International News

Walnut Valley Autoharp Championaships

20 Sep, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The Walnut Valley Association has let us know the winners of the 2019 International Autoharp Championship. This year’s contest hosted 10 contestants from 7 states. Each of the top 3 winners received a trophy along with a custom made autoharp.

The International Autoharp Championship is held annually on the 3rd weekend in September during the Walnut Valley Festival, which is the home of the International Autoharp Championship, the International Fingerstyle Guitar, the National Mountain Dulcimer, the National Flatpick Guitar Championship, the National Hammered Dulcimer Championship and the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship. Other contests held at the Walnut Valley Festival are the National Mandolin Championship and the Walnut Valley Old Time Fiddle.

1st Place Winner: Doug Pratt, Cary, NC	Prize: Whippoorwill Acoustics A18 Autoharp provided by Whippoorwill Acoustics of Columbia City, IN
2nd Place Winner: Steve Luper, Andover, KS	Prize: d’Aigle Cascade SP G-D Diatonic Autoharp provided by Peter d’Aigle of Sea Tac, WA
3rd Place Winner:Ivan Stiles, Phoenixville, PA	Prize: An Oscar Schmidt OS11021AE Autoharp provided by Oscar Schmidt Autoharps/US Music Corp., div. of JAM Industries of Buffalo Grove, IL

The Walnut Valley Festival, held Sept. 18-22, 2019, draws a crowd of 10,000-12,000 people to Winfield, KS, to celebrate a blend of all kinds of acoustic music, including bluegrass, folk, Americana, a little bit of cowboy, some Celtic, blues, jazz, swing and more. This will be the 48th annual festival organized by the Walnut Valley Association (WVA). WVA also organizes eight national and international instrument contests, ranging from the flagship National Flat Pick Guitar Championship, to the International Finger Style Guitar, International Autoharp, National Mountain Dulcimer, National Mandolin, National Hammer Dulcimer, National Bluegrass Banjo and Walnut Valley Old Time Fiddle Championships. Winfield also hosts a series of workshops on the Wednesday of festival, where patrons can learn from some of the best musicians in the business on instruments ranging from guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin, to the hammer and mountain dulcimer.

Photo Caption: Pictured L-R: Steve Luper of Andover, KS (2nd Place), Doug Pratt of Cary, NC (1st Place), and Ivan Stiles of Phoenixville, PA (3rd Place)

Women Smashing the Bluegrass Glass Ceiling

16 Sep, 19 by Greg McGrath 1 Comment

Bluegrass is often maligned either as one of the whitest American music genres, or one of the most male-dominated. Certainly, the main foundational figures of bluegrass were all men such as Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, Jimmy Martin, Ralph Stanley. Nevertheless, women have played a significant part of bluegrass music from the very beginning.

Let’s take Sally Ann Forrester who played accordion in Bill Monroe’s first band, and later with exceptional pioneers such as Louise Scruggs, Earl’s wife and a powerful businesswoman in the bluegrass music industry. Then we have Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard, a duo most often quoted as paving the way for women in bluegrass music.

Today, it’s not as hard to point to powerful and hugely successful women in bluegrass music, from Alison Krauss who has received more Grammy nominations than any other female artist, to popular Americana artists like Sierra Hull, Sarah Jarosz or Sara Watkins, both of whom emerged in the bluegrass scene at young ages.

Let’s not forget that here is the southern hemisphere we have New Zealand’s Hot Diggity featuring Deborah Mackenzie, Jenine Abarbanel, Heather Carrigan, Sue Drake and Slávka Franclíková.

Streaming Bluegrass Ridge Goes International

5 Sep, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Folks at the internationally-syndicated TV program Bluegrass Ridge have announced that it’s now available for streaming. Beginning today, fans can watch full episodes online by visiting bluegrassridgetv.com. The move expands the show’s presence, which will continue to broadcast on all of its regular networks featuring an array of bluegrass and old-time music.

To celebrate the launch of the online streaming, a special month of shows have been selected for viewers. Two special episodes featuring Nu-Blu will air as an opportunity for new viewers to get to know the show’s hosts Daniel and Carolyn Routh. Also slated for this month are featured interviews with the Grammy-winning Earls of Leister and 5-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Dale Ann Bradley of Sister Sadie.

