International Bluegrass October 2013

IB

International Bluegrass

Vol 28, No 10, Oct. 2013

Tony Rice F inds his voice

Click here to view his stunning acceptance speech Photo by Alane Anno

IBMA Celebrates its best year yet.

Also in this issue

■■IBMA 2013 awards ■■seldom scene ■■Yale’s new bluegrass President

memorable International Bluegrass events from

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WOB 2013

and more!

International Bluegrass International Bluegrass Music Association Vol. 28 | No. 10 | October 2013

Cover Picture Tony rice finds his voice

News 4| 2013 ibma award winners 6| PETER SALOVEY: YALE’S NEW PRESIDENT 7|LEADERSHIP BLUEGRASS 2014 8 | IBMA 2013 Photos and memories 10 | SELDOM SCENE AT THE RED FOX INN 14 | bluegrass music industry news

IBMA Staff Nancy Cardwell Erdos Executive Director Joe Lurgio Member/Convention Services Director Taylor Coughlin Special Projects Director/Publications Editor Eddie Huffman Technology & Office Systems Manager IB | International Bluegrass Editor: Taylor Coughlin taylor@ibma.org Designer: Erin Erdos Humann erinfaitherdos@gmail.com International Bluegrass (ISSN #1095-0605) IBMA: Working together for high standards of professionalism, a greater appreciation for our music, and the success of the worldwide bluegrass community.

The monthly emailed publication of the International Bluegrass Music Association 608 W. Iris Drive, Nashville, TN 37204 USA

615-256-3222 | 888-GET-IBMA | Fax: 615-256-0450

Departments 3| Editorial: IBMA 2013 12 | fresh sounds 16 | heard round the world

Email: info@ibma.org Website: www.ibma.org

Statement of fact and opinion are made on the responsibility of the writers alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers, directors, staf or members of IBMA. Portions of International Bluegrass may be reprinted provided that explicitty citation of the source is made: “Reprinted with permission from International Bluegrass, the publication of the International Bluegrass Music Association, www.ibma.org”

S ave the dates Sept. 30- Oct. 4, 2014, and Sept. 29-Oct. 5, 2015!

Editorial by Nancy Cardwell I just got off the phone with IBMA member/ band leader Marty Raybon this morning, who informed me that he and his brother, Tim “just enjoyed the stew out of World of Bluegrass last week.” The sentiment seems to be the general consensus among attendees and locals alike, thanks to a lot of hard work from the IBMA team and our partners in Raleigh, North Carolina.

More than a dozen IBMA members stopped me in the hallways of the Raleigh Convention Center and in the lobby of the Marriott Saturday and Sunday before we left to tell me this was the “best World of Bluegrass” they had ever attended—and these were folks of all ages, from all parts of the world, some who have been coming to our annual business conference, Awards Show and festival for decades. Business got done and connections were made; exceptional music was presented, discovered and honored; there were a number of memorable moments during the week that none of us will ever forget; and we all just felt so incredibly welcomed and embraced by the Raleigh community.

The staff and I flew back to Nashville Sunday night and unloaded the truck. We’re still unpacking and finalizing follow-up efforts here at the IBMA office. Overall, we couldn’t be happier with how our first year in Raleigh went. We benefitted from a number of things—some planned and some just lucky—that helped us literally knock WOB 2013 out of the ballpark: an unprecedented amount of press coverage both locally and nationally, in print and television, from both mainstream and bluegrass media; absolutely perfect weather; enthusiastic support from regional Carolina bluegrass fans and musicians, as well as from the leaders and citizens of Raleigh; extremely high quality productions all week long—at the IBMA Business Conference, the International Bluegrass Music Awards, The Bluegrass Ramble showcases, and Wide Open Bluegrass—in the paid stage areas and the phenomenally well-attended Wide Open Bluegrass Street Festival.

The IBMA Awards on Sept. 26 as well as the Sept. 27-28 Wide Open Bluegrass festival sold out (we actually had ticket scalpers for the first time at an IBMA event!) Also for the first time I was invited to stroll down the red carpet at the BMI Nominees Reception before the Awards Show behind Jim Lauderdale and his sparkly Manuel suit, and a reporter asked me what I was wearing. My answer: “Black.”

We will be announcing hard numbers soon, but my best estimation is that the Business Conference—not including Bluegrass Ramble attendance every night at seven venues—was up 34%, The Awards were up 11%, and Wide Open Bluegrass (formerly IBMA’s Bluegrass Fan Fest) showed a 52% increase in attendance. Locals, regional bluegrass folks, artists at all levels of their careers, the industry, and the international bluegrass community all showed up—for which I’m incredibly grateful.

