Thursday, April 30, 2009

Traditional Ties, 05/03, Playlist

Traditional Ties, 05/03/09
Contact info for new adds:





NewFound Road / My Shoes Know... / Same Old Place / Rounder2009-05-0322:02
Farewell Drifters / River Song / Single Release / Self2009-05-0322:0
Frank Wakefield / Saratoga Springs / Ownself Blues / Patuxent2009-05-0322:11
Four Wheel Drive / All I Have to Do Is Dream / 10 Years of EWOB / Strictly Country2009-05-0322:16
Third Tyme Out / Hard Rock Mountain Prison / (Upcoming) / Rural Rhythm2009-05-0322:20
Doyle Lawson / Lonely Street / Lonely Street / Rounder2009-05-0322:22
Tommy Webb / Heartland / (Upcoming) / Rural Rhythm2009-05-0322:24
M & M Express / Reno Bound / Reno Bound / Old Homestead2009-05-0322:27
NewFound Road / Give Me Jesus / Same Old Place / Rounder2009-05-0322:31
Springfield / Paul and Silas / 10 Years of EWOB2009-05-0322:33
Lynn Beckman / Meeting in the Air / Grassland to Gloryland / Self2009-05-0322:36
Daughters... / Go Up on That Mountain and Wait / Bluegrass Bouquet / Blue Circle2009-05-0322:39
Nothin' Fancy / Gone Home / Lord Bless This House / Pinecastle2009-05-0322:45
Dailey and Vincent / When I Reach That Home Up There / Brothers... / Rounder2009-05-0322:48
Bobby Osborne / What Would You Give... / Bluegrass and Beyond / Rounder2009-05-0322:51
Pine Mountain Railroad / The Gospel Ship / Pickin'... / Pinecastle2009-05-0322:55
NewFound Road / Lonesome River / Same Old Place / Rounder2009-05-0323:02
NewFound Road / On the Back Row / Same Old Place / Rounder2009-05-0323:07
NewFound Road / Love Stay Away From Me / Same Old Place / Rounder2009-05-0323:10
NewFound Road / Full Circle / Same Old Place / Rounder2009-05-0323:14
Frank Wakefield / This Is For Bill / Ownself Blues / Patuxent2009-05-0323:19
Sunny Side / Dark As the Night / 10 Years of EWOB2009-05-0323:23
Farewell Drifters / Dream of Me Tonight / Single Release / Self2009-05-0323:26
Jeremy Garrett / I Am a Stranger / I Am a Stranger / Sugar Hill2009-05-0323:28
Frank Wakefield / New Camptown Races / Ownself Blues / Patuxent2009-05-0323:31
Balsam Range / Last Train to Kitty Hawk / Last Train... / Mountain Home2009-05-0323:36
David Parmley / 3 Silver Dollars / 3 Silver Dollars / Pinecastle2009-05-0323:40
East Run / Georgia Mail / Eclectigrass / Self2009-05-0323:43
Farewell Drifters / Ticket to Ride / Single Release / Self2009-05-0323:46
Junior Sisk / The Wolf Is At the Door / Blueside... / Rebel2009-05-0323:50
Lost and Found / I Want to Be Wanted / Love Lost and Found / Rebel2009-05-0323:53
Frank Wakefield / Rockville Special / Ownself Blues / Patuxent2009-05-0323:55


JOHN TROUT, WYEP FM, PITTSBURGH, PA. tties91@hotmail.com

'TRADITIONAL TIES'- NEW RELEASE BLUEGRASS WITH FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS. 91.3 WYEP, http://www.wyep.org 10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.) Sundays. Streaming Audio 1608 JEFFERSON ST, LATROBE PA, 15650 -2940

Link to Traditional Ties web pages: http://wyep.org/traditionalties

Vern Gosdin - RIP



Vern Gosdin dies at 75, country music singer-songwriter

The rich baritone was known as 'The Voice.' Among his hits was 'Chiseled in Stone,' which was named the Country Music Assn.'s song of the year in 1989.

Times Staff And Wire Reports, April 30, 2009

Vern Gosdin, a singer-songwriter whose "Chiseled in Stone" was named the Country Music Assn.'s song of the year in 1989, has died. He was 70.Gosdin died late Tuesday at a Nashville hospital, according to Michael Illobre, funeral director at Mount Olivet Funeral Home in Nashville. The singer reportedly had suffered a stroke a few weeks ago...
Gosdin was born Aug. 5, 1934, in Woodland, Ala., one of nine children who grew up on a farm. He learned to play guitar and sang on the Gosdin family gospel music radio show in Birmingham, Ala.
He moved with his brother Rex to Southern California in 1961. While working as a welder in Long Beach, Vern Gosdin joined his brother and banjo player Don Parmley in a bluegrass group called the Golden State Boys. When Chris Hillman joined the band, they renamed themselves the Hillmen. Hillman later left to form the seminal folk-rock band the Byrds, and the true-to-country Gosdin Brothers appeared as an opening act on tour... Read more.

...

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Cliff Waldron, Kidney Transplant, Update

Word has been received that the Cliff Waldron kidney transplant went well. Both Cliff and his wife Nancy, the donor, are doing fine and sharing the same hospital room.

Your continued support and prayers are requested.

Monday, April 27, 2009

ETSU to Offer Bluegrass Major

First bluegrass major in the world may be offered at ETSU (East Tennesee State University)

Marion Stiles

Many students already in the bluegrass program minor hope to turn the subject into a four-year degree Although ETSU is already famous for bluegrass music, the school is taking it to the next level by creating the first ever bachelor of arts in bluegrass, old time and country music. By Spring 2010, the program is hoping to make the idea of a bluegrass major into a reality.


The directors of the bluegrass, old time and country music program want to provide an extensive education for their students beyond what the minor in bluegrass can offer. "There is a lot of demand for the major among students," said Raymond McClain, the director of the program. "I think our industry is also ready for a pool of academically trained professionals."



Jack Tottle started ETSU's bluegrass education in 1982 with little support from the community at the time. Read more.

Traditional Ties, 05/03, Highlights






Traditional Ties, 05/03



Contact info for new adds:











NewFound Road's 'Same Old Place' will be this week's feature new release. Multiple cuts from Frank Wakefield's 'Ownself Blues' will be played. A new e-release from the Farewell Drifters will be introduced, three cuts available from i-tunes.


The complete playlist will be posted here later in the week.


JOHN TROUT, WYEP FM, PITTSBURGH, PA. tties91@hotmail.com


'TRADITIONAL TIES'- NEW RELEASE BLUEGRASS WITH FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS. 91.3 WYEP, http://www.wyep.org 10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.) Sundays. Streaming Audio 1608 JEFFERSON ST, LATROBE PA, 15650 -2940

Link to Traditional Ties web pages: http://wyep.org/traditionalties



Rural Rhythm Has Two Number Ones

Nashville, TN - April 27, 2009
Rural Rhythm Records Announces Two #1s Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine National Survey Charts (May)

Rural Rhythm Records is pleased to announce two #1s on the May 2009 Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine National Bluegrass Survey with LONESOME RIVER BAND climbing to #1 on the Top 15 Album Chart (“NO TURNING BACK”) and CARRIE HASSLER & HARD RAIN at #1 on the Top 30 Single Chart (“I Can Go Back Anytime” from the album "CHHR2"). "We are thrilled to have a #1 song and album at the same time on the chart by two different artists. The artists and Rural Rhythm are very thankful to the Bluegrass Unlimited reporting stations, plus all the bluegrass radio stations worldwide who have been incredibly supportive of the song and album," said Sammy Passamano III, Rural Rhythm.

