If Instruments Could Talk

Perhaps some of you have been to the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Though I have not visited this hallowed building, it is near the top of my “bucket list.” I didn’t know that it was originally called the Union Gospel Tabernacle. Thomas G. Ryman had it designed and...

If Nobody’s Listening, is the Grass Still Blue?

There’s a raging debate going on in the world of bluegrass between traditionalists and futurists. But bluegrass isn’t going to make a sound if nobody’s listening a generation from now. In 2009, a study by Simmons Research for IBMA revealed that 79% of the bluegrass...

If people did not love one another

 “If people did not love one another,I really don’t see what use there would be in having spring.” Victor Hugo“I enjoy the spring more than the autumn now.One does, I think , as one gets older.” Virginia WoolfMarch 1st… Spring..    Mornings...

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em – Leave ‘Em!

By now I imagine that quite a lot of the bluegrass community has heard and already formed opinions on the current situation at the IBMA and the mass exodus of directors. I have my opinions too, but without knowing all of the facts or actually speaking with any of the...

If You’re Never Lost, You’ll Never Be Found

Recently, I attended a dinner party, and the conversation turned briefly to bluegrass. “What IS bluegrass music”, one guest asked. I was about to answer, when another guest spoke up. The fellow who answered is not a bluegrass musician, or a bluegrass fan. He is a...

Ignored

I’d be willing to bet that almost all of you who are reading this now love bluegrass music. And I’ll bet that most of you also like to play bluegrass music. And most of you have surrounded yourselves over your years of enjoyment with various accoutrements that enhance...

I’m down

Sorry, folks, my Internet is down so I’m unable to do the usual daily update.  Hoping to get the problem fixed today.  Have a lovely fall Sunday.  R

I’m late!

Dear ReadersI’d like to apologize. I’m late.It’s two p.m. and I’m just getting the web site updated from 12/3; I’d normally have the job done by 6 a.m. But not so this morning. At a little after five I came stumbling into my office to...