To say that Raleigh “rolled out the red carpet for us” is a bit of an understatement. It’s probably more accurate to say that they rolled out the carpet, bought new furniture, and built a new home for us. The work of the Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Raleigh Convention Center staff, all the host hotels, city and regional government, the Wake County Arts Council and a hard-working local organizing committee was evident in a number of ways great and small: the lit up IBMA logos at the top of the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and on the shimmer wall of the Red Hat Amphitheater, the banjo slung across the shoulders of the statue of city namesake Sir Walter Raleigh outside the convention center, street banners, piped in music from the SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction in the city square, WOB coasters in local restaurants, amazing press, opportunities for bands to present bluegrass music in local schools, well organized and implemented events…even fireworks!

I’ve been serving IBMA on staff for 19 years now and as always, there are a list of things we’re already thinking about to fix and edit and tweak, in an effort to make World of Bluegrass 2014 an even more useful, productive and fun experience for you. We tried some new things this year, and we look forward to hearing your feedback on the emailed surveys that will go out to attendees next week.

Another number I’m really proud of is that IBMA membership has increased 25% during the past year. Bluegrass music is enjoying wider popularity than ever before, we’re continuing to honor our roots and traditions, the future is in very capable skilled musical hands, and IBMA is on a roll. If you’re not already a part of the team working together for the future of bluegrass music, I personally invite you to join IBMA. Our board of directors unveiled a new mission statement last week, which I’m happy to share with you here: “IBMA is the trade association that connects and educates bluegrass professionals, empowers the bluegrass community, and encourages worldwide appreciation for bluegrass music of yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve you as IBMA’s executive director. World of Bluegrass is always part family reunion along with business conference and music celebration—a time for us to enjoy getting together in person, re-charging our batteries, and re-focusing our efforts to wave the flag for bluegrass music all around the worldwide bluegrass nation, as we continue to share this most amazing music with new audiences whose lives will be enriched by it. We made some new friends in Raleigh last week, and we’re already looking forward to World of Bluegrass 2014.

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THE GIBSON BROTHERS NAMED ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

AT 2013 INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS

The Gibson Brothers took home the Entertainer of the Year award at the soldout 24th annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Thursday night, September 26 at Raleigh, North Carolina’s Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

It was an exciting night for New York State-based band The Gibson Brothers, who also took home awards for Vocal Group of the Year, Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year (Eric Gibson), and Song of the Year (“They Called It Music”).

Della Mae was named Emerging Artist of the Year, and The Boxcars took Instrumental Group of the Year.

Junior Sisk and Claire Lynch took home awards for Male Vocalist and Female Vocalist of the Year respectively, and Rob Ickes was awarded his 15th Dobro Player of the Year award, continuing his reign as the musician who has won the most trophies of any individual instrumentalist in the history of the IBMA Awards.

Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductees, the late Paul Warren and Tony Rice were honored in special presentations

by Ron Stewart, and Peter Rowan and Sam Bush. Paul Warren’s induction was celebrated with a performance from The Earls of Leicester, and his plaque was accepted by his family. Tony Rice gave an unforgettable acceptance speech, and played with members of the original Manzanita album band – including Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Ricky Skaggs, and Todd Phillips with Wyatt Rice.

Hosted by Steep Canyon Rangers, the 2013 IBMA Awards Show featured a number of virtuoso-level, high energy live performances from Balsam Range, the Bluegrass Youth All-Stars, Blue Highway, Dailey &Vincent, The Del McCoury Band, Gibson Brothers, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Steep Canyon Rangers, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.

The International Bluegrass Music Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), which serves as the trade association for the bluegrass music industry.

The IBMA Awards Show is the centerpiece of the World of Bluegrass Week, Sept 24-28 in Raleigh, NC, which also includes the IBMA Business Conference and Wide Open Bluegrass Festival.

The IBMA Awards Show was broadcast live on Sirius XM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction, Channel 61). The show will be syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks, thanks to the sponsorship of John Pearse Strings, Deering Banjos, Compass Records and the International Bluegrass Music Museum. The sponsors for the live streamed broadcast were Bluegrass Today, Intellitouch Tuners and Music City Roots.

Program directors and station managers may sign up to be affiliates by calling (615) 256-3222 or emailing joe@ibma.org. The show will also be posted on AirPlay Direct for broadcasters in the coming week.

