The Artists

Long Journey Home Missy Raines has always been one to straddle the lines between bluegrass music’s insular tradition and its cutting edge. For years, she leaned more towards its contemporary evolution, embracing elements of jazz and Americana in her compositions. But now, as she enters the fifth decade of her illustrious career, she is seeking…

Returns Home to The Grascals Former Grascals lead singer Jamie Johnson is back with the group after leaving the band in 2015. Johnson was a founding member when The Grascals started as Dolly Parton’s road band. After ten years of touring, he decided to step down for help with his depression and alcohol addiction and…

Photos by Haley Gjertsen Mandolin whiz Ashby Frank who lays down the groove for progressive bluegrass group Mountain Heart has spent a quarter of a century recording and touring for other people. But in all that time he hasn’t used his abundance of talent as a singer/songwriter/instrumentalist to showcase his own music until now. His…

Photo by Brad Holbrooks Baseball has a player dubbed utility infielder.  Such athletes are typically substitute players who can be used at more than one infield position and are useful members of a roster as they allow a manager to replace several different players on the team to either give them a rest, or because…

Be Different, Stand Out & Work Your Butt Off Photo by Mickey Stroud Loyal to tradition, yet comfortable with innovation, North Carolina’s Lorraine Jordan might seem like a contradiction and you would be right. Those who know her best acknowledge that she is a total contradiction.  Lorraine’s contradictory lifestyle has afforded her much success, earning…

A 50-year career of the “Hired Gun” of Bluegrass and Country music Photo by Brian Auburn It has been an amazing ride for Warren Blair in the bluegrass world. Hailing from the Baltimore area, Blair’s career with a fiddle in his hand has seen him play with many bluegrass legends since his prowess on the…