In addition to already airing on networks like Heartland TV, The Family Channel, Keep It Country – UK and Country TV – New Zealand, Bluegrass Ridge has just been added to the Z Living Channel. As a result, viewers can now watch the hit program on Dish Network, Comcast, ATT Uverse, Sling Television, Amazon Fire TV, and more (find full list of Z Living Channel affiliates HERE). With the recent partnership, Bluegrass Ridge now moves into the top spot as the No. 1 media source for Bluegrass music, and is now available in over 160 million homes throughout the world.

Years ago I realized that Bluegrass music was very limited in where it was heard and seen. Bluegrass Ridge offers a platform for viewers worldwide to see their favorite Bluegrass artists. Hosts Daniel and Carolyn Routh of Nu-Blu with their talent and relationships in the Bluegrass community add an even greater dimension to Bluegrass Ridge. Bluegrass Ridge TV and Bluegrass Ridge Radio through our partners of quality airing networks gives Bluegrass music a huge platform to reach millions of Bluegrass fans worldwide – Jeff Moseley, “Bluegrass Ridge” creator / executive producer.

About Bluegrass Ridge:

Each episode is hosted by husband-and-wife duo Daniel and Carolyn Routh of the chart-topping band Nu-Blu. The popular weekly 30-minute program features music videos from Bluegrass’ biggest acts, along with artist interviews and behind-the scenes content, allowing viewers a rare first-hand look at a genre that’s never been hotter. The TV Broadcast is also affiliated with the internationally syndicated RadioCast Bluegrass Ridge Radio. Also hosted by Nu-Blu, Bluegrass Ridge Radio is a 20-minute radiocast featuring in-depth interviews with today’s top Bluegrass personalities.

Mike Scott to Tour UK

28 Aug, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

It’s not often we get the heads up on news from the UK but recording artist for Rural Rhythm Records Mike Scott will be a featured artist on the upcoming 15 day tour with the popular Irish group Stephen Rosney & The Back Axels. Nasville fiddler Travis Wetzel will also be a featured artist on the tour. The tour dates will cover many key cities in Ireland and the United Kingdom commencing on 12th September.

While playing music around the open heart fire at a traditional session of singing and storytelling in my home house long ago, the local priest suggested a band name and so I thought it appropriate to call ourselves this name “The Back Axles” , as the music of old Ireland plays a big part in our music and song writing today. The band members come from all parts of Ireland bringing with them their own style of music which forms the unique sound of The Back Axles. Hope to meet you all along the way - Stephen Rosney

Highlights of the tour include three days, September 17, 18 and 19, performing at the Irish National Ploughing Championship which will draw an estimated 320,000 audience.

Throughout the tour Mike Scott will be performing music from his four albums. To promote the upcoming tour dates and his music Mike Scott will be on “The All Nighter” with Marcia Campbell live on WSM 650am on Wednesday September 4th at midnight central standard time.

Below is a partial list of the tour dates:

Sept 12th, 2019 Birmingham / UK
Sept 13th, 2019 London, England
Sept 14th, 2019 Crydon, England
Sept 15th, 2019 Uxbridge, England
Sept 16th, 2019 Ruislip, England

Sept 17th, 2019 Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow / Ireland
Sept 18th, 2019 Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow / Ireland
Sept 19th, 2019 Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow / Ireland
Sept 22nd. 2019 Birmingham/ UK

Scott who has over 450 Grand Ole Opry performances is seen by millions of TV viewers each week during prime-time on RFD-TV, (60 million households), performing with Ronnie Reno & The Reno Tradition on Reno’s Old Time Music Show. Country, Gospel and Bluegrass fans also enjoyed Scott’s stellar banjo playing for many years as a member of the Virginia Boys who backed Bluegrass legends Jim & Jesse during the 80’s.

Mike Scott has released four albums on Rural Rhythm Records and Rural Rhythm Christian including; Take Me Lord And Use Me, Blue Moon Of Kentucky (Tribute to Bill Monroe), Home Sweet Home (Civil War Era Songs) and The Old Country Church. In addition, Scott was the Host and performed on the TV Christmas Special Christmas The Mountain Way which aired on BlueHighways TV and Family Net.

For more information on Mike Scott go to the Mike Scott website.

Seth Mulder and Midnight Run Sign With Wilson Pickins

25 Aug, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Seth Mulder & Midnight Run have announced a new partnership with Sound Biscuit Records and Wilson Pickins Promotions for label and publicity services in support of their forthcoming album. The first single is expected later this year.

