September 2023 Issue

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The Tradition

The Artists

Veteran Sideman Makes Solo Flight

By BILL CONGER

Photos by Haley Gjertsen Mandolin whiz Ashby Frank who lays down the groove for progressive…

The Sound

John Holder’s Good Ears Are Apparent In Blue Ridge Sound

By Sandy Hatley

Sound systems are an integral part of any musical event. No matter how talented the…

Restoring a Special 1922 Gibson A-2 “Snakehead” Mandolin

By Kevin Fennessey

My love for everything mandolin started 60 years ago at age 16, when I bought…

Kentucky Morning by Darrell Scott

By Casey L. Penn

Written by multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Darrell Scott (“You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive,” “It’s A Great…

The Venue

Kentucky ROMP Bluegrass Festival Celebrates 20th Year

By Donna Davis

Traveling to a “bluegrass roots and branches” music festival in Kentucky is like ordering lobster…

Bluegrass Friendships, Associations and Storytelling

By Dave Nesbit

Photo by Ed Henry When Bill Monroe reportedly said, “Bluegrass has brought more people together…