Lonesome River Band makes a strong appearance elsewhere on the chart with two songs from "NO TURNING BACK" appearing in the Top 30 Singles: “Them Blues,” (written by Bob “Cadillac” Holmes) climbing yet again to reach #4; plus another song, “Like a Train Needs a Track” (written by Marvin E. Clark and Jerry Salley) rising to #24. The album was produced by the Lonesome River Band.

Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain remain in the Top 15 Albums with “CHHR2” appearing at #12. Songwriter, Jennifer Strickland, has proven to be a perfect match for the band, penning “I Can Go Back Anytime,” plus the 2008 hit, “Going on the Next Train,” (from the group’s previous self-titled CD) that reached #11 on the Top 30 last year. Both of the band's Rural Rhythm albums were produced by Jim VanCleve.Another Rural Rhythm artist receiving chart success for May is Melonie Cannon who climbs again to reach #9 on the Top 30 Singles with “I Call It Gone” (written by Marla Cannon-Goodman, Jennifer Hanson, Michael Heeney). The song is from her current album, “AND THE WHEELS TURN,” at #13 on the Top 15 Albums. The CD was produced by Buddy Cannon and Ronnie Bowman. Audie Blaylock & Redline's new self-titled CD makes a fast appearance in the Top 15 Albums debuting at #12. The single, “Whispering Waters,” (written by Stanley Keach and Bill Tidwell) moves up to #25. The CD was produced by Audie Blaylock and has been receiving rave reviews since its January release.
For more information on these artists and their music, please visit http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=9716529&msgid=357031&act=9LKC&c=139089&admin=0&destination=http://www.ruralrhythm.com/

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Easter Brothers Win Two Dove Awards


Easter Brothers garner two Dove Awards
by Erin C. Perkins

The News

Mount Airy’s own, the Easter Brothers, were double winners Thursday at the 40th annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, presented in the Grand Ole Opry.The five-member group took home Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year for “They’re Holding Up The Ladder,” and bluegrass album of the year for “We are family” featuring Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Lewis Family and the Easter Brothers. Read more

Jeremy Garrett, "I Am a Stranger."



Bluegrass: Jeremy Garrett, 'I Am a Stranger'

Jack Bernhardt - Correspondent
Published: Sun, Apr. 26, 2009 02:00AM

Jeremy Garrett fiddles for the Infamous Stringdusters, one of bluegrass music's most talented groups of young pickers. With "I am a Stranger" (Sugar Hill), he strikes out on his own for a solo showcase of his talents and tastes.
Garrett has ample amounts of both. His heart and technique grounded in bluegrass, he moves easily between traditional and progressive styles, and sings as smoothly as he plays. Garrett kicks off with the title track. Written by him and his father, and with banjo contributed by Raleighite Julie Elkins. Read more...

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Mountain Therapy Welcomes Mike Ash


Mike Ash has joined the Western Pa / Eastern Ohio band Mountain Therapy.

Mike plays acoustic bass and brings to the band his strong lead & harmony vocal singing and rock-steady timing.

Mountain Therapy's first show with Mike was the April 24 benefit for St. Joseph's HOH at Synod Hall in Pittsburgh.

Mountain Therapy will be the host band for The Coleman Station Bluegrass Festival, July 24 & 25. Find details here.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Cliff Waldron, Kidney Transplant, Prayer Request


I just got this post from WPBGC, I am sure all your thoughts and prayers for Cliff and Nancy would be greatly appriciated.


Hi Folks,

I just got a Prayer request in the form of an e-mail from Cliff Waldron. On Monday he will be having a kidney transpant, with his wife Nancy being the donor.He asks we keep him in our thoughts and prayers.

Brad


Thursday, April 23, 2009

Pete Seeger Turns 90, Special Broadcast


From the WYEP music blog,
91.3fm WYEP will air two special programs to help celebrate the 90th birthday of legendary folk artist Pete Seeger. Both programs air on 91.3fm WYEP on Sunday, May 3.

Pete Seeger Tribute on “An American Sampler”
Sunday, May 3 from 8 to 10amKen Batista hosts a two-hour special tribute in song to Pete Seeger, with Seeger’s music, music from his siblings and family, the Clearwater project, and numerous covers. “An American Sampler” is a WYEP program dedicated to traditional and contemporary folk music, airing on Sundays from 7 to 11 am.

“The Protest Singer: An Intimate Conversation with Pete Seeger”
Sunday, May 3: 6 to 7am, rebroadcast from 6 to7pm
WYEP will broadcast a national hour-long special featuring music and an interview with Seeger in honor of his birthday. Seeger discusses his career, being blacklisted, the view from 90, how music can still change the world, and his new book The Protest Singer.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Traditional Ties, 04/26, Playlist



Contact Info for new adds:








Air Date: 04/26/09





Bobby Osborne / Keystone Coal / Bluegrass and Beyond / Rounder2009-04-2622:02
Joe Mullens / Smoke Along the Track / Rambler's Call / Self2009-04-2622:06
M & M Express / Head Over Heels / Reno Bound / Old Homestead2009-04-2622:09
Dailey & Vincent / There Is You / Brothers... / Rounder2009-04-2622:14
Balsam Range/ I'm Lonesome Without You / Last Train,,, / Mountain Home2009-04-2622:16
Spring Creek / My Love Is Way Up On a Mountain / Way Up... / Rebel2009-04-2622:19
Tommy Webb/ Heartland / (Upcoming) / Rural Rhythm2009-04-2622:23
Joe Mullens / Charlotte Breakdown / Rambler's Call / Self2009-04-2622:25
Bobby Osborne / Way Up on the Mountain / Bluegrass and Beyond / Rounder2009-04-2622:31
Blue Shades / Little White Church /Chasing Dreams / Self2009-04-2622:35
NewFound Road / Try to Be / Same Old Place / Rounder2009-04-2622:38
Sons of Navarone /Talk About Suffering / At Last / Self2009-04-2622:41
Joe Mullens / No Longer an Orphan / Rambler's Call / Self2009-04-2622:45
Paul Williams / There's a Miracle... / What a Journey / Rebel2009-04-2622:48
Churchmen / I'm Not Alone / I'll Be Long Gone / Pinecastle2009-04-2622:52
Nothin' Fancy / Peace in the Valley /Lord Bless This House / Pinecastle2009-04-2622:56


Bobby Osborne / A Wise Man's Mind Will Change / Bluegrass and Beyond / Rounder2009-04-2623:02
Bobby Osborne/ After the Fire Is Gone / Bluegrass and Beyond / Rounder2009-04-2623:05
Bobby Osborne / Hyden /Bluegrass and Beyond / Rounder2009-04-2623:10
Bobby Osborne / Drivin' My Life Away / Bluegrass and Beyond2009-04-2623:14
M & M Express/ Deacon's Boogie / Reno Bound / Old Homestead2009-04-2623:18
Joe Mullens / Farmer's Blues/ Rambler's Call / Self2009-04-2623:21
Third Tyme Out / Hard Rock Mountain Prison/ (Upcoming) / Rural Rhythm2009-04-2623:25
Mark Delaney / I'll Go Steppin' / Sidecar / Patuxent2009-04-2623:27
Joe Mullens/ Mountain Girl/ Rambler's Call / Self2009-04-2623:31
M & M Express/ Reno Bound /Reno Bound / Old Homestead2009-04-2623:34
Alan Munde / Wave Goodbye / Made to Last / Munde's Child2009-04-2623:37
Doyle Lawson / Monroe's Mandolin / Lonely Street / Rounder2009-04-2623:40
M & M Express / Blues Stay Away From Me / Reno Bound / Old Homestead2009-04-2623:46
Lost and Found / Pretty Roses Remind Me of You / Love Lost and Found / Rebel2009-04-2623:48
Jr Sisk / How could I Explain / Blue Side... / Rebel2009-04-2623:52
Michael Cleveland / Northern White Clouds / Leavin' Town2009-04-2623:56

JOHN TROUT, WYEP FM, PITTSBURGH, PA. tties91@hotmail.com


'TRADITIONAL TIES'- NEW RELEASE BLUEGRASS WITH FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS. 91.3 WYEP, http://www.wyep.org 10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.) Sundays. Streaming Audio 1608 JEFFERSON ST, LATROBE PA, 15650 -2940


Link to Traditional Ties web pages: http://wyep.org/traditionalties

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Traditional Ties, 04/26, Highlights


Traditional Ties, 04/26/09


Contact Info for new adds:





The new release from Bobbu Osborne will be featured. New Bluegrass from Joe Mullens, and a reissue from M & M Express will have multiple cuts included.


