Latest Headlines from Cybergrass

Nashville, TN -- This week, the legendary Charlie Daniels hosted the Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes event; a special free concert to support Lipscomb University’s Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program. Daniels was joined by a chart-topping lineup of entertainment industry friends including Jason Aldean, Lee Greenwood, Chris Young and the multi-award winning Bluegrass music band, The Grascals, making their fourth consecutive appearance at the annual event.

“We’re always ready to step up and support our active military and veterans,” explained Jamie Johnson of The Grascals. “We’re so proud to call Charlie Daniels a friend and to join him in support of the people who serve far away so that we can all pursue our lives in security here at home.”

Daniels, an avid supporter of the military, expressed pleasure with the evening and the community support.

“We have so many heroes whose needs fly below our radar,” said Daniels. “This shouldn’t be happening and this event is helping to make sure it doesn’t.”

Terry Eldredge is even more effusive, saying of his friend, “I believe Charlie Daniels is Santa Claus, I really do. He is always giving.”

Also appearing, military veteran and country music artist, Keni Thomas, and the Christian Rock band, Bleach, whose members lost a brother in Iraq. The event included a presentation by Mary Byers, President of Gold Star Mothers, Inc., an organization of mothers who have lost sons or daughters who were in military service.

For veterans who qualify for 100 percent of the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, Lipscomb University has committed to allocate the necessary funds to allow them to earn a tuition-free undergraduate degree through the Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program. The university also offers qualifying student veterans a variety of graduate degrees tuition-free or at a greatly reduced tuition rate. Lipscomb University officials believe strongly in helping open doors for student veterans through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Since its inception in fall 2009, Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon Program has grown from 20 original participants to more than 150 veterans enrolled this spring. Students have performed well academically with 71 percent of currently enrolled student veterans maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, with 13 percent of those maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. “Our veterans know that freedom isn’t free, but we think their education should be. At Lipscomb we have a very unique opportunity to help open doors for our veterans through higher education,” said Jim Humphrey, Assistant Dean of Campus Life and Director of Veterans Services at Lipscomb.

or more information about Lipscomb University’s Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program, call 615-966-5176 or visit veterans.lipscomb.edu

Tags: The GrascalsCharlie DanielsScholarship for HeroesBenefitConcert

Nashville, TN -- Even after 50 years on the road, Bluegrass Hall of Honor inductee, Doyle Lawson remains an innovator. He maintains an immediately recognizable sound, while always staying on the cutting edge. Lawson's latest bluegrass release, Roads Well Traveled, is shows why Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are still at the top of their style and how they helped pave the road to get there

Years of experience both in life and as a prolific recording artist are reflected in this emotionally complex and sophisticated "story" album. Mixing significant themes of love lost but, not forgotten along side smooth ballads and driving tempos proves Lawson, once again, to be cresating the future of bluegrass.

Roads Well Traveled takes you down roads that Bluegrass Music rarely travels. You might be used to the touch of lonesome but, not quite like this. There is the poignant moment where a widower says good bye to sixty years. There is a touch of melancholy when you watch a widow waiting for her husband to take her home. And then, there is the father struggling to forgive a drunk driver.

Doyle lawson has been an inspiration to generations of musicians. Roads Well Traveled shows how the current lineup of Quicksilver inspires him. They are players and singers who are worthy of the name Quicksilver and, they helped engineer, mix and master the album and co-wrote several of its songs.

Doyle is also celebrating 50 years of bluegrass and gospel music as a professional career path. He has not only made a name for himself but contributed to making other groups common names in the genre. Performing with JD Crowe, The Country Gentlemen and others trained Lawson to spread his wings and venture into the music world on his own. We are certainly happy that he did! For 34 years, band leader Doyle Lawson and his band Quicksilver have created some of the finest bluegrass in the genre. A trail of trophies attests to that achievement.

This latest album is a continuation of the effort of producing the finest in bluegrass music. Every Lawson release has become a treasure that endures the passing of time./em

Tags: Doyle Lawson & QuicksilverRoads Well TraveledCD Release

The Boston Bluegrass Union’s 38th concert season continues on Saturday, April 6th with a performance by longtime BBU favorites Blue Highway at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, MA. At the 19-year mark, Blue Highway is indisputably one of the most esteemed and influential groups in contemporary bluegrass music. The band's ten exceptional albums and compelling live performances give proof to the stellar reviews, Grammy nominations, and numerous awards earned by the band since it first took the stage on December 31, 1994, with the same musicians that comprise Blue Highway today.

Individually, Jason Burleson (banjo, guitar, mandolin), Rob Ickes (Dobro), Shawn Lane (mandolin, fiddle, vocals), Tim Stafford (guitar, vocals), and Wayne Taylor (bass, vocals) are masters of their respective roles. Together, in Stafford's words, they are “a democracy in the best sense of the word”: five gifted artists selflessly merging their talents into a seamlessly brilliant group sound.

With ten highly-acclaimed albums to its credit, Blue Highway has garnered two Grammy nominations, a Dove Award, topped the Bluegrass Unlimited radio charts, and won numerous International Bluegrass Music Association awards. Refusing to coast on past glories, Blue Highway continues to push its music to new levels of accomplishment. Artfully balanced between tradition and innovation, it remains in the forefront of contemporary bluegrass music.

