Sunday, May 31, 2009

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, a Review


Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers
The Rubin Museum Of ArtThursday 28th May, 9.30pm set
by Martin Longley
Steve Martin elected to dub his show A Tentative Evening Of Bluegrass, perhaps guarding in advance against the obvious tendency of his audience asking the question of whether a comedian is also allowed to play the banjo. Woody Allen has faced the same grilling over his clarinet abilities. This is always the way when an artist shifts disciplines, whether from acting to rock'n'roll, from rock'n'roll to photography, from movies to fashion design, from boxing to perfumery or from pop to porn. Martin recorded The Crow: New Songs For The Five-String Banjo in New Jersey, but you'd never guess. It's now riding high in the bluegrass charts.
Read more...


Editors note:

The Steep Canyon Rangers will present a free concert in St. Clair Park, Greensburg Pa., this Friday June 5th at 7:00pm.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Appalshop to Release New Documentary

May 29, 2009 New Documentary, From Wood to Singing Guitar, from Appalshop Films to Premier on June 11 Whitesburg, KY
Appalshop Films is pleased to announce the release of its latest documentary From Wood to Singing Guitar. The film showcases Wayne C. Henderson, a master luthier and musician from the southwest Virginia town of Rugby. The documentary will have its premiere screening in Whitesburg at Appalshop's Seedtime on the Cumberland festival on Thursday, June 11, at 9:00 pm. Wayne Henderson is scheduled to perform both before and after the screening.
DVDs of the documentary will also be available. The film will also be screened on Friday, June 12, at 3:00 pm in the Appalshop Theater as part of the Seedtime festival.
A skilled craftsman and respected musician at an early age, Wayne was taught by those around him, including the folkmusic hero E.C. Ball and renowned fiddle maker Albert Hash. Henderson was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts's National Heritage Fellowship for both his work as a luthier and a musician. Producing more than 400 guitars for the likes of Doc Watson and Eric Clapton, the quality of Wayne's guitars have created an infamous waiting list of ten years. Equally as well-known is Wayne's reputation for being generous, friendly, and approachable as a musician and instrument maker. In Wayne's own words the film is "a nice visit to the shop here without having to travel all the way to Rugby."
For more information please visit http://www.appalshop.org/ or call606-633-0108
Our postal address is 91 Madison Ave Whitesburg, Kentucky 41858 United States

Del McCoury on Praire Home Companion



Nashville, Tenn. — The Del McCoury Band heads to St. Louis this week for a return engagement on the popular "A Prairie Home Companion" radio program to promote Del's 50 Year Celebration Box Set and companion CD "By Request". Heard by more than four million listeners each week on some 580 public radio stations and abroad on America One and the Armed Forces Networks, the appearance will be broadcast live from the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, MO at 6:00 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, May 30, 2009.


This appearance falls between Del wrapping up his own festival, Delfest over Memorial Day weekend, and an engagement at Bonnaroo on June 13th. Del and band are hitting the road hard this summer performing at many of the major music festivals in celebration of his 50 years in the business.

To learn more about "Celebrating 50 Years of Del McCoury" and "By Request," please visit www.mccourymusic.com. To see the band's full itinerary, visit www.delmccouryband.com. And finally, to find a radio station near you that carries A Prairie Home Companion, please visit http://prairiehome.publicradio.org.



Thursday, May 28, 2009

Blake Wiliams Honored




Blake Williams Honored During Liberty Square:

A Lester Flatt Celebration Sparta, Tennessee Celebrates Its Bluegrass Heritage with Special Presentation

