.

The Mountain Park Old Time Band has played at the Blue Ridge Music Center, the Mountain Music Jamboree, and at Bristol’s Rhythm and Roots Festival. They have also been featured on National Public Radio. The group has released two CDs – Fire on the Dance Floor and Dancing with Sally Goodin. Mountain Park recently performed at the annual Carter Family Festival.

Fans of groups like the Whitetop Mountain Band will love the Mountain Park Old Time Band. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes, and be ready for a night of down home fun. Nothing gets you out of your seat and on the dance floor faster than a rousing old time band. Don’t miss the Mountain Park Old Time Band at the Carter Family Fold! For more information on the group, go to: www.myspace.com/mtnparkoldetimeband.

Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go to http://www.carterfamilyfold.org. Shows from the Carter Family Fold can be accessed on the internet at http://www.carterfoldshow.com.

Carter Music Center is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http://thecrookedroad.org. Partial funding for programs at the center is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054. The Fold is on Facebook – page Carter Fold – and Twitter – @carterfoldinfo. To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276-594-0676.

New York, NY -- Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, announces the first four catalog titles to be released digitally in response to the enthusiasm of music fans voting online at LegacyRecordingsVault.com. The four LP titles now available for purchase as digital downloads mark the first of a monthly series of albums to be released digitally according to crowd sourced fan feedback.

Renowned engineer Vic Anesini went straight to the original source and master tapes to create sparkling new masters for these long-unheard gems. See Vic's video on the transfer process at Legacy Recordings on YouTube.

The LegacyRecordingsVault.com May 2013 titles--as voted on by fans online--are:

Flatt & Scruggs with Doc Watson, Strictly Instrumental (Columbia, 1966)

Bluegrass instrumentals from the strings of guitarist Doc Watson and his friends Flatt & Scruggs and their Foggy Mountain Boys. Strictly Instrumental is the result of a momentous session held in Columbia’s Nashville Studios on December 12, 1966: bluegrass stars Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, along with the Foggy Mountain Boys, laid down 11 sizzling instrumentals with guest star Doc Watson. The deaths of both Scruggs and Watson in the early months of 2012 add poignancy to this remarkable document of American roots music.

Waylon Jennings, Good Hearted Woman (RCA, 1972)

Vintage outlaw country Waylon, featuring the classic title track along with Tony Joe White's "Willie & Laura Mae Jones" and Kris Kristofferson's "To Beat The Devil."

Tammy Wynette, The Ways To Love A Man (Epic, 1970)

The first lady of country music ushered in the 1970s with this outstanding long-player, containing the title smash along with the anthem "Singing My Song.

Willie Nile, Willie Nile (Arista, 1980)

Straight-ahead rock from the great Willie Nile, rootsy and modern at the same time.

Fans can expect another round of digital releases coming June 11, set to include albums by Johnny Otis, Jessi Colter, Graham Parker, Ronnie Milsap, Dolly Parton and Libby Titus.

Each and every month, fans are encouraged to cast their votes at LegacyRecordingsVault.com for upcoming digital releases. Join in and help the Sony Music Archives unearth more lost treasures!

LegacyRecordingsVault.com formally launched in March 2013 as an online music fan forum seeking direct input on future digital releases from the world's foremost archive of commercial recordings. The website allows fans to vote on which rare or out-of-print recordings they'd like to see made available digitally, along with the opportunity to offer their own release suggestions and comments. The site draws on an unmatched collection of music dating back to the 1880s with artists and titles representing virtually every historical genre.

LegacyRecordingsVault.com formally launched in March 2013 as an online is spotlighting titles currently under consideration for digital release. Fans are encouraged to vote for the albums they'd most like to see made available as digital releases, and to make their own suggestions. With thousands of albums in the Legacy Recordings archives becoming potentially available for digital release, this crowdsourced service provides a valuable mechanism in the preservation of the original recordings while giving the online community a new way to request access to an unprecedented array of historically and culturally significant music.

Legacy Recordings is crowdsourcing its archives and no artist or project is too obscure for consideration. Visit LegacyRecordingsVault.com and share it on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

Preparations are underway for the 3rd Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival being held in the hills of southern Indiana at the Official Bean Blossom & Bill Monroe Music Park in beautiful Brown County, May 30–June 1. This is the third of what the festival’s creator, John Hotze, and co-promoter, Dan Dillman, hope to see as an event to preserve the legacy and music of the late John Hartford, one of America’s most beloved songwriter/performers and musicians.