Midnight Run, led by it’s only remaining original member, Seth Mulder, formed in 2015 and began performing as regulars at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. While still playing at the distillery, the band has begun to enjoy traveling nationwide showcasing their style of high energy, hard-driving traditional bluegrass, derived from their love of all roots based, country and even some rock ‘n roll music. Midnight Run performs more than 200 shows a year on average and looks forward to adding more festivals and grass roots venues to their tour schedule in the coming year. They have earned populous fans that come from all over to see them play and sing their unique and entertaining presentation and are looking forward to sharing the new CD with everyone soon.

The four piece ensemble is comprised of top notch university music program graduates taught by the best in the business. Seth Mulder (mandolin) is a graduate of the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music, Colton Powers (banjo), Ben Watlington (guitar), Max Etling (upright bass) are all recent graduates of the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass, Old-Time, Celtic and Country Music Studies program. Ben and Max also each played in the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band during their time at the university.

Keep in touch with Midnight Run on:

Austin Hefflefinger Joins Nu-Blu

21 Jul, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Nu-Blu has announced the addition of Austin Hefflefinger to its band. At just 14 years old, the banjo extraordinaire has already began to gain momentum, as the reigning winner of the Maryland State Banjo Competition in both 2017 and 2018, along with finishing first place at the 2018 Scott Street Five String Finals. Fans can catch him on all upcoming Nu-Blu tour dates.

I think it’s important to love the music that you’re playing. That’s the first thing that attracted me to Nu-Blu. There’s just something that ‘clicks’ playing on stage with them. I feel blessed to have this opportunity, and can’t wait to meet new people on the road – Autsin Hefflefinger.

Nu-Blu is on tour in support of their latest DVD, The Stories We Can Tell. Included on the project is exclusive interviews, along with never-before-told stories about struggles members Daniel and Carolyn have faced on the road and throughout life. The band has also taken over as the permanent hosts of “Bluegrass Ridge,” the genre’s premiere television show, which is syndicated nationwide and airs in 110 million homes weekly.

It’s always inspiring to find a young musician with the talent and passion that Austin plays with. We’re excited to have him as our new bandmate and are looking forward to what the future brings – Carolyn Routh.

Rebel Records Signs Band of Ruhks

11 Jul, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Rebel Records signed up bluegrass supergroup Band of Ruhks to its artist roster. The band has just finalised its second recording, their first in four years. The Rebel debut, Authentic, is due out this Fall with a single to be released in August.

Comprised of Ronnie Bowman (bass), Kenny Smith (guitar), Don Rigsby (mandolin) and Brian Fesler (banjo), these gentlemen have made timeless music together and separately for decades. All of them are bluegrass veterans with proven track records, and each member has had a long standing relationship with Rebel Records.

We are thrilled to be working once again with these outstanding musicians. We have always appreciated their individual contributions to the bluegrass world, and it now gives us great pleasure to work with them collectively – Mark Freeman, President of Rebel Records.

Award-winning vocalist and songwriter Ronnie Bowman rose to prominence through recordings he made for Rebel. He got his start with Allen Mills and the Lost & Found and was a member of the Lonesome River Band when they recorded their landmark album Carrying The Tradition (REB-1690). In 1995, he released his first solo project Cold Virginia Night (REB-1704), which won IBMA’s Album of the Year and Song of the Year (for the title track) that same year.

Known for his dazzling guitar work, Kenny Smith put out four stellar albums on Rebel with his talented wife Amanda Smith during the first decade of the new century, including three secular albums and a gospel release, Tell Someone (REB-1821). Kenny Smith is excited to share the band’s newest effort with the bluegrass community.

Sparked by Ronnie’s challenge to write our own album, the end result was something uniquely inside of all of us! This collection of mostly new original songs came to life under Ben Isaacs’ direction and Rebel Records’ commitment to releasing new and authentic bluegrass – Kenny Smith.

Mandolinist Don Rigsby’s career has led him to cross paths with first-generation pioneers as well as the millennial generation as a singer, songwriter, producer, teacher and historian. Rigsby has enjoyed a fruitful association with Rebel dating back to when he fronted the band Rock County who released two albums for the label in the early 2000s. More recently, he has recorded three solo albums for Rebel including Doctor’s Orders (REB-1841), the very successful all-star tribute to his hero Ralph Stanley.