Sparta, Tennessee, home of bluegrass legend Lester Flatt, celebrated the icon's memory with a special event on the city's square on Saturday, May 23rd. During the day-long event, a special presentation took place that honored several of the city's bluegrass legends including Blake Williams of Williams & Clark Expedition.
In 2007 the Tennessee State Legislature declared the 4th Saturday in May to be "Official Bluegrass Day in Tennessee" and in keeping with the branding of Sparta, Tennessee as "Bluegrass U.S.A.", the city hosted its annual event, Liberty Square: A Lester Flatt Celebration on May 23rd. Sparta, Tennessee has a rich bluegrass heritage and is not only the home of Lester Flatt but also the home of Benny Martin, Blake Williams (Lester Flatt & The Nashville Grass, Bill Monroe & The Blue Grass Boys, Williams & Clark Expedition), Josh Swift (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver) and many more great musicians and luthiers. Sparta's mayor, Tommy Pedigo, along with the Board of Alderman, unveiled the new Sparta City Limits sign during a special presentation during the evening. The new sign is designed around the city's new "Bluegrass USA" logo. In addition, the Sparta, Tennessee "Bluegrass Hall Of Fame" has been established and the names of the first five inductees are now included on the sign. Those honored were nationally known bluegrass musicians Lester Flatt, Benny Martin and Blake Williams along with regionally known Bill Jones and John Henry Demps. Gladys Flatt accepted the honor on behalf of Lester Flatt, JoAnn Able, Benny Martin's sister accepted on his behalf. Blake Williams was visibly moved and honored by the presentation. "I am humbled and extremely happy about such a wonderful tribute to Lester and Benny and being included among these men is truly an honor that I never expected", stated Williams. When presented the proclamation of his induction into Sparta, Tennessee's "Bluegrass Hall of Fame" Williams stated, "I have only won one other thing in my life and that was a fruitcake at a banjo contest in Clarkrange, Tennessee when I was 13. When I got it home, it had a worm in it. This is much better!""In previous years, the City of Sparta erected signage indicating Sparta as the hometown of Lester Flatt and then later, Benny Martin. However, the signs were very inconsistent in design and placement", stated Sparta Mayor, Tommy Pedigo. "When we began the branding of Sparta as 'Bluegrass USA', this was one of the areas that we wanted to improve upon. This has been a long time coming and we are so proud to finally recognize these men for their accomplishments in bringing honor to Sparta and White County, Tennessee."To view more photos from the event, please click here.

Dailey and Vincent News



DAILEY & VINCENT FILM VIDEO FOR "ON THE OTHER SIDE"
NASHVILLE, TENN. (May 28, 2009)--Rounder Records duo Dailey & Vincent filmed a video last week for "On the Other Side," from their chart-topping album Brothers From Different Mothers. Directed by Julian Smith, the performance clip features Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, along with their band and a string section.

The touching ballad, written by Jimmy Fortune, Kevin Denney and Tom Botkin, evokes the emotions felt when a loved one dies, ranging from grief, loneliness and regret to peacefulness and the hope of seeing them again "on the other side." The video is scheduled for completion within three weeks. To listen to the song, visit http://e2ma.net/go/2048897264/1873964/69724673/5785/goto:http://WWW.myspace.com/thedaileyvincentband.

Dailey & Vincent return as hosts of the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree this Saturday, May 30. The show airs live on 650 AM WSM and streams live on http://e2ma.net/go/2048897264/1873964/69724672/5785/goto:http://www.wsmonline.com/. The shows are also archived and can be downloaded from http://e2ma.net/go/2048897264/1873964/69724671/5785/goto:http://www.etrecordshop.com/.

Brothers From Different Mothers debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Bluegrass Albums chart and has remained in the top 5 since its release, returning to #1 for the issue dated May 23. It was also at the top of the Sirius XM Bluegrass Junction Most-Played Albums chart for May, reflecting airplay in April.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reviewed the album saying, "Dailey & Vincent pick up where they left off on their bracing, self-titled debut: breathless bluegrass breakdowns ("Head Hung Down"), mournful country ballads (Roger Miller's "You Ought to Be With Me"), country-folk narratives (Gillian Welch and David Rawlings' "Winter's Come and Gone"), and uplifting spirituals ("When I've Traveled My Last Mile," "When I Reach That Home Up There"). The beautifully tight harmonies throughout take various forms - duet, trio, quartet - but are rooted in the deep connection between the two 'brothers.'"

A review on Blogcritics.org stated, "For their sophomore release the brothers-in-spirit tear through an all-acoustic set that sounds resolutely traditional, though the playlist does include tunes from Dailey and other current songwriters . . . there's homespun wisdom, selfless love, and lots of heartbreak - standard themes, though rarely are they delivered with such infectious energy and enthusiasm."

Dailey & Vincent will perform in Nashville at the Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman series with the SteelDrivers on July 30. Other upcoming tour stops include: June 4 - Whitesburg, KY - Appalshop; June 5 - Williamsburg, KY - Sally Gap Bluegrass Festival; June 6 - Oakboro, NC - Big Lick Bluegrass Festival; June 12-14 - Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada - Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival; June 17 - Bean Blossom, IN - Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival; June 19 - Victorville, CA - Huck Finn Jubilee; June 20-21 - Grass Valley, CA - California Bluegrass Association Father's Day Bluegrass Festival. For additional tour updates please visit http://e2ma.net/go/2048897264/1873964/69724670/5785/goto:http://www.daileyvincent.com/ and http://e2ma.net/go/2048897264/1873964/69724669/5785/goto:http://www.myspace.com/thedaileyvincentband.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Traditional Ties, 05/31/09, Playlist







Contact info for new adds:












