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2025 Talent Directory

The Bluegrass Unlimited Annual Talent Directory lists all artists and bands that requested inclusion in this directory. If you are a performing artist or are in a band and would like to be listed in the future, please email [email protected] with “Talent Directory” as the subject.  This directory will also appear on our website and will…

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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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The Henderson School instructors (left to right) Josh Reese, Spencer Strickland, Marty Howard. // Photo by Spencer Strickland

The Gerald Anderson Luthierie

The name Wayne C. Henderson is synonymous with the finest guitar construction in the world. Henderson has received many accolades over the years, and having a school of arts named after him is only befitting for a man of his caliber. The Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts (The Henderson), in Marion, Virginia, is…

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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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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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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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