North County Bluegrass & Folk Club

Nashville, TN -- Rural Rhythm is proud to announce that American Drive's self-titled debut album has gone #1 on the Sirius/XM Radio Bluegrass Junction Most Played-Albums Chart for May. American Drive also, has the #2 position on the Sirius XM Radio Most Played-Tracks for May with the song “Is It Too Late To Settle Down”.

In addition, “Is It Too Late To Settle Down” debuted at #19 on the Bluegrass Today Monthly Airplay Chart for May. Rural Rhythm has included “Is It Too Late To Settle Down” on the current Fresh Cuts & Key Tracks, 2013 No. 2, Radio CD and is working this song as the current focused track on the album.

The American Drive band includes group members of J.D. Crowe & The New South who are carrying on now that J.D. Crowe has announced his retirement. The band includes the talents of: Rickey Wasson (Lead/harmony Vocals, Guitar), Dwight McCall (Lead/Harmony Vocals, Mandolin), Matt DeSpain (Resonator Guitar) and Kyle Perkins (Bass) all from The New South who are joined by Josh Hymer (Banjo).

Rickey Wasson commented, “We are thrilled that our music is on these radio charts and that radio is really helping us get our music out to the Bluegrass community and our fans.” American Drive really appreciates the support of Bluegrass radio and I look forward to thanking many of the DJ’s personally while out on the road this year".

American Drive performed live for the first time at the 2012 IBMA Convention during their Official Showcase performance in front of hundreds of radio programmers, press and media people, talent buyers and other industry VIP’s.

Since then they have been very busy on the road performing songs from this album and songs from solo album’s previously released by Rural Rhythm; Ricky Wasson - From the Heart and Soul and Dwight McCall - Never Say Never Again. Upcoming American Drive key tour dates over the next several months include:

• 5/18 Sevierville, TN - Bloomin’ and Bluegrass Festival
• 5/23 Curryville, MO - Back 40 Bluegrass Festival
• 6/14 Bean Blossom - Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival
• 6/15 Bean Blossom - Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival
• 6/22 Grayson, - Rudyfest
• 6/30 Morganton - Red, White and Bluegrass
• 7/13-14 - Renfrew Ontario, Canada
• 7/20 Columbus, OH - Musicians Against Childhood Cancer

Please check the American Drive web site for a complete list of 2013 tour dates at www.AmericanDriveBand.com

Tags: American DriveRural RhythmCD ReleaseCharts

Vienna, VA -- Grammy-winning storyteller, humorist, and host Garrison Keillor is back on the road with the nation’s premier live radio show, A Prairie Home Companion (APHC). Now in its 39th season, APHC returns to the Filene Center where Keillor will lead an ensemble cast through comedy sketches and musical interludes, as well as perform his signature monologue, “The News from Lake Wobegon.”

This year’s special guests include Aoife O’Donovan, a folk singer/songwriter and lead singer of the bluegrass band Crooked Still, and harmonica genius Howard Levy, a Béla Fleck and the Flecktones founding member, among others. Since its inception in 1974, APHC has grown into a household radio variety program that is heard each week by more than 4 million listeners and broadcast in more than 576 public radio stations.

A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor with Special Guests: Aoife O'Donovan, Howard Levy, and more in association with Minnesota Public Radio & WAMU 88.5 FM takes place Friday, May 24 at 8 pm and Saturday, May 25 at 5:45 pm. Tickets are just $25-$60

Video: A Prairie Home Companion – “Keep Your Feet on the Ground”

Wolf Trap is metro accessible! The environmentally friendly Wolf Trap Express Bus travels from the West Falls Church metro stop every 20 minutes starting two hours prior to show time. For details, please visit http://www.wolftrap.org/Plan_Your_Visit/Access_by_Metro.aspx.

Tags: Garrison KeillorA Prairie Home CompanionWolf TrapEvent

Greenville, SC -- Layne Publications has just enhanced the collection of bluegrass tabs in their website with the addition of a series of new tabs for bluegrass guitar. This popular website is the number one online destination for aspiring musicians looking to learn how to play with a bluegrass band. The website has an incredible collection of tabs for guitar, mandolin, and banjo.

The new set of bluegrass guitar tabs have been added to their website by Layne Publications due to the demand of their students. The list of new inclusions include The Wabash Cannonball, Faded Love, Train 45, The Nine Pound Hammer, and many more. Each of these highly useful music learning resources come as a package consisting of one chord chart and two premium quality MP3 backing tracks.

Layne Publications continues to enhance their collection of bluegrass music education resources with the addition of Flop Eared Mule Mandolin Tab & Jam Track. This website is a popular online destination for people looking to learn the techniques of playing bluegrass music. Layne Publications has the largest online collection of tabs for guitar, mandolin, and banjo.

The new tab for mandolin released by Layne Publications comprises of two high quality MP3 backing tracks and a chord chart. Interestingly, one of the two backing tracks is recorded without mandolin to offer an easy and effective learning experience. Like most of the bluegrass tabs available at Layne Publications, the mandolin tab for Flop Eared Mule can be downloaded for a nominal price of $2.99 only.

The steadily increasing popularity of Layne Publications can be attributed to the expertise and dedication of the company founder Jordan Layne Bourland. He is a renowned bluegrass musician with a burning desire to help the new generation of aspiring musicians through his website.

Layne Publications was founded by eminent bluegrass music professional Jordan Layne Bourland in the year 2005. Since last eight years, Jordan has helped hundreds of aspiring musicians to master the art of playing bluegrass music with his website.

Since 2005 Layne Publications has been the premier source for Bluegrass Instruction and learning. They have sold thousands of tabs and helped thousands of players improve their ability in the comfort of their own home. Students can then take this new skill out to their local bluegrass jam session or to the next practice with their band and show off what they've learned. It gives them the chance to practice things at home without the pressure of getting it right the first time. They can stop, rewind and continue going over that trouble spot without the bass player standing there giving them the evil eye because it wants to move on to the next song.

Tags: Layne PublicationsTabTablatureBluegrassGuitarMandolinEducation

Can you believe the 38th annual CBA Grass Valley Father's Day Festival is just over a month away? The California Bluegrass Association is ready with another spectacular lineup of national headliners, impressive California talent, workshops, camping, jamming and more, all under the pines in the scenic Sierra Foothills. Treat your father to Blue Highway, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Special Consensus, The Larry Stephenson Band, Tom, Brad and Alice, Della Mae, Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain, Front Country and much, much more this June 13-16, 2013.

The Father's Day Festival features in addition to the legendary Main Stage, there are other venues like the Pioneer Stage and Vern's Place for alternative, intimate settings for fine music! Get tickets and more information at http://www.fathersdayfestival.com/

The California Bluegrass Association Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival is held each June on Father’s Day weekend at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, Located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, California. The four-day festival begins Thursday morning and runs through late afternoon Sunday (Father’s Day). The festival is preceded by a three-day bluegrass music camp offering music students of all ages an opportunity to learn from some of the country’s best bluegrass musicians and teachers. For more information about music camp, please visit www.cbamusiccamp.org.

The California Bluegrass Association is very pleased to finally offer an instructional camp for kids during our 38th Annual Father's Day Festival in Grass Valley this year. We will still offer Kids on Bluegrass, our performance activity for young people and our expanded KidFest, our recreational activity.

Then, there's the jamming -- always a festival favorite! One of the things that makes the Father's Days Festival so special is the amount of jamming that takes place, day and night - and the setting you'll be jamming in: bucolic, pine-scented, sun-dappled natural beauty!