The complete playlist will be posted here later this week.


JOHN TROUT, WYEP FM, PITTSBURGH, PA. tties91@hotmail.com

'TRADITIONAL TIES'- NEW RELEASE BLUEGRASS WITH FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS. 91.3 WYEP, http://www.wyep.org/

10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.) Sundays. Streaming Audio

1608 JEFFERSON ST, LATROBE PA, 15650 -2940

Link to Traditional Ties web pages: http://wyep.org/traditionalties

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival - Order Tickets On Line



The Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival on line ticket store in now open, click here.

Complete festival details can be found here.

St Joseph's Bluegrass Benefit,This Friday

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Bluegrass Benefit for St.Joseph's April 24
11th Annual Bluegrass Benefit Concert, Friday April 24

The Eleventh Annual Bluegrass Benefit Concert for St. Joseph House of Hospitality will take place Friday April 24th at Synod Hall near St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland.

Participating bands:Allegheny Drifters, Fern Hollow Boys, Mac Martin and The Dixie Travelers, Mon River Ramblers Mountain Therapy.

For tickets ($20) please contact Paul Dvorchak at 412-471-0666 ext. 227 or email jimhanna52@comcast.net

For more information, check this previous post - http://tties91.blogspot.com/search?q=St+Joseph

Coleman Station Bluegrass Festival Announces Lineup


Coleman Station Bluegrass Festival- July 24 & 25, 2009, Friedens PA. (814) 444-8509
Friday 4:00 - !0:00 PM, Saturday Noon - 10:00 PM.

Scheduled to appear:
Nothin' Fancy, Audie Blaylock & Red Line, Mountain Therapy, Blue Shades, Revised Edition, Timber Ridge, Lonesome Highway, Well Strung, Custer Family & Kids.

Free rough camping with weekend ticket.

Food and tee shirt concessions - Organized activities for kids.

Complete details at, http://blue-grass.org/

Wade Mainer Turns 102


Bluegrass legend Wade Mainer practicing in case he wants to play a few tunes at his 102nd birthday party today

by Brenda Brissette Mata The Flint Journal
Saturday April 18, 2009, 8:00 AM

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- Bluegrass pioneer Wade Mainer of Flint Township is celebrating his 102nd birthday today with friends and family at the Burton Senior Citizen Center.
Bruce Edwards Flint Journal filesWade Mainer celebrates his 102nd birthday with a party today.
Born April 21, 1907, in North Carolina, Mainer's 100th and 101st birthdays were large celebrations with hundreds of well-wishers treated to performances by the innovative banjo player and his wife of 71 years, Julia.
The couple have been practicing in case he feels up to playing for the 100 to 150 invited guests expected today.
Read more...

Friday, April 17, 2009

DelFest News Update

Late Nights
Last year's late nights were legendary, so be sure not to miss out this time! We look forward to presenting these one-of-a-kind collaborations that will become the stuff of festival lore. You just never know who will show up!
Friday:
The Travelin' McCourys and Friends with the Davisson Brothers Band
Saturday:
Del McCoury and Friends All Star Pick with Railroad Earth
Sunday:
The Travelin' McCourys and Lee Boys with Cornmeal

For your convenience, we will be selling late night tickets in advance this year starting May 4th. All sales will be will call only for pickup at the merchandise booth at the festival. Late Night performances will begin after music has ended on the Grandstand Stage. Doors will open at 11:30pm and music will begin at midnight. You must have a camping wristband in order to attend late night shows.

DelFest Kids
DelFest is a family-friendly festival and a great place to bring children. Our Kid's Area will offer a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages. Arts and crafts, assorted games and special musical performances by Joe Craven and Little Mo' McCoury are just some of the fun activities featured in our Kid's Area. Friends of Deckers Creek will be back once again with environmental education activities such as stream bug sampling and tie-dying designed to be fun while also increasing watershed awareness, and the Allegany Arts Council will be bringing their arts bus to provide interactive art experiences. A full schedule will be available in our festival program guide. Kids ages six to 12 will need a kid's ticket. Children ages five and under are free.

Promo Tour
The Del McCoury Band will be spending most of next week (April 21-23) in the area surrounding DelFest spreading the word about this year's festival. So if you live within a few hundred miles of Cumberland, there's a good chance you'll hear them on the radio, see them on television, or catch them strolling through town. They'll be easy to spot. Just look for the big bus with the DelFest banner on the side. They'll be making stops in D.C., Baltimore, Towson, Pittsburgh, Cumberland, Frostburg, and many other cities in between. Please check back to DelFest.com on Monday, April 20th for a complete schedule.

DelFest Academy: Space Still Available!
Attention all students of bluegrass music! After a successful 2008 festival, we have added a bluegrass music academy to the program for DelFest 2009, broadening and enriching the festival experience for all levels of musicians. The first DelFest Academy will take place May 18-21, 2009, just prior to the festival.
DelFest Academy will consist of a friendly, encouraging, and intensive three-day learning experience with a group of some of the finest musicians in bluegrass: mandolinist Ronnie McCoury, banjo player Rob McCoury, fiddler Jason Carter, bassist Alan Bartram, and Ronnie Bowman.
The Academy will offer two levels of instuction: Level 1 (novice to intermediate) and Level 2 (intermediate to advanced) for guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and bass. A meet & greet for students and instuctors will kick off the academic week. A Q&A session with the Del McCoury Band and a wrap party on Thursday night will also take place. Each student may bring a guest to all extracurricular "after-class" functions for a nominal fee.
A very limited number of spots are available for the 2009 DelFest Academy. Each Academy ticket includes an Adult 3-day pass for DelFest. If you are planning to attend the Academy with a family member or friend who does not wish to attend the classes, a limited number of guest passes are also available. Guest passes allow your guest to camp with you on the DelFest site and enjoy the Monday and Thursday evening events in addition to attending DelFest. Students can also upgrade their DelFest Academy registration to enjoy all the VIP amenities offered during the festival. Tickets are on sale now!
More information about DelFest Academy

New CD From Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa



Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa
Release Sparkling Debut Album of Original Music

Former Leader of the U.S. Navy's
Country Current Band,
Brings Talents to the Civilian World


Listen to "Bury Me In Dixie"




"Wayne is the real deal and so is this album, which just landed a spot in our top of the month top picks list." Terry Herd, Bluegrass Radio Network

"Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa's new project is sure to be a "Top List" pick this year. Great songwriting and first class musicians...his North Carolina Traditional Bluegrass roots run deep while giving the music a fresh, contemporary sound. This would be a really strong addition to any music collection."Dennis Jones, WNCW - Spindale, NC

NASHVILLE, TN - The newly formed Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa, spearheaded by Wayne Taylor, a twenty four year U.S. Navy veteran who lead the Navy's high profile Country Current Band for over two decades, release their debut album titled Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa this month on Taylor's Raincoe Music.