Traditional TiesAir Date: 05/31/09




Air Time
Artist Name
Song Title
Album Name

10:02 PM
Dale Ann Bradley
Don't Turn Your Back
Don't Turn Your Back / Compass

10:06 PM
Wayne Taylor
I'm Gonna Be
Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa / Raincoe
10:09 PM

Alecia Nugent
Wreckin' the Train
Hillbilly Goddess / Rural Rhythm

10:12 PM
M M Murphey
Lost River
Buckaroo Blue Grass / Rural Rhythm

10:17 PM
David Davis
Two Dimes and a Nickel
Two Dimes... / Rebel

10:20 PM
Kenny and Amanda Smith
Randell Collins
Live and Learn / Rebel

10:23 PM
Robin & Linda Williams
Maybelle's Guitar and Monroe's Mandolin
Bunea Vista / Red House

10:26 PM
Louvat Brothers
St. Anne's Reel
10 Years of EWOB / Strictly Country

10:31 PM
Dale Ann Bradley
Heaven
Don't Turn Your Back / Compass

10:35 PM
Lynn Beckman
The Holy Spirit Stream
Grassland to Gloryland / Self

10:38 PM
Dry Branch
Thank You Lord
Echoes of the Mountains / Rounder

10:41 PM
Smith-Buller
Hand of Help
Here's a Little Song / Bell Buckle

10:47 PM
Wayne Taylor
Jesus and Me
Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa / Raincoe

10:50 PM
Remington Ryde
Where You Gonna Hide
The Ryde / Self

10:52 PM
Mideando String Quartet
Talk About Sufferin'
10 Years of EWOB

10:54 PM
Paul Williams
Don't Worry About Me
What a Journey / Rebel

11:02 PM
Dale Ann Bradley
Ghost Bound Train
Don't Turn Your Back / Compass

11:05 PM
Dale Ann Bradley
Will I Be Good Enough
Don't Turn Your Back / Compass

11:09 PM
Dale Ann Bradley
I Won't Back Down
Don't Turn Your Back / Compass

11:12 PM
Dale Ann Bradley
Music City Queen
Don't Turn Back / Compass

11:18 PM
Wayne Taylor
Dirt Roads
Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa / Raincoe

11:21 PM
Album
Right on the Money
10 Years of EWOB / Strictly Country

11:25 PM
Jeremy Garrett
End of the Line
I Am a Stranger / Sugar Hill

11:29 PM
Pathway
...Girls Like Ruby...
Somewhere Tonight / Self

11:32 PM
Wayne Taylor
When I'm Gone
Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa / Raincoe

11:34 PM
NewFound Road
Brand New Broken Heart
Same Old Place / Rounder

11:37 PM
Downhill
Joe Hill
10 years of EWOB / Strictly Country
11:40 PM

Mark Delaney
Fireball Express
Sidecar / Patuxent
11:44 PM

Wayne Taylor
Rabbit
Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa / Raincoe
11:48 PM

Angelica Grim
Look for Me
Look for Me / Patuxent
11:52 PM

Alan Munde
The Run of 89
Made to Last / Munde's Child
11:57 PM

Patrick McAvinue
Irish Spring
Rutland's Reel /Patuxent
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

Calliope Announces 2009-10 Concerts



Calliope Concerts 2009-10
(Pittsburgh, PA)- Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society is proud to announce its 2009-10 Concert Series, featuring the best in acoustic music, from legends of American music to up and coming artists who are making a mark on the genre.
Subscribers receive the best seats in the house; subscriptions are available now for renewing subscribers. Subscriptions will go on sale for new subscribers in early July. Flex-plans and single tickets will go on sale mid-August.
Subscriptions can be purchased through ProArtsTickets--(412) 394-3353, http://www.proartstickets.org/ Subscriptions are available for $240. For additional information on the series, contact Calliope at (412) 361-1915, http://www.calliopehouse.org/.
October 17 The Klezmatics (Klezmer)
November 7 Jill Sobule & Kelly Joe Phelps (Singer-songwriter/Blues)
December 5 The Ebony Hillbillies (Old-time string band)
January 23 Richie Havens with special guest Harry Manx (Legend)
February 13 Cheryl Wheeler (Singer-songwriter)
March 6 Mick Maloney & The Green Fields of America (Irish)
March 27 Phil Wiggins & Corey Harris (Blues)
April 10 Music from the Crooked Road: Mountain Music of Virginia (Old-
time/Bluegrass)


Detailed information on the only Bluegrass related concert:



April 10, Music from the Crooked Road: Mountain Music of Virginia


This tour, supported in part by the National Council for the Traditional Arts, celebrates the living musical culture of the region, which today not only survives but thrives. The outstanding artists participating in this tour link the past, present and future of these deep American traditions. Artists on the tour include: Kirk Sutphin & Eddie Bond (old-time banjo and fiddle at its best), Wayne Henderson (Appalachian guitar master, National Heritage Fellow), Amber Collins & Another Day (hot young bluegrass band), Sammy Shelor (banjo virtuoso), The Whitetop Mountain Band (Southwest Virginia’s most popular family string band), Elizabeth LaPrelle (renowned keeper of mountain ballads and songs). Don’t miss this celebration of traditional music.




Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Traditional Ties, 05/31/05, Highlights








Contact info for new adds:



Traditional Ties, Air Date: 05/31/09
The new release from Dale Ann Bradley will be the featured CD, multiple cuts from Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa will also be included.

The complete playlist will be posted 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

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Lewis Family Retiring

The Lewis Family of Lincolnton, Ga., national bluegrass and gospel music stars for more than half a century and inductees into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, have announced that the group's last performance will be Sept. 5 in Dover Pa.

Augusta Chronicle
By Don Rhodes Music Columnist
Sunday, May 24, 2009 7:29 a.m.
Updated: Sunday, May 24, 2009 1:11 p.m.


The Lewis Family of Lincolnton, Ga., national bluegrass and gospel music stars for more than half a century and inductees into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, have announced that the group's last performance will be Sept. 5 in Dover, Pa.

The advanced ages and continuing poor health of several members were cited as the reasons.
Posted Saturday on the Web site, thelewisfamilymusic.com, was the simple announcement: "The Lewis Family has reached the difficult decision of announcing their retirement. They want to thank all their friends and fans who have supported them during these past 60 years. Continuing health issues and age have caused them to examine their traveling schedule, and they have set their last date as Sept. 5, 2009."
Webmaster Janet McMurrin additionally e-mailed a note to fans saying.... Read more.

Steep Canyon Rangers, to Open Greensburg's Summer Sounds



The Steep Canyon Rangers will open the Greensburg Pa, free Summer Sounds Concert Series, Friday June 5, 7:00pm.

Steep Canyon Rangers info here.

Summer Sounds info here.

Mickey's Moutain, Plans Three Festivals

Mickey's Mountain, Hopedale Ohio, is once again planning 3 bluegrass festivals this summer.
http://www.mickeysmtn.com/Bluegrass.aspx


2009 Bluegrass In The Hills Calendar of Events:
June 11-13th
July 9-11th
August 6-8th

Thursday June 11th
Wheeling Park Bluegrass
Mueller Family
3rd Generation
Salt Creek Inc.

Friday, June 12th
Mueller Family
3rd Generation
Idle Tymes
Karl Shiflett & Big Country
The Hillbilly Gypsies
The Hart Brothers
Tall Grass

Saturday, June 13th
Awesome Possum
Bluegrass Express
Buck & Company
3rd Generation
Karl Shiflett & Big Country
Audie Blaylock & Redline
The Hillbilly Gypsies

Thursday, July 9th
23 Special
Chestnut Hill
Williams & Clark Expedition
Southern Skye

Friday, July 10th
Chestnut Hil
Vernon McIntyre & Appalachian BlueGrass
Melvins Goins & Windy Mountain
Williams & Clark Expedition
The Vaughns

Saturday, July 11th
David Davis & The Warrior River Boys
James King
The Vaughns
Lonesome Heart
Whittaker Station
Timber Ridge
Williams & Clark Expedition
Tim O'Brien Band
Thursday, August 6th
Megan Murphy
Wills Creek
Muddy Krick Mountain Boys

Friday, August 7th
Williams & Monroe
Wills Creek
Almost Famous
Bo Isaacs & John Rigsby, Jack Hicks & Randy Thomas/Summertown Road
Midnight Ramblers

Saturday, August 8th
Almost Famous
Southbound Express
The Moron Brothers
Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road
Nothin' Fancy
Bo Isaacs & John Rigsby, Jack Hicks & Randy Thomas/Summertown Road
Goldwing Express

Area information- http://www.visitharrisoncounty.org/

Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival, Reedsville Pa.