And that's not all - there's great food and drink, the Luthier's Pavilion, the amazing Old Time Gathering. And tons of stuff for the younger set - Kids on Bluegrass, the Youth Program. See the links on the left to purchase tickets and/or renew (or begin) your membership in the California Bluegrass Association. See you in Grass Valley!

Tags: California Bluegrass AssociationFather's Day FestivalBluegrass FestivalGrass ValleyBlue HighwayRhonda Vincent & the RageMichael Cleveland & FlamekeeperSpecial ConsensusLarry Stephenson Band

Waynesville, NC -- Michael Davis, founder and president of Michael Davis & Associates, an umbrella company representing several outstanding Christian music booking agencies, is pleased to announce the addition of a Bluegrass divison, Blue Ridge Artist Agency. Blue Ridge Artist Agency is home to many of today's top Bluegrass acts, some of which include, Southern Raised, Tim Surrett, Mountain Faith, and the Snyder Family Band.

Michael Davis, Owner and President of Michael Davis and Associates and founder of the Blue Ridge Artist Agency shares, “Bluegrass Music reflects a worldwide mix of music styles; from jazz, to contemporary country, to rock & roll, to 'newgrass,' to Southern Gospel or any form of old time music.”

Davis continues noting "Bluegrass speaks to the souls of people everywhere. I am excited to offer energetic, talented musicians and vocalists to the world through the Blue Ridge Artist Agency. The music of our artists is presented with professionalism that stirs the heart of the listener. Each artist has their own unique blend of vocalists and instrumentalists who will electrify your crowd with their exceptional presentation. I am so grateful to finally be launching this arm of our company because the world needs to hear these artists!”

“Michael’s personal devotion and commitment to Jesus Christ made the decision to entrust him with our ministry an easy one," expressed Rick Reith, a member of the successsful Bluegrass band Southern Raised. He continued, "by virtue of his dedication and desire to spread the Gospel through music, Southern Raised is excited to walk through the doors God will open with Michael Davis the Blue Ridge Artist Agency."

To learn more about all of the outstanding Bluegrass artists associated with Blue Ridge Artist Agency, visit www.blueridgeartistagency.com.

Tags: Blue Ridge Artist AgencyMichael Davis & AssociatesBusinessPromotion

Lonesome Will Mullins grew up near Clintwood, Virginia, in a house that was filled with family musicians and plenty of bluegrass, old time, and country music. He learned to play the banjo and guitar as a teenager, and before long he was playing in several bands while honing his trade by studying the work of bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, and Dr. Ralph Stanley. To say he learned well would be an understatement. Saturday, May 18th, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert by Lonesome Will Mullins and the Virginia Playboys. Admission to the concert is $8 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free.

Today, Lonesome Will is one of the most accomplished singers and musicians around. Also influenced by Jerry Lee Lewis, he mixes traditional bluegrass music with a breathtakingly energetic stage show. Backed by the Virginia Playboys, the show will be jam-packed with hard driving bluegrass, old time clawhammer banjo, and gospel music. When Lonesome Will takes the stage, audiences are swept away by his range, talent, and showmanship.

The Virginia Playboys will be backing Lonesome Will. The Burrows brothers – Adam and Jake – are the Virginia Playboys. From the mountains of North Carolina, Jake and Adam Burrows have a history of bluegrass in their family. The McPherson Brothers Band, who played on the Grand Ole Opry and shows with the great Jim and Jesse McReynolds in the ‘60s are their uncles. Their love of bluegrass began there, and they’ve learned well. Jake and Adam can play pretty much any instrument they pick up. Randy Jackson will be fiddling for the group.

For some of the best bluegrass, old time, and gospel music you’ll ever hear, don’t miss Lonesome Will Mullins and the Virginia Playboys at the Carter Family Fold. Over the past several years, Will has become a favorite of Fold audiences, and he has come to love the Fold and all it stands for. Will captivates his fans and holds his audiences spellbound. Performing officially since 2006, he’s released four CDs. For additional information, go to www.lonesomewill.com/. Bring along your dancing shoes and your friends – you’ll be mighty glad you did!

Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go to http://www.carterfamilyfold.org. Shows from the Carter Family Fold can be accessed on the internet at http://www.carterfoldshow.com.

Carter Music Center is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http://thecrookedroad.org. Partial funding for programs at the center is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054. The Fold is on Facebook – page Carter Fold – and Twitter – Twitter @carterfoldinfo. To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276-594-0676.

Tags: Lonesome Will Mullins and the Virginia PlayboysCarter Family FoldConcertEvent

New York, NY -- Woody Guthrie at 100 Live at the Kennedy Center pays homage to the artistry of American folk musician Woody Guthrie. This new CD+DVD commemorative package captures the historic all-star concert staged in his honor last October in Washington, DC. Featuring performances from Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Judy Collins, Jeff Daniels (reading a letter, not singing), Ani DiFranco, Donovan, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, John Mellencamp, Tom Morello, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lucinda Williams, and many others, the set will be available June 11, 2013 through Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment.

The release coincides with the televised premiere of Woody Guthrie at 100 Live at the Kennedy Center in June on PBS. (Check your local listings.) The CD+DVD package features eight performances not seen in the one-hour PBS broadcast, including two spoken word performances from actor Jeff Daniels and six musical performances from Old Crow Medicine Show, Jimmy LaFave, Rosanne Cash, Lucinda Williams, Judy Collins, and Ramblin' Jack Elliott. Tracklists for the CD and DVD differ so see full details below.

In October 2012 (the same month as the concert), Woody Guthrie: Ain't Got No Home, written, produced and directed by Peter Frumkin as part of the award-winning American Masters biography series, premiered on PBS.

The commemorative CD+DVD release will include a 12-page booklet containing rare photographs and a personal note from Woody's daughter, Nora Guthrie, who administers the non-profit Woody Guthrie Foundation & Archives, and Woody Guthrie Publications, Inc. Cover art for the CD+DVD package is based on artist Shepard Fairey's screen print designed for the 2012 Woody Guthrie Centennial.

Woody Guthrie at 100 Live at the Kennedy Center presents the ultimate live collection of the most famous songs written and (mostly) recorded by Woody Guthrie (b. July 14, 1912 – d. Oct. 3, 1967). They are performed by artists who have all proclaimed Woody's influence on their craft down the years. The set starts with a familiar pair from Nashville's Old Crow Medicine Show ("Howdi Do," "Union Maid"), followed by touchstones from Judy Collins ("Pastures Of Plenty"), Jimmy LaFave ("Hard Travelin'"), Donovan (the children's favorite, "Riding In My Car"), Ani DiFranco ("Deportee" aka "Plane Wreck At Los Gatos"), Sweet Honey In The Rock ("I've Got To Know"), and Ramblin' Jack Elliott ("1913 Massacre").

Rosanne Cash delivers a pair of Woody's finest ("I Ain't Got No Home" and "Pretty Boy Floyd"); likewise John Mellencamp, an avowed Woody Guthrie disciple, offers up one of his favorites ("Do Re Mi"). Bluegrass giants the Del McCoury Band team with singer-songwriter Tim O'Brien on "So Long, It's Been Good To Know Yuh" and special guest Tony Trischka (on banjo) joins the group for Woody's only instrumental song, "Woody's Rag." The entire cast takes the stage to close the concert with "This Train Is Bound For Glory" and, of course, Woody's timeless "This Land Is Your Land."

