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The Wild East

The Wild East is not only the title of this new project, but it is also the name of the Western North Carolina band led by Michael Wayne Avery. On this new project, Avery plays mandolin, resonator guitar, is the lead vocalist, and the main songwriter. The band also includes Sam Gottlieb (guitar, vocals), Charles…

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Chris Davis and Kristin Scott Benson at the Grand Ole Opry. // Photo by LuAnn Smith

A Veteran Sideman Goes Out On His Own

Over the past twenty-five years, Chris Davis has performed with some of the top-name bands in bluegrass music, including The Grascals, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Alecia Nugent, Junior Sisk, Larry Cordle, Larry Sparks, Wildfire, Melvin Goins, and Marty Raybon.  Additionally, he has performed with the country band Diamond Rio.  That is quite an…

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Steve Martin and Alison Brown. // Photo by Madison thorn

From ‘Wild And Crazy Guy’ to ‘Safe, Sensible And Sane’

Steve Martin and Alison Brown Crown Their Banjo Partnership With A Charming Album Steve Martin’s career transcends category and defies explanation. Over 50 years, he has: shared an Emmy Award writing for the Smothers Brothers TV show; filled arenas doing wacky, non sequitur comedy; hosted Saturday Night Live 16 times; starred in and/or written dozens…

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Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys, George D. Hay, and Uncle Dave Macon – 1944.

Notes & Queries – November 2025

Q: The very first time I ever saw Dr. Ralph Stanley, it was late ‘60s to early ‘70s at a German club in Dover, New Jersey: Germania Park. There is NO info on this in ANY history. I would like to know what the date was if anyone has it. I did talk to Ralph…

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New World In The Morning

The Groundbreakers are a band from Finland who were formed in 1995 by leader Jussi Syren (mandolin, vocals). Over the years, the group has traveled all over Europe and the US, and they have even showcased at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in 2020. They are also featured frequently on Finnish radio. The current band…

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The Kody Norris Show performing at the Backbone Bluegrass Festival. Photo Courtesy of Kaitlyn Briggs.

Backbone Bluegrass

Iowa’s Oldest and Largest Bluegrass Festival In Northeast Iowa, around 4 miles south of a small town called Strawberry Point (home of the World’s Largest Strawberry) and a few miles north of Backbone State Park, lies a picturesque 20-acre wooded site. During the last full weekend of July, this beautiful location is full of campers…

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