Author: John Lawless

We just heard again from Kenny Smith, who said he is getting all sorts of phone calls from folks who think that he and Amanda have disbanded their group, and will be playing strictly as a duo henceforth. News flash:

When the winner of the Miss University of Kentucky pageant was announced earlier this month, it was a big night for the bluegrass world. The crown went to UK senior Ramsey Carpenter, who plays fiddle with County Line Bluegrass when she isn't studying

We heard today from Zak McLamb, bass player with Kenny & Amanda Smith this past 7 years, with news that he has left the band. He tells us that mandolinist Spencer Strickland and banjo man Trent Calicutt are also moving on. On

The newest member of The Charlie Sizemore Band was announced this morning. Paul Kramer will be with the group on fiddle, and will also offer his vocal and songwriting skills to Sizemore's show. Paul got his start as a member of Special

Noam Pikelny's new banjo album, Beat The Devil and Carry A Rail, drops tomorrow (10/25), and we will run an interview with Noam at that time. But it turns out there's more to this project than meets the eye. Thanks to

WAMU's Bluegrass Country has a new head honcho. Chris Tesky has moved to DC from Connecticut to take the job as Senior Music Producer at the 24/7 bluegrass channel, broadcasting on HD Radio in the DC market, and via internet streaming

It's babies, babies, babies this morning on Bluegrass Today! We just heard from Rick Briggs, banjo player with Bill Yates' Country Gentlemen Tribute Band, with news of another new arrival. "Eric Troutman (our bass man) and his 'much' better half Kristal received

We got a few more details - and some photos - from Adam Steffey, who is in a bit of a fog following the birth of his twin sons yesterday. He tells us that Andrew Page and Riley Carter Steffey were born

Swiss-born North Carolina banjo wizard Jens Kruger spent two days earlier this week at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, sharing his wisdom with the banjo students there. His visit was sponsored by the Berklee American Roots Music Program,

Adam and Tina Steffey's twins were born earlier today. The boys and Tina are doing well - don't know about Adam. We'll post photos as soon as we get them. Congrats to the rapidly expanding Steffey clan!