Over the past two decades, at the invitation of Nora Guthrie, contemporary musicians have composed music to Woody's previously unpublished lyrics. Several of these artists presented their new songs at the concert, including Joel Rafael ("Ramblin' Reckless Hobo") and Lucinda Williams ("House Of Earth"). In collaboration with Nora Guthrie, bassist/producer Rob Wasserman assembled a full album of these new songs in 2011, Note of Hope . Two artists reprise their contributions from that album, namely Jackson Browne ("You Know The Night") and Tom Morello ("Ease My Revolutionary Mind").

The final contributor to Woody Guthrie at 100 Live at the Kennedy Center is Woody himself. The DVD bonus features include rare footage of Woody singing "John Henry," "Ranger's Command" and "Greenback Dollar," as well as spoken pieces by Woody (and others) that are illustrated by archival photographs and documentary footage. These portraits of Woody are reminders of how the songs of Okemah, Oklahoma's favorite son took off around the world like a fast train on a well-oiled track.

Woody Guthrie at 100 Live at the Kennedy Center is the chronicle of a major, post-modern hootenanny. It took place in Washington, DC, on October 14, 2012, and was the culmination of the yearlong celebration, following events in Woody's native Oklahoma, Texas, California, Pennsylvania, and New York. Over 75 subsequent centennial events (dozens of concerts, tributes and dedications in folk, jazz and classical realms, conferences, seminars, exhibits, dance festivals, a stage musical) took place across the U.S. and Canada – "From California to the New York Island" – and across the UK and Europe. Most of those events, as well as the Kennedy Center concert, were organized and presented by the GRAMMY® Museum, in association with Woody Guthrie Publications, Inc. and the Woody Guthrie Foundation & Archives.

Playing a major role in the centennial campaign is Robert Santelli, Executive Director of the GRAMMY® Museum in Los Angeles, which curated the Woody Guthrie Centennial. Santelli is the award-winning author of This Land Is Your Land: Woody Guthrie and the Journey of an American Folk Song (Running Press, 2012), and co-editor of Hard Travelin': The Life and Legacy of Woody Guthrie (Wesleyan, 1999). Santelli also co-produced and co-annotated Woody at 100: The Woody Guthrie Centennial (Smithsonian Folkways). The coffee table-sized, 3-CD (and 150-page book) box set was released July 10, 2012, four days before Woody's actual 100th birth date on July 14 th. The box set went on to win this year's Grammy Award® for Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package.

In February 2013, HarperCollins published House Of Earth, a previously unpublished completed manuscript by Woody Guthrie that has been lost to readers since its creation in 1947. The book was edited and introduced by presidential historian Douglas Brinkley and Johnny Depp, and published on Depp's imprint, Infinitum Nihil. House Of Earth finally provides a complement to Woody's classic autobiography Bound For Glory (E.P. Dutton, 1943), a book that has exerted enormous influence on generations of musicians around the world, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Bragg, Joe Strummer, and countless others.

Woody Guthrie at 100 Live at the Kennedy Center is produced and directed by four-time Emmy Award-winner Jim Brown of Ginger Group Productions. Brown, an associate professor at NYU's Tisch School Of the Arts, is one of America's most accomplished music documentary filmmakers, with a concentration in American folk music, and has created some of the most enduring films in that genre. He received Emmys for The Weavers: Wasn't That A Time! (1981), We Shall Overcome (1989), and Pete Seeger: The Power of Song (2007). Two of Brown's films, A Vision Shared: A Tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly (1988) and Songs Of the Civil War (1991), were released with Columbia Records CD counterparts. Other titles include Woody Guthrie: Hard Travelin' (1984), Pete Seeger Family Concert (1991), Peter, Paul, and Mary: Carry It on - A Musical Legacy (2004), and two Harry Belafonte films, An Evening with Harry Belafonte & Friends (1997), and the biography, Sing Your Song (2011). Most of Jim Brown's folk music films are very familiar to PBS viewers, as a result of being screened frequently for decades.

"Woody Guthrie never forgot about the people for whom the American Dream was far out of reach," Santelli has written. "It was as if he had made a promise blessed in blood never to ignore the plight of the struggling American, no matter who he was, where he came from, or why he had hit hard times. Woody Guthrie sought to be the voice of the jobless, the homeless, and voiceless. And he was. Here's hoping that Woody and his songs continue to be that voice for the next hundred years."

Woody Guthrie at 100 Live at the Kennedy Center CD+DVD (Legacy Recordings 88883 72809 2 1)

• CD:
  1. "Howdi Do" – Old Crow Medicine Show
  2. "Union Maid" – Old Crow Medicine Show
  3. "Ramblin' Reckless Hobo" – Joel Rafael
  4. "Hard Travelin' - Jimmy LaFave
  5. "Riding In My Car" – Donovan
  6. "I Ain't Got No Home" – Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal
  7. "Pretty Boy Floyd" – Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal
  8. "I've Got To Know" – Sweet Honey In The Rock
  9. "House Of Earth" – Lucinda Williams
  10. "Pastures Of Plenty" – Judy Collins
  11. "Ease My Revolutionary Mind" – Tom Morello
  12. "Deportee" – Ani DiFranco with Ry Cooder and Dan Gellert
  13. "You Know The Night" – Jackson Browne
  14. "So Long, It's Been Good To Know Yuh" – Del McCoury Band with Tim O'Brien
  15. "Woody's Rag" – Del McCoury Band with Tim O'Brien and Tony Trischka
  16. "Do Re Mi" – John Mellencamp
  17. "1913 Massacre" – Ramblin' Jack Elliott
  18. "This Train Is Bound For Glory" – All Performers
  19. "This Land Is Your Land" – All Performers
• DVD:
  1. "Howdi Do" – Old Crow Medicine Show *
  2. "Union Maid" – Old Crow Medicine Show
  3. "This Is Our Country Here" – Jeff Daniels *
  4. "Ramblin' Reckless Hobo" – Joel Rafael
  5. "Hard Travelin'" - Jimmy LaFave *
  6. "Riding In My Car" – Donovan
  7. "I Ain't Got No Home" – Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal *
  8. "Pretty Boy Floyd" – Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal
  9. "I've Got To Know" – Sweet Honey In The Rock
  10. "House Of Earth" – Lucinda Williams
  11. "Pastures Of Plenty" – Judy Collins *
  12. "Ease My Revolutionary Mind" – Tom Morello
  13. "Deportee" – Ani DiFranco with Ry Cooder and Dan Gellert
  14. "I Hate A Song (spoken word)" – Jeff Daniels *
  15. "You Know The Night" – Jackson Browne
  16. "So Long, It's Been Good To Know Yuh" – Del McCoury Band with Tim O'Brien
  17. "Woody's Rag" – Del McCoury Band with Tim O'Brien and Tony Trischka *
  18. "Do Re Mi" – John Mellencamp
  19. "1913 Massacre" – Ramblin' Jack Elliott *
  20. "Nora Guthrie (spoken word)
  21. "This Train Is Bound For Glory" – All Performers
  22. "This Land Is Your Land" – All Performers

* Bonus track which does not appear in televised PBS special

Visit LegacyRecordings.com for more information or to purchase this special collection.

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Nashville, TN -- Country’s Family Reunion, which celebrates the greatest performances, stories and songs of Country music, will debut its newest series this May on the RFD-TV network. Recognizing the long-standing cornerstone of Country music, "Salute to the Opry," will feature performances by Roy Clark, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Anderson, Jan Howard, Jim Ed Brown, John Conlee, Gene Watson, Jean Shepard, Riders in the Sky, George Hamilton IV, The Whites, T. Graham Brown, The Opry Square Dancers, Ray Pillow, Billy Dean, Jimmy C. Newman and Jeannie Seely. These artists will share their personal stories and reminisce about their moments on Country music’s famed stage.