Further details on Blue Highway visit http://bluehighwayband.com.

Tickets are $29 (BBU Members $27) and can be purchased online at www.bbu.org or by mailing a check (payable to the BBU) with self-addressed stamped envelope to Boston Bluegrass Union, PO Box 650061, West Newton, MA 02465. The National Heritage Museum is located at 33 Marrett Rd. (Route 2A), Lexington, MA 02421. If available, Student Rush tickets are $15 each with Student ID at the door beginning the night of the show at 6:30 PM. Doors open at 6:30pm and concert begins at 7:30pm. Directions can be found at www.monh.org or call (781) 861-6559

Tags: Blue HighwayBoston Bluegrass UnionConcertEvent

The European Bluegrass Music Association (EBMA) board along with a special Selecting Committee formed by Lilly Pavlak, Richard Hawkins, Christian Seguret, Paolo Dettwiler, Bruno Steffen and Eberhard Finke happily announced that Niall Toner has been appointed as the recipient of the first EBMA European Bluegrass Personality of the Year award. The announcement was made by EBMA Board Member Martino Coppo Wednesday, March 6, 2013.

With the EBMA Bluegrass Pioneers & Sersonalities Project (EBPPP), the EBMA intends to recognize and acknowledge the past and present most influential European bluegrass musicians, promoters, journalists, DJ's, luthiers, experts and others who have contributed, and still contribute, in a relevant and significant way to establish or popularize the Bluegrass music genre in Europe, and to create a European Bluegrass scene and community.

The award ceremony will take place during the concert on Saturday, March 16th as part of the 5th European Bluegrass Summit to be held at the Hotel Pyramida Auditorium in Prague, Czech Republic ( www.orea.cz/en/orea-hotel-pyramide/ ).

The bluegrass community is invited to join the EBMA for this celebration. To register, visit www.ebma.org/ebs/5th-european-bluegrass-summit/ where you can access the EBMA web page including the registration form and to confirm your attendance. Two seats will be reserved for registrants at the Pyramida Auditorium.

Niall was born in Dublin, Ireland and nurtured an early interest in music by tuning in to Radio Luxemburg and the AFN radio service from Germany. The Saturday night re-broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry from Nashville was his first exposure to Country music, and when a local school-friend showed up with a collection that included the music of Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, The Carter Family and Jimmy Rodgers, Niall's musical fate was sealed.

Niall Toner is widely regarded as one of Ireland's leading experts on bluegrass and American country music, and he brings this knowledge of music to a wide audience, both through his live performances and various workshops, as well as through his radio show, Roots Freeway, which is broadcast on Ireland's national radio station, RTE Radio One.

Niall's release of Onwards & Upwards in October of 2012 was a musical milestone. This was Toner's first release on the internationally famous Pinecastle Record label and features the great talents of artists like Keith Sewell (who also serves as the producer, Ashby Frank, Rob Ickes, Viktor Krauss, and of course Niall.

Tags: Niall TonerEuropean Bluegrass Music AssociationEBMAAward

Nashville, TN -- AirPlay Direct is pleased to announce their 8 year Anniversary Celebration on March 12 at the Hard Rock Café in Nashville. AirPlay Direct will also be announcing the re-launch of their magazine, the Direct Buzz, as well as their new partnership with the Hard Rock Café.

This will be a red carpet event and press conference. Doors will open to the press and industry at 5:30 pm CST. The press conference will run from 6:15 pm - 6:35 pm. Live entertainment will begin after the press conference, and the doors will open to the public for this "free" live concert event at 6:30 pm.

Featured performers for the evening will include sets by award winning artists: Marty Raybon, Darrell Webb Band, Colin Linden, Rich Mahan, Boo Ray, and Janiva Magness.

“AirPlay Direct is the one stop shop for any artist or label that wants to get their music to radio in the digital world we live in today,” said Sammy Passamano III of Rural Rhythm Records. “We have used their service for many years with great success. AirPlay Direct has certainly helped introduce bluegrass music to stations all over the world.”

2012 proved to be a fantastic year for AirPlay Direct's continued growth and evolution, accelerating to over 8,000 radio station members globally and over 35,000 artist and record label members from 85 countries around the world. AirPlay Direct has now delivered over 1.7 million song downloads to radio.

Originated in March 2009, the Direct Buzz operates as the flagship of AirPlay Direct. Ther magazine functions in harmony with AirPlay Direct as a direct portal between your music artistry to their readership of over 40,000 music industry professionals globally.

In AirPlay Direct's new partnership with the Hard Rock Café, they will be announcing new touring opportunities for AirPlay Direct members throughout the Hard Rock Café properties, as well as an upcoming Hard Rock Café Radio Show.

Tags: AirPlay DirectRural RhythmMarty Raybon & Full CircleDarrell Webb BandEvent

Nashville, TN -- Volume Five will hold a CD release party on March 9th at 6 p.m. EST at Everett's Music Barn in Suwannee, GA, to celebrate the release of their third album, Run, with Mountain Fever Records. Tickets are $15. The album hit shelves on February 26, and Its first single, "Rich Man's Daughter", was released in October and has reached number one on Bluegrass Today's Weekly Top 20 Chart.

"We're very grateful for the opportunity to play at the Barn and can't wait for our fans to hear our new music live," said lead vocalist Glen Harrell.

