Nazareth, PA -- C. F. Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) is celebrating 50 years of their legendary D-35 Dreadnought with a very special model to debut at the 2015 Winter NAMM Trade Show – D-35 Brazilian 50thAnniversary Limited Edition. The innovative D-35 was first created by C.F. Martin & Co. in 1965 and has gone on to be one of the most popular and replicated models of our time. With no more than 100 created, the D-35 Brazilian 50th Anniversary Limited Edition model is constructed with Madagascar rosewood sides and back wings, a Brazilian rosewood back center wedge and headplate, FSC certified European spruce top, ¼" non- scalloped X bracing, and ivoroid bindings.
One of bluegrass music's favorite guitar legends, James Alan Shelton, has passed away. Best known for his work with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Shelton's melodic guitar style was instantly identifiable and unique. He died while at Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, Tennessee where he was fighting the cancer within him.
The John Hartford Memorial Festival is quickly approaching, taking place May 29-31 at the historic Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground in scenic Bean Blossom, IN. Heading into its fourth year, the festival is on a mission to preserve and continue the legacy, music, and ideals of John Hartford; one of America’s most beloved songwriters, performers, and musicians.
Bluegrass Hall of Fame Recipient, George Shuffler passed away yesterday, April 7th, just shy of his 89th birthday. Shuffler was born in Valdese, North Carolina on April 15, 1925. Affectionately known as "The Third Stanley Brother" performed on many of bluegrass music's most historic recordings. George toured 20 years with the Stanley Brothers where he developed his unique cross picking guitar style that has been a big influence to many musicians. He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2011 and was a recipient of the North Carolina Heritage Award in 2007. In 2011, Shuffler was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Fame along with Del McCoury. George Shuffler’s influences in bluegrass are as an innovative bass player, guitar stylist and featured vocalist and humorist, primarily as a sideman in some of the most important bands in the music’s history.
Nashville, TN -- Epiphone, home to the world’s best professional affordable instruments, continues its 2014 monthly giveaways with an unprecedented opportunity for fans to take home everything they need to start an entire Bluegrass Band – just in time for spring!
Abingdon, VA -- The 2nd Annual January Jams at the Barter Theatre brought thousands of people to Abingdon in January from around the region, as well as several Grammy-award winning artists. The series included 7 total concerts, most coming close to or selling out the 500-seat theatre.
Nazareth, PA -- C. F. Martin & Co. marked the 25th anniversary of its factory in Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico with a celebration attended by the Board of Directors and the newly released Road Series DRSGT and 000RSGT models.
Nashville, TN -- Bryan Sutton returns to Sugar Hill Records with his fourth solo release, Into My Own, available April 29, 2014. “The goal,” Bryan Sutton says, “was to try to make a record that only I could make.” Indeed, even a cursory listen is enough to establish that Into My Own, his fourth album for Sugar Hill Records, fulfills that goal—and does so in a way that reflects not only the instrumental virtuosity that his admirers have come to expect, but also the spirit and sensibilities of a musician intent on challenging himself to continuously grow in every way.
Kevin Strouth loves music. In fact, he lives it. The guitar player is now playing with the bluegrass group Nothin' Fancy for a while and hopes to make it a full-time gig. His performance at SPBGMA's 40th Annual Bluegrass Music Awards and 31st Midwest Convention in Jefferson City, Missiouri last weekend was a great beginning.
The Farm Hands Bluegrass Quartet announce that Jesse Turner has taken over the duties as guitarist/vocalist with the band. Tim Graves of the Farm Hands says, "We're really happy to have Jesse join us. He's talented on so many levels. He's going to be a great fit with us."
ArtistWorks, the leading interactive lifestyle social learning platform, today announced the upcoming launch of their new Acoustic Guitar 101 School. Available in early December, Acoustic Guitar 101 represents the most comprehensive free guitar lesson resource available online today.
Richard Bennett and Wyatt Rice have teamed up to hit the road with two guitars, a bass and Richard’s timeless vocals. This guitar duo is two of the most well known and respected guitarist in the industry. Richard is most known for his time with bluegrass music legends J.D. Crowe & The New South where he spent several years, but since that time has performed with several of the industry's biggest bluegrass artists such as Terry Baucum, Lou Reid, Tony Rice, Bobby Osborne, Vasser Clements, Kenny Baker, and The Bluegrass Album Band just to name a few! Richard is currently working on a new album which will release in early 2014 on Lonesome Day Records and will feature the talents of Adam Steffey, Mark Schatz, Ron Stewart, and Legendary Guitarist Tony Rice!
