Bluegrass All Star Jam in Bristol, TriCities

TOM NETHERLAND SPECIAL TO THE HERALD COURIER
Published: January 28, 2010

Tune ’em up, guys and gals. Fasten in tight. And make way for the Bluegrass All Star Jam.
Slated to sizzle at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Bristol, Tenn., on Jan. 30 for two shows, featured musicians include Grasstowne members Alan Bibey, Uncle Phil Leadbetter and Steve Gulley.
“It’s entirely different than what we do every week,” Gulley said. “You look at it and say, ‘Man, this is going to be cool.’ ”
It’s also a first. The show will launch a new series of concerts at the Paramount presented under the auspices of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance. Subsequent shows will feature Darrell Scott on Feb. 13 and Riders in the Sky on March 27.
Look at those slated to perform during the jam show. In addition to the aforementioned, expect to see such bluegrass luminaries as Dale Ann Bradley, Tim Stafford, Missy Raines and Don Rigsby.
“People will see the best of the best,” said Larry Gorley, who booked the musicians. “Terry Baucom, he’s called the duke of drive. Kenny Smith turns heads on his Martin guitar. Dale Ann Bradley will knock your socks off.”
As in years past during the “Pickin’ at the Paramount” shows, musicians will work in numerous conglomerations. Each musician will have at least two songs to perform out front. Altogether, music director Mike Bub will try to craft a show that’s equal parts sense and spark. Read more...