"Country’s Family Reunion would be remiss if it did not showcase the legends of Country music’s grandest family," said Larry Black, creator of Country’s Family Reunion. "The ‘Salute to the Opry’ series celebrates these traditions by bringing some of the most prolific members that have graced country music’s most famous stage together in one room to share their music and memories."

Catch a new episode on the RFD-TV network each Friday in May:

• May 3: Bill Anderson, Jan Howard, Roy Clark, Jim Ed Brown, John Conlee and Gene Watson
• May 10: Jean Shepard, Roy Clark, Ricky Skaggs, Riders in the Sky and George Hamilton IV
• May 17: The Opry Square Dancers, Billy Dean, Jeannie Seely, Jimmy C. Newman, Gene Watson and T. Graham Brown
• May 24: Bill Anderson, John Conlee, Riders in the Sky, Jan Howard, Ray Pillow, T. Graham Brown and The Whites.

Air times for Country’s Family Reunion are Friday at 7 PM CT / 8 PM ET and Saturday at 5 AM CT / 6 AM ET and 11 PM CT / 12 AM ET. Country’s Family Reunion also airs on FamilyNet. Check local listings for air times in your area. All schedules are subject to change. “Salute to the Opry” is a reunion product of Gabriel Communications and is not affiliated with the Grand Ole Opry. For more information on Country’s Family Reunion, “Salute to the Opry” or to purchase the entire series, please visit www.cfrvideos.com or call 1-800-820-5405.

Since 1997, Gabriel Communications has been bringing artists together into one room to reunite and reminisce about their careers, perform signature songs and share stories while the cameras roll. The result has been pure magic, leading to popular TV airings and successful DVD sales, leaving country fans clamoring for more.

Started in 1997 as the idea of long-time disc jockey, Larry Black, Country’s Family Reunion specializes in “Reunion Videos” that documents the songs and stories of country music. The success of this television and DVD series spurred the creation of more than a dozen more projects featuring the country music artists of yesterday and today, Country’s Family Reunion News, a monthly newspaper which highlights the music of yesteryear, as well as a weekly format spin-off television show on RFD-TV called “Larry’s Country Diner.” Country’s Family Reunion is a product of Gabriel Communications which has additionally applied the Reunion concept to sports and created videos involving the legends of stock car racing and collegiate football teams. For more information on Country’s Family Reunion products, please visit: www.cfrvideos.com.

Tags: Country's Family ReunionSalute to the OpryBroadcastEventRoy ClarkRicky SkaggsBill AndersonThe Whites

The 2013 Plum Hollow Festival will be held on Thursday May 23rd through Saturday May 25th (always the LAST weekend in May every year!) Since the transition of claw hammer to the finger picks, bluegrass has gone through many exciting changes. The Plum Hollow Alternative Bluegrass Festival is dedicated to the innovations made by creative artists breaking new ground with an old music.

New Grass, Grunge Grass, Jazz Grass, Bluegrass Rock & Roll (and other grassy pastures not yet discovered) are all a part of Alternative Bluegrass. Our goal (besides having a great party) is to also bring together the music industry in our region (VA, TN, SC, NC, GA) to showcase this new format of music to music buyers, radio stations, record labels and other industry related groups.

The surrounding woods are always popular for camping, whether it be an RV or a tepee, and everyone is encouraged to bring their instruments so they can join in the “all night pickin’” as in years past. Although we don’t have hook-ups we do have a shower house and camping is included in the price of the ticket.

Absolutely NO pets of any kind, glass containers, 4/wheelers, modified golf carts or fireworks allowed. Campsites are first come, first serve, except for Sponsors and Bands and some select spots at the “Top of the Hill”. If you are interested in a reserved campsite these must be paid in advance. Please call (864) 680-0225 or (864) 585-0780 for more information or to reserve your spot today! No one will be allowed into the festival until the gates open at noon on Thursday (except sponsors, bands or press).

We also have rustic cabins for rent. Festival sponsors or bands have first choice but after that it’s a first come first serve basis. Some cabins will sleep 6 to a room, while other cabin suites include hand carved double beds and only sleep 2. Whether you are looking for privacy with a cabin suite or want to spend the weekend with a group in the regular cabins, each one rents for $100.00 per night. Please call (864) 680-0225 for availability. Also, see our media gallery for photos of the cabins.
Golf Carts

If anyone is interested in renting a golf cart for the Moonshiners Reunion, please contact Robert at Golf Cart Services. Although we are not affiliated with him, he is our official vendor of golf carts. PLEASE make sure you rent a cart with working lights. We do not allow golf carts to be used at night without working lights. His number is (864) 574-4616.
Vendors.

The only vendors accepted at the Moonshiners Reunion are exhibitors/vendors of true Southern Heritage articles, such as broom making, wood carving, soap making, pottery, etc. These Folk artisans are strongly encouraged to bring their wares, and may set up and sell for $150.00 & the price of a gate ticket. Also must set up arrangements at least one week in advance.There are no electrical hookups for vendors so you must be self-contained. Vendors are allowed to set-up in the concert area if you wish, but you must be set-up before Thursday evening and plan on staying all weekend. No vehicles are allowed in or out of the concert area after the festival begins. If you are needing more details please feel free to call us at (864) 680-0225.

Tickets are $75.00 per person for 3 day pass, $55.00 per person for Friday/Saturday pass and $30.00 per person for a one day pass. Ticket price are per person and include camping, parking and all concerts. Ticket prices are for all ages. Tickets may be purchased at the gate. Sponsors & Bands are welcome to come early any time the week of event. Just call in advance to let us know so we can arrange for someone to help you.

Once Again, we thank everyone who participates in making this such a memorable event. Where else can you enjoy moonshining folklore and great music while surrounded by great friends and the Blue Ridge Mountains?

Tags: Plum Hollow FestivalMoonshinersNew GrassGrunge GrassJazz GrassBluegrassFestivalEvent

North Adams, MA -- In a flag-planting preview to its bluegrass and roots music festival at MASS MoCA in late September, FreshGrass presents Old Crow Medicine Show in MASS MoCA's Hunter Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, May 28, at 8pm. Old Crow Medicine Show (Ketch Secor, Critter Fuqua, Kevin Hayes, Morgan Jahnig, Gill Landry, and Chance McCoy) shot to stardom as energetic performers with an unbridled spirit that leaps off their strings whenever they pick up an instrument. Discovered by legendary bluegrass picker Doc Watson while they were busking on a street corner in Boone, North Carolina, the group's ascendancy happened on the heels of its first major appearance at Watson's annual Merlefest music festival. So well-received there, the band followed that appearance with a residency at The Grand Ole Opry, which further launched a career whose success now spans across two decades, over 800,000 album sales, and a Grammy award.

To step into an Old Crow concert is akin to stepping into a village of covered wagons and one-room schoolhouses, when entertainers traveled from village to village shilling tonics for every ailment - Old Crow's namesake "medicine shows". The band yearns to bring that wagon-wheel feel back to contemporary music. "I feel like when we play, people can feel the timelessness. They can feel that they're rooted in something," waxes bandleader Ketch Secor. "We're able to play for a collective feeling that's lost, that used to be a big part of everything."

FreshGrass producer Chris Wadsworth of Manitou Media explains, "Old Crow Medicine Show is exactly the music that FreshGrass celebrates." Wadsworth continues, "These guys honor traditional bluegrass while pushing the genre forward with their decidedly authentic old-school picking style. We couldn't miss an opportunity to bring them to MASS MoCA, as a reminder of what's to come on September 20th when we launch the full festival."

