Cybergrass Bluegrass Music News: Sam Bush to be Honored by Americana

BMNN wrote: on Jul. 22, 2009:

Nashville, TN -- The Americana Music Association proudly announces that Sam Bush will receive the Lifetime Achievement for Instrumentalist Award at the 8th Annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony, presented by the Gibson Foundation, scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 17 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association, praised Bush's standing as one of the greatest mandolin players ever. "Sam has created his own genre and has become such an integral part of the Americana community," Hilly said. "It's such a privilege to honor him this year."

As cofounder and leader of the seminal progressive bluegrass band New Grass Revival for 18 years, Bush was among the first purveyors of newgrass – the wild bluegrass stepchild that features rock 'n' roll grooves and extended virtuosic jams – and he continues to burn as one of the genre's most brilliant lights, both as a sideman and the leader of the Sam Bush Band. Sam's newest album "Circles Around Me" will be released, October 20th on Sugar Hill Records.

The Kentucky-born Bush – also a champion fiddler alongside his mandolin mastery – has influenced several generations of musicians. Nickel Creek, Yonder Mountain String Band and String Cheese Incident are among the bands indebted to Bush for his wide-ranging choice of material, rock-based acoustic grooves and captivating, high-energy live shows. His status as an in-demand headliner and fan favorite can be seen through annual appearances at noted festivals like Telluride and MerleFest.

The past 20 years have also found Bush performing as a sideman with Emmylou Harris; special guest artist with the likes of Lyle Lovett and Bela Fleck & The Flecktones; spearheading boundary-stretching collaborations with Edgar Meyer, Mark O'Connor and David Grisman; and driving nearly every "bluegrass supergroup" imaginable with his mandolin playing. Sam Bush's ability to be continually touched and amazed by new music may be the quality that makes him such an electrifying performer and bandleader.

The Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist is one of several career honors that will be handed out during the awards ceremony on September 17th, along with six-member voted best of the year-end categories. Hosted by Jim Lauderdale with Buddy Miller leading his all star band, the event has earned a reputation for the coolest and best live music awards show around.

From September 16th-19th, 2009, the 10th Annual Americana Music Festival &Conference will offer seminars, panels and networking opportunities at the Nashville Convention Center by day, and bring a stellar lineup of musical showcases each evening. Conference registrations currently at the early bird discount rate of $350 for members and $450 for non-members are available at the Americana Music Online Store: Click Here to Register!.

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