3rd Annual Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival

Two day bluegrass festival at the Mifflin County Youth Fair Grounds in Reedsville, PA. The event will feature Grand Ole Opry Star Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Goldwing Express, Remington Ryde, Lykens Valley Bluegrass, Chester Johnson & Foggy Mountain Grass, Texas Rose Band, Kate Lee & No Strings Attached, Carroll County Ramblers, Brush Mountain Band, Stained Grass Window, Jesse Alexander Band, and many more. 2 day advanced tickets are only $30.00. That price includes camping. Plenty of RV space and rough camping on grounds! Also, workshops will be held daily, food and craft vendors on hand, and lots of pickin throughout the grounds! Don't miss this event!
Dates:
07/10/2009 - 07/11/2009
Start Time:
10:00 am
Location:
Mifflin County Youth Fair Grounds
Address:
Reedsville, PA (map)
Website:
http://www.remingtonryde.com/


Remington Ryde Bio:
Artist InformationBiographyEmerging as one of the hottest bluegrass bands from Central Pennsylvania is Remington Ryde. The band was formed in November of 2002 with the sole purpose of promoting bluegrass music throughout the state. They continue to grow in popularity, winning over crowds throughout the country. They have released four full length albums and one single, “I’ll Wait for You,” that has been played by bluegrass radio stations throughout the country. They have successfully hosted the 2nd Annual Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival and announced the date for the 3rd festival on July 10-11, 2009 in Reedsville, Pennsylvania.Their relentless touring schedule, consisting of over 80 shows per year, has earned them the reputation of one of the busiest bands in all of bluegrass music. They are loved by festival-goers and bluegrass fans from all over the country. The band is exploding into the national scene.Remington Ryde released their first professional project in 2007, produced by Green Valley Records in Hughesville, Pennsylvania. This album earned them a showcase in 2008 at Cabin Fever in Hampton, Virginia. The popularity of this album helped the group land contracts at some of the top bluegrass festivals in the country. This includes appearances at Bluegrass Festivals in Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, and North Carolina -- Wind Gap, OATS, AFBA, Bluegrass by the Lakes, Mountain Top, Crows Nest, Pocono Mountain, Smoked Country Jam, NEPA, Pickin’ in the Pasture, Catskill Mountain, Thousand Island, Norwich Family, Top of the Hill, Bluegrass in Greenville, Sagebrush Round-up, Lorraine Jordan’s Carolina Road Festival, Bluegrass by the Lakes, Bluegrass Blast, and the White Oak Shores Festival. Other notable festivals include the Pemi Valley Bluegrass Festival in Campton, New Hampshire; James King Bluegrass Festival, Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival, Lucketts Community Center, and the Central Virginia Bluegrass Festival in Virginia; The Arcadia Bluegrass Festival in Maryland; Bluegrass in Super Class and The Greenwich Bluegrass Festival in Ohio; The Peninsula Bluegrass Festival and Wilmington Wintergrass in Delaware; and many more.It is no mystery why this band is becoming so popular so quickly. They play a wide range of traditional and contemporary bluegrass while demonstrating superb showmanship, impressively tight harmonies, and original material. Each musician is as personable as they are talented; making sure the audience comes first. The band gives 110% on every performance, from their entertaining and energetic stage personalities to the lively interaction and conversation with any and all who visit after the show. It is really quite simple - Remington Ryde loves what they do and it shows!!!

Mountain Vista Bluegrass Festival Details Announced



Event Title
Mountain Vista Bluegrass Festival-Sixteenth Annual


Dates
6/12/2009 - 6/13/2009


Time
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM


Location
Blue Knob State Park, 124 Park Road


City
Imler


State
PA


Zip Code
16655-9207


Location Phone
814-276-3576


County
Bedford


Description
Bluegrass Festival at Chappell`s Field, Friday 6pm-11pm & Saturday 11am-11pm. Sponsored by Pavia Sportsmen Association. Tickets: Advanced Sales $12.50. At the Gate $15.00. Children under 12 free. For advanced tickets, send a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment to: George W. Corle, Event Coordinator, Pavia Sportsmen Association, 1850 Burnt House Road, Imler PA 16655-9265.Event Time: 6/8/07-6pm-11pm - 6/9/07 11am-11pm.


Music by: Alecia Nugent, David Parmley & Continental Divide, Blue Moon Rising, Mountain Therapy, Dively Family & Ron Shawver, Mt. City Grass, Blue Shades, & Revised

Contacts
Jessie Kohan, Park Naturalist, (814) 276-3576
Contact Email
blueknobsp@state.pa.us

More Info
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/blueknob.aspx

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Farewell Drifters at the Thunderbird Cafe, Wedensday




The Farewell Drifters will be appearing at the Thunderbird Cafe, 4023 Butler St. Wedensday May 27, at 8:00 pm.


Music samples can be found here.