Tickets for Old Crow Medicine Show's performance at MASS MoCA are $35 in advance and $40 on the day of the show. Museum members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 x1 during Box Office hours, or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org. MASS MoCA's galleries will be open from 3pm to 7:30pm before the show.

FreshGrass is a wonderland of traditional and cutting-edge bluegrass, tucked appropriately into MASS MoCA, a 19th-century factory-turned-21st-century-museum in the Berkshire mountains of northwestern Massachusetts. It is an opportunity for enthusiasts to both appreciate and participate. FreshGrass features guitar gods and banjo gurus, traditionalists and trailblazers - well-known, much-loved artists, along with new FreshGrass discoveries. Music workshops are offered in conjunction with the Berklee College of Music American Roots Program. A contest to discover the next big stars in bluegrass music, as well as children's performances and local food, flesh out the weekend-long festival. FreshGrass is presented by Manitou Media.

FreshGrass continues to be one of the best values in the festival world. Early-bird festival passes are available for $68 for adults, $58 for students. After the early-bird tickets are sold, normal pricing will be $78 for adults, $68 for students, $38 for kids 6-16, and free for children 5 and under. Museum members receive a 10% discount on the regular prices, but membership discounts do not apply to the early-bird prices. Day passes will be available closer to the event. Tickets are available through the festival website (freshgrass.com) and the museum website (massmoca.org) or by calling the MASS MoCA Box office at 413 662 2111 ext.1. The Box Office is located off Marshall Street in North Adams, and is open from 11am to 5pm, closed Tuesdays. Festival-goers are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, and cushions to sit on but should leave coolers and picnic baskets at home. The festival will be held rain or shine.

MASS MoCA is one of the world's premier centers for making and showing the best art of our time. More than 80 major new works of art and more than 50 performances have been created through fabrication and rehearsal residencies in North Adams, making MASS MoCA perhaps the most fertile site in the country for new art. The museum thrives on making and presenting work that is fresh, surprising, and challenging. MASS MoCA's galleries are open 11am to 5pm every day except Tuesdays. In July and August, MASS MoCA's galleries are open 10am to 6pm every day. Gallery admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students, $5 for children 6-16, and free for children 5 and under. Members are admitted free year-round. For additional information, call 413-662-2111 or visit www.massmoca.org.

Tags: Old Crow Medicine ShowFreshGrassMASS MoCAMusic FestivalEvent

Valerie Smith's single "The Moon Ain't Square" was included in the Daughters of Bluegrass new release on Blue Circle Records "Pickin' Like A Girl" (Disc 2, Track 14). Val got out her video cam and had a fun spring day interviewing various people and groups about the moon. The video is humorous!

Award winning songwriters Tom T. Hall and Dixie Hall penned the songs on this wonderful collection and which is released on their Good Home Grown Music label. The combination of outstanding songwriting and an assemblege of artists combine for a unique and creative collection of awesome music.

This project took around a year and a half in the making. It would, of course, have been completed sooner but we just couldn't quit! If the truth were told there really is no stopping place. There is just too much female talent out there that should not pass unheard. We hope you enjoy this drop in the bucket - Happy Listening!

"The Moon Ain't Square" by David Stevens/Valerie Smith (BMI)/Tom T. Hall (BMI)/Dixie Hall (BMI) features Valerie Smith - lead vocals; Corrina Rose Logstone - fiddle; Rebekah Long - lead guitar, bass, rhythm guitar; Rachel Burge - mandolin.

Tags: Valerie SmithDaughters of BluegrassPickin' Like a GirlThe Moon Ain't SquareCD ReleaseVideo

San Diego, CA -- Summergrass San Diego is Southern California's most exciting bluegrass music festival. Summergrass is pleased to announce their 2013 festival, marking their 11th year held at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista, CA, a fascinating 40 acre outdoor museum, you won't want to miss it. This year's headlinerlineup features NewFound Road, Sierra Hull, Bluegrass Etc, Flatt Lonesome,, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen. Also appearing will be: Bluegrass Brethren, Box Canyon, Front Porch Preservation Society, Full Deck, Gone Tomorrow, Next Generation, Old Town Road, Roustabouts.

Summergrass Festival 2013 will be 3 Days of Live Music from 13 international, national, regional and local bands; music workshops presented by our performing artists; a variety of special family & kid-oriented music activities; lots of spontaneous live jam sessions; instrument raffles; tasty food and a variety of vendors. Enjoyable whether you're 6 or 60! It's a great, affordable, family event.

NewFound Road returns in 2013! With NewFound Road, what you hear is what you get. The fire and intensity of this band's performance are made possible through their immense gifts as instrumentalists, songwriters and vocalists. A well received, big crowd favorite in 2009, NewFound Road's impressive assurance and sincerity make them among the most dynamic bluegrass bands on today's scene. From the Ohio and Kentucky area, make sure you see NewFound Road's return appearance! Visit the band at myspace newfound road and find out what makes this band so popular.

Summergrass is very proud to present Sierra Hull in 2013. A recent alumni of Berklee School of Music in Boston, this young lady is at the cutting-edge of the future of bluegrass. Sierra has already earned considerable respect in the bluegrass world, the IBMA's voting members having nominated her for no fewer than five awards over three years. As a player, a singer and a songwriter, she also has remarkable range, the potential to win over ears unfamiliar with Bill Monroe and give performances of broad cultural importance, as she's done at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the National Prayer Breakfast. Matt Glaser-head of Berklee's American Roots Music Program-put it this way: "She has no limitations as a musician." Sierra Hull - a must see show! See more of Sierra at http://www.sierrahull.com

Flatt Lonesome is a young, new group of pickers hailing from Florida who are deeply-rooted in bluegrass music's historic classics. They also have an energetic flair for country sounds, progressive jams, and soul-stirring gospel music while never forsaking their traditional essence.

Flatt Lonesome was born from the Robertson family's bluegrass gospel band, Sandy Creek Revival. Pastor Dolton Robertson, his wife Lisa, and their three children Kelsi, Buddy, and Charli began playing as a group just a few years ago because of their love of bluegrass and the desire to play music together as a family. This quickly grew into a passion for the Robertson children with a great longing to travel, write, and record. So, in January 2011, Kelsi, Charli and Buddy teamed up with friends Dominic Illingworth, Michael Stockton, and Brian Andrews and became Flatt Lonesome. In February of 2011, the band entered the SPBGMA International Band Championship in Nashville, TN and placed 3rd. Not bad for the band's very first time on stage!

Bluegrass Etc. is back! This San Diego blockbuster band will return to its roots in Vista to the delight of their throngs of fans. This dynamic trio is comprised of stunning pickers and will dazzle and delight their hometown fans once again. Bluegrass Etc. performs a hard-hitting show of instrumental expertise, vocal precision and stage personality that never fails to entertain. The group is well known internationally and tours more than eighteen countries per year, performing more than 200 shows annually at festivals and in concert. Bluegrass Etc. consists of John Moore (mandolin, guitar, vocals), Dennis Caplinger (banjo, fiddle, vocals), and Bill Bryson (bass, vocals).

Summergrass is proud to debut Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen in 2013. With Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen you hear power. You hear volume. You hear crispness, clarity, timing, and taste. All this combined with passion and drive creates this band that has a powerful life force that's raw, natural and pure. Frank Solivan on mandolin and fiddle, Mike Mumford on banjo, Danny Booth on bass, and Chris Luquette on guitar "play the fire" out of their respective instruments and will impress you with an energy force that will have you up out of your chair. Welcome Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen! Check out this band at www.dirtykitchenband.com_blank

Tags: SummergrassBluegrass FestivalEvent

Appalachian Entertainer and actor Randall Franks joins historic country music luminaries such as A.P. Carter of the Carter Family, Pop Stoneman of the Stoneman Family, Uncle Dave Macon and Fiddlin’ John Carson in the Independent Country Music Hall of Fame. Franks was inducted alongside several industry friends including Leona Williams, Razzy Bailey, Jean Shepherd, Jimmy C. Newman, the late Billie Jo Spears, Glenn Douglas Tubb, Jerry and Helen Burke, Leslie Elliott, Jim Lusk, Phyllis Cole and the late Johnny Carson.

