There’s something particularly impressive about any rookie ensemble that not only sounds fully vetted their first time out, but can also boast a sound that’s fresh and finessed all at the same time. Although New Jersey's Magnolia Street String Band traces its
Eastern Kentucky’s Tommy Webb has long been a favorite of bluegrass fans throughout that region, with several hits over the years grabbing the attention of the national bluegrass audience. Songs like If It Weren’t for Bluegrass Music (I’d Go Crazy)
If you asked musicians who knew him to describe the late singer-songwriter Mickey Clark in just one word, there’d be choices such as “authentic,” “inspirational,” and “mentor.” Bluegrass singer-songwriter Aaron Bibelhauser uses all three when he mentions Clark. And he’s doing
Rhonda Vincent with Caroline Williamson and her new mandolin at Bluegrass First Class - photo by Sandy Hatley Bluegrass First Class was a weekend filled with great music, unique presentations, and numerous celebrations. Not only was promoter Milton Harkey honored for
There’s something to be said for adhering to tradition. Yet, there’s even more to be said for those who established that bedrock template in the first place. Those pioneers who are still with us — and making music still —
There’s always some degree of skepticism involved when you combine the talents of three seasoned musicians versed in different genres and spawned from different backgrounds. So credit Tom Mindte, Mason Via and Ben Somerville with finding common ground within a
Bluegrass First Class celebrated its silver anniversary this past weekend in Asheville, NC. Promoter, Milton Harkey, was honored during Friday evening’s show. Kelly Epperson, general manager of WPAQ Radio in Mt. Airy, NC, conducted the presentation. “This is quite an evening,” Epperson
Usually around this time of year, cabin fever gets to me. In anticipation of the coming festival season, I play a little game, creating an imaginary festival and deciding what bands what I would invite. It’s a fun exercise, especially since
Remedy Tree bundled up for the cold at the 2020 Florida Bluegrass Classic - photo © Bill Warren A cold front rolled across Florida on Thursday night, and Friday dawned with a chilly north wind. Florida Bluegrass Classic fans bundled up,
Wintergrass 2020 is off and running with workshops, shows, vendors, jamming and the like and all of the travelers seem to be claiming they brought the sun with them which is a rare winter occurrence in the Seattle area. As