Early copies have been sent to radio and Jim Beaver of WHUS Bluegrass Cafe says, "After years of getting promising but brief glimpses of Wayne Taylor wherever the Navy's Country Current performed, we are now fortunate to have Wayne fronting his own band and unleashing his prodigious songwriting talent and bluegrass vocal chops unfettered on bluegrass fans at large. Wayne's smooth yet dynamic renditions of his original material might just bring more music lovers into the bluegrass fold."

As leader and musical ambassador for the U.S. Navy, Taylor spent years as head
emcee, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, playing country and bluegrass music and taking bluegrass music around the world, playing to high profile entertainers, 4 U.S. Presidents, and government officials along the way. However, it is his genuine love for bluegrass music, fueled by his North Carolina upbringing, that has shaped his newest musical ambitions.

Now, having retired from the U.S. Navy in the Spring of 2008, Taylor is leading this band that showcases the stellar talents of Emory Lester on mandolin, Dave Giegerich on dobro, Kip Martin on bass, and Mark Delaney on banjo. The debut album, featuring Taylor's expert songcrafting, is loaded with lyrics and melodies that hit right at the heart of a bluegrass music lovers soul.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

IBMA Special Awards Nominations Open




Nominations Open for Special Awards, Deadline: June 30

Nominations are currently being accepted from IBMA members for the following awards, to be presented during World of Bluegrass Week, Sept. 28 – Oct. 4, in Nashville, Tenn.:

Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year
Print Media Person of the Year
Best Graphic Design
Best Liner Notes
Bluegrass Event of the Year.



Letters of nomination are requested, which outline why you think the Bluegrass Event or nominee for Print Media Person of the year should be considered. For liner notes and graphic design, six each of the CD released during the eligibility period are requested in order to forward them to the appropriate special award committee members. Nominees for the Bluegrass Broadcaster award are asked to submit a one-sheet info page listing accomplishments in the field during the eligibility period (including community involvement). Please also send a 10 minute sample of the broadcaster’s work on CD (DVD for television), with music edited out for radio submissions.

The eligibility period for special awards is April 1, 2008 – March 31, 2009. Broadcasting and print media accomplishments during this time frame should be considered, to be nominated for these awards. Bluegrass events nominated need to have taken place during this time frame, and writers/designers nominated for the Liner Notes and Graphic Design awards should have their work included on CDs released during the eligibility period.

Nominations for the five awards will be evaluated by special awards committees appointed by the IBMA board chairman.

Nominating letters, packets and sample recorded radio shows must be received no later than June 30, 2009. Mail to: Special Awards, c/o IBMA, 2 Music Circle South, Ste. 100, Nashville, TN 37203. Letters of nomination may also be emailed to nancyc@ibma.org.

Traditional Ties, 04/19, Playlist



Contact info for new adds:









Dailey and Vincent / Head Hung Down /Brothers from Different Mothers / Rounder2009-04-1922:02
East Run / All Along the Watchtower / Eclectigrass / Self2009-04-1922:06
Jeremy Garrett / What's Good for You / I Am a Stranger / Sugar Hill2009-04-1922:11
Tommy Webb/ Teardrop Inn / (Upcoming) / Rural Rhythm2009-04-1922:14
Third Tyme Out / Hard Rock Mountain Prison / (Upcoming) / Rural Rhythm2009-04-1922:19
Joe Mullens / Boston Jail / Ramblers Call / Self2009-04-1922:22
Lost and Found / If It Hadn't Been for You / Love Lost and Found2009-04-1922:25
Johnny Williams / Swamp Cat Rag / Last Day of Galax / Mountain Roads2009-04-1922:27
Dailey and Vincent / When I Reach That Home Up There / Brothers... / Rounder2009-04-1922:31
Daughters... / Go Up on That Mountain and Wait / Bluegrass Bouquet / Blue Circle2009-04-1922:33
Rickey Wasson / I Can Tell You the Time / From the Heart and Soul / Rural Rhythm2009-04-1922:39
Allegheny Drifters / Babylon Is Fallen / Can't Wait / Self2009-04-1922:42
NewFound Road / Try to Be / Same Old Road / Rounder2009-04-1922:46
Canaan's Crossing / Rain Fallin' Down / Canaan's Crossing / Spring Garden2009-04-1922:48
Bobby Osborne / What Would You Give... / Bluegrass and Beyond / Rounder2009-04-1922:51
Pine Mountain Railroad / Run On / Pickin'... / Rural Rhythm2009-04-1922:56



Dailey and Vincent / Girl in the Valley / Brothers... / Rounder2009-04-1923:02
Dailey and Vincent / Winters Come and Gone / Brothers... / Rounder2009-04-1923:05
Dailey and Vincent / Years Ago / Brothers... / Rounder2009-04-1923:09
Dailey and Vincent / Please Don't Let Our Sweet Love Die / Bothers.. / Rounder2009-04-1923:12
East Run / Georgia Mail / Eclectigrass / Self2009-04-1923:17
Jeremy Garrett / Y2K / I Am A Stranger2009-04-1923:20
Tommy Webb / Heartland / (Upcoming) / Rural Rhythm2009-04-1923:24
Doyle Lawson / Down Around Bear Cove / Lonely Street / Rounder2009-04-1923:27
Jeremy Garrett / End of the Line / I Am a Stranger / Sugar Hill2009-04-1923:31
East Run / She's Fallen in Love / Eclectigrass / Self2009-04-1923:35
Jeannette Williams / Either Way I'm Going Home / Thank You for Caring / Blue Circle2009-04-1923:38
Songs From the Road / As the Crow Flies / As the Crow Flies / Self2009-04-1923:42
Rogers and Johnson / Hold the Line / When the Bands Played / New Time2009-04-1923:46
David Davis / Two Dimes and a Nickel / David Davis and WRB / Rebel2009-04-1923:50
Balsam Range / Julie's Train / Last Train... / Mountain Home2009-04-1923:53
Big Country Bluegrass / Banjo Riff / Open for Business / Mountain Roads2009-04-1923:57



JOHN TROUT, WYEP FM, PITTSBURGH, PA. tties91@hotmail.com 'TRADITIONAL TIES'- NEW RELEASE BLUEGRASS WITH FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS. 91.3 WYEP, http://www.wyep.org/


10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.) Sundays. Streaming Audio 1608 JEFFERSON ST, LATROBE PA, 15650 -2940 Link to Traditional Ties web pages: http://wyep.org/traditionalties






Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Audie Blaylock and Red Line, Climb the Charts


Audie Blaylock & Redline Celebrating Billboard Chart Album

Band Chosen as 2009 IBMA Showcase Performer
The Bluegrass Journal calls the new CD, AUDIE BLAYLOCK & REDLINE a “power-house of traditional bluegrass” as evidenced by the current chart success since the January release. The album is currently appearing on the Billboard Magazine Top 50 Bluegrass Albums, #5 on the Cashbox Magazine Top 25 Albums, and holding the #2 position on Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine (BMP) Top 15 Album Chart.

TWO singles make their appearance on the BMP’s Top 30 Songs Chart this month - “Whispering Waters” at #8 and “Lonesome Weary Heart” at #22. “Whispering Waters” also debuted this month on the Bluegrass Unlimited Top 30 Singles Chart and also climbed to #2 on Sirius Radio’s Bluegrass Junction Top 40 weekly song chart as well as appearing in the Sirius Radio’s Top 40 Bluegrass Artists chart.