Rounding out the quartet is Brian Fesler, a hard driving, innovative banjo player. Fesler’s relationship with Rebel dates back the furthest having performed on the Lonesome River Band’s second Rebel LP, 1988’s Saturday Night, Sunday Morning (REB-1660).

We told modern stories in the tradition of real bluegrass – true, fresh and exciting. I’m very happy to be a part of it and happy to be back on Rebel, home to so many of my favorite artists over the years – Brian Fesler.

Band of Ruhks’ highly anticipated, sophomore album will be released this Fall. With ten out of the twelve songs being originals from the band, Authentic is sure to please lovers of traditional bluegrass.

More Information is available at:

2019 ROMP Festival Look In

3 Jul, 19 by Greg McGrath 1 Comment

The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s 16th annual ROMP Festival saw high attendance numbers last weekend drawing over 26,500 attendees to Yellow Creek Park in Owensboro, Kentucky. Festival attendees made the trek to ROMP and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum from forty states and six countries outside of the United States: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and Uganda.

Headlining the festival were Hall of Fame members Ricky Skaggs and Del McCoury. Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder featured special guest Patty Loveless, and Sam Bush closed out the main stage Saturday night. Also appearing were bluegrass/folk-rock favorites Trampled by Turtles and Americana music icon, Steve Earle. In addition, Billy Strings, The Wood Brothers, The Travelin’ McCourys, The Larry Keel Experience, and Della Mae performed, among others.

ROMP Fest is all about the experience, and that was so evident as I watched this year’s event unfold. Ticket holders often pick and choose which days to attend based on the lineup, but this year we experienced large crowds every day of the festival.” Joslin continued, “There are just so many things to do during the event, and that keeps more people engaged throughout all four days. We are definitely in the sweet spot with regard to attendance creating a lot of momentum while maintaining the quality of the event – Chris Joslin, Executive Director, Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum.

During the four day festioval, Saturday’s attendance was the highest with over 9,500 people filling the festival grounds. Over 2,300 chose to camp on-site throughout the festival, with 325 RV’s lining the festival field. ROMP also provided four separate tent camping areas for attendees to utilize.

New this year, more activities were held during the day at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, located in downtown Owensboro, Kentucky. Artist meet and greets took place in the lobby along with a few songs from festival favorites Rhonda Vincent, Del McCoury, and Della Mae. Documentary films were also featured, in addition to perform

ances from Relic, Glenville State College bluegrass students, and King’s Highway. A simulcast of Saturday’s performances was shown at the Hall of Fame, allowing ROMP fans the opportunity to view the performances in the comfort of a state-of-the-art theatre.

ROMP is a community event, supported by over two hundred volunteers, sixty sponsors, and countless partnerships. Dates for ROMP 2020 have been set for 24th to the 27th June. More details regarding next year’s festival will be released later this year.

Chris Davis Joins the Grascals

10 May, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The Grascals have announced the addition of bluegrass veteran, Chris Davis on guitar and lead vocals. Davis is no stranger to bluegrass music, having worked with some of the top bands in the industry since he was a teenager. Growing up in the bluegrass hotbed of southwestern Ohio, Davis follows in the tradition of The Osborne Brothers, Larry Sparks, Dave Evans, and more bluegrass stars who got their start in the Dayton, Ohio area.

Chris is a third generation bluegrass musician. Chris’ father, Danny Davis, is a respected traditional bluegrass singer in the Miami Valley of Ohio. It is with his father and grandfather (Elzie Davis) that Chris got his start as a teenager playing alongside them in the Davis Brothers Band. Chris remained a fixture in the regional bluegrass scene for many years, before bursting on to the national scene with Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time in 2006.

In addition to Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, he has worked with some of the biggest names in bluegrass and beyond. Over the years, Davis has provided support to Melvin & Ray Goins, Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, Wildfire, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, and even country superstars, Diamond Rio.

Chris Davis’ talent as a harmony vocalist and a multi-instrumentalist is very well known to bluegrass fans. However, he is really excited for the opportunity to showcase his abilities as a lead singer and guitarist.

I’ve always wanted to play guitar and sing lead in a band, and I never dreamed it would be with The Grascals! I am so excited for this change in my music career, and I can’t wait to hit the road and get in the studio… this is going to be great – Chris Davis.