John Hartford won Grammy awards in three different decades, recorded a catalog of more than 30 albums, and wrote one of the most popular songs of all time, “Gentle On My Mind.” He was a regular guest and contributor on the Glen Campbell Good Time Hour and the Smothers Brothers Show. He added music and narration to Ken Burns’ landmark Civil War series, and was an integral part of the hugely popular “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack and Down From The Mountain concert tour. But that hardly explains John Hartford.

John Hartford was an American original. He was a musician, songwriter, steamboat pilot, author, artist, disc jockey, calligrapher, dancer, folklorist, father, and historian. John Hartford passed away on June 4, 2001, after a long battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Lifelong friend, John Hotze, decided to take the plunge into the festival world by putting together a memorial festival to honor the late John Hartford. The first John Hartford Memorial Festival took place on the 10th anniversary of his passing in 2011. John Hartford’s immediate family were in attendance, as well as many extended family and longtime friends, and a small group of die-hard Hartford fans and musicians, who came together to remember and celebrate John’s life, music, and ideals. The great celebration had a line up to match that included Tim O’Brien, Great American Taxi, The Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass, and of course Jamie Hartford & Friends, along with many other great artists and bands who continue to return to this great festival every year.

Hotze, an avid music lover and entrepreneur from St. Louis, is in his third year now for putting on this event. He says, “The mood I hope to achieve at the Hartford Festival is a party mood; a mood of having lots of fun. I think that’s what John would like. He would be all over the campground picking and jamming all night long. I would like to see the jammers get up and dance to the jam-grass and others to get up and flatfoot when some good fiddlin’ goes down. I’d like to hear lots of laughter. I never started this venture for money and I would be very happy to let it just sustain itself both to honor John and provide a venue for more performers.”

Headliners for this year’s festival include Jamie Hartford & Friends, Great American Taxi, Jeff Austin of Yonder Mountain String Band, The Hillbenders, Town Mountain, Mike Compton, Billy Bright & Geoff Union, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, Rumpke Mountain Boys, and Bawn In The Mash, in addition to other great artists such as Branded Bluegrass featuring Dwight Dillman, park owner and former Bluegrass Boy, along with his son Derek Dillman who performed with Jimmy Martin, and The Henhouse Prowlers, The 23 String Band, Wil Maring & Robert Bowlin, Betse Ellis, Eric Lambert & Friends, and a host of regional and local string bands such as Ryan Spearman & Kelly Wells, The Whipstitch Sallies, Woodstove Flapjacks, The Indiana Boys, Leadfoot, and many, many more.

Hotze went on to say, “My vision is to narrow the scope of the festival to be Hartford centered, that is, book bands & entertainers that have been greatly influenced by John, ones who performed with and were good friends of John, also entertainers that cover John’s songs.” This statement is evident by the genre busting line-up featuring bluegrass, old-time string bands, and jam band music as well as singer/songwriters, not to mention the ticket prices. Kids 12 & under are free.

Tickets:

• Advance ticket prices:
  • Single day - $40
  • Full festival - 3 days $90
• Ticket prices at the gate:
  • Single day - $45
  • Full festival - 3 day $110

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Nashville, TN -- The Americana Music Association announced nominees today for the 2013 Honors & Awards in Los Angeles at the Grammy Museum®. The ceremony featured performances by now nominated artists Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale, T Bone Burnett with Lisa Marie Presley, Elizabeth Cook and The Milk Carton Kids. The program was broadcast live on AXS TV, who will present a special encore presentation of the event later this evening at 9PM ET/6PM PT.

Shovels & Rope, with four nominations, followed by Emmylou Harris and Miller, with three each, lead the nominee slate while many other notable artists were recognized including: Rodney Crowell, John Fullbright, Lauderdale, The Lumineers, JD McPherson, the aforementioned Milk Carton Kids, Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis, Richard Thompson, and Dwight Yoakam. Winners will be announced live at the annual Americana Honors and Awards, presented by Nissan, on September 18th live on AXS TV from the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.

The nominee announcement celebration in Los Angeles kicked off with an Americana tribute to George Jones featuring Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale leading their all-star band comprised of Fats Kaplin, Brian Owings and Jay Weaver. The music continued with performances by Lisa Marie Presley with special guest T Bone Burnett, Elizabeth Cook and the Milk Carton Kids.

Burnett, who produced Americana masterpieces ranging from “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” to the Americana and Grammy award winning “Raising Sand” by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, spoke to the Clive Davis Theatre audience about the genre that honors the roots of American music that has grown to prominence in recent years.

This year the nominees reflect the diverse and artistic breadth of the genre, where legends and the next generation of stars share the stage.

