In depth conversation with bluegrass legend Tom Gray
Tom Gray showing a photo of Bill Monroe at a jam in his basement – photo © Tara Linhardt Over this past weekend, Tara Linhardt visited legendary bluegrass bassist Tom Gray at his home, and recorded this video of their conversation. Tom, of course, served as bassist with several important bluegrass groups based around Washington, […]
Seldom Scene to Main Attraction Management
The Seldom Scene – photo © Jeromie Stephens Can it really be 53 years since The Seldom Scene first introduced themselves to the bluegrass world? Yep… it was 1971 when John Starling, John Duffey, Ben Eldridge, Mike Auldridge, and Tom Gray first started playing together, bringing a wholly new sound and approach to the genre. […]
Phil Rosenthal is Still Here
Still Here is the title of a new album from bluegrass singing and songwriting veteran Phil Rosenthal, a tongue-in-cheek answer to the presumed question, “What ever happened to Phil Rosenthal?” Phil first came to prominence in bluegrass as the writer of Muddy Water, recorded by The Seldom Scene for their 1973 album, Act III. Sung […]
Ben Eldridge’s grandson Bryce Eldridge tearing up the minors
No matter how much we achieve in life, it remains a special thrill to see our children or grandchildren excel in their own lives, careers, or families. It’s especially rewarding if they’ve gone into the same field as we have, and when that field is music, it’s fun for everyone. We’ve seen a number of […]
Man at the Crossroads from The Seldom Scene
Surviving now into their 54th year, The Seldom Scene has become a beloved bluegrass institution. And like many bands that make it into five decades plus, they soldier on without any of the founding members, all save one now deceased. But they take this legacy with the seriousness it deserves, and continue recording new music […]
Last of the Steam-Powered Trains from The Seldom Scene
Seldom Scene has announced the March 14 release of their next album, Remains To Be Scene, with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Remains To Be Scene marks the band’s final project with guitarist Dudley Connell after nearly 30 years in that role. Dudley had announced his retirement a few months back, and fiery flatpicker Clay Hess has […]
New Year’s Eve at The Birchmere with The Seldom Scene
Tom Gray sits in with The Seldom Scene at The Birchmere (12/31/24) – photo © Jeromie Stephens As they do every year, The Seldom Scene put on their New Year’s Eve concert at The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, with special guests. For many DC-area fans, this was their first time seeing Clay Hess in his […]
Clay Hess to The Seldom Scene
With the recent retirement of guitarist/vocalist Dudley Connell after nearly three decades, The Seldom Scene had big shoes to fill. But for a band whose genesis dates back to 1971, this isn’t the first, or even second time they have faced this dilemma. The fabled group launched with John Starling on guitar, alongside fellow hall-of-famers […]
Celebration of Life for Ben Eldridge
Chris Eldridge at the Celebration of Life for Ben Eldridge – photo © Jeromie Stephens This past Sunday, September 29, friends and family gathered in Fredericksburg, VA to honor the memory of Ben Eldridge, legendary founding banjo player with The Seldom Scene, who passed away on April 14 of this year. Jeromie Stephens and his […]
Dudley Connell exiting the Scene
Dudley Connell, whose driving rhythm guitar playing and powerful voice have shaped the Seldom Scene for nearly 30 years, is leaving the band at the end of year. “It’s been a wonderful run, and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” he announced on Facebook. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work with […]
