Current Issue April 2026
The Tradition
April 5, 1959 It was on this date that the duo of Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs recorded one of the most iconic songs of their careers, “The Cabin on…
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s 1972 Will The Circle Be Unbroken Album In 1972, when I was a brand new teenager, my younger brother and I would do the goofy thing…
The Artists
Master of the 5-String Banjo Photo by Caty Smith Balsam Range banjo powerhouse Marc Pruett has spent 59 years gracing stages, playing bluegrass music. He has recorded and/or appeared in concert…
Photo by Jessica Lance Nick Chandler & Delivered is a hard-driving traditional bluegrass band from western North Carolina that is recognized for tight harmonies and impressive musicianship. The band’s leader…
Many bluegrass fans trace their introduction to the music to films such as O Brother! Where Art Thou? and Cold Mountain, or to Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Will the Circle…
Celebrates 60 Years As the majority of bluegrass fans know, bluegrass music—as we know it today—was born the first time that Bill Monroe walked out on the Grand Ole Opry…
A Fiddler You Should Know Mason Wright is a fiddler who can play many different styles, including classical, country, and bluegrass. He’s been a member of several bands, from traditional…
The Sound
Old Time in the Big City If you haven’t visited Nashville in a while, let me warn you—things have changed. It used to be you could find a parking spot…
Photo by Joe Zauner Maggie’s Journal, based on “true life” stories (as Bill Monroe would say) from Valerie Smith’s great-grandmother, was released January 5, 2026. The 30-track double album is…
The Venue
Nancy Cardwell is passing the baton for the IBMA Foundation. She has been a lifelong supporter, educator, and player of bluegrass music and is in no way losing her passion…