2013 AMERICANA HONORS & AWARDS NOMINEES:

• ALBUM OF THE YEAR
  • Buddy & Jim, Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale
  • Cheater's Game, Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison
  • From The Ground Up, John Fullbright
  • O' Be Joyful, Shovels & Rope
  • Old Yellow Moon, Emmylou Harris/Rodney Crowell
• SONG OF THE YEAR
  • Birmingham - Shovels & Rope
  • Good Things Happen to Bad People - Richard Thompson
  • Ho Hey - The Lumineers
  • North Side Gal - JD McPherson

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Buddy Miller
• Dwight Yoakam
• Emmylou Harris
• Richard Thompson
• EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
  • JD McPherson
  • John Fullbright
  • Milk Carton Kids
  • Shovels & Rope
• DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR
  • Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale
  • Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell
  • Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison
  • Shovels & Rope
• INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
  • Doug Lancio
  • Larry Campbell
  • Greg Leisz
  • Jay Bellerose
  • Mike Bub

The Americana Honors & Awards, presented by Nissan, returns to the historically cool Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN on September 18, 2013 (as part of the Americana Music Festival - September 18-22, 2013 at venues throughout Music City). The iconic Jim Lauderdale will once again host the Honors & Awards, while the phenomenal Buddy Miller will lead the All-Star Band. Described by Paste Magazine as “…the worlds best awards show…,” the Americana Honors & Awards have featured once-in-a-lifetime moments, unforgettable performances and legendary collaborations. Tickets for the Honors & Awards show come with the purchase of Americana Music Festival & Conference Registrations. /li

Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce a new archival digital download album series that will focus on “classic album reissues” and “best of” artist collections. The newly created Rural Roots Digital series will help keep traditional roots music alive and preserved for future generations. Two titles from the new series now available, with many more planned throughout the year including classic recordings from Hylo Brown, Jim Eanes, Dale Potter, Lee Moore, Mac Martin, J.E. Mainer, Clarence “Hound Dog” Jackson and Jim Greer.

This new Rural Roots Digital album archival download series will be available through Rural Rhythm’s digital distributor, eOne Distribution, and the releases will be available for purchase through all digital sources including iTunes-Red Smiley, iTunes-Curly Fox, Amazon-Red Smiley, Amazon-Curly Fox, Google Play-Red Smiley, Google Play-Curly Fox and others.

Available Now:

Curly Fox - Champion Fiddler, Volume One	Red Smiley & The Blue Grass Cut-Ups
Released in 1972 - Original Cover Art	Released in 1967 - Original Cover Art

These two reissue titles by Red Smiley and Curly Fox are also avaialbe now on AirPlay Direct.

Rural Rhythm Records released a long line of Old-Time Country, Bluegrass & Gospel albums during the label's first two decades after Uncle Jim O'Neal started the label in 1955. Many of these vintage classic albums are still in Rural Rhythm's active catalog available on CD and digital formats. Many songs are still available in the various artist collection titles found in the Sound Traditions series. Many tracks were previously released only on records and will come back to life through Rural Roots Digital.

Many legends and pioneers released albums during this period including Mac Wiseman, Hylo Brown, Don Reno & Bill Harrell, Red Smiley, Jim Eanes, Vassar Clements, J.E. Mainer, Earl Taylor & Jim McCall, Raymond Fairchild and many more. Bringing the traditional “retro” vintage sounds from the past to the present in a convenient high-fidelity digital download format, Rural Roots Digital series preserves, protects, promotes and presents the ageless music of these artists for current and future generations to enjoy and appreciate using the technologies of the 21st Century. Now you can listen to these classics at home or on the go.

Bob Cherry of Cybergrass says, “Vintage music and systems are making a comeback as fans try and recapture the music experience created by the pioneers. This is a great opportunity for the fans and collectors, as well as educators and historians, to appreciate the music that started it all. Maintaining a level of 'permanence’ within the digital world is important. Rural Rhythm is doing a great service to our music with the new Rural Roots Digital series. Traditional roots music is in good caring hands and it’s out there to be heard and enjoyed.”

Rural Rhythm’s Sound Traditions collection titles have helped keep the traditional Bluegrass flame burning through the past several decades at the brick & mortar level. Now the new Rural Roots Digital series will continue the steady flow of available Old-Time Country, Bluegrass & Gospel titles culled from the treasure trove of masters in the Rural Rhythm Records vault.... For Rural Rhythm, It's all about the music. BORDER= The Blue Grass Cut-Ups - Red Smiley p ALT=permanence’ within the digital world is important. Rural Rhythm is doing a great service to our music with the new Rural Roots Digital series. Traditional roots music is in good caring hands and it’s out there to be heard and enjoyed.”