The Grascals are really looking forward to this new chapter. Having been a fan of Chris for a long time, they are excited to showcase his talents, and show audiences why his lead singing is the “best kept secret in bluegrass,” according to Danny Roberts, founding member of The Grascals.

We (The Grascals) can’t wait for our fans and friends to hear Chris Davis with us in his new role as lead singer/guitar player, along with John Bryan.
Chris is a gifted, soulful singer and a great guitar player, and the vocal blend with Terry (Smith) and John (Bryan) is outstanding! The Grascals are very pleased to welcome Chris Davis to the band — Danny Roberts.

The Grascals’ award-winning banjo player, Kristin Scott Benson previously worked with Davis and can speak first hand for what he brings to the table.

I traveled with Chris for five years prior to The Grascals, and I always enjoyed working with him — musically and personally. I’m really stoked that he’s one of us (The Grascals) now – Kristin Scott Benson.

The addition of Chris Davis to The Grascals follows founding member, Terry Eldredge’s decision to leave the road. The Grascals wish Terry all of the best in his future endeavors. He has been a veteran of the bluegrass industry for decades, and has been a hero to many, including Kristin Scott Benson.

I grew up watching Terry Eldredge play and sing. He’s a hero of mine and it has been an absolute privilege to stand beside him for eleven years – Kristin Scott Benson.

More importantly than gracing bluegrass stages for three decades, Terry Eldredge has been a friend to the entire bluegrass industry, and we will definitely miss his smile on the road. Fellow Grascals founder, Terry Smith shares these words about his good buddy, “El”.

It has always been hard for people to think of one Terry without thinking of the other. After nearly 30 years of performing together, it’s tough for me to even imagine being on stage without him. I have never had a better friend or a better band mate than Terry Eldredge. I will certainly miss him and I wish him the very best.
I have known Chris Davis and his musical talent for some time. He is a wonderful musician and singer and I am looking forward to having him as one of the Grascals – Terry “Smitty” Smith.

We wish you the best, El. Once a Grascal, always a Grascal. Thanks for the memories.

The Grascals are currently working on a new album for Mountain Home Records, slated to be released in 2019. For information on the band, visit their website, www.grascals.com.

Bluegrass Country Soul Movie Restoration Almost Complete.

5 May, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Crowd Funding Campaign Aims to Save Classic Film Made at Legendary Festival

Reportedly the first feature film about bluegrass music (Washington Post, July 6, 1972), Bluegrass Country Soul is approaching a deadline in its crowd funding campaign on 15th May, 2019, when naming opportunities for the restoration project must conclude.

Bluegrass Country Soul features performances from first-generation bluegrass icons such as Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, Chubby Wise, Jimmy Martin and Mac Wiseman as well as stars of today such as Sam Bush, Del McCoury and Ricky Skaggs. Others in the film are: J.D. Crowe, The Osborne Brothers, Tony Rice, The Lilly Brothers with Tex Logan and Don Stover, The Bluegrass 45 (from Japan), The New Deal String Band, and, in a rare appearance, Roy Acuff.

Earlier last month, we were finally able to see how much the old 35mm print has faded. Fortunately, with the assistance of modern digital technology, Bluegrass Country Soul can still be restored – Albert Ihde, the film’s producer/director.

This is a labor of love for Ihde and his wife, Ellen Pasternack, who is the Executive Director on this project.

Bluegrass fans who join the campaign at a minimum of $100 will receive a multi-media box-set when they come out on 1st September, and can choose to have their name, and/or the name of someone they wish to honor, in the closing credits of the film and book. Higher levels of sponsorship are available too – Ellen Pasternack.

This newly restored version of the film will premiere at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, KY, on 2nd November, and will be donated to the museum’s permanent collection.

The box-set includes a Blu-ray, high-definition and a standard DVD combo pack, a coffee table book with tons of photos, a brand-new documentary about the festival and film, two CDs of music not heard in the film, and more.

We’ve been interviewing musicians and others who were at the festival, and they will be included in a second commentary track. Noted bluegrass historian Fred Bartenstein is updating his earlier commentary track – Ellen Pasternack.

To order a box-set, learn more about the contents, for sponsorship details, videos, and to sign up for our newsletter, please visit the Bluegrass Country Soul website.

For additional information, please contact us at info@bluegrasscountrysoul.com or call: (805) 965-1508. YOu can also write to:

Bluegrass Country Soul
PO Box 23211
Santa Barbara, CA 93121