Franks accepted the induction on behalf of those who he said invested in his life and encouraged him along his path.

“I first thank God for the opportunities and talents He provided, my late parents Floyd and Pearl Franks, Cotton and Jane Carrier, John and Debbie Farley, Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, Roy Acuff, Perry Harris, Carroll O’Connor, Alan Autry, Johnny Carson and Phyllis Cole, the producers, directors, engineers, songwriters, managers, agents, disc jockeys, and those of you who bought records and show tickets, listened on radio, and watched me on TV.”

Hall of Fame member Jerry Cramer presented Franks the award as he also expressed his appreciation to the nominating committee for his induction.

“It is especially such an honor to join such an illustrious class of inductees filled with so many whose work I have admired through my career as well as many who are my friends,” he said.

Franks is best known as “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” a role he performed on NBC and CBS from 1988-1993. He also starred with Robert Townsend in his series “Musical Theater of Hope” which aired on GMC-TV in 2009.

He has co-starred or starred in 14 films with superstars including Dolly Parton, Christian Slater, William Hurt and Stella Parton and legendary western star “Doc” Tommy Scott. His most recent film is “Lukewarm” with John Schneider, Nicole Gale Anderson and Bill Cobbs.

Franks’s musical stylings have been heard in 150 countries and by more than 25 million Americans. His musical career boasts 19 album releases, 17 singles, and over 200 recordings with various artists from various genres. One of his most popular self-penned Songs of the Year award winners is “The Old Black Fiddle.” The award-winning fiddler’s best selling release, "Handshakes and Smiles" was a top 20 Christian music seller. Many of his albums were among the top 30-bluegrass recordings of their release year.

The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame member shared a top country vocal collaboration with Grand Ole Opry stars the Whites. In addition to his solo career that includes 13 years guest starring for Grand Ole Opry, Franks is a former member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys, Jim and Jesse's Virginia Boys and has performed with Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Lewis Family, the Marksmen Quartet, Elaine and Shorty, “Doc” Tommy Scott’s Last Real Old Time Medicine Show and Doodle and the Golden River Grass.

He was included among his generation’s leading country humorists in the recent Loyal Jones book “Country Music Humorists and Comedians.”

He is president of the Share America Foundation, Inc. that provides the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship to musicians continuing the traditional music of Appalachia. He hosts a monthly concert series at the historic Ringgold Depot which helps fund the scholarships. He authored four books including “A Mountain Pearl: Appalachian Reminiscing and Recipes;” “Stirring Up Success with a Southern Flavor” and “Stirring Up Additional Success with a Southern Flavor” with Shirley Smith; and “Snake Oil, Superstars and Me” with “Doc” Tommy Scott and Shirley Swiesz.

The award-winning journalist is a syndicated columnist with his “Southern Style” appearing weekly in newspapers from North Carolina to Texas and at http://randallfranks.com/

Also honored at the ceremonies near Nashville in Lebanon, Tenn. were Roy August, T. Jae Christian, Gary Clardy, Ed Gowens, Hickory Wind Band, Marty Martel, Dave Lindsey, Gary S. Paxton, Ernie Rowell, Bill Rainey, Donna Ray, and Steven B. Riley.

The Independent Country Music Hall of Fame Awards was established in 1996 to recognize those independent recording artists, songwriters, producers and country music industry business people who deserve recognition for their important roles within the country music family. For more information, visit http://www.independentcountrymusichalloffame.com.

Tags: Randall FranksIndependent Country Music Hall of Fame AwardsAwardHall of Fame

Nashville, TN -- Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum and the Nashville Public Libary and Foundation will present the world premiere of String City: Nashville's Tradition of Music and Puppetry. Many of country music’s most impactful artists, from early musical architects to contemporary superstars, will perform together on the Ford Theater stage this summer—in a manner of speaking: The world premiere of String City: Nashville's Tradition of Music and Puppetry, a colorful telling of the history of country music in Nashville, will take place June 20 at 8 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Tickets will be available on May 9, 2013.

Admission to the June 20 performance, which includes a pre-show reception at 7 p.m., is available for a $30 per person donation; tickets may be reserved starting May 9. All donations go to the Nashville Public Library Foundation and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Additional information is below.

An hour-long history of country music with an emphasis on Nashville’s transformation into Music City, this original program is made possible by a partnership between the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Nashville Public Library and Foundation. This performance launches the 2013 Nashville International Puppet Festival.

“String City is the brainchild of Judy and Steve Turner,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “Our city could not ask for two more dedicated patrons; they are passionate supporters of the arts and arts education. Steve is chairman of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s board, Judy serves on the advisory committee of Nashville Public Library Foundation, and they conceived String City as a collaboration between our institutions that could ultimately educate audiences around the world about Music City. The resulting show uses puppets and artists’ original recordings to take the audience on a journey through country music history, from early seminal artists and key events up to the present day.

“We envision String City as a production that will travel to festivals across the U.S. and internationally,” Young continued. “It has the potential to act as an ambassador for our institutions, our city and the genre as a whole.”

“The wide appeal of country music and Nashville’s deep roots in the genre’s history attract tourists from all over the country and the world,” said Kent Oliver, Nashville Public Library director. “String City appeals to the same crowd of music enthusiasts and demonstrates that puppetry is a fine art form, attracting fans of all interests and ages, not just the younger ones.”

The String City soundtrack features original recordings from numerous artists. The script was written by Brian Hull of Wishing Chair Productions, the library’s in-house puppet troupe, in consultation with the museum’s Jay Orr, Michael McCall and Ali Tonn.

Each of the nearly three dozen artists featured in the narrative is represented by a puppet doppelganger. Two were created by Tennessee’s own Phillip Huber, an artist best known for his work with marionettes, most notably in Being John Malkovich and in Disney’s Oz, the Great and Powerful.

String City is the largest production Nashville Public Library has ever undertaken. After its debut at the museum, String City will continue to be performed at the Nashville Public Library, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, local schools, special events, festivals and abroad.

The program is part of the 2013 Nashville International Puppet Festival, which takes place June 21–23 at the main library downtown. Free and open to the public, the festival includes a family-friendly carnival atmosphere with puppet performances, live music, food and a parade. International puppet troupes hailing from France, China, Japan, Argentina and Germany will perform. The festival is being funded by Nashville Public Library, the Nashville Public Library Foundation and the Junior League of Nashville.

The marionette tradition at Nashville Public Library dates back to 1938 when Tom Tichenor performed a rendition of Puss in Boots. Seventy-five years later, marionette shows are still performed at the downtown library on Friday and Saturday mornings by Wishing Chair Productions. Nashville’s first international puppet festival was held by the library in 2008 and attracted more than 18,000 people.

Advance tickets for String City and the preshow reception may be obtained by making a $30 donation online at www.nashvillepuppetfestival.com beginning Thursday, May 9; donations may also be made the night of show at the museum box office. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and are nonrefundable. Guests attending the String City premiere are also invited to a pre-show reception, which begins at 7 p.m.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964. The museum’s mission is the preservation of the history of country and related vernacular music rooted in Southern culture. With the same educational mission, the foundation also operates CMF Records, the museum’s Frist Library and Archive, CMF Press, Historic RCA Studio B and Hatch Show Print®. More information about the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is available at www.countrymusichalloffame.org or by calling (615) 416-2001.

