Author: John Lawless

"I love the award, but I'd rather have whatever Alison is smoking. It's surely working for her." Thanks the band, but says the banjo playing was a little shaky.

The award for Song Of The Year is being presented by Marty Rabon.

"Holy smokes! This is really, really incredible." Says that the band came to be because they were all unemployed at the same time. Thanks Ken Irwin and Rounder Records.

Mentions the great job Don Rigsby did producing 40. Thanks Rebel and his band, Lonesome Ramblers.

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are up now with You Gotta Dig A Little Deeper. Jamie Dailey is a treasure and hearing Bauc back with Doyle is still a thrill.

"If you'd have ever told me that I could do this as a profession, I would have laughed." Says it's an honor and something he will never take for granted... Hopes as long as he can draw a breath

The awards for artists who, on recorded and/or in-person performance during the specified time period, have shown an extraordinary mastery of their instruments. Nominations and awards will be made in six (6) sub-categories: Banjo, Bass, Dobro, Fiddle, Guitar and Mandolin.

"Somehow, I just never get tired of being up here." Thanks his band, Jamie Daily, Barry Scott, Terry Baucom and Mike Hartgrove.

Tony Rice and Peter Rowan are up now. Rice is in fine form - beautiful tone. Peter is yodelling.

Rhonda & The Rage are on stage now. Josh Williams is something else!