2013 award winners Hall of Fame Inductees: Tony Rice, Paul Warren Entertainer of the Year: The Gibson Brothers Vocal Group of the Year: The Gibson Brothers Instrumental Group of the Year: The Boxcars Male Vocalist of the Year: Junior Sisk Female Vocalist of the Year: Claire Lynch Emerging Artist of the Year: Della Mae

Album of the Year: Papertown, Balsam Range, produced by Balsam Range, Mountain Home.

Song of the Year: “They Called It Music,” The Gibson Brothers, written by Eric Gibson & Joe Newberry.

Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year: “Foggy Mountain Rock;” by Tom Adams, Dan Tyminski, Ron Stewart, Dennis Crouch, Clay Hess and Randy Kohrs; written by Louise Certain, Burkett Graves & Gladys Stacey; Rounder Records.

Bluegrass Event of the Year: Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival in Bean Blossom, Indiana.

Best Graphic Design for a Recorded Project: Carl Jackson, Dak Alley & Jimmy Mets; for Grace Notes; by Carl Jackson Best Liner Notes for a Recorded Project: Fred Bartenstein, for Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers’s They’re Playing My Song

Distinguished Achievement Awards Keith Case McLain Family Band The East Mountain Boys Vic Jordan Charley Pennell

Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year: “Beulah Land,” Marty Raybon, written by Squire Parsons, produced by Marty Raybon, Rural Rhythm.

Recorded Event of the Year: “What’ll I Do;” by Terry Baucom with Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Wyatt Rice, Steve Bryant & Buddy Melton; produced by Terry Baucom, Cindy Baucom and Ed Lowe; John Boy & Billy label.

Momentum Awards (presented Wed., Sept 25): Instrumentalist of the Year: Chris Luquette, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen Vocalist of the Year: Robert Greer, Town Mountain

Mandolin Player of the Year: Adam Steffey

Band of the Year: Town Mountain

Dobro Player of the Year: Rob Ickes

New Festival or Venue of the Year: Bluegrass on the Plains; Auburn, AL

Bass Player of the Year: Barry Bales Fiddle Player of the Year: Jason Carter Guitar Player of the Year: Bryan Sutton

Industry Involvement of the Year: Danny Clark Mentor of the Year: Denise Stiff

Banjo Player of the Year: Mike Munford Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year: Eric Gibson Broadcaster of the Year: Ronnie Reno Print/Media Person of the Year: Fred Bartenstein

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Yale’s new president: A purveyor of bluegrass

By Taylor Coughlin The bluegrass community is celebrating the new president of Yale, Peter Salovey, who took over the Ivy League school at the end of June in 2013. You see, he’s a bass player, he loves Ralph Stanley, and he’s in a band called The Professors of Bluegrass.

He has recently been named the Chairman on the Board of Directors for the International Bluegrass Music Museum, and is working with the Foundation for Bluegrass Music – and it started with a radio show and a rented banjo.

When Peter Salovey first started his undergrad at Stanford in the 1970s, he was enamored by a local radio show on KFAT out of Santa Cruz. The radio show was Cousin Al’s Bluegrass Hour, and Salovey liked it because it wasn’t disco, which was all that seemed to be on the radio at the time. To further entice his developing taste in the music, Salovey rented a banjo from a local shop and started learning clawhammer and Scruggs style, all while studying and climbing the academic ranks.

The East Coast called his name, and Salovey started graduate school at Yale, finding communion with friend Kelly Brownell and his neighbor, another banjo player. “[Kelly] said [his neighbor] played banjo better than me, and suggested I play bass, so I did,” Salovey laughs. Along with all night studying sessions, Salovey would come to know all night jam sessions. The Professors of Bluegrass solidified in the early ‘90s with an all-Yale band membership of students and faculty. Since then, the band’s lineup has changed and refreshed, always including those within the Yale community.

“It’s been a great way to foster learning and a community through bluegrass,” Salovey said. “The bond playing music creates between students and faculty is something truly special. We all get something out of it.”

Before assuming the position as Yale’s president, Salovey has served his time at Yale as: Chair of the Psychology Department, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Dean of Yale College, and Provost of the University. His passion for teaching both in the classroom and through music is evident in his endeavors. As a band member, he has played with several students who have gone on to succeed – in music, and outside of it. One such member is Greg Liszt, a graduate of Yale who also earned his PhD in molecular biology at MIT, now a banjo player for Crooked Still and The Deadly Gentlemen.