Bend, OR -- Two Old Hippies, manufacturers of Breedlove and Bedell Guitars and Weber Fine Musical Instruments, is pleased to announce the addition of Harry Fleishman as Head of Research and Development for their facilities in Bend, Oregon. Harry brings over 40 years of guitar designing and building experience – as well as 30 years of teaching experience – to his new position. He’s responsible for pioneering work with multi-scale, multi-hole, and multi-wood-topped acoustic guitars, as well as electric upright basses for several leading guitar companies in the U.S., and around the world. Harry was director for two distinctive educational institutions – American School of Lutherie and Luthiers School International – and also taught lutherie in Italy, China, Australia, and Texas.
Greenville, SC -- Layne Publications has just enhanced the collection of bluegrass tabs in their website with the addition of a series of new tabs for bluegrass guitar. This popular website is the number one online destination for aspiring musicians looking to learn how to play with a bluegrass band. The website has an incredible collection of tabs for guitar, mandolin, and banjo.
Wilkesboro, NC -- MerleFest 2013, presented by Lowe’s, held the Doc Watson Guitar Championship and the Merle Watson Bluegrass Banjo Contest on Friday, April 26. This year's award winning artists were Michael Ballard on guitar and Steven Moore on banjo. Each received an array of prizes. Place winners were also recognized for second and third positions. The Instrument Contests are always an exciting part of the MerleFest experience.
Nazareth, PA -- C. F. Martin & Co. (
One of bluegrass music's favorite guitar legends, James Alan Shelton, has passed away. Best known for his work with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Shelton's melodic guitar style was instantly identifiable and unique. He died while at Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, Tennessee where he was fighting the cancer within him.
The John Hartford Memorial Festival is quickly approaching, taking place May 29-31 at the historic Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground in scenic Bean Blossom, IN. Heading into its fourth year, the festival is on a mission to preserve and continue the legacy, music, and ideals of John Hartford; one of America’s most beloved songwriters, performers, and musicians.
Bluegrass Hall of Fame Recipient, George Shuffler passed away yesterday, April 7th, just shy of his 89th birthday. Shuffler was born in Valdese, North Carolina on April 15, 1925. Affectionately known as "The Third Stanley Brother" performed on many of bluegrass music's most historic recordings. George toured 20 years with the Stanley Brothers where he developed his unique cross picking guitar style that has been a big influence to many musicians. He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2011 and was a recipient of the North Carolina Heritage Award in 2007. In 2011, Shuffler was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Fame along with Del McCoury. George Shuffler’s influences in bluegrass are as an innovative bass player, guitar stylist and featured vocalist and humorist, primarily as a sideman in some of the most important bands in the music’s history.
Nashville, TN -- Epiphone, home to the world’s best professional affordable instruments, continues its 2014 monthly giveaways with an unprecedented opportunity for fans to take home everything they need to start an entire Bluegrass Band – just in time for spring!
Abingdon, VA -- The 2nd Annual January Jams at the Barter Theatre brought thousands of people to Abingdon in January from around the region, as well as several Grammy-award winning artists. The series included 7 total concerts, most coming close to or selling out the 500-seat theatre.
Nazareth, PA -- C. F. Martin & Co. marked the 25th anniversary of its factory in Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico with a celebration attended by the Board of Directors and the newly released Road Series DRSGT and 000RSGT models.
Nashville, TN -- Bryan Sutton returns to Sugar Hill Records with his fourth solo release, Into My Own, available April 29, 2014. “The goal,” Bryan Sutton says, “was to try to make a record that only I could make.” Indeed, even a cursory listen is enough to establish that Into My Own, his fourth album for Sugar Hill Records, fulfills that goal—and does so in a way that reflects not only the instrumental virtuosity that his admirers have come to expect, but also the spirit and sensibilities of a musician intent on challenging himself to continuously grow in every way.
Kevin Strouth loves music. In fact, he lives it. The guitar player is now playing with the bluegrass group Nothin' Fancy for a while and hopes to make it a full-time gig. His performance at SPBGMA's 40th Annual Bluegrass Music Awards and 31st Midwest Convention in Jefferson City, Missiouri last weekend was a great beginning.
The Farm Hands Bluegrass Quartet announce that Jesse Turner has taken over the duties as guitarist/vocalist with the band. Tim Graves of the Farm Hands says, "We're really happy to have Jesse join us. He's talented on so many levels. He's going to be a great fit with us."
ArtistWorks, the leading interactive lifestyle social learning platform, today announced the upcoming launch of their new Acoustic Guitar 101 School. Available in early December, Acoustic Guitar 101 represents the most comprehensive free guitar lesson resource available online today.
Richard Bennett and Wyatt Rice have teamed up to hit the road with two guitars, a bass and Richard’s timeless vocals. This guitar duo is two of the most well known and respected guitarist in the industry. Richard is most known for his time with bluegrass music legends J.D. Crowe & The New South where he spent several years, but since that time has performed with several of the industry's biggest bluegrass artists such as Terry Baucum, Lou Reid, Tony