Volume Five came on to the music scene in 2008 and is characterized by soulful singing, dead-on harmonies and precise picking. The band is made up of seasoned performers Glen Harrell (fiddle and vocals), Patton Wages (banjo and vocals), Chris Williamson (bass and vocals), Jeff Partin (dobro, guitar & vocals) and Harry Clark (mandolin). Volume Five is currently in the studio working on a new gospel album. For more information on Volume Five, visit www.volumefivebg.com.

Songs like “Fox on the Run,” “Paradise,” and “Hickory Holler’s Tramp” were bluegrass festival favorites long ago. “Then it seems like no one would do them because they thought of it as being corny because everyone was singing them many years ago,” Harrell says. “Our opinion, and we hope the bluegrass folks agree, is if they are good songs they should be heard. We love to do songs that tell stories and that people can relate to. After all, that is what bluegrass music was founded on.” We just wanted to give them a fresh sound so that folks would say, ‘I forgot how great a song that is.’”

The title cut from Run was a song that was originally recorded for mandolin player Jesse Daniel’s solo CD. “He had it recorded but it had a much different tempo and feel to it. When we were in the studio tracking, I told Jesse I really liked that song but I was just hearing something different. So we started arranging the song to the way that I heard it. When we got it tracked, I remember Jesse saying I never even dreamed it would sound like this compared to the way it was cut on my CD. Jesse is a great songwriter and he really knows how to tell a story through a song. This is one of those songs that the crowd really gets into when we perform it live on stage.”

Other songs on the album include a new version of Charlie Louvin’s “See the Big Man Cry,” a song the band felt compelled to pay honor to by maintaining the original integrity of Louvin’s recording. "Rich Man's Daughter,” written by former Volume Five band member Colby Laney, and the project's first single, is a perfect example of what listeners have to look forward to. Glen Harrell's voice soars perfectly with the minor-sounding melody in a way that just proves this band is a reckoning force.

Tags: Volume FiveRunMountain Fever RecordsCD ReleaseCD Release PartyEvent

2012 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Band of the Year, Monroeville's newest single, "So Far" is now available for download. Featured this last week at the New Music Showcase during the Country Radio Seminar, the all new original single, penned by Monroeville's own Eli Johnston, is a classic tale of unrequited love. Cleverly written with a fun beat, a catchy hook line, and accented with tight harmony and great musicianship, "So Far" will be anything but far from your mind.

Embracing a crossover sound between progressive bluegrass and acoustic country, Monroeville, has caught the attention of music lovers on both sides of the track. Each member is multi-instrumental, and individual members have been nominated for and or won awards from Dove, CCMA, IBMA, and or the GRAMMYS®.

At the band’s core is a belief that good music knows no boundaries. While paying homage to their roots of bluegrass and country music, Monroeville embraces that history and creates their own sound with original songwriting and arrangements that have been described as “a seamless flow through a range of musical styles and sounds, from bluegrass to country and pop”.

With original writing and musical arrangements, Monroeville seemlessly flows through a range of musical styles and sounds from bluegrass to country to pop. From performing school programs for over 12,000 students to help perserve musical heritage, to being featured at NASCAR, and main stages at Grey Fox, ROMP and Rocky grass, Monroeville is on their way to carving out a music all their own.

Tags: MonroevilleSo FarCD Release

Nashville, TN -- The unforgettable songs that helped transform Nashville into Music City are set to be showcased on stage at the historic Ryman Auditorium during the fifth year of Opry Country Classics Thursdays March 28 – May 23. Grammy®-winner Larry Gatlin returns as show host for the first show of the season, welcoming multi-Grammy®-nominated Nashville favorites The Time Jumpers as Spotlight Artists. Gatlin will be welcoming artists who'll perform their own country hits as well as timeless favorites.

Gatlin is set to return as host for all subsequent shows except for the April 11 performance, which will be hosted by 650 AM WSM’s Bill Cody. Among the Spotlight Artists set to headline Opry Country Classics shows later in the season are Marty Stuart, (April 4); Pam Tillis, (April 11); Mel Tillis, (April 25): Terri Clark, (May 2); Lorrie Morgan, (May 9); and Oak Ridge Boys (May 23).

The Grand Ole Opry is the show that made country music famous. Each week, the Opry features a dynamic line-up of new stars, superstars, and legends of country music. The show is a must-see for anyone visiting Nashville or living in Music City. Artists will be added below as they are confirmed.

CLICK HERE for tickets and a schedule of those who will be performing.

Tags: Opry Country ClassicsGrand Ole OpryEvent

The three time Grammy nominated bluegrass-meets-soul band, The SteelDrivers, return to the stage of the highly acclaimed Bluegrass Underground to help kick off the program's 3rd PBS Season. Filmed at Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, Tennessee, Bluegrass Underground is also a radio show. Recorded live 333 feet below ground, the Volcano Room is one of the most acoustically pure natural spaces on earth. No man-made sound reaches the Volcano Room and the living rock hued amid the eons is jagged and uneven, providing limited echo.

On the road to celebrate the release of their third cd, Hammer Down, on Rounder Records, the new cd epitomizes The SteelDrivers' brand of bluegrass - intense, dark, poetic, and inescapably human. The new collection is a refreshing reminder of the timeless power of string band music. Hammer Down entered Billboard's Bluegrass chart at Number #1.

