Rhonda Vincent at the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival (11/9/23) - photo © Laci Mack This report is a contribution from Autumn A. Watson, mandolinist and vocalist with Carley Arrowood. Autumn is also her sister. Photographs are courtesy of Laci Mack. The Industrial
When fiddler Carson Peters appeared as a contestant on NBC's The Voice in 2021, there were feelings of excitement combined with worry that Peters would be leaving his bluegrass roots for the mainstream country sound. Fortunately that was not the
International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame member and Grammy nominee Alice Gerrard's new Sleepy Cat Records album, Sun To Sun, is clearly meant to appeal to both purists and newbies alike. Having spent nearly sixty years as a staunch champion
Kenny and Amanda Smith have been one of bluegrass music's most beloved duos since their debut release, Slowly But Surely, in 2001. It's very easy to see why. Not only does the couple have undeniable personal and musical chemistry, but they've always
When the definitive history of bluegrass music is written, Rounder Records will play a sizable role, and deservedly so. The label was at the center of many key events since its founding in 1970, from the recording of J.D. Crowe &
East Tennessee's EmiSunshine has come a very long way in a relatively short time. So too, the fact that she kicked off her career at an extraordinarily young age, is a testament to her talent. She began writing songs with
Henhouse Prowlers at the River Raisin Centre for the Arts (10/26/23) - photo © Bill Warren The greater Detroit area had two very good bluegrass shows in the past week. The first was this past Saturday at the Kentuckians of Michigan. They
Whether you see The Kody Norris Show live on stage or hear them on recordings, there's no question as to what you're experiencing. Kody and his three bandmates pay homage to the traditional bluegrass masters, while also maintaining a strong
Random Band Jam at the 2023 Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival - photo © Pamm Tucker The second weekend of October arrived, and with it annual Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival. With an interview already scheduled with Jana Jae, and Bones Patton, I
Jim Lauderdale is clearly one of the most prolific and productive people in the roots music biz. Granted, that may sound like an overly bold statement, but given his tendency to release multiple albums over the course of a single
