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Go Big And Go Home

Growing up in Kenton, Ohio, Mayfield played bass, guitar, and mandolin in his family band. As his music and songwriting skills progressed, he found himself playing in bands like Cadillac Sky, the Avett Brothers, and Mumford and Sons. He also accompanied his folk-artist sister, Jessica Lea Mayfield.  He formed his Mayfield Parade in 2011 and…

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The Travelin’ McCourys (left to right) Ronnie McCoury, Christian Ward, Rob McCoury, Cody Kilby and Alan Bartram. // Photo by Photo by Ashli Linkous, Courtesy of Birthplace of Country Music

Rob McCoury

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…

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Mark Newton // Photo by Jeromie Stephens

Mark Newton

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…

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Sam Bush and Rodney Dillard performing at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum for the John Hartford Days Weekend in January of 2025. // Photo by Chad Gesser

The Dillards

Songs That Made Charlene Cry Bluegrass Hall of Famer Rodney Dillard uses two criteria when choosing what he’ll do next in music—Is it too much hassle, and is it fun? His decision to write and record The Dillards’ latest album, Songs That Made Charlene Cry, fit just right. He had mulled over the idea for…

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Steve Cooley and Béla Fleck // Photo Courtesy of Ashbourne Farms

Morehead State University Bluegrass Program Surprises Steve Cooley With a Scholarship With His Name On It

Steve Cooley is a veteran of the Louisville, Kentucky, bluegrass scene that has played with many of the greats of the genre over his extended music career. He was lucky enough to be around back in the days when Sam Bush was on the Louisville scene when J.D. Crowe still played the hotel bars in…

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Encore

San Diego-based MohaviSoul offers this seventh project which features not only some original tunes but also includes a few covers that they have regularly performed live. While their music shows their Eastern roots of folk, country, and bluegrass, they also display the influence gained from their time spent in the more contemporary California roots music…

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