Band info:During some of humanity’s darkest moments, music has been a light.Like a cold cup of water on a hot, dry day, ideas and melodies have poured onto the hardest ground and allowed seeds of imagination to flower into hope. Spirituals bolstered the hearts of slaves. Jazz colored in the gray hues of the Great Depression. Bluegrass and old-time mountain music enlivened a community ravaged by economic inequality and the uncertainty of cultural change. Folk music emboldened a disenfranchised generation to stand up to bigotry and pointless war.With bad news on the radio, turmoil around the world and mounting uncertainty in every corner, hopeful and honest music is needed now more than ever. However, as technology offers instant access to just about every song ever recorded, and auto-tuning tweaks processed pop from teen-aged sit-com stars, it is getting harder and harder to find a genuine new voice with something interesting to say.That’s why Nashville’s The Farewell Drifters are so striking. Combining elements of bluegrass with the accessibility of classic folk and acoustic Americana music, this stunning young band is turning heads nation-wide. Joshua Britt (mandolin, vocals,) Zach Bevill (lead vocals and guitar,) Trevor Brandt (banjo,) Dean Marold (bass,) and Clayton Britt (lead guitar) are performing over 100 concerts per year, from rock clubs to bluegrass festivals. Their songs offer a contemporary relevance and hopeful perspective that truly sets them apart. Though unafraid to grapple with the darkest aspects of the human experience, their light-hearted, often hysterical on-stage banter leaves audiences refreshed and entertained.The Farewell Drifters came together while several members were college students in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Brandt and the brothers Britt discovered bluegrass together and learned its ways as a group. They traveled to Nashville in search of the perfect lead vocalist and found Bevill fronting Belmont University’s Bluegrass Ensemble. The team clicked right away, learning bluegrass standards and stamping them with their own unique signature. “As we internalized the technical elements of the genre,” Bevill explains, “our individual voices began to creep in and our original material really came to the fore. After we had learned to play bluegrass we began to let in all of the other influences that we had previously laid aside. Writing our own songs was really the most natural thing for us to do as we sort of grew into the music together.”Joshua Britt, long a fan of Bob Dylan and other folk icons, was drawn to the accessibility of bluegrass. “I read that when Dylan wanted to play folk music he left Minnesota, went to New York City and tracked down Woodie Guthrie in a psychiatric hospital. When I was into rock and roll music I tried to track down my heroes but the closest I ever got to them was through binoculars at a stadium. When I became obsessed with bluegrass music I looked up Roland White’s address on the Internet and drove to Nashville to meet him. The next day I called up Billy Ray Latham and by that weekend I was playing on stage in front of hundreds of people with him.”Joshua sees the band’s early commitment to strong melodies and rich harmonies as a direct result of the influence of artists like Crosby, Stills and Nash, Simon and Garfunkel and The Byrds. The friends injected their distinctly warm vocals into the traditional “High Lonesome” sound of bluegrass and a unique style was born. “Our vision is to steer the current flow of traditional stringband music into a more contemplative, song-oriented place,” Britt explains.The Farewell Drifters have been honing their craft and defining their sound since 2006. With one full length CD release (Sweet Summer Breeze) and a brand new single (River Song b/w Dream Of Me Tonight) under their collective belts the band is responding to increased demand for bookings around the US including coveted slots at Merlefest and Grey Fox. They have charted on XM and Sirius Satellite Radio and were featured on the cover of The Tennessean.Though much loved by bluegrass aficionados, Bevill and Co. admit that while they are all fans of the genre, they are not purists. “I love the founding fathers,” Bevill explains. “They were just singing about their lives; what they knew and experienced - the good and the bad. We’re really just doing the same thing, except the vernacular is different because we grew up in a different generation with a different set of experiences.” Britt agrees, and embraces his own disparate musical influences. “I think we have a certain appreciation for the folk/rock of the 60's and 70's,” he explains. That comes out in our songs; sonically, but also lyrically. The music of that time had an openness and honesty that is attractive, and really seems to match the sentiments I have about bluegrass.” The band’s eclecticism is evidenced by their inclusion of a unique arrangement of the Beatles’ hit “Ticket to Ride” on their latest single as a bonus track.The chemistry is working. Though the melodies are often as haunting as traditional bluegrass and its various old-time musical cousins, the lyrics shine a bright light in dark times. “We’re thrilled when people tell us our music has brightened their day or been an encouragement,” Bevill adds. “These are scary times and we’re feeling the pressure like everyone. It’s difficult to make ends meet, especially for an independent band in the midst of a recession. But if our recorded music or our live performances can provide a diversion – or maybe an answer or two – we’ll be proud of a job well done.”

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Steve Martin on American Idol Finale

CMT News
Keith Urban, Steve Martin to Perform on American Idol Finale
May 19, 2009
Keith Urban and Steve Martin will perform Wednesday night (May 20) on American Idol's season finale. As previously announced, Carrie Underwood performed "Home Sweet Home," this year's American Idol farewell song, during an appearance on Tuesday's (May 19) show. Details of Urban's appearance have not been announced, but Martin will play a song from The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, his bluegrass album that Rounder Records released to all music retailers on Tuesday (May 19) following an exclusive release by Amazon.com. Martin is also scheduled to perform with the Steep Canyon Rangers in New York City on May 27 and 28. Martin will also be the featured guest during Vince Gill's portion of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on May 30.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Traditional Ties, 05/24/09, Playlist

Traditional Ties

(Due to techinal diffficulties the normal format is not being used, the normal page should return next week.)