Nashville, TN -- Mark Newton & Steve Thomas and Pinecastle Records proudly announce the new music video release of “Old McDonald Sold The Farm.” The video premiered during the successful standing room only CD Release Party last night in Nashville and made its online debut this yesterday morning.

“Steve and I are extremely proud of our new video of our single Old McDonald Sold The Farm. It surpassed our expectations and we can’t wait for the world to see it and to listen to our new project Reborn. Great job Bell-Jarboe Films,” said Newton. “Steve and I want to also thank Chris Andrews for his generosity with our CD Release Party along with Pinecastle Records and Master-mind.com who sponsored our video."

The video was filmed in the Leipers Fork area at Boyd Mill Farms and Blazer Hill Farms in Franklin, Tenn. earlier this month. “Old McDonald Sold The Farm” was written by the talented Canadian songwriters Kenny Boudreau, Darryl Landry and Ryan Roberts.

Newton & Thomas have certainly emerged as one of the most talked about new acts entertaining audiences with their unique blend of music with both Mark and Steve providing lead and harmony vocals. They are now on tour including upcoming performances at the Graves Mountain Festival of Music, Dollywood and more.

Radio is certainly welcoming them as well with Reborn hitting mid-chart on AirPlayDirect.com’s Top 50 Albums in all genre’s and # 5 out of the Top 50 bluegrass albums.

Fans can hear an in-depth interview with Newton & Thomas on the Bluegrass Radio Network’s Into the Blue hosted by Terry Herd that continues airing through May 18 on the show’s 139 affiliated stations.

Reborn is available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, Pinecastle Records and many more outlets. Stay up to date on Newton & Thomas by visiting their website or following them on Twitter and Facebook. For more information on Pinecastle Records, please visit www.pinecastlemusic.com.

Arden, NC -- When Balsam Range member Tim Surrett was told by his niece, Paige, about two students at one school who are fighting cancer, he and his band mates heeded the call. A third grade teacher at Clyde Elementary School in Clyde, NC, Paige told Tim that the school was trying to find a way to help the two families, and the power of love and music was set in motion. A Sunday afternoon benefit was held at Haywood Community College with bluegrass artists Balsam Range providing the toe-tapping entertainment. All proceeds were donated to the families of young Carter Green and Howell Brown III. Carter was able to attend the event, but little Howell is currently hospitalized at Duke University.

“These two children and their families are having a really tough time,” Tim says. “One is a third-grader, the other is in kindergarten. Their stories are heartbreaking. We get so many requests to do benefits and charity functions and we care deeply about every cause that comes to our attention. We really try to contribute when we can.”

And “contribute” the band surely did, with the help of a caring community that came out to support the Brown and Green families. The event raised a whopping $10,000 to help the families with health and travel expenses. Clyde is clearly a small town with a big heart. Located in Haywood County, the town has a population of fewer than 1,500 people. The band would like to remind fans that the giving doesn’t have to end just because the benefit concert has passed. Donations may still be sent to help the two families at the address below.

Balsam Range Kids
Clyde Elementary
c/o Pam Justice
4182 Old Clyde Rd.
Clyde, NC 28721

For Tim Surrett, there’s just one thought to add: “May God bless these precious children and their families, and may God bless our friends and fans for their kindness and generosity.”

Balsam Range’s current album, Papertown, is firmly seated at the Number One spot on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart for the 4th consecutive month. Several singles from the record have also gone to Number One in various charts, including Bluegrass Gospel. For more, please visit www.BalsamRange.com or www.BalsamNation.com

Venerable bluegrass music duo Dailey & Vincent’s newly-released Brothers of the Highway has captured the #2 spot on Billboard’s Bluegrass chart, while their Grammy-nominated The Gospel Side of Dailey & Vincent is also in the top ten, at #7.

“We are very humbled, excited, and thankful for the release of Brothers of the Highway,” said Jamie Dailey. “Dailey and Vincent fans are some of the finest people on this Earth, and we love them for being so loyal.”

Darrin Vincent adds “It is so exciting to have two albums in the top ten of Billboard’s chart at the same time! We have the greatest fans in the world, and it is such a pleasure to make this great music for you.”

Brothers of the Highway has received tremendous praise from reviewers. Influential radio station KDHX’s blog calls it “a delight from start to finish,” while Parcbench proclaims it “just about the best bluegrass picking, strumming and harmony around,” and Great American Country calls the 12-song set “blistering.”

In a recent feature, Billboard’s Chuck Dauphin observed “The bottom line is – they just love to sing – and if you've ever seen them live, it shows." Bluegrass Today notes that on this album, “Jamie and Darrin stay true to their roots, while still being innovative and fresh,” and CMT.com has dubbed the duo “the rock stars of bluegrass.”