As announced by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) yesterday, Audie Blaylock & Redline have just been chosen as an official Showcase Artist for the 2009 IBMA World of Bluegrass convention to be held September 28 – October 4, 2009 in Nashville, TN. Audie has received numerous honors and awards by the Association throughout the years including the 2001 IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award (as a member of member of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage) and the 2007 IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year Award (Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock). Audie’s impressive career also includes a Grammy® nomination for Best Bluegrass Album and an IBMA nomination for Recorded Event of the Year for "A Tribute to Jimmy Martin: The King of Bluegrass.”The band is currently on tour including this weekend’s performance at the Laurel Lakes Spring Bluegrass Festival in Salemburg, NC. Next month, the band has numerous scheduled performances including the Red, White and Blue Festival in Hollywood, FL, several days at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO, and the Jimmy Martin Memorial Bluegrass Festival in Sneedville, TN. For a complete tour schedule, plus more information on Audie Blaylock & Redline, please visit: http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=9716529&msgid=353486&act=9LKC&c=139089&admin=0&destination=http://www.audieblaylock.com

### Listen to a song clip of Whispering Waters
NOTE - FROM THE AUDIE BLAYLOCK APPPEARENCE SCHEDULE
July 25
Coleman Station Bluegrass Festival
1144 Coleman Station Rd Friedens Pa.
814-444-8509; 814-442-2409

Monday, April 13, 2009

Traditional Ties, 04/19, Highlights






Traditional Ties, highlights for Sunday 04/19. Feature new release is 'Brothers From Different Mothers,' from Dailey and Vincent with six cuts. Three cuts each will be included from East Run ('Eclectigrass,) and Jeremy Garrett ('I Am a Stranger'.)

The complete playlist will be poster here before the broadcast.

Sundays 10:00pm 91.3 WYEP FM, Pittsburgh Pa.

Streaming - http://wyep.org/



Sunday, April 12, 2009

WILKESBORO, N.C. -

The earplugs on my pillow were way better than the mints at a first-class hotel.

David "Dancin' Dave" Versch left them for me when I camped in one of his tents at Merlefest, a four-day musical tribute to Doc and Merle Watson held each April in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Versch learned the tricks of festival camping, and earned his nickname, by attending bluegrass happenings for more than 20 years. He knows, for example, that bonfire jam sessions last late into the night, long after the stages have gone dark (hence, the value of earplugs).
Versch also knows that connoisseurs consider ... Read More

Pickin' Up A Storm


American Profile



by Randy Rudder
One evening last October, 17-year-old bluegrass performer Sierra Hull walked into the Highland 10 Cinema in Cookeville, Tenn., to see Billy: The Early Years, a film based on the life of the Rev. Billy Graham."I couldn't find anybody to go with, so I just went by myself," she recalls with a shrug.None of her fellow moviegoers that evening, she's pretty sure, recognized her up on the screen portraying young Billy's sister. And they had no way to connect one of the singing voices on the soundtrack to the young woman sitting in the back of the theater, Read more:

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Bluegrass Thrives, Far From Home

Bluegrass Thrives, Far From Home

By RUTH ELLEN GRUBER
Published: April 9, 2009, New York Times
PRAGUE — A recent concert in Prague demonstrated the far-flung reach of an infectious musical genre that spells “Americana” from the first ringing twang of a finger-picked string.
It was a concert of bluegrass music — but the event was a far cry from the high lonesome hills of Appalachia.
Lilly of the West, a bluegrass band from Bulgaria...


Read more -http://news.google.com/news?um=1&ned=us&hl=en&q=bluegrass+music

15% Increase In Bluegrass Audience

New Simmons Data Reports 15% Increase in Bluegrass Audience


IBMA recently received the fall 2008 full-year Simmons study, with data from October 2007 through December 2008. The survey reports that bluegrass listeners and consumers increased 15% from 17,280,000 in 2007 to 19,870,000 in 2008. This increase surpasses the total U.S. population growth of 1%. Overall, 63% of bluegrass listeners and consumers are over age 45, and there is 14% growth among listeners/consumers between the ages of 18 and 34.

Current Simmons research data also shows that…

Read more - http://www.ibma.org/Articles/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=995955

Branding and Buegrass Music

Branding & Bluegrass Music: Confessions of an Armchair Marketing Guru

by Brandi Hart


They say necessity is the mother of invention – or reinvention.
As a bluegrass artist, I’ve got to agree. By necessity, I’ve reinvented myself any number of times, and I imagine that many folks in the bluegrass community are like me: We’ve become our own webmasters, managers, publicists, administrators, graphic designers, stylists and armchair marketing gurus. (Oh, and somewhere in there, we still make time to play music….)


Recently I found myself in a Nashville conference room, among 25 like-minded people. For three days of intensive workshops, we all scribbled notes while panelists discussed the state of the music industry –and bluegrass music, in particular. The program, known as Leadership Bluegrass, tackled the music business from every possible angle. But most of what was covered can be summed up in one word: reinvention. Read more- http://www.ibma.org/Articles/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=995958

Friday, April 10, 2009

Poverty Hollow Coming to Laural Arts, Somerset


Bluegrass band Poverty Hollow will be presenting a Bluegrass Music concert at Laurel Arts Center.
Location - 214 S. Harrison Ave, Somerset Pa.
Time / Date - 7:00 pm, .Friday April 17.
Directions can be found here.


About the Band:

Poverty Hollow started out as a group of friends getting together to jam on a semi-regular basis and evolved into a band from there. Pam and Don Mulhollem are the band's foundation on bass and guitar, respectively. They bring to the band their years of experience playing with the Mainline Gospel band.
John Larimer played guitar in various rock and roll bands before converting to bluegrass guitar and dobro with Pickin@bluegrass and now Poverty Hollow. Gary Shaffer comes to the band having many years under his belt as the banjo player for Jerusalem Ridge. Gary also played rock and roll (would you believe drums!?) before he took up playing the banjo. David Watson is the youngest member of Poverty Hollow and is an accomplished muscian on both the mandolin and guitar. We welcome our newest member, one of Western Pennsylvania's finest fiddlers, Frank Cackowski.
Poverty Hollow is living proof that talent, hard work, and experience are the ingredients that elevate a band from merely "good" to truly "excellent." Blessed with strong vocalists, surperb harmonies and solid, creative instrumental abilities, this group is turning a lot of heads on the bluegrass scene. Their sound is a mixture of the old and new, with a variety of vocal blends and textures which provide the listener with some good old toe tapping fun.

Dailey and Vincent's Brothers CD Debuts at Number One



DAILEY & VINCENT DEBUT AT #1 ON BILLBOARD TOP BLUEGRASS ALBUMS CHART WITH BROTHERS FROM DIFFERENT MOTHERS

NASHVILLE, TENN. (April 10, 2009)--Award-winning Rounder Records duo Dailey & Vincent debut at #1 on Billboard's Top Bluegrass Albums chart with their second release, Brothers From Different Mothers (chart date April 18).

On April 15 Sirius XM will air a Track-by-Track show, with Jamie and Darrin talking with Kyle Cantrell about each song on the album, on Bluegrass Junction (Sirius 65, XM 14). The show premieres at 11:00 a.m. on April 15, with re-airings on Sunday, April 19, at 11:00 a.m. and Tuesday, April 21, at 9:00 p.m. (all times eastern).