Contact info for new adds:






Air Date: 05/24/09



Air Time
Artist Name
Song Title
Album Name
10:02 PM
Spring Creek
Drivin' Me Crazy
Way Up On a Mountain / Rebel
10:08 PM
Angelica Grim
Look for Me
Look for Me / Patuxent
10:12 PM
Blue Moon rising
Where There's a Road
One Lonely Shadow / lonesome Day
10:16 PM
M M Murphey
Lone Cowboy
Buckaroo Bluegrass / Rural Rhythm
10:20 PM
Alecia Nugent
Nugent Family Band
Hillbilly Goddess / Rounder
10:23 PM
Blue Shades
Gardens and Memories
Chasing Dreams / Self
10:26 PM
Lonesome River Band
Them Blues
No Turning Back / Rural Rhythm
10:30 PM
Spring Creek
Under the Gun
Way Up On a Mountain / Rebel
10:33 PM
Springfield
Paul & Silas
10 Years of EWOB / Strictly Country
10:36 PM
LakeSide
I Can't Help Smiling
From Our Heart / Homeplace
10:38 PM
Sweet Dixie Band
Beautiful
Bill Emerson … / Rebel
10:42 PM
Carolina Road
I Like the Old time Way
...Give Jesus a Try / Blue Circle
10:46 PM
K & A Smith
Man Looks on the Outside
Live and Learn / Rebel
10:49 PM
Greenbrier
I'll Have a New Life
Back of the Book / Self
10:51 PM
Doyle Lawson
God Is Love
Help Is on the Way / Horizon
10:55 PM
James King
Message for Peace
Garden in the Sky / Rounder
11:02 PM
Spring Creek
It's Alright My Darlin'
Way Up On a Mountain / Rebel
11:07 PM
Spring Creek
Lonesome Town
Way Up ON a Mountain / Rebel
11:11 PM
Spring Creek
In Despair
Way Up On a Mountain / Rebel
11:13 PM
Spring Creek
Cuba Vera Swing
Way Up On a Mountain / Rebel
11:17 PM
Angelica Grim
Rubber Dolly
Look for Me / Patuxent
11:21 PM
Davis Raines
21 Guns
Parts Unknown / Shell Point
11:25 PM
Northwest Territory
Veteran's Song
Fiddle Snakes / Self
11:28 PM
The Travelers
Shadow of a Man
Riden' the Lines / Hay Holler
11:31 PM
Michael Cleveland
Farewell for a Little While
Leavin' Town
11:36 PM
Angelica Grim
Roseville Fair
Look for Me / Patuxent
11:41 PM
Patrick McAvinue
Rutland's Reel
Rutland's Reel / Patuxent
11:45 PM
Rhonda Vincent
Last Time Loving You
(Upcoming) / Rounder
11:48 PM
David Davis
Blue Ridge Mountain Skies
Two Dimes... / Rebel
11:52 PM
Dailey & Vincent
Girl in the Valley
Brothers... / Rounder
11:57 PM
Special Consensus
Snowball Breakdown
Signs / Pinecastle




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


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

May 19, 2009
Country Music Pioneer Everett Lilly of Clear Creek to Receive 2009 Vandalia Award on May 23
Special to Huntingtonnews.net Charleston, WV (HNN) --
The Vandalia Award, West Virginia’s highest folklife honor, will be presented to state, national and international musical pioneer, talented performer and ambassador of traditional mountain culture, Everett Lilly of Clear Creek, Raleigh County, on Saturday, May 23, as part of the 33rd annual Vandalia Gathering. The award will be given to Lilly during a 6:30 p.m. ceremony and concert in the Norman L. Fagan West Virginia State Theater in the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex, Charleston. Lilly and his band Everett Lilly and the Lilly Mountaineers also will perform during the concert. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend. Read more...

Traditional Ties, 05/24/09, Playlist







The feature new release on this Sunday's Traditional Ties will be by Spring Creek. Multiple cuts also from Angelica's Grim's new release.

Traditional Ties - WYEP FM, 91.3 Pittsburgh Pa. - 10:00 pm Sunday -Streaming, http://wyep.org/

The complete playlist will be posted here later this week.




Friday, May 15, 2009

Highway 40 Bluegrass, Friday Photos















Photos from Friday evening at Highway 40 Bluegrass. Saturday's show starts at 1:00 PM.