The SteelDrivers are banjo player Richard Bailey, bass/vocalist Mike Fleming, guitar/vocalist Gary Nichols, fiddler/vocalist Tammy Rogers and mandolinist Brent Truitt. Produced by Luke Wooton, Hammer Down is a collection of 10 new tunes from original members Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson, as well as Rogers and Nichols. The set also includes the songs 'I'll Be There' and 'Cry No Mississippi' that Nichols co-wrote with John Paul White - one-half of the band The Civil Wars.

The SteelDrivers - "I'll Be There"

The English pop star Adele was so smitten with the band that she began performing their song, 'If It Hadn't Been For Love,' in her live performances. The SteelDrivers are on the road for much of 2013.

www.SteelDrivers.net, www.BluegrassUnderground.com

Tags: The SteelDriversBluegrass UndergroundConcertEventPBS

Nashville, TN -- Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce the upcoming bluegrass album, The Back Forty by Marty Raybon & Full Circle releasing Tuesday, March 26. This highly anticipated new album is now available for pre-order at Amazon and Rural Rhythm Records and will also be available at iTunes, GooglePay and many more fine retail outlets.

The Back Forty takes us back to Marty’s Bluegrass music roots with his signature vocals and tight harmonies provided by his band Full Circle: Tim Raybon, Chris Wade, Zach Rambo, with special guests Tim Crouch, Daniel Grindstaff, John Bradley, Aaron Ramsey, Scott Napier and Tim Laughlin. The exciting new project also helps celebrate Marty's 40 Years of Entertaining fans worldwide.

The album contains five new songs co-written by Marty including the new barn burner single “That Janie Baker” by Marty Raybon and John Fountain which has received rave reviews. Terry Herd of Bluegrass Today and Bluegrass Radio Network says, "That Janie Baker" is one of those songs you find yourself singing along with, even before you know the words.” The single is now out to radio and also available at AirPlayDirect.com.

Marty just filmed an upcoming album promo video, which will be available soon, where he discusses each track that appears on The Back Forty and talks about this year’s upcoming 40th Year Celebration. The album includes the following tracks:

1. "That Janie Baker" – Marty Raybon, John Fountain
2. "She’s Just An Old Love Turned Memory" – John Schweers
3. "The Late Night Cry Of The Whippoorwill" – Randall Hylton, Paul Craft, Brenda Harrington, Kermit Teague
4. "Slowly (I’m Falling)" – Webb Pierce, Tommy Hill
5. "Look For Me (For I Will Be There Too)" – Charles (Rusty) Goodman
6. "The Big Burnsville Jail" – Marty Raybon, Thom Case, and Michael Bonagura
7. "A Little More Sawdust On The Floor" – Marty Raybon and John Fountain
8. "Only You, Only You" – Marty Raybon, John Fountain
9. "Hurt Me All The Time" – Raymond Maynard, Nelson Terry Skinner,and Lee Larry Wallace
10. "Mountain Love" – Marty Raybon, Jerry Salley

Marty has received Grammy, CMA, ACM, IBMA and numerous other Awards during his impressive 40 year career. Please visit his website at MartyRaybon.com or visit www.RuralRhythm.com to learn more about his previous Rural Rhythm albums Southern Roots & Branches and Hand to the Plow.

Tags: Marty RaybonThe Back FortyRural RhythmCD Release

Registration for International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) World of Bluegrass Events and hotel reservations will open March 1, 2013, for bluegrass music’s annual industry gathering and family reunion in Raleigh, North Carolina. The five-day event will feature the best in bluegrass music networking, showcasing and professional development, with lower prices across the board for all tickets and hotel rates.

Please call 1-888-GET-IBMA or go to www.ibma.org to purchase World of Bluegrass Registration, IBMA Awards tickets and Wide Open Bluegrass weekend festival passes and Showcase Passes—and then call or go online to make reservations in our hotel block with discounted rates. They will be starting with four-night minimum stays at The Sheraton Raleigh Hotel and the Raleigh Marriott City Center.

The business conference part of World of Bluegrass will feature new tracks for music presenters, emerging bands and youth, along with expanded showcase opportunities and a pro-active effort to reach out to new attendees in the roots music community, as well as local bluegrass fans in the Carolina region.

The festival portion of the week on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27-28 will be called “Wide Open Bluegrass” this year. Attendees will hear bands that play full throttle, “wide open,” driving, traditional-edged bluegrass alongside edgy bands that draw from old-time string band, progressive, classical and jamgrass influences.

The entire community in the Raleigh is eagerly awaiting our arrival for World of Bluegrass, and plans are in the works already for banners in the street, fireworks, a North Carolina Pork Barbecue Championship, a street fair surrounding IBMA weekend events, presentations at local schools, youth events, free transportation and shuttles around town, music in local clubs and cafes, camping at the nearby fairgrounds with full RV hook ups and showers…and more.

World of Bluegrass 2013 will take place at the Greater Raleigh Convention Center, the Progress Energy Theater for the Performing Arts, and the Red Hat Amphitheater—all within easy walking distance. Evening and After Hours Showcases will take place at one of the anchor hotels, plus stages at five more venues in town (just blocks away, or a five-minute ride on the “R-Line” bus).