The Professors of Bluegrass recorded an album this year, Pick or Perish, so they would have something to bring with them when they played ROMP in Owensboro, KY. They have been warmly embraced, and a hot item as they don’t tour because of their schedules as full-time faculty members and students.

The current lineup for The Professors of Bluegrass includes: banjo player Oscar Hills, Craig Harwood on mandolin, Sten Havumaki on guitar, and Matt Smith and Katie Scharf on fiddle. They will play at Salovey’s official inauguration as Yale’s President in October, with The Deadly Gentlemen joining in playing for the celebration.

Before taking on his new role as the Ivy League’s leader, Salovey and his wife took some time to travel through North Carolina, visiting some special bluegrass landmarks. “We listened to the Stanley Brothers the whole way,” he said. “The Stanley Brothers are my favorite.”

Congratulations to the Yale community, and “hoorah!” for bluegrass!

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Leadership Bluegrass 2014: Application deadline November 15 With the application deadline of Friday, November 15 fast approaching, you will probably be hearing quite a bit about Leadership Bluegrass 2014 from your well-connected bluegrass friends. If you’re a LBG alumni, you already know what a great career-enhancing experience that Leadership Bluegrass can be. And if you’re thinking of applying, step up and get busy! It’s one of the most enjoyable and beneficial educational experiences centered on bluegrass music that you could possibly hope to find.

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So what is Leadership Bluegrass, anyway? It’s a three-day program (scheduled for March 20-22, 2014 at BMI in Nashville) that is designed to bring together a diverse cross-section of people with a wide range of perspectives on the bluegrass industry for a group discussion and educational experience. This is the place for people who have demonstrated, or are highly motivated to demonstrate, leadership in one or more areas of the bluegrass community. Applicants are carefully selected so that each class has a full and diverse representation of the functional areas of our industry – such artists, composers, publishers, record labels, publishers, broadcasters, luthiers, publicists, managers, agents, event producers, and more. Each class also has a geographically diverse group of participants that includes students from all regions of the United States as well as abroad.

And what might you expect to learn as part of the Leadership Bluegrass experience? Plenty. One of the most interesting things that the class does is to engage in a systematic review of the business of bluegrass and its various institutions and organizations – with a detailed discussion of their needs, problems, and resources. Because each class is unique, each discussion is unique – the perspectives that you bring to the table offer insights to your classmates. And one of the most exciting things you enjoy as part of the class is the opportunity to sit in a small-group setting with a wide variety of the leaders and notable figures in our industry. Just this past year, the class enjoyed getting to hear (and getting to know) prominent bluegrass and industry personalities including Sonny Osborne, Al McCree, Jay Frank, Jon Weisberger, Alison Brown, Garry West, Stephanie Taylor, Ben Surratt, Missy Raines, Peter Cooper, Craig Havighurst, and many others.

You definitely won’t get bored with the range of discussion topics at Leadership Bluegrass. Over the past few years, classes have heard from music industry leaders (and enjoyed active group discussions) on topics including the study and application of leadership principles, entrepreneurship, a profile of bluegrass music consumers, the development of an artist’s career, copyright law and its application to the music business, new trends in the presentation of live music, the latest techniques for the digital distribution of music, using social media to add fans and increase attendance at live musical events, and much more. If you want to become more effective at managing your corner of the bluegrass world, Leadership Bluegrass is the place to be.

And of course you will make a lot of new friends, and maybe even get to jam! You will get to know a lot of new people over your three days at Leadership Bluegrass experience, and many of those people will become new friends and professional contacts. An expanded network is one of the most important things you can gain from the Leadership Bluegrass experience.

So get busy and send in your application! Remember that the selection committee works to build a class with a wide range of perspectives on the industry, so don’t be discouraged if you aren’t picked the first year you apply – or even the second or third. It may take you a few tries to get in, but there’s no doubt that it’s worth the effort. Apply today!

International Bluegrass

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IBMA World of Bluegrass 2013: Photos Click here to see the full photo albu m

Epic Collaboration Friday night of Wide Open Bluegrass. From left to right: Jason Carter, Bela Fleck, Mark Schatz, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice | Photo by Alane Anno

Steve Martin and Bela Fleck, photo by Dave Brainard

Steep Canyon Rangers on the IBMA Awards Red Carpet, photo by Willa Stein

The Roys on the IBMA Awards Red Carpet, photo by Willa Stein

Peter Rowan on IBMA Awards Red Carpet, photo by Todd Gunsher

Noam Pikelny gives Keynote address Photo by Alane Anno.

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage on the IBMA Awards Red Carpet photo by Willa Stein

Ricky Skaggs with Willow Osborne, Colonel Isaac Moore, and Sharon White Skaggs.

