The Artists

Alison Krauss and Union Station Photos by Randee St. Nicholas When the members of Alison Krauss and Union Station (AKUS) took the stage March 19 at the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration televised live on NBC, there was joy in the bluegrass nation and in the hearts of all music fans with ears around the world….

Celebrating 25 Years The Minnesota-based bluegrass band, Monroe Crossing, is celebrating its 25th year in the entertainment business. Three founding members, Matt Thompson-mandolin, Lisa Fuglie-fiddle, and Mark Anderson-bass, were joined by Derek Johnson-guitar in 2011. The group utilizes a cadre of very talented banjo players, all of whom are alumni of the group, most recently…

There’s more to harmony than simply playing the right notes. Some musicians have that special something, hard to name but impossible to overlook. Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland’s latest project Carter and Cleveland—their first collaboration of its kind—is Exhibit A.The friendship between the two fiddlers began back in their teens. When Cleveland was about thirteen,…

In a bluegrass world where bands see regular turnovers, Mark Stoffel is an anomaly.  For the past 16 years, the mandolin ace for Chris Jones and the Night Drivers has been laying down a solid chop on tours across the country and with his creative innovations on sevenof the group’s CDs. After growing up in…

How Pitney Meyer Brought Together A Red Jeep, Analog Tape, And Johnny Cash To Form A Redemptive Parable Photos by Nathaniel Maddux/Slate + Glass March 10th, 2023 The historic Ryman Auditorium is packed to the brim with a sold-out crowd. On the digital signage outside above the steps facing 5th Ave North, there is a…

The Bluegrass Hall of Fame in Owensboro, Kentucky is, of course, devoted to the heritage, history, and future of bluegrass music.   In terms of the future, it’s also proven to be an incubator that provides showcases for promising local talent.  “Everybody talks about the beginnings and Bill Monroe and Rosine,” says Steven Stewart, founding…