The IBMA is getting started with ticket sales much earlier this year, so keep an eye on your email In Box and ibma.org for exciting updates and new details throughout the summer. We will be emailing more detailed info about registration, ticket sales and hotel reservations in late February, for the March 1 start date.

You won’t want to miss IBMA’s first World of Bluegrass in Raleigh! A full schedule is available at IBMA's World of Bluegrass Page.

Tags: World of BluegrassInternational Bluegrass Music AssociationIBMAEvent

Award winning bluegrass music group Lonesome River Band heads west this weekend with performances in California and Arizona over the next several weeks. Their first show of the tour will be held at the Palms Playhouse in Winters, CA this Friday followed by “A Night at the Grange” concert in Morgan Hill, CA on Saturday. The band will be live in the studio with ‘Sleepy John” on KPIG Radio 107.5 FM on Sunday before traveling to Durham, CA for a concert Tuesday, February 26.

On Thursday, February 28, Lonesome River Band returns to the Black Oak Casino in Tuolumne, CA followed a performance at Boulevard Music in Culver City, CA on March 1. On March 2 and 3, fans can see the band perform in Lake Havasu City, AZ at the Bluegrass on the Beach Festival. For more details and ticket information for each event, please visit LonesomeRiverBand.com.

Rural Rhythm Records recently released Chronology Volumes One - Three album series celebrating Lonesome River Band’S 30th Anniversary. The band also has a song, “The Legend of Jennie Wade” on the new brand album, “God Didn’t Choose Sides: Civil War True Stories About Real People.”

Lonesome River Band received several 2012 International Bluegrass Music Association awards including the IBMA “Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year” Award for their song “Angeline the Baker” and band leader, Sammy Shelor won his fifth award as the IBMA Banjo Player of the Year. Virginia Country Music Hall of Famer, Shelor is also a previous winner of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

Fans will want to check out this month’s debut issue of the new music magazine, LargoUmbra, where Lonesome River Band credits their loyal fans with their continued success. “I am constantly amazed and humbled by the support of the LRB fans. Not only have new fans jumped on board, but we’ve had people supporting us for thirty years. We are truly grateful and extremely appreciative,” said Shelor in the interview.

Lonesome River Band includes the incredible talents of Sammy Shelor (Banjo, Harmony Vocals); Brandon Rickman (Guitar, Lead & Harmony Vocals); Mike Hartgrove (Fiddle); Barry Reed (Bass, Harmony Vocals); and Randy Jones (Mandolin, Lead & Harmony Vocals). For more information on the Lonesome River Band, please visit LonesomeRiverBand.com, Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Tags: Lonesome River BandTourEvent

Run Boy Run has completed their new album So Sang The Whipporwill. For those of you who don't know them, Run Boy Run is an Arizona band that won the 2011 Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the 2010 Pick'en in the Pines Folk Festival in Flagstaff Arizona. They have subsequently played as a paid band in Telluride and recently appeared with Garrison Keillor on A Prairie Home Companion on January 19th at Gammage Auditorium in Tempe and this weekend at the Fitzgerald Auditorium in St. Paul.

Run Boy Run was formed in the summer of 2009, Run Boy Run has emerged as “a prevalent force in the desert music scene.” After winning the coveted Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Contest in 2011 and have performed throughout the Southwest. The band has built a catalog of traditional, original, and familiar material. They are, Matt Rolland-Fiddle, Grace Rolland-Cello, vocals, Rebekah Sandoval-Fiddle, vocals, Jennifer Sandoval-Mandolin, Vocals, Jesse Allen-Bass. Their tunes range from old time fiddle, to Appalachian a cappella, to traditional songs with a contemporary "twist" as well as original material.

The unique sound of Run Boy Run is rooted in the traditional music of the Appalachian South. Bands like Nickel Creek and Crooked Still have paved the way for the music of Run Boy Run: dynamic, orchestral, and overflowing with beauty. Run Boy Run exists in the tension between tradition and frontier. Three strong female voices weave a spectacular tapestry of sound. Award-winning fiddle cuts a path for a tightly formed rhythmic front. Every arrangement is—at it’s core—beautiful.

Brother and sister, Matt (fiddle, guitar) and Grace Rolland (cello, vocals), have fiddle music running through their blood. Raised with bow and rosin on every bedside table, Run Boy Run was a natural fit. Sisters, Bekah (fiddle, vocals, guitar) and Jen Sandoval (mandolin, vocals), grew up deeply ingrained in the Bluegrass festivals of Arizona, so they too found a home in Run Boy Run. Jesse Allen (bass) was brought up on opera and western swing, and grew to love the natural fusion inherent in American music. The whole truly exceeds the sum of the parts as touches of classical, jazz, and folk express themselves through the old-time core of Run Boy Run’s unique sound.

For some sound bytes go to http://www.runboyrunband.com/#music and click on the "band camp" link for more audio samples and purchases. You can also go to A Prairie Home Companion website to hear them in a live performance http://prairiehome.publicradio.org Run Boy Run is now taking orders on So Sang The whppoorwill on their website.