Brothers From Different Mothers continues to earn positive reviews:

" . . . they offer their listeners the same sound that has shot them to the top, yet they have somehow managed to increase their level of energy and appeal."
Scott Sexton/About.com

"It doesn't get much better than this."John Lawless/The Bluegrass Blog

"The pair's harmonies are tighter than ever; Vincent's slightly dusty baritone is a perfect springboard for Dailey's pure glassy tenor."
Jessica Phillips/Country Standard Time

"Dailey & Vincent don't miss a beat as they harmonize on a dozen gems drawn from country, folk, Southern gospel, and bluegrass musical regimes."
Jack Bernhardt/Raleigh News & Observer

"They carry on the sense of tradition of bluegrass but pair it with a highly-attuned choice of songs. And they are obviously playing this music because they love it."
Chet Flippo/CMT.com

Dailey & Vincent are preparing for their debut performance at MerleFest on Thursday, April 23. Before that they will perform at Randy Wood Guitars in Bloomingdale, Georgia, on April 16; the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium in Thomasville, Georgia, on April 17; and the Flagler Kenan Pavilion at the Historic Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Florida, with Grasstowne on April 18.

For updates and tour information, please visit http://e2ma.net/go/1894609262/1734731/64683532/goto:http://www.daileyvincent.com/ or http://e2ma.net/go/1894609262/1734731/64683531/goto:http://www.myspace.com/thedaileyvincentband.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Traditional Ties, 04/12, Playlist



NewFound Road / Brand New Broken Heart / Same Old Place / Rounder2009-04-1222:02
Kathy Boyd / The Grass Is Always Greener, When It's Blue / Stories Never Told / Self2009-04-1222:06
Dailey & Vincent / Winters Come and Gone / Brothers... / Rounder2009-04-1222:09
Tommy Edwards / I'm Just Living with a Memory / Heartbroke and Lonesome / Self2009-04-1222:12
Danny Paisley / Rasin' Cane in Texas / The Room Over Mine / Rounder2009-04-1222:16
Jett's Creek / Two Ships / Supposed to Be / Self2009-04-1222:19
Big Country Bluegrass / High Alleghenies / Open For Business / Mountain Roads2009-04-1222:23
Doyle Lawson / Down Around Bear Cove / Lonesome Street / Rounder2009-04-1222:26
Country Gentleman / Palms of Victory / Calling My Children Home / Rebel2009-04-1222:32
The Isaacs / The Man on the Mule / Bridges / Horizon2009-04-1222:35
Bluegrass Cardinals / Wash the Feet of Jesus / Shinning Path2009-04-1222:39
Mainline / The Purple Robe / Harvest Time / Self2009-04-1222:41
Patent Pending / Barabbas / Saturday Night – Sunday Morning / Outlet2009-04-1222:45
Doyle Lawson / The Cross Road / Hallelujah in My Heart / Brentwood2009-04-1222:47
Mountain Therapy / Blood Stained Trail / Natural Blend / Rosewood2009-04-1222:51
Rarely Heard / Drivin' Nails / Blue Ridge Mountain Gospel / Pinecastle2009-04-1222:53
Seldom Scene / Were You There / Baptizing / Rebel2009-04-1222:57
The Churchmen / Man in the Middle / The Tie That Binds / Mountain Home2009-04-1223:01
Bill Harrell / He Took Your Place / After the Sunrise / Rebel2009-04-1223:05Pine Mountain Railroad / The Old Rugged Cross / Pickin'... / Rural Rhythm2009-04-1223:08
Aldridge-Justice / This Man/ I'll Be With You / Rural Rhythm2009-04-1223:11
Dale Ann Bradley / Crosses and Stones / Send the Angels / Mountain Home2009-04-1223:16
Ralph Stanley / Looking for the Stone / Mountain Preacher's Child / Rebel2009-04-1223:19
New Tradition / He Is Risen / Seed of Love / Brentwood2009-04-1223:22
Paul Williams / Jesus Rose from the Dead / Ain't God Good / Rounder2009-04-1223:25
Blue Moon Rising /He Arose / On The Rise / Lonesome Day2009-04-1223:28
Alan Munde Gazette / Brown County Breakdown / Made to Last / Munde's Child2009-04-1223:32
Allegheny Drifters / Blue Missouri Shadows / Can't Wait / Self2009-04-1223:36
Joe Mullins / The Old Rockin' Chair / Rambler's Call / Self2009-04-1223:39
Sweet Potato Pie / Bluegrass Girl / Nothing's the Same / Self2009-04-1223:42
NewFound Road / Same Old Place / Same Old Place / Rounder2009-04-1223:47
Bobby Osborne / Let's Sing Our Song / Bluegrass and Beyond / Rounder2009-04-1223:50
Jeannette Williams / Bad Money / Thank You For Caring / Blue Circle2009-04-1223:54
Mark Delaney / Bird Bath / Sidecar / Patuxent2009-04-1223:57


Traditional Ties, new release bluegrass, Sundays 10:00pm EDT, 91.3 WYEP FM, Pittsburgh Pa.

Streaming - http://wyep.org/

Monday, April 6, 2009

New CD Coming From Third Tyme Out




New CD Just Around the Corner
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out recently signed with Rural Rhythm Records and will be releasing their first studio project in 5 years on May 19th. March 3rd marked the release of the first single from the CD, "Hard Rock Mountain Prison (Til I Die)" and it is destined to become a bluegrass classic! To hear a clip of the first single, visit here. To view a video of a recent performance of the song, click here

Traditional Ties, 04/12, Highlights



This Sunday's highlight on Traditional Ties will be an extended Gospel set selected for Easter. Half the show will be Gospel, with many older selections, some from vinyl.




Several new singles will be introduced, but no new full CDs. The complete playlist will be posted here later in the week.




Sundays at 10;00pm on WYEP 91.3 FM, Pittsburgh, Pa. Streaming - http://wyep.org/


Chris Austin Songwriting Finalists Announced




WILKESBORO, N.C. (April 6, 2009)--Finalists have been selected for the 17th annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2009, scheduled for April 23-26 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Writers of the following twelve songs, selected from 840 entries, will compete on the Austin Stage at MerleFest on Friday, April 24, at 2:00 p.m.:

Bluegrass category
"Water Falls" by Wyatt Espalin and Cobi Ferguson; Nashville, TN
"Love Gone By" by Carol Hausner and Coin McCaffrey; Montpelier, VT
"The Old Coal Mine" by Brink Brinkman; Columbus, OH

Gospel category
"I Had A Little Talk with Jesus" by Richard Henry; Houston, TX
"Little Bitty Piece of God" by Jo Ellen Doering; Los Angeles, CA
"Beyond the Rain" by Brink Brinkman; Columbus, OH

Country category
"Maybe You'll Start Loving Me Again" by Lloyd Wood; Spencer, IN
"Man of Few Words" by Dennis Duff; Kuttawa, KY
"Once Upon a Time" by Tonya Lowman; Lenoir, NC

General category
"Carolina Rain" by Ron Fetner; Seaford, VA
"I Will Fly" by John Smith; Trempealeau, WI
"Unmarked Pavement" by Letha and Miles Costin; Raleigh, NC

The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is a unique opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of Nashville music industry professionals, under the direction of this year's volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale.

First place winners in each category receive: a performance on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest 2009, an acoustic guitar, a check for $300, two boxes of D'Addario strings and a one-year subscription to Acoustic Guitar magazine. Second and third place winners in each category receive performance slots on the Friday night Songwriters Coffeehouse, as well as cash prizes, D'Addario strings and Acoustic Guitar subscriptions.

Songs were judged by a volunteer panel of Nashville songwriters, publishers and other music industry professionals. Judging was based on a song's originality, lyrics, melody and overall commercial potential. Previous winners of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest include Gillian Welch, Tift Merritt, Michael Reno Harrell, Adrienne Young, Martha Scanlan, David Via and Johnny Williams.

Net proceeds from the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest support the Wilkes Community College Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship. Since its inception the scholarship has awarded over $25,000 to 68 deserving students. The 2008-2009 recipients are Ryan Jeffery Call and Kimberly Ilene Osborne. Ryan is enrolled in WCC's college transfer program with plans to transfer to North Carolina State University for the completion of his bachelor's degree. Kimberly is enrolled in WCC's office systems technology program.

