Returning to Brookdale

This weekend, I will be playing at the Brookdale Bluegrass Festival, and it will have some poignancy for me. Brookdale was the first festival I ever played, back in 2003. I remember it like it was yesterday….(here’s where I stroke my chin thoughtfully and the scene...

Returning to Lodi

Today officially begins our 2018 fall campout in Lodi. I hope to see you all there. This year marks our sixth visit there for the fall get-together. And come spring we’ll be right back there with the added fun of a first class fiddle contest in our midst.When most...

Review: Blue Mafia’s ‘Hanging Tree’

Blue Mafia is probably the best band you’ve never heard of. Sure, their sound can be heard throughout the bluegrass airwaves since their 2014 release ‘Pray For Rain’, but they have not made a dent in the festival circuit and certainly not out west where I...

Review: Chris Thile – The Wireless

Last year, wow that is weird to say, was very eventful for Chris Thile. He got married, was announced as the next full time host of Prairie Home Companion, and The Punch Brothers released a new project called The Wireless late in the year. This 5 track EP consists of...

Review: Edgar Loudermilk’s ‘Georgia Maple’

Edgar Loudermilk has been playing second banana for a while. Of course when Loudermilk is not the centerpiece of a band, you end up with all-star out fits like IIIrd Tyme Out. And him playing second banana to Dave Adkins was one of the most impressive duos in recent...