Tags: Run Boy RunSo Sang The WhippoorwillCD Release

Lebanon, TN -- Five-time GRAMMY® award-winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman brings his inspirational sound back home to his rural Kentucky origins on Deep Roots, the latest exclusive album release from Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®. The new 12-track CD will feature stand-out collaborations with bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs and some of Nashville’s finest players, as well as three generations of Chapman family members including: Chapman’s father, Herb Chapman Sr., brother, Herb Chapman Jr.,son, Caleb Chapman, and daughter-in-law, Jillian Edwards Chapman. The uniquely personal album will be available for purchase in all Cracker Barrel locations, iTunes and Amazon.com beginning March 11, 2013.

“Our team at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is excited to announce we will be working with highly-regarded recording artist, Steven Curtis Chapman for the exclusive release of Deep Roots,” says Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Marketing Manager Julie Craig. “Chapman’s stand-out talent and devotion to making a positive impact make him a natural partner with Cracker Barrel, and the distinctive sound of his music makes for a wonderful collection of songs -- both known and new we think audiences will enjoy.”

Having achieved 47 No. 1 hits on Christian radio, five GRAMMY® awards, and an unprecedented 57 Dove Awards while aiding orphans internationally and in the U.S. through his own non-profit organization, Show Hope, it’s no secret Chapman is deeply devoted to his music and philanthropy. But on Deep Roots, he reveals his musical talent runs deep in his veins on songs “Life is Like a Mountain Railroad (Life’s Railway to Heaven),” featuring Herb Chapman Sr. and Herb Chapman, Jr., “Be Still and Know,” featuring Caleb Chapman, and the gospel classic, “How Great Thou Art,” featuring Jillian Edwards Chapman. The album includes a compilation of both fan-favorite hits and timeless hymns, all newly recorded.

Deep Roots Track Listing:

1. “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”
2. “How Great Thou Art” (featuring Jillian Edwards Chapman)
3. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” (featuring Ricky Skaggs)
4. “Blessed Assurance”
5. “Life is Like a Mountain Railroad (Life’s Railway to Heaven)” (featuring Herb Chapman Sr. and Herb Chapman Jr.)
6. “He Touched Me” (featuring Herb Chapman Sr. and Herb Chapman Jr.)
7. “Hiding Place”
8. “Rock of Ages”
9. “Be Still and Know” (featuring Caleb Chapman)
10. “His Eyes”
11. “My Redeemer is Faithful and True”
12. “Cinderella”

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its made-from-scratch biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.

Tags: Steven Curtis ChapmanDeep RootsCracker BarrelCD Release

Roots Music Report (RMR) collects data from radio stations and syndicated radio programs around the globe that play all forms of roots music. RMR then tabulates airplay spin totals which then are used to generate the charts. The charts are posted each week so that music makers, radio professionals and the general public can see which artists are being played the most by reporting stations around the planet. At the end of the year, RMR posts their compilation of the top 100 albums in each of several categories on their web site at http://rootsmusicreport.com/

Roots Music Report strives to help the artists, and has been doing so for over 15 years. Their goals are simple: provide honest radio airplay data for artists, labels, & music industry professionals. Giving them an additional tool to help make their promotion methods more effective while at the same time providing an online resource for broadcasters worldwide.

The RMR charts are compiled from radio airplay data only (# of spins), with no influence from employees of the Roots Music Report. They are not affiliated with any record label, promotion company, or artist management firm. In addition to bluegrass, RMR compiles lists for Roots Country, Jazz, Folk, Blues, Roots Rock, and True country albums.

The top 10 Bluegrass albums are:

Ranking: Artist: CD Title: Label: 1 RUSSELL MOORE & IIIRD TYME OUT PRIME TYME RURAL RHYTHM 2 SIERRA HULL DAYBREAK ROUNDER 3 CLOSE KIN CLOSE KIN MOUNTAIN ROADS 4 LOU REID & CAROLINA CALLIN ME BACK HOME KMA 5 BILL EMERSON & SWEET DIXIE THE TOUCH OF TIME RURAL RHYTHM 6 ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION PAPER AIRPLANE ROUNDER 7 BEARFOOT AMERICAN STORY COMPASS 8 SPECIAL CONSENSUS SCRATCH GRAVEL ROAD COMPASS 9 SPRING CREEK HOLD ON ME SELF 10 THE GRASCALS LIFE FINDS A WAY MOUNTAIN HOME

The full list of the top 100 bluegrass albums is on the Roots Music Report 2012 Bluegrass Chart.

Tags: Roots Music ReportChartsTop 100Bluegrass Music

We thought the end of the Bill Monroe Name marathon litagation was over after the Kentucky Court of Appeals recent decision. We thought that Ohio County Industrial Foundation would settle down. We were wrong. The foundation seems to want to keep this ugly battle alive for eternity. It seems that the Ohio County Industrial Foundation has filed a petition with the Kentucky Court of Appeals seeking a rehearing on their earlier decision. It is hoped that the court will deny this petition and put this to rest.

In the decade old battle of the right to use Bill Monroe's name for the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Music Festival, the appeals court in Kentucky ruled last month that the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Music Festival can use "Bill Monroe" in promoting the festival that takes place each year in Rosine, Kentucky near the home place of the father of bluegrass music. This overturned a lower court ruling and was seen as a victory and, hopefully the end, of this nasty litigation.

The use of Monroe's name has become the rope in a power tug-of-war between Mercer and the Ohio County Industrial Foundation in Ohio County, Kentucky, the location of Bill Monroe's homeplace and the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Music Festival. Cybergrass has been covering the ups and downs of this struggle since its early beginnings.