Photo by Alane Anno

Sir Walter Raleigh plays the banjo on the Raleigh Convention Center pavilion.

Photo by Taylor Coughlin

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Seldom Scene Returns to the Red Fox Inn

By Randy Barrett

Photo by ERIN McCRACKEN Who says you can’t relive the past? The Seldom Scene will return to the Red Fox Inn on October 20, 2013. The event offers a rare opportunity to hear the band – and former members Tom Gray and John Starling – in the place it became famous.

Let’s dial the time machine back to Tuesday January 4, 1972 in Bethesda, MD. The half-filled restaurant slouched toward night as patrons sipped beer, chatted and idly waited to hear what the band had to offer.

What they got that evening was a musical lightning bolt. Most of the members of the newly-formed group were well known to bluegrass fans in Washington: John Duffey, Tom Gray, Ben Eldridge, Mike Auldridge and a new-to-town singer named John Starling. From the very first song, those in attendance understood they were in the midst of the extraordinary.

The band earned $90 that first night. “We were error prone,” recalls banjoist Ben Eldridge. The plan to charge a $2 cover for future shows struck him as excessive. “I thought, who wants to pay that to hear us?”

Everybody, as it turned out.

Within three weeks, the line to hear the Seldom Scene stretched out the door of the Red Fox Inn. The Red Fox was already a bluegrass hotspot by then. Emerson and Waldron had opened the door for the music at the club in 1967 and anchored a weekly gig there. The bar also hosted national bands, including the Country Gentlemen, Osborne Brothers, Reno and Harrell, Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mt. Boys , the Bluegrass Cardinals and the Lewis Family.

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But the Seldom Scene was different. With its fresh material, arresting vocal blend and the unique instrumental voices of Eldridge, bassist Tom Gray and Dobroist Mike Auldridge, the band came from a fundamentally alternative place. “Duffey had two rules,” says Starling. “No big [ego] deals. And we’re not going to play ‘Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms’ over and over.”

Not taking itself too seriously quickly endeared the Seldom Scene to its growing fan base. “We interacted,” Starling explains. “It was like a fraternity party. We made fun of each other.”

One regular was Dick Youmans, who spent so much time at the club he became known as “The Mayor” of the Red Fox. “It was kind of a joke,” says Youmans. “As time wore on, I took it as a privilege and an honor.”

Like many others sitting beside him, Youmans was a musician who came to witness the Scene’s weekly show as much for education as enjoyment. “The Red Fox was definitely a picker’s bar,” he says.

It was common for players to gather in the underground garage behind the club and pick far into the night. Local police would stop by in their cruisers, roll down the windows and listen.

Mandolinist Akira Otsuka haunted the Red Fox during the 70s and performed there regularly. “It was a tiny place but when the Scene was playing it was packed. The first table was usually occupied by their wives: Betty Eldridge, Nancy Duffey, Elise Auldridge, Sally Gray and Fayssoux Starling,” he says.

The Seldom Scene became an important anchor for the renaissance of bluegrass music in the Washington, DC area. Dozens of bands performed at local roadhouses and bars seven days a week around the beltway. Scene members were equally enthusiastic about playing and it was common for most of the group to retire after a Red Fox show to Ben Eldridge’s house nearby where they would pick and sing until 4am.

As the band’s (and the club’s) fame grew, the Red Fox became a must-stop watering hole for professional musicians touring through the DC area. That included such luminaries as Linda Ronstadt, Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, Roland White, Del McCoury, Sam Bush and John McEuen.

Tom Gray recalls the night McEuen lit fireworks taped to the headstock of his banjo for a big finale. The peg head proceeded to catch on fire, causing the startled (addled?) McEuen to race into the audience and douse the flames in a nearby pitcher of beer.

DC native Emmylou Harris sat in with the Scene regularly and later fronted her own group at the club.

Her weekly gig there ended when Harris insisted she receive the same pay as the popular bluegrass band. Walt Broderick, the late owner of the Red Fox, refused and Harris packed up, never to return.

The Red Fox continued to serve as ground zero for the Washington bluegrass community. Other locally based bands, including Country Store, Grass Menagerie, Stars and Bars and None of the Above filled in the weekly music calendar around the Seldom Scene.

In 1977, the band received an offer from the Birchmere club to become its exclusive Thursday-night attraction. The Alexandria restaurant was both bigger and had a professional sound system. Broderick, was offered the chance to counter the pay raise but couldn’t match it. The Seldom Scene’s last show at the club was September 22. Sadly, without the weekly draw of the celebrated group, proceeds waned and the Red Fox Inn closed its doors that same year.