About Chris Austin:
Chris Austin, from Boone, North Carolina, worked as a sideman for Ricky Skaggs for three years, singing and playing guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle. During that time he was discovered by executives at Warner Bros. Nashville, who offered him a recording contract. While releasing singles including "Blues Stay Away From Me," "I Know There's a Heart in There Somewhere" and "Out of Step," Austin also developed his songwriting skills, as evidenced in "Same Ol' Love," recorded by Skaggs in 1991. On March 16, 1991, Austin's life was cut tragically short when the private plane carrying him and six other members of Reba McEntire's band, as well as her tour manager, crashed in the mountains near San Diego. Pete Fisher, then of Warnersongs and currently general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, and Kari Estrin, then MerleFest consultant and Pickin' for Merle video associate producer, initiated the songwriting contest to honor Austin's memory.

About MerleFest:
MerleFest 2009, presented by Lowe's and celebrating its 22nd year from April 23-26, offers four days of performances by almost 100 artists on 15 stages on the campus of Wilkes Community College. A complete lineup of artists is posted at www.merlefest.org. As in previous years, the list of performers fits the "traditional plus" definition offered by Doc Watson when describing the rich musical diversity that is a hallmark of the event. MerleFest honors the memory of instrumental virtuoso Eddy Merle Watson and the contributions of Doc and the entire Watson Family to the musical traditions of the region and nation. MerleFest began in 1988 as a fundraiser for the college and remains the largest fundraiser for the institution.

###

Friday, April 3, 2009

Great Pictures From 1972





















Thanks to The Bluegrass Blog for calling attention to these great pictures. They are from a 1972 festival hosted by the Country Gentlemen. The photos were taken and posted by Fred Robbins. This is just a small sample, almost 100 pictures that can be found here.


Who can you identify? No laughing allowed. What did you look like in 1972?

CMA RELEASES MAJOR CONSOMER RESEARCH STUDY

This study which follows in its entirety seems to apply to Bluegrass Music as mush as broader Country Music. If you are trying to promote the Bluegrass Music business it is well worth your time. (Sorry the graphs referred to in the release do not seem to be included.)

News & Publications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CMA RELEASES MAJOR CONSUMER RESEARCH SEGMENTATION STUDY
Largest Study in the 50-Year History of the Association Profiles Country Consumer

NASHVILLE - The Country Music Association released key findings from its 2008 Country Music Consumer Segmentation Study during CRS-40 at the Nashville Convention Center today. The extensive research project is the foundation of CMA's mission to be a repository for information useful to the music industry, while providing timely education for its members.
"During these challenging economic times, it is more important than ever that we provide value for our members and we encourage them to turn to us as a resource for information about our consumers that they could never afford to collect on their own," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

CMA made a significant investment in the research, which is the largest and most comprehensive study in the 50-year history of the Association. The compelling findings offer new insights into the Country Radio listener and Country Music consumer. The study was conducted last fall, with a follow up in November to better reflect the changing economic climate. The results were culled from a phase one sample of nearly 7,500 individuals; a second callback sample of 1,850; and 10 focus groups from three regions of the country including Charlotte, Chicago, and Phoenix.

"The project is perhaps the most far-reaching and comprehensive study of Country Music consumer attitudes and behavior ever undertaken," said Brian Philips, President of CMT and a member of CMA's Board of Directors. "The broad sample of more than 7000 consumers gives it statistical reliability we haven't seen before. A terrific starting point as the CMA prepares the blueprint for our future."

The study was created to define the Country Music consumer: to identify their behaviors and tastes, to closely examine what motivates them to invest in the artists and music. Once identified, the "Core," comprised of "CountryPhiles" and "MusicPhiles," needs to be nurtured and maximized, while the next group of consumers is developed and groomed.
Leo Burnett Company and Starcom MediaVest Group conducted the qualitative and quantitative research study utilizing their proprietary BrandProspect Segmentation techniques.

The Chicago-based company's list of clients and research partners include the Walt Disney Company, Clear Channel, General Motors, Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company, McDonald's, Kraft, Wal-Mart, Nintendo, Hallmark, Visa, Best Buy, ESPN, and many others.
Carol Foley (EVP, Director of Research Services for Leo Burnett) and Jana O'Brien (former EVP, Chief Consumer Officer for Starcom MediaVest Group and current Principal for The Right Brain Consumer Consulting, LLC) presented the findings.

"Only the CMA has the scope and perspective to conduct such a major, single-source piece of research that considers all aspects of the Country Music industry yielding a 360-degree perspective on the Country Music consumer and key opportunities for growth for all constituencies in the short- and long-term," said Randy Goodman, Chairman of CMA's volunteer Board of Directors and President of Lyric Street and Carolwood Records.

"I want to thank Consumer Research Committee chairman, Joe Galante, and co-chair David Ross for their leadership on making this project come to life," Goodman continued. "It is my hope that this is only the beginning of the CMA taking the lead in providing consumer information and thus support to our many members."

"It is critically important that CMA take a leadership role in honestly assessing business revenue generators by providing the means for our members to navigate - and in some cases redefine - how they do business as a result of this information," said Galante, CMA Board member and Chairman of Sony Music Nashville. "CMA is committed to routine evaluation of the research and funding additional consumer studies if the need exists."

With consumer insight comes potential industry revenue as CMA strives to identify and define the Country consumer and better understand their behavior and what external forces influence them. The study was designed to examine different segments of fans who presently - and possibly in the future - provide financial support for the music industry.