From the rejection of building a Bill Monroe State Park, in the Feasibility of Constructing a State Park at the Birthplace of Bill Monroe, an idea that began in 2003, through other battles, including the attempt to acquire the famed Lloyd Loar mandolin used by Monroe in 2004 which went to trial July 12th of that year.

A dispute arose that stemmed from an agreement between the Mercer's Bill Monroe Foundation and Monroe's son, James Monroe. According to reports, the Bill Monroe Foundation failed to make the complete payment for the mandolin by the agreed upon date and James, who wanteds to sell the prized instrument, considered selling it to the Ohio County Industrial Foundation.

In April, 2001, the Bill Monroe Foundation made an initial down-payment for the instrument and agreed to pay off the $1.1-million price within 18 months. So far, they are short of that amount and have only been able to contribute less than $200,000 towards the contract price. Campbell Mercer, executive director of the Bill Monroe Foundation attempted to get a bank loan to complete the purchase but that process failed in October 2002 and the loan was never granted to the foundation.

By 2004, Bill Monroe's legendary Gibson F-5 Lloyd Loar mandolin remained the center of controversy over its proper ownership and destination. The valuable instrument is regarded by many musicians as the most important instrument in country music. The F-5 is the jewel in the crown of bluegrass music history. The Bill Monroe Foundation had been trying to acquire the mandolin to retain it's heritage along with that of Bluegrass Music's "father", Bill Monroe. The case over it's proper ownership rights headed back for another trial on July 12th at the Davidson County Chancery Court in Nashville, TN. The events that followed regarding Bill's mandolin, the Country Music Hall of Fame and even more litigation would be another story all of itself.

Then, in September 2005, James Monroe's lawsuit to remove his father's name from the non-profit entity chartered to preserve Bill Monroe's home, farm, home town, Uncle Pen's cabin, construct a museum in his honor and preserve and spread his music, the Bill Monroe Foundation. By the following Tuesday, the news of the Mandolin in the CMHF was out. The injunction forcing the removal of "Bill Monroe" was cast.

On Bill's birthday, yet another event began that few knew about. The Ohio County Industrial Foundation, the entity that formed the BMF and the foundation that was working to help James strip the Bill Monroe name from the BMF began depositions in the MERCER vs. OCIF case. This was a sad way for Ohio County, KY to celebrate Bill's birthday. Sadly, nothing the Ohio County Industrial Foundation has been a good thing for the legacy of the Father of Bluegrass Music, Bill Monroe.

Tags: Ohio County Industrial FoundationCampbell MercerJerusalem Ridge FestivalBill MonroeBusiness

Hiltons, VA -- Bluegrass band Moccasin Gap has a repertoire that includes traditional bluegrass tunes as well as more modern bluegrass tunes. The band has three recordings to their credit. Members of the group are: Luanne McMurray, Eric McMurray, Keith Sims, Bob Blackstock, and Daniel Housewright. Luanne is featured on vocals and upright bass. Eric plays the banjo and fiddle and does vocals. John Malayter plays mandolin. Daniel Housewrite plays lead guitar. Saturday, February 23rd, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert by Moccasin Gap. This show was rescheduled due to a cancellation of their February 2nd show. Admission to the concert is $8 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free.

Moccasin Gap has performed at the 75th Anniversary of the Bristol Sessions, the Rhythm and Roots Reunion, Mayberry Days, and the Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival. They also regularly perform at Bellamy’s Hardware, the Cranberry Thistle, and the Carter Fold. If you like traditional bluegrass, solid bluegrass picking, and enjoy beautiful bluegrass harmony, don’t miss Moccasin Gap at the Carter Family Fold!

Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http://thecrookedroad.org. Carter Music Center is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on Carter Music Center, go to http://www.carterfamilyfold.org. Partial funding for programs at the Carter Music Center is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For recorded information on an upcoming show at the Fold, call 276-386-6054. frameborder=

Tags: Moccasin Gap Bluegrass BandCarter Family FoldConcertEventThe Crooked Road

Dehlia Low will is getting the opportunity to perform in a hometown show in Ashville, North Carolina at the Grey Eagle on March 22nd. It's a fully seated, evening with the group begining around 8pm, the band will be cracking open the vault and playing some favorites for you, and potentially a few unexpecteds. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended and you can get them locally at Harvest Records in West Asheville, or at this link: http://thegreyeagle.com/events/an-evening-with-dehlia-low/ Dehlia Low echoes the sounds of early country with a strong bluegrass flavor, crafting a fresh originality that feels like home in the flourishing roots music soundscape.

After that, Dehlia Low will be playing a few sets at Merlefest April 25-28th on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC. There is always a great line up, you can check it out here: http://merlefest.org/Lineup/ The group says, "We will be playing on Thursday and Friday, including a set on the Watson Main Stage Friday afternoon. Hope to see some of you there!"

Self described as "Appalachiagrassicana", Dehlia Low’s vocal harmony and instrumentation reflect a deep connection to traditional music with modern arrangements and relevant, smart songwriting. The band combines their gripping, rustic-flavored vocal style with instrumental prowess. Performing original songs that feel at once both old and new, the band is rooted in bluegrass while pushing their sound into Americana, Roots Country, and Folk, true to their southern Appalachian roots.