Alison Brown's New CD In Space



Alison Brown's new album, The Company You Keep, traveled into space this week with astronaut John Grunsfeld aboard space shuttle Atlantis

GRAMMY-award winning banjoist Alison Brown is a big hit with astronauts. Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld chose to take a physical copy (an interesting fun fact as most astronauts carry only iPods during missions) of her new album, The Company You Keep, on this week's final Hubble repair visit after fellow astronaut Marsha Ivins hipped him to Brown's signature hybrid banjo sound a few space missions back. Grunsfeld couldn't get Brown's tunes out of his head, so he saved up his first listen of The Company You Keep for orbit. This is the fourth time Brown's music has journeyed into space as Mission Control has previously chosen three of her tunes as wake-up calls for the astronauts on past shuttle missions.

Click here to sample tracks from The Company You Keep

Click here to see Alison's new EPK/video

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Highway 40 Bluegrass, Update 2






The barn has been transformed, the stage is ready, the pickers are getting warmed up, all is ready for your arrival. Music, Friday evening and all day Saturday. See previous Highway 40 Bluegrass posts for details.
I plan to be posting pictures all weekend.

Highway 40 Bluegrass

The following is courtesy of Amy George and The Western Pennsylvania Bluegrass Committee. See previous post for more information.

Jerry and Claudia are already at the festival site so they are not seeing these emails. I am sending this information on their behalf.
The music starts at 7pm on Friday and 1pm on Saturday.
Line up consists of: (not necessarily in this order)Backroads Bluegrass, Stillhouse Pickers, Bits 'n Pieces, New Generation, Full Steam Ahead, The Vagabonds, Done Inn String Band, Tri-State Grass, Mid Life Crisis, Mon River Ramblers, Starlight Bluegrass Band, Flat Iron, Lonesome Heart, The Springtime Barnhill Band, Dunbar Bluegrass, Lenny and Friends, andBLT.

See you this weekend,
Amy

Mon River Ramblers in The Post Gazette



Mon River Ramblers break their Bluegrass out of the 'Burgh
Music Preview
Thursday, May 14, 2009
By Manny Theiner


Mon River Ramblers -- Robin Brubaker, brothers Jim and Jeff Kuzemka, Luke Stamper and Paul Dvorchak -- jam to bluegrass inside and out of doors.


Envision a group of twentysomethings playing music in a city bar, and most likely some punk, grunge or heavy metal comes to mind. The last thing you'd think of is bluegrass. Which means that the seemingly effortless virtuosity of the Mon River Ramblers -- the area's first breakout bluegrass act from the younger generation -- comes as a pleasant surprise the first time you hear them, no matter what age you are. Read more...

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Lou Reid and Carolina Sigh With Rural Rhythm


Rural Rhythm Signs Lou Reid & Carolina


Arcadia, CA (May 11, 2009)

Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce they have signed LOU REID AND CAROLINA to the label and will release a new album by the group later this summer. The first single will be released to radio later this month via the Rural Rhythm Fresh Cuts & Key Tracks No. 5. The album, “MY OWN SET OF RULES" was produced by Lou Reid, and also includes band members, Christy Reid, Shannon Slaughter, Trevor Watson, with special guest Ron Stewart on fiddle.

“I believe, as a whole, that this project encompasses more of my personal musical taste than any recording I have put out to date. The songs bring in all the elements of bluegrass that I love; the contemporary, traditional and gospel. We played with each song, working on arrangements and specifically the harmonies. We all shared different ideas - getting each song where it needed to be,” said Lou.Lou continued by saying, “The entire band is very excited about signing with Rural Rhythm Records.

After having a nice conversation with Label President Sam Passamano, I knew we'd have a good Artist and Label relationship. Sam has over 30 years experience in the record label business and along with son Sammy and daughter Jennifer, they are a synchronized team, working to make sure that everyone and everything is taken care of in a timely manner. I'm very impressed with Rural Rhythm Records and look forward to our new release ‘MY OWN SET OF RULES’ due out late summer,” continued Reid.Lou Reid and Carolina are based out of Union Grove, NC and began performing together in 1992. The band received single and album success several years ago with “TIME” garnering them the #1 Bluegrass Unlimited Top 30 Singles for 3 months in a row and the album reaching as high as #2 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Top 15 Albums.Lou splits his time between two respected groups, Lou Reid and Carolina and also The Seldom Scene. His impressive career began as bassist for Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, before performing with the Ricky Skaggs, working with Vince Gill, Vern Gosdin and many other respected artists. For more information on Lou Reid and Carolina, please visit the band’s website.
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RECORD LABEL:Rural Rhythm Records