Author: John Lawless

North Carolina's Deeper Shade of Blue is one of several contemporary bluegrass acts with more than one lead singer, offering them a variety of sounds in their show. At one time such was generally discouraged in the industry, believing that

The Old Settler's Music Festival, held in April each year just near Austin, TX, has opened submissions for their 2025 Youth Talent Competition. The contest is open to acoustic artists 18 and under, with the top three winners receiving cash

The Stringbean Memorial Bluegrass Festival, held annually for nearly 30 years in Jackson County, KY, has announced that the June 2024 event will have been their last, owing to the sudden passing of promoter Phillip Akemon last fall. Phillip Akemon was

Since taking his leave from Balsam Range, Darren Nicholson has turned out one clever song after another, many of them - like this latest, Any Highway - written with his friend, Charles Humphrey III of Songs From The Road Band.

Like many performers in our type of music, Kentucky singer/songwriter Kevin Denney is involved in both bluegrass and country music. He saw success early on with his debut self-titled solo album, and a single, That's Just Jessie, that made into

Mountain Home Music Company has announced the signing of bassist and vocalist Vickie Vaughn to the label. A new single is being prepped for release, her grassed up cut of Bruce Robison's Leavin', set for release later this month. Vaughn has

Veteran bluegrass sideman Chris Davis may just be getting started on his solo career, but he has a solid life of experience behind him. Currently mandolinist with Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Davis has also spent time on the

Mandolinist and photographer Akira Otsuka and Gary Kopp have spent a great deal of time putting together this tribute to the great John Duffey, co-founder of both The Country Gentlemen and The Seldom Scene. It includes audio from a get-together

Kenny & Amanda Smith - photo © Madelenn Tabor Married couples performing in bluegrass aren't as rare as they once were, but there are none that deliver high caliber music with the drive and precision of Kenny & Amanda Smith. This pair

The Gallagher Guitar Co. is celebrating 60 years in business in 2025, and marking the milestone by introducing a limited edition, customized version of their introductory model. Doc Watson put Gallagher on the map in 1968 with his embrace of their