Dehlia Low formed in late 2007 as part of Asheville, North Carolina’s roots music renaissance. Singers Anya Hinkle (from Blacksburg, VA on fiddle) and Stacy Claude (from Atlanta, GA on guitar) pulled together a group of talented pickers from the region: Aaron Ballance on Dobro (Winston-Salem, NC), Bryan Clendenin on mandolin (Hurricane, WV) and Greg Stiglets on bass (Jackson, MS).

Tags: Dehlia LowMerlefestAppalachiagrassicanaEvent

Doyle and the guys have completed a new recording that should be out in March. They have been working on it for about 2 months, when they could find the time to get together at the studio. They recorded this one at Josh Swift’s studio and some at Mike Roger’s studio, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver then headed to the studio at Crossroads to start recording some special songs that will be a part of a new opportunity coming up.

Doyle Lawson was named Mandolin Performer of the Year by the SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) at the 39th Annual SPBMA Bluegrass Music Awards held at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville earlier this month. Lawson received a total of four SPBGMA Award Nominations including Entertainer of the Year, as well as Vocal Group of the Year and Gospel Group of the Year (Contemporary) with his band Quicksilver.

Lawson was honored by the Governor and State of Tennessee in 2012 for his contributions to the state and nation through his music, was heralded by journalist Craig Havighurst as “one of music’s lions,” and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver appeared on Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and 12-time Grammy winner Paul Simon’s recent album “So Beautiful or So What.” DLQ also appeared on the acclaimed “Mark Twain: Words and Music” with such heavy-hitters as Jimmy Buffet, Clint Eastwood, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, and Emmylou Harris. DLQ’s album “Drive Time” spent several weeks atop the Alternate Roots Top 66 International Bluegrass Chart at #1 and was proclaimed an Essential Album of the Year by Acoustic Guitar Magazine, while the single “Precious Memories” spent an impressive five months at #1 atop the Singing News Bluegrass Gospel Chart. “I Saw Him Walk Out of the Sky” from the most recent gospel album “Sing Me a Song About Jesus” spent two months atop the Singing News Bluegrass Gospel Chart at #1 and was nominated as IBMA’s Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year.

Doyle is also celebrating 50 years of bluegrass and gospel music as a professional career path. He has not only made a name for himself but contributed to making other groups common names in the genre. Performing with JD Crowe, The Country Gentlemen and others trained Lawson to spread his wings and venture into the music world on his own. We are certainly happy that he did! For 34 years, band leader Doyle Lawson and his band Quicksilver have created some of the finest bluegrass in the genre. A trail of trophies attests to that achievement.

This latest album is a continuation of the effort of producing the finest in bluegrass music. Every Lawson release has become a treasure that endures the passing of time. We look forward to next month's release and we already know it will be a great one.

Tags: Doyle Lawson & QuicksilverRoads Well TraveledCrossroads MusicCD Release

The VW Boys offer an exciting and entertaining mix of songs on their latest project, Listen To The Music, from traditional bluegrass favorites, favorite pop songs from their growing up years done in bluegrass style, inspirational gospels, and the usual comedy laced offerings that set the fun loving tone of this group.

When the VW Boys go to the studio, it's always a fun time and the result always conveys that feeling of fun and love for the music that goes into their projects. This fun-loving spirit is a trademark of the VW Boys. Make no mistake however, these are serious musicians who also understand the quality of music and showmanship is critical to keep their fans coming back for more.

Listen To The Music kicks off with the title track, "Listen To The Music", made a household name by the Doobie Brothers and customized and brought to bluegrass fans in the VW Boys style. Tim White, Dave Vaught, and "Fat" Albert Blackburn, along with some very special guests, tastefully step through a wide variety of songs from the classic bluegrass favorite, "Down The Road" to "Home Grown Tomatoes", beautiful gospel harmonies and Tim's original fun and entertaining "Five Pound of Possum" and "If My Nose Was Runnin' Money" by their good friends, The Moron Brothers.

The VW Boys are joined on this project by: Lou Reid on mandolin and fiddle; courtesy of Rural Rhythm Records, Hunter Berry on resonator guitar; Travis Houck on resophonic guitar and Leon Frost on perka-Iighter, 1928 Ford hubcap, bongos, hand saw, salt shakers, and other unidentifiable percussion items. The VW Boys give their heartfelt thanks to these great musicians for making this such a great and fun project.

Listen To The Music tracks include:

1. "Listen To The Music"
2. "Down The Road"
3. "Homegrown Tomatoes"
4. "Another Day, Another Dollar"
5. "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms"
6. "Love Potion Number Nine"
7. "Buckaroo"
8. "Cabin On The Hill"
9. "If My Nose Was Running Money"
10. "Blues Stay Away from Me"
11. "Five Pounds of Possum"
12. "Sweet Beulah Land"
13. Matt Smith (master of double talk) Brags On the VW Boys

s always a fun time and the result always conveys that feeling of fun and love for the music that goes into their projects. This fun-loving spirit is a trademark of the VW Boys. Make no mistake however, these are serious musicians who also understand the quality of music and showmanship is critical to keep their fans coming back for more.

Tags: VW BoysMountain Roads RecordingsTim WhiteFat Albert BlackburnDave VaughtListen To The MusicCD Release