The Venue

And the Louisville Folk School A big part of the reason many of us enjoy bluegrass music is because of the tight-knit bluegrass community.  Getting together with other bluegrass fans to listen to, or play, bluegrass music is part of the appeal.  People gathering together to play music in a private home; at a school, church…

Photos By Gary Hatley In a celebration to recognize the amazing musical heritage of their state, the NC Music Hall of Fame inducted its newest members during a red carpet event in Kannapolis, NC, on October 21. Since no ceremony was held last year due to the global pandemic, a “double-induction” of eight new members…

During a Pandemic Written By Dale and Darcy Cahill The pandemic has now been with us for almost two years. While it completely shut down the 2020 festival season, its grip loosened in the Spring of 2021 and festival promoters were faced with tough decisions. Should they have their festival at all? If yes, what…

Photos Courtesy of Ralph Stanley Museum Nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains about eight miles northeast of Ralph Stanley’s birthplace, McClure, Virginia, sits a bastion of traditional mountain music.  Old familiar dirt roads wind through the piney glade Where all the longings of childhood dreams were made Where we passed the mossy mounds where I…

Hills of Home Bluegrass Festival The Dr. Ralph Stanley Hills of Home Memorial Day Weekend Bluegrass Festival held at the Hills of Home Park in McClure, Virginia is one of the longest running bluegrass festivals in the United States.  With the exception of the 2020 and 2021 events being cancelled due to the pandemic, the…

The Man Behind the Curtain “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain,”is a famous line from The Wizard of Oz. Musical promoters often are the ones behind the curtain that rarely receive recognition, but without them, both musicians and fans would be at a total loss.  Milton Harkey is an important man behind…