IBMA will have some big shoes to fill for 2019 and beyond. Kelly Kessler, the association’s director of communications and professional development, is leaving to become a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University. Kessler, who has been with IBMA since
Three well-known young pickers are the top winners in the 2018 Mike Auldridge Instrumental Composition Contest, sponsored by the DC Bluegrass Union. David Benedict of Mile Twelve won the $500 first place prize for The Golden Angle, according to an announcement
Family bands tend to have a limited run in bluegrass. It’s inevitable that the kids age, get married, have children. Life happens, as they say. In recent years, I’ve seen several of my favorites move on – Cherryholmes, the Bankesters
Sometimes when I’m overextended, I listen to new music in the background while answering emails, preparing song licenses or making dinner. Then I circle back later and give the CD my undivided attention for a few listens before I write
Billy Droze is a relatively young man with an old soul. You get that sense listening to his music. But the point is driven home with hammer-meets-nail certainty when you spend a few minutes on the phone with him. He’s humble,
The accolades, awards and good news keep piling up for the sweethearts of bluegrass, Darin and Brooke Aldridge. Rounder Records announced today that it signed a deal with the award-winning husband and wife duo, who will release their first project for
Many times when bands take a break from the road they’re never heard from again. That’s not the case, fortunately, for Detour, the Michigan-based band that made a big splash before dropping off the road a couple of years ago
IBMA’s love affair with Raleigh continues. Crowds seem bigger this year. Exhibitors report brisk business – one merchant sold two high-end banjos in an hour. And there’s more jamming per square inch than I remember seeing in Nashville. In fact, it’s
IBMA Executive Director Paul Schiminger speaks at the 2018 Momentum Awards while Board Chair Joe Mullins and host Sierra Hull look on - photo © Frank Baker The Trailblazers and Mile Twelve scored double wins Thursday when IBMA presented the 2018 Momentum
Jamie Dailey’s keynote speech to open this year’s World of Bluegrass in Raleigh was the equivalent of mom urging you to ignore all the sumptuous entrees and desserts on the table and eat your vegetables. Playing music is fun, but bands