The approach is three-fold:
Isolate, and if necessary, segment current core customers on relevant criteria
Among those remaining, segment on most relevant criteria to create various growth potential groups
Define and remove various groups of poor prospects
Approximately 2 in 5 American adults ages 18-54 (39.6 percent) qualify as "Country Music Fans," as defined by the study. These individuals further split into two major groups based on current and potential revenue contribution: a small group or "Core," who account for the vast majority of Country Music spending; and the larger group "Low-Funding" who engage heavily for free in the Country Music pipeline, but represent future revenue growth potential.
"The 'Low Funders' don't spend a lot of money, but they do spend a lot of time with Country Music," O'Brien explained.
For the most part, they are who you think they are. Demographically, The Core Country Music user is "a bit" more likely to be Caucasian and from smaller towns. They skew slightly female, but there is no significant age or income difference from non-Country Music users.
What does distinguish them from Poor Prospects is a blend of attitudes and behavior across three key dimensions: Affinity ("I like it"); Engagement ("I consume it for free'); and Revenue ("I buy it").
When it came to "Affinity," consistently across ages and genders, County Music and some form of rock music were the genres the subjects of the study would not want to live without. Country was favored because of the relevance to real life and universal truths; appropriateness for the family; buddies, BBQ, beer, dancing and fun; the outdoors; and its staying power and enduring appeal.
All genres can be mapped perceptually. In perceptual research, Country Music owned an area characterized by meaning and virtue. Rock on the other hand, is largely perceived as provocative and music-based. This helps explain why Country and rock were "can't live without" formats for the Country Music core.
A key learning from this data was that it was important to present new artists in a manner that illustrated their personal ties and commitment to the essence of the genre in order to connect with the people who buy the records and concert tickets in a very tangible and sincere way.
Both qualitative and quantitative revealed a clear hierarchy of engagement in Country Music across predominantly free media pipelines with radio at the top, followed by television, Internet, and print. With 79 percent of Country adopters listening to Country radio it is the pinnacle Country Music connection with an average of more than 24 hours spent listening each month.
They know what they like, and don't like. They like the "free" nature of the medium. They appreciate that it is family-friendly and acceptable for all ages. They like the mood enhancing, energizing quality of the music. And, in general, DJs are a plus.
But there are minuses, too, including radio's perceived repetitiveness and limited song list; the general lack of identifying the artists was a frustration; and the number of commercials led to channel surfing or switching to CD or iPod listening.
(see graph 1)
An aggregate 81 percent engage in one or more TV pipelines to find Country Music, but spend less time doing it - 13 hours a month versus 24 for Country radio. Popular choices include CMT (53 percent); the CMA Awards (48 percent); the ACM Awards (40 percent); GAC (27 percent); and "Nashville Star" (25 percent).
The Internet is reshaping the media habits of Country Music users and consumers with Web access. The key to online engagement is access - for those 71 percent of those who have it, the Internet becomes the central medium. Not surprisingly, younger Country Music enthusiasts are much more likely to have a digital Country Music engagement focus and will undoubtedly carry this tendency into their future years.
Like their interests, the dollar of the Country Music user is spread across a range of revenue sources. The largest percentage still purchase CDs (54 percent). Among Country consumers ages 18-54, 65 percent are "CD-dominant" and 35 percent are "Digital-dominant" based on total Country Music acquired. And once they become "Digital-dominant" Country Music acquirers, they contribute very little CD revenue.
Digital-dominants pay for less than half of the Country Music they acquire with far more unpaid acquisition via CD ripping versus illegal downloads. The percentage of Country Music volume paid for by Digital-dominants is 38 percent, compared to 67 percent for CD-dominant users.
Currently CD copying (piracy) is more prominent than illegal downloads. Thirty-eight percent have borrowed a Country CD to copy compared to 23 percent who have gotten free downloads.
"They look at copying CDs as 'sharing' not 'stealing'," O'Brien offered.
Overall, 1 in 4 Country Music supporters attended a Country concert in the past year, which translates to 11 percent of the US adult population ages 18-54. They see it as the "best way" to experience the music. They believe it deepens the artist/fan relationship. There is a strong interest in cross-genre concerts with Country and rock. On the negative side, they felt "ripped off" by the price of merchandise and they were frustrated by unknown or hidden fees that increased the cost of the concert-going experience.
So, who is not a fan? There are three types of "Poor Prospects" that account for 60.4 percent of the American adult population ages 18-54:
Disengaged Gift Givers (7.9 percent), who dislike Country Music, but sometimes give it as a gift to people who like it
Music Rejecters (34.5 percent), who are not engaged with music of any kind
Country Music Rejecters (18 percent), who are engaged with music, but dislike Country Music
"Don't waste valuable financial resources or time on this group," Foley said. "We encourage you to write off the 'Poor Prospects' because this group is the least likely to become Country Music consumers capable of generating future income for the industry."
The industry's "bread and butter" is the "Core." They are music lovers who drive extensive revenue and they can be divided into two groups: CountryPhiles and MusicPhiles.
CountryPhiles skew slightly female (54 percent) versus the average American adult, they are more likely to be married, Caucasian and from small towns. They are passionate fans of Country Music. They appreciate the core values of the format and the artists. And, their commitment translates to both significant engagement time and industry revenue.
"Protecting and more fully leveraging this group should be the Country Music industry's top priority, because even small erosion among this group has substantial negative revenue implications," Foley said. "The good news is that they are not entirely drained as a revenue stream and the study revealed opportunities to generate more engagement."
They engage with many Country Music portals, but less with digital. Only half have home Internet, but many access the Internet elsewhere - at work or away from home. There were three key reasons driving lack of home Internet access: the cost, they had no interest/or need, and their inexperience or content concerns. Fifty-eight percent of this group did claim that they want to have Internet connectivity in the near future.
(see graph 2)
This group accounts for a major proportion of total Country Music related media hours - especially with radio (33 percent). CountryPhiles claim Country radio as the No. 1 vehicle for introducing new Country Music.
They are very CD/album oriented and are willing to pay for music. More than half (55 percent) believe you really miss something when you only purchase songs rather than the whole CD by an artist. Fifty-six percent believe it is important to support the artists they love by paying for their music.
MusicPhiles skew male (55 percent) versus the average American adult, they are younger, more diverse (especially Hispanic) and more urban. They are extremely hip, high tech, engaged music lovers who happen to include Country Music in the mix.
"They like it, more than they love it," O'Brien said.
MusicPhiles are "music ambassadors" who spend as much or more on buying Country Music CDs for others as for themselves. Though heavily involved with all sorts of media, they are not as deeply engaged with Country radio, TV or Web. In contrast to the CountryPhiles, they are much more tech-savvy and digitally focused. They have large CD and digital libraries and their Country Music collections exceed those of CountryPhiles. While they spend less time with Country radio than CountryPhiles, they still cite it as their No. 1 source when it comes to discovering new music.
MusicPhiles and CountryPhiles collectively contribute a significant amount of money to the format, so it was important to look at the impact of current economic conditions on these two Core Country Music segments with additional research conducted in November.
Nearly 9 in 10 CountryPhiles have negative perceptions of the overall state of the economy and 6 in 10 express personal financial challenges. Versus total American adults, MusicPhiles are less intensely negative about the overall economy, and fewer (51 percent vs. 59 percent) express personal financial challenges.
More than half of CountryPhiles claim they are already spending less on Country Music as well as many other discretionary items.
"We do not see this trend reversing anytime soon," O'Brien said.
With that in mind, it is important to maximize and grow the potential spending of the "Low-Funders." There are five distinct types of people who have a strong Country Music affinity and a fair amount of engagement, but who fail to generate much revenue:
Today's Digital: have some potential to engage with digital content, but are resistant to traditional media and to revenue of all types
Today's Traditional: CountryPhiles in training. This group just hasn't made the revenue commitment, yet
Classical Digital: Men, very into gritty rock-influenced, classic artists. Operating almost entirely online with weak revenue
Classic Traditional: Older and fixated on classic artists. They are feeling "left behind." They spend time with traditional media, but are having declining revenue behaviors because of the impression that there is nothing left to buy
Pop Country: Very urban, responding to new, female, pop-leaning Country artists. MusicPhiles in training.
Obviously, "Today's Traditional" and "Pop Country" groups have better revenue growth potential than the other three.
The implications for CMA and the Country Music industry are clear. The Core Country Music target is small (7.6 percent), but dedicated and a huge revenue generator for the business. They account for a major proportion of Country radio listening and they feel and crave a strong connection to the format.
The Low Funding segment is a much larger consumer base (36 percent) with potential growth. They are listening to radio online and offline and are notable and diverse in their unpaid engagement with Country Music.
From the beginning, CMA sought to establish a Consumer Definition as a baseline for current and future study. "With this information, we have a platform for continued growth and an opportunity to layer in additional studies as questions arise and our fans continue to evolve," Goodman said.
This major research initiative demonstrates CMA's commitment to providing actionable, industry-building consumer insight for its members.
"We intend to present the findings in a very direct way and continue to respond to changes in the marketplace," said Genovese. "We want our constituent groups to understand fully the challenges we face and have a clear vision of what needs to be done to find and engage our consumer in a way that will help build a base of revenue."
CMA will provide information from today's presentation on the CMA member Web site, where CMA members can access the presentation and audio files with their member password. In addition, CMA is investigating opportunities and forums to present the findings to the industry and business community at a future date, with more in depth analysis and updated findings. Information will also be included in CMA's bi-monthly member publication CMA Close Up, beginning with the April/May edition.
"Research is always important, but at a time of huge industry and consumer pressures, it is crucial to cooperatively apply resources to strategic research that provides a fact-based foundation to kick start industry growth," Genovese said.
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