On October 20, expect an evening of great music, laughs and recollections at the former location of the Red Fox: Positano Ristorante, 4948 Fairmont Ave in Bethesda, MD. Seating is limited. Tickets are available online. The ticket price includes dinner and is partially tax deductible. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit DC Bluegrass Union.

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Fresh Sounds | October 2013

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Noam Pikelny: Noam Pikelny Plays Kenny Baker Plays Bill Monroe

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What started as part real idea, part joke over text messages with friend Ronnie McCoury will be one of Pikelny’s career-defining albums: A note-for-note, fiddle-to-banjo transcription of Kenny Baker’s famed 1976 recording of Bill Monroe instrumentals. With carefully crafted techniques, Pikelny displays why he is one of the premier banjo players of his time. Pikelny garnered support from Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Bryan Sutton (guitar), Ronnie McCoury (mandolin), and Mike Bub (bass), knocking this project out of the park. www.noampikelny.com, www.compassrecords.com

Terry Baucom: Never Thought of Looking Back – Terry Baucom’s second solo album, out August 20, was highly anticipate since its single “What’ll I Do” was released in March. With songwriters like Milan Miller, Mark W. Winchester, Larry Cordle, Jon Weisberger, and Jeremy Garrett, the songs are rich alone. Add Baucom at the helm on banjo, with Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Wyatt Rice, Steve Bryant, Aubrey Haynie as the band, and Marty Raybon, John Cowan, Larry Cordle, and Buddy Melton on vocals, Never Thought of Looking Back is a bonafide hit. www.terrybaucom.com, www.thebigshow.com British Bluegrass Music Association: Sounds Like British Bluegrass – The British Bluegrass Music Association rounded up some of their great members for a collection of bluegrass – British style. A Band Like Alice, Flats & Sharps, New Essex Bluegrass Band, and The Woodberrys are just some of the artists showing off their finest, leaving the rest of the international bluegrass community piqued in its curiosity about British bluegrass, and wanting to hear more. www.britishbluegrass.co.uk Lou Reid & Carolina: 20th Anniversary Concert: Live at the Down Home – A homecoming and a celebration, recorded live. Lou Reid & Carolina have played together for 20 years, and to celebrate, they took it back to where it all started in Johnson City, Tennessee. Live at the Down Home delivers solid licks, clean harmonies, and the best of what has made Lou Reid & Carolina stay so prominent in bluegrass since their beginning. Featuring the band: Lou Reid, mandolin and vocals; Trevor Watson, banjo, vocals; Christy Reid, bass, vocals; Kevin Richardson, guitar, vocals; Justin Moses, fiddle and Dobro. www.loureidandcarolina.com Donna Ulisse: Showin’ My Roots – When it comes to paying tribute to your favorite artists and alltime favorite songs, Ulisse holds nothing back. Delivering convicting, fun, and honorable versions of songs from Tammy Wynette to The Stanley Brothers, Ulisse gives her voice to songs that she says she has always cherished. With Bryan Sutton as a co-producer, Ulisse creates a space where old songs are made new, and remain steeped in what made them special in the first place. Scott Vestal (banjo), Rob Ickes (Dobro), Andy Leftwich (fiddle, mandolin), and Viktor Krauss and Byron House play bass. The beginning and ending songs are ones she co-wrote with husband Rick Stanley, framing this album as a memorable one. www.donnaulisse.com 12

International Bluegrass

The Foundation for Bluegrass Music is proud to present the following grants for 2014 in honor of Arthel “Doc” Watson and Doug Dillard for their contributions to the world of music, especially bluegrass: 1. A $2000.00 grant to the Hazzard Community and Technical College for its Bluegrass Music in the Mountains project.

2. A $2000.00 grant to the Folk School, a service of 88.1 KDHX, for its Bluegrass in the Schools Program of Classes, Jams, and Workshops 3. A $2000.00 grant to the North Carolina Museum of History Foundation for the Exhibition of North Carolina Bluegrass: The Golden Years.

4. A $2000.00 grant for the documentary film “Last of the Breed: The Dave Evans Story.”

5. A $2000.00 grant to the Cowan Community Action Group for the extension of its afterschool program “Passing the Pick and Bow.” Click here to download the Leadership Bluegrass application

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Bluegrass Music Industry News | October 2013 On the Charts as reflected at press time Billboard: Steep Canyon Rangers’ Tell the Ones I Love debuted at number one, and has stayed at the top for its second week on the charts. The Isaacs’ Living Years is at number two, and Memories and Moments by Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott is at number three.

Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart: Peter Rowan “That’s All She Wrote,” at number one, “Lonely Comes Easy” by Chris Jones and the Night Drivers at number two, and “Brothers of the Highway” by Dailey & Vincent at number three.

Bluegrass Unlimited Songs: “They Called It Music,” by Gibson Brothers at number one, “Steel Drivin’ Man,” by Dailey & Vincent at number two, and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver’s “Dixie Road” at number three.

Bluegrass Unlimited Albums: They Called It Music by Gibson Brothers at number one, followed

by Brothers of the Highway by Dailey & Vincent, and Roads Well Traveled by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.

For the Record Rebel Records has announced the October 22ndrelease of a new gospel compilation album, Memories of That Old Country Church. The album will feature 16 tracks with contributions from 12 bands.

Rounder Records has announced they will be moving from Burlington, MA to Nashville, TN. The move has been contemplated for some time, according to label owner Ken Irwin. They hope to have everything moved by March, 2014.

Progressive ‘grassers Yonder Mountain String Band announced they will release a 13-song EP in October. YMSB EP ‘13 will be a short-form, self-produced album made up of live material, and impromptu studio recordings made when inspiration struck.

Standing O! Jens Kruger is the 2013 recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music. The prize, created and endowed by Martin, includes a $50,000 honorarium and, typically, opportunities to perform both on stage and on television with Steve. Kruger is originally from Switzerland, and relocated to North Carolina with his brother Uwe as an adult after forming their group, The Kruger Brothers.

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Standing O! (cont.)

Radio veteran Ray Davis is signing off the air after 65 years of broadcasting. On September 30, the WAMU’s Bluegrass Country host gave his last broadcast in his usual 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. time slot. WAMU is currently looking to hire a new host, a full time job in their DC headquarters. Interested parties are requested to contact Tesky by email.

Bluegrass Bluesman: A Memoir by Josh Graves (University of Illinois Press, 2012) recently won a 2013 Certificate of Merit for Best Research in Recorded Country Music from Association for Recorded Song Collections.

Congratulations to Scott Jackson of Summerfield, Florida, who won the custom d28v Martin Guitar at Wide Open Bluegrass 2013.

From left to right: Larry Barnwell (Martin Guitars), Scott Jackson (winner), and Bob Fehr (Martin Guitars).

Associations’ Assertions The SouthEastern Bluegrass Association is looking for volunteers for SEBA related events!

Contact info@SEBAbluegrass.org.

San Diego Bluegrass Society Board president Dwight Worden has served for 6 years on the IBMA Board of Directors representing the constituency group Local Associations. He has also served on the IBMA Executive Commitee and numerous other committees. Dwight will be termed out this month, and says he is looking forward to more free time for local music and activities.

Kansas Bluegrass Association announced Orin Friesen’s “Bluegrass Country” was the first syndicated bluegrass music program on the radio and is celebrating its 40 year anniversary.

“Bluegrass from the rockin’ Banjo Ranch with Orin Friesen” can be heard every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on KFDI-FM 101.3 out of Wichita.

In Remembrance Gene Bretecher of Manitoba passed away at the age of 74. He was a prominent banjo player in the central Canada region, and he received the Instrumentalist of the Year award from the Manitoba Association of Country Artists in the 1970s.

Margaret Holt of Indiana passed away at the age of 96. Holt was a bluegrass and old time musician herself, playing both clawhammer banjo and Carter style guitar since she was a girl.

Her sons Aubrey, Jerry, and Tom Holt formed one of the most influential bluegrass bands of the 1970s, The Boys From Indiana.

Bob Sandstrom, of San Diego, CA, passed away following illness. He will be remembered for his classical violin playing, and also for his strong bluegrass chops in groups such as the Valley Bluegrass Boys.

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International Bluegrass

Heard Round the World heard round the world| October 2013 The Bluegrass Beeg Festival is a new acoustic and autism-friendly bluegrass Grevenbicht in Limburg, one of the Dutch provinces, close to Belgium and Germany. The takes Beeg place on Octoberis26, 2014acoustic in Oos Hoes, Schoolstraat 2 Thefestival Bluegrass Festival a new and autismin 6127friendly BG Grevenbicht, from noon in until approximately midnight. one There no adbluegrass festival Grevenbicht in Limburg, ofisthe missionDutch fee, soprovinces, everybody can come in freely toand enjoy bluegrassThe music, for the close to Belgium Germany. festival takes October 2014 in Oos in Hoes, in first time in thisplace area.on The festival 26, will be organized a waySchoolstraat that it will be 2 easy 6127 BG Grevenbicht, from noon until approximately midnight. for people with various degrees of autism to attend, or to function as volunteer.

festival in

There is no admission fee, so everybody can come in freely to

Wookalily, the bluegrass ‘female-ledmusic, Americana folkfirst band’ from Ireland anenjoy for the time in Northern this area.