Nashville Public Library maintains a collection of 2 million items, including books, periodicals, DVDs, CDs, audio books, and downloadable books, movies and music. The library also offers more than 800 public-use computers, free art exhibits, educational programs and events for all ages, such as historic marionette shows by Wishing Chair Productions enjoyed by nearly 8,000 children each month. The system also offers Bringing Books to Life, a pre-K initiative for children, teachers and families; 24/7 reference assistance; and interlibrary loan. The Oral History and Special Collections Center houses historical photographs, documents and memorabilia. The center also offers online genealogical resources such as Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest, and incorporates the award-winning Civil Rights Room. Equal access is offered through the Talking Library audio reading service for the print disabled- and Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. For more information, call (615) 862-5800 or visit http://www.library.nashville.org.

The Nashville Public Library Foundation provides private funding to enhance library buildings, programs and collections. Recent initiatives include: opening the Oral History and Special Collections Center, funding a pre-school literacy program called Bringing Books to Life; sending the famed marionettes on the road with the Puppet Truck; starting T.O.T.A.L., a youth empowerment program; and mounting professionally curated art exhibits. Each year, the Foundation bestows the Nashville Public Library Literary Award to a distinguished author for their contribution to the world of books and reading; past recipients include Ann Patchett, John Updike, David Halberstam, David McCullough, John McPhee and Margaret Atwood. For more information on the NPLF or to make a gift, visit http://www.nplf.org.

Tags: Country Music Hall of Fame and MuseumNashville Public LibraryString City: Nashville's Tradition of Music and PuppetryEvent

Nashville, Tenn. (May 1, 2013) — The International Bluegrass Music Association – IBMA – is pleased to make its first announcement of talent for the newly-named Wide Open Bluegrass festival, to be held at the Raleigh, NC Convention Center andAmphitheater on September 27th and 28th.

The initial slate of artists scheduled to perform at the Wide Open Bluegrass festival include a special collaboration between bluegrass giants Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Béla Fleck, Alison Krauss, Del McCouryand Tony Rice, a performance from one of the most anticipated tours of the summer, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers Featuring Edie Brickell and the acclaimed Punch Brothers, with their first appearance at the IBMA festival.

Tickets for the Wide Open Bluegrass festival will go on sale May 15 for IBMA members and May 29 for the general public. Bluegrass fans can join IBMA in order to take advantage of early ticket availability and member discount rates, by calling 1-888-GET-IBMA or going to www.ibma.org.

Serving as onstage“mistress of ceremonies” for the Wide Open Bluegrass festival is celebrated banjo player/songwriter Abigail Washburn.

Additional ticket information for the Wide Open Bluegrass festival – as well as the full slate of performers - will be announced in the coming weeks.

The two-day festival is part of IBMA’s annual World of Bluegrass event: bluegrass music’s annual industry gathering and family reunion. Held for the first time in Raleigh, North Carolina, World of Bluegrass runs from September 24-28. The International Bluegrass Music Association – IBMA – is the professional trade organization for the global bluegrass music community.

Friday night’s performance from artists Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Béla Fleck, Alison Krauss, Del McCoury and Tony Rice offers a unique reunion of recipients of the IBMA’s inaugural International Bluegrass Music Awards, presented in 1990—a group of artists whose names are synonymous not just with the best in today’s bluegrass, but with the most memorable acoustic music of any kind.

Rooted in tradition yet with distinctive, forward-looking visions that have propelled bluegrass music into the 21st century and brought its sounds and influences around the world, these are true masters who are equally at ease in bringing audiences to the edges of theirseats with finely-wrought intimacy, and to their feet with bold instrumental virtuosity and signature vocals.

Individually, they have been among the genre’s most important role models and musical mentors for the current generation of bluegrass musicians. Though they’re friends and colleagues of long standing, this appearance marks their first time together on stage in more than 20 years. Mark Schatz, Bass Player of the Year in 1994-1995, will be standing in for the late Roy Huskey, Jr., who took top IBMA honors on Bass from 1990-93.

Audiences are already familiar with the award-winning combination of actor/musician Steve Martin and the Grammy-winning bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers; the addition of artist Edie Brickell to their spring/summer tour – which will take them from Town Hall in NYC to the LA’s Hollywood Bowl - has made them on of the most talked-about tours of the year. The Washington Post has nothing but praise for Martin and Brickell’s new Rounder album, “Love Has Come For You, ” declaring that “Mixing the traditional with the modern, Brickell and Martin find a comfortable groove on what may seem like an unlikely collaboration but that turns out to be a perfect fit.”

Saturday night’s Punch Brothers, led by widely acknowledged mandolin genius Chris Thile, have earned acclaim by blending the traditional interplay of bluegrass instruments with the complexity of chamber music—and a healthy dose of contemporary indie sensibility.

“With a new host city on the horizon for our annual World of Bluegrass gathering, it was the perfecttime for IBMA to assemble a spectacular, one-of-a-kind artistic lineup to celebrate the move,” said IBMA Executive Director, Nancy Cardwell.

IBMA’s World of Bluegrass 2013 will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center, the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Red Hat Amphitheater—all within easy walking distance of each other. Evening showcases will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center and at various venues in town.

For more details and to purchase tickets/register for World of Bluegrass 2013, IBMA Awards, “Wide Open Bluegrass” weekend festival and showcase passes, visit www.worldofbluegrass.org or call 1-888-GET-IBMA.

Follow IBMA’s World of Bluegrass news at Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/intlbluegrass) and on Twitter (@intlbluegrass, #ibma, #wob2013, #bluegrassnation and #bluegrass).

Tags: International Bluegrass Music AssociationIBMAWide Open Bluegrass FestivaBluegrass FestivalEvent

Nashville, Tenn. (May 1, 2013) – George Jones’ funeral will take place on Thursday, May 2nd at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, starting at 10 am (Central) and will be open to the public. Doors will open at 9 am. "George would have wanted his fans and friends everywhere to be able to come and pay their respects along with his family," said publicist Kirt Webster. Country Music Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry member, and Kennedy Center Honoree George Glenn Jones died Friday, April 26, 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

In addition, national television networks CMT, GAC, RFD, and FamilyNet, as well as local Nashville stations WKRN 2, WSMV 4, WTVF 5, WZTV 17 will broadcast the funeral service “LIVE”, with radio partners WSM 650AM and SiriusXM Willie's Roadhouse (Ch. 56) broadcasting the service. Fans around the world can listen online at wsmonline.com or watch online at www.opry.com.

"The caliber of speakers and performers is a testament to what George Jones meant to everyone in the world," says publicist Kirt Webster. "Nancy is overwhelmed by the love and support of not only George's fans, but also the music community, public figures and friends."

The service will include music from Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill w/ Patty Loveless, Alan Jackson, Ronnie Milsap, Kid Rock, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, and Wynonna. Former First Lady Laura Bush, Kenny Chesney, Grand Ole Opry VP&GM Pete Fisher, Governor Bill Haslam, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Barbara Mandrell, and CBS News' Chief Washington Correspondent Bob Schieffer will all make special remarks.

Fans not able to attend can leave a special message about George Jones at: http://tinyurl.com/GJtribute

Tags: George JonesObituarySilent Strings

Irvine, KY -- Kindred Records has signed a record deal with Kermit, West Virginia bluegrass music group JD Messer and Sanctified. The band is currently in the studio recording tracks for a new Gospel all-original project and is planned for the Kindred Records debut release this summer.

