Opinion / Humor

I want to describe a scene at a typical bluegrass concert or festival that will probably be familiar to both artist and fan, and it may cause each to shudder just a little: A fan walks up to a performer while

Perhaps it was the approach of Halloween, or perhaps the post-IBMA World of Bluegrass mental fatigue, but my mind has suddenly turned to the macabre.  More specifically, I've begun thinking about the writing on headstones. Epitaphs are often fascinating, sometimes horrifying,

Chris returns to a video format for his new October column, seeing if classic bluegrass songs can fit a contemporary country ballad template. After a brief introduction, he puts his theory to the test, with mixed results. Feel free to take

In a previous column I delved into the bluegrass analogy, which when used properly (adhering strictly to state and local guidelines on bluegrass analogy use), can be a method of explaining various things to bluegrass musicians and fans who might

If you made it to the inaugural IBMA World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga, I hope it was a good one for you, a week filled with positive contacts and a negative COVID test. Just when we all were home and recovering

Bluegrass Cardinals on the red carpet at the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards - photo © Roger Black Billy Strings dominated the first World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga this week, cementing his role as the next new hope to lift bluegrass to

Greetings from the very first IBMA World of Bluegrass from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Because I'm out at the Walnut Valley festival in Winfield, Kansas during this week, I was only able to attend for one day. From what I saw, though, it

In past years when we get to this month of the calendar, I have discussed sleep, fitness, and diet strategies for having a safe and healthy IBMA World of Bluegrass. In fact, it was the subject of my very first

I know I make a lot of stuff up in this column for fun, but this one deals with falsehoods spread on social media, and the difference between truth and fiction. All examples used below are true, or I should

I'll have a new column next week, but this week I wanted to present a rerun from way back in 2012 that has to do with strategies for making the most of the World of Bluegrass, since that hallowed event