The Artists

There aren’t many bluegrass or old-time fiddlers who can claim to have performed in a bear suit. More than once. As cool as that is, it represents but a second in the long and eventful career of the highly esteemed Southern California multi-instrumentalist Tom Sauber. Now in his seventh decade as a professional musician, has…

Fiery Bluegrass Fiddler Annie Staninec has a lot going for her. First, she has what might be the biggest smile by several inches of anybody except possibly Doug Dillard. Second, she is a fiery bluegrass fiddler, perhaps the “grassiest” fiddler of them all.  I was honored to interview her for this article. I chose to…

Woody Guthrie’s Grandson and his NYC-based Bluegrass Band  Woody Guthrie has a strong legacy in American music.  Part of the reason is obvious—the music and the lyrics speak for themselves.  Additionally, musicians such as Bob Dylan, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Pete Seeger, Woody’s son Arlo, and others, have praised Guthrie as an influence and mentor and…

There’s More to be Scene The Seldom Scene is changing…again, and this is to be expected. Longtime guitarist and vocalist Dudley Connell has stepped aside and Clay Hess has joined the band.  If one looks back at their fifty-plus years you’ll note that about every seven or eight years there’s a change in the band….

Fifty Years and Beyond This is the story of Mark Newton, a veteran bluegrasser, promoter, and ambassador whose journey in music and life clearly reminds us of how precious life is. If not for unwavering faith, a support system of family and friends, and a team of top-notch medical staff, this story would have appeared…

On the Road with The Travelin’ McCourys It’s 3:45 p.m. on Friday, April 11, and banjoist Rob McCoury of the Travelin’ McCourys is chilling behind the historic Park Theatre in McMinnville, Tennessee. Almost four hours remain before the band takes the stage, but much work needs to be done before the first note of the…