The festival will be organized in a way that it will be easy for people with nounced that their debut full-length CD will be released soon.

various degrees of autism to attend, or to function as volunteer.

Swedish bluegrass band G2 are planning to record their next album in the spring of 2014 at J Studio in Nashville, with the aim of releasing it on an independent American label. G2’s banjo-player Jens Koch is Wookalily, the ‘female-led Americana folk band’ from quoted as saying that half the material for the album is already compiled; Northern Ireland announced that their debut full-length CD will be he adds:

but

released soon, but no other details have been made public.

We would really like to get some good originals written outside of the band... So, people are still welcome to send songs. We are waiting for material from some writers out there and can’t wait to listen to it.bluegrass band G2 are planning to record their next album in the spring of 2014 Swedish

at J Studio in Nashville, with the aim of releasing it on an independent American label.

Songwriters advised to Jens contactKoch the band through website Facebook page. for the album is G2’s are banjo-player is quoted astheir saying thator half the material

already compiled; but he adds:

The documentary film Banjo Romantica by Lee Bidgood PhD has been finished. It is based on Lee’s research We in the Czech Republic, the good story of how bluegrass The document was would really like toand gettells some originals written developed outside of there. the band...

So, people introduced at the Banjo Jamboree and White Stork festivals as well as at a university in Brno.

More info: are still welcome to send songs. We are waiting for material from some writers out there and can’t wait to listen to it. www.banjoromantika.com

Songwriters are advised to contact the band through their website or Facebook page.

The young talented band Twisted Timber won the award ‘Talent of the Country Radio’, the only Czech radio that plays country, folk, and bluegrass music.

Folk Music (in Canada) has awarded Mike by Stevens the EstellePhD Klein Award. award is The Ontario documentary film Banjo Romantica Lee Bidgood has beenThe finished.

It based on Klein, Lee’saresearch the Czech Republic, and tells and the one storyofof bluegrass named is after Estelle long-timein advocate of Canadian Folk music thehow early founders developed there.inThe was his introduced at the Banjo Jamboree White Stork of the Folk festival scene thisdocument country. During career, Stevens has had hundredsand of performances festivals as well as at a university in Brno.

More info: www.banjoromantika.com at the Grand Ole Opry. He is also known for his work connecting creative artists with indigenous youth in

The young talented band Twisted Timber won the award ‘Talent of the Country Radio’, the only Czech radio that plays country, folk, and bluegrass music.

Folk Music Ontario (in Canada) has awarded Mike Stevens the Estelle Klein Award. The award is named after Estelle Klein, a long-time advocate of Canadian Folk music and one of the early founders of the Folk festival scene in this country. During his career, Stevens has had hundreds of performances at the Grand Ole Opry. He is also known for his work connecting creative artists with indigenous youth in isolated communities as part of the ArtsCan Circle.

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International Bluegrass

A Special note from Lilly Dru meva: I am a Fulbright scholar from Bulgaria and will be in Nashville until November 1st, researching and studying the history and industry of country music.

I would like to establish contacts with libraries, universities, museums, archives, music venues and other places, where country music is available. I would also like to interview interesting people, involved in the country music industry: artists, songwriters, promoters, managers, record label executives and others.

My research will result in a book on country and bluegrass music, which will be released in spring 2014. It will be the first in Bulgarian language!

Back home I am a well-known music journalist, presenting my own country music show on Bulgarian national radio. I am also an artist and bluegrass pioneer in Eastern Europe. I am the band leader and main musician of Bulgaria’s only bluegrass/country band “Lilly of the West”.

Lilly Drumeva and Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane, photo courtesy Lilly Drumeva

I would be grateful for receiving assistance in my project and will acknowledge your help in my book.

Lilly Drumeva-O’Reilly Phone: 270 392 41 20 Email: lilly@techno-link.com Website: www.lillydrumeva.net

Thank you Raleigh!

We will see you in 2014!!

IB

International Bluegrass Vol.28 No.10 O c t . 2013