Two singles are now being released simultaneously, "Peter Stepped Out" is a solid Bluegrass Gospel number that sure fits the classic Doyle Lawson mold and a bonus track release "Lunch Box Letter" that really touches the hearts and minds of anyone with coal miners in the family. Both singles are available now on AirPlayDirect with more info posted on their artist page on kindredrecords.com and on their website at www.jdmesserandsanctified.com

Band members are John D. Messer - mandolin/lead vocals, Kenny Stanley - guitar/vocals, Jerry Sturgell - dobro/vocals, Kayla Amburgey - bass/vocals, Brent Amburgey - banjo/vocals, and Albon Clevenger - fiddle/vocals.

Great bluegrass with a Gospel message, solid vocal harmonies, and a hard driving performance. The group is currently booking and looking forward to performing and expanding their territory.

Kindred is pleased to add JD Messer and Sanctified to its catalog of artists. For more information visit their website at www.jdmesserandsanctified.com

Tags: J.D. Messer and SanctifiedGospelCD Release

The Expedition Show is very excited to announce that their new CD, Stormy Horizons, on Mountain Fever Records will be officially released on Tuesday, May 14th! However, the band will have some advance copies ready to ship on May 6th so they are offering the project for pre-order now.

The unique and entertaining musical journey of The Expedition Show blends tight vocal harmonies, white-hot picking, and sidesplitting humor into a fast paced, non-stop, crowd-pleasing show! One of the fantastic surprises of this veteran group of musicians is the original songs and fresh sounds combined with old-school traditional spirit. Critically ac- claimed master musicians and singers trained by the forefathers of bluegrass and the legends of the Grand Ole Opry have forged into a very special musical experience!

Consisting of Blake Williams on banjo and vocals; Wayne Southards on guitar and vocals; Kimberly Williams on bass and vocals; and Alex Hibbitts on mandolin and vocals; The Expedition Show has been a fan and festival favorite since their beginning in early 2002.

The tracks on Stormy Horizons include:

1. "Cheating Game Of The Blues"
2. "Rambler Like Me"
3. "Paradise City Of God"
4. "Dryland Farmer"
5. "World's Greatest Picture"
6. "Gotta Travel On"
7. "Stormy Horizons"
8. "Foggy Mountain Special"
9. "Take The High Road"
10. "Low Down Cryin' Shame"
11. "He's The One For Me"
12. "The Blues Come Around"

During the band's 9 year tenure, the entertaining group has been nominated twice by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) for Emerging Artist of the Year (2005 and 2007), Wayne Southards has won the International Acoustic Music Association's Male Vocalist of the Year award (2009) and Blake Williams has been nominated three times for Entertainer of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (2007-2009).

The band has performed all over the world including a tour with country music artist Darryl Worley to Japan and an extensive headlining tour in Canada. In addition, the band was invited to perform for the historic Ryman Auditorium's "Bluegrass Nights at The Ryman" concert series in 2007 where they played to a nearly sold out crowd. In between all the touring, the quartet has also released seven full-length CDs.

"When we started this band, we wanted to be different from anyone else out there," states founding member Blake Wil- liams. "With Wayne and Kimberly both singing lead and harmony, we immediately offer a variety for the listeners and we also write a lot of our own songs. And another thing we wanted to do was to put on an entertaining show. When I worked with Lester Flatt back in the 70's, he made a point to call his performances a ‘show’. Every time he stepped on stage, he set out to entertain and not just perform but give that audience a ‘show’ and I learned very early on that if you can entertain a crowd, not just play to them, then you've done what you're supposed to do when you’re on stage." And entertain is exactly what The Expedition Show does.

They not only present excellent vocals from solos to quartets, and excellent musicianship from the veteran players, but they also engage the crowd in laughter with the banter between Expedition band members and the country comedic style of Williams. "I've always thought if people were laughing, they're forgetting their troubles," continues Williams. "If you aren't smiling or laughing throughout our show, then we're not doing our job as entertainers."

Tags: The Expedition ShowStormy HorizonsCD Release

Nashville, TN -- Country music stars The Roys, Lucas Hoge, Danielle Peck, Jett Williams, Buddy Jewell and Andy Griggs recently provided their support to the newly launched "HonorOne Campaign" by recording public service announcements and detailing their personal experiences with the military.

The PSAs recorded by the artists, challenge ALL 300 million Americans to spend $10 and show their support for HonorOne, the organization which assists service men and women and their families. For each $10 spent at www.HonorOne.org, the supporter will receive a God Bless the USA Reminder Coin.

Additionally, the supporter will be named on a patriotic shadow box gift to a wounded veteran. Each gift is handmade in the United States by disabled workers. 100% of the profits are donated to the best military charities, including those that provide vital family and post-traumatic stress disorder counseling for soldiers returning from the battlefield. For more information, or to support the "HonorOne Campaign," please visit www.honorone.org.

“When we launched the campaign, it became apparent that there was interest among country music artists,” said Lane Ostrow, founder of the “HonorOne Campaign”. “However, we could have never expected the outpouring of patriotism and support that they have shown. We are blessed to have their support and encourage everyone to help service men and women with just $10.”

For more information on the HonorOne $10 Campaign or other military gift packages, please visit www.honorone.org or www.productsforgood.com. Additionally, the supporter will be named on a patriotic shadow box gift to a wounded veteran. Each gift is handmade in the United States by disabled workers. 100% of the profits are donated to the best military charities, including those that provide vital family and post-traumatic stress disorder counseling for soldiers returning from the battlefield. For more information, or to support the

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Nashville, TN -- Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce that Marty Raybon has won 4 Christian Gospel Music (CGM) Fan Awards including “Favorite Song” for “I’ve Seen What He Can Do”, “Favorite Male Vocalist”, “Favorite Musician” and “Favorite Crossover Artist” at the 4th annual CGM Fan Awards show presented by Christian Voice Magazine. The Awards were announced during the 2013 CGM Fan Award show at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN on April 27th.

“I've been so blessed this year starting out with a new CD 'The Back Forty'. One of the four awards at the CGM Christian Voice Awards Show Saturday night, Song of the Year, "I've Seen What He Can Do", going back to back 2012 and 2013…the Male Vocalist, Crossover Artist and Musician of the Year. A person could not ask for a better way of celebrating 40 years in music, God's goodness, priceless...”, says Marty Raybon.

This makes back-to-back wins in the CGM “Favorite Song” category. Marty won the 2012 “Favorite Song” award for “I’m Working On A Building” which also featured Jimmy Fortune, Trace Adkins and T. Graham Brown. Both the 2012 and 2013 “Favorite Songs” are from Marty’s 2012 Rural Rhythm Christian release “Hand To The Plow” produced by Mark Carman. Also in 2012, Marty won the CGM Fan Award for “Favorite Soloist”. A third song, “You Get Me” also, from the “Hand To The Plow” album, is currently at #2 on the Christian Voice Magazine Country Gospel Chart for April 2013.

Marty has received numerous Grammy, CMA, ACM & IBMA awards and nominations during his impressive 40 year career.

For more about Marty Raybon visit his website at MartyRaybon.com or visit RuralRhythm.com to learn more about his previous Rural Rhythm albums Southern Roots & Branches , Hand To The Plow and The Back Forty.

Marty Raybon is now on tour with his group Full Circle in support of his new Rural Rhythm Records album “The Back Forty”. Watch for upcoming plans to commemorate Marty’s 40 years as an entertainer.

Tags: Marty RaybonChristian Gospel MusicAwardsI've Seen What He Can DoHand to the Plow