The Venue

The New Executive Director of the IBMA Photo by Casey Campbell After an impressive run, the Executive Director of the IBMA, Paul Schiminger, has stepped down and Pat Morris has taken over the reins as the post-pandemic world plays out.  Morris is well-aware of what he is walking into and has the talent and experience…

It is perhaps the longest-running and most successful fund-raising project in the Moose realm. It is also one of the largest and most popular traditional music attraction in North America. “It” is the Old Fiddlers’ Convention sponsored by the Galax Moose Lodge #733. Begun in 1935, the Fiddlers’ Convention is held every August at Felts Park in…

Photo by Tim Black Denison University: Bluegrass & American Roots Program Granville, Ohio Established in 2010, Denison University’s Bluegrass and American Roots Program is one of an increasing number of university programs focusing on the study and performance of bluegrass, blues, old-time, and other traditional American music. Since 2018, the Denison program has been under…

Randy Wood’s most prized possession back home on the Georgia farm was a pocket knife his father gave him.  With it, and some other woodworking tools, he became internationally famous as a builder and repairer of fine acoustic instruments.  Randy joined the Army after high school and learned how to play guitar during long solo…

A Family Affair Photos by Cole Simmons “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”     In 1850, when Elizabeth Barrett Browning opened her Sonnet Number 43 of Sonnets From The Portuguese, she wasn’t thinking of bluegrass music! Bill Monroe was not yet even a gleam in his daddy’s eye. Still though, for…

A Tiktok Roots Revival Photo By Nathaniel Clayton I was born in the year 2000, a member of the first ever group of humans handed social media accounts in middle school. We lab rats were the first to leave our digital footprint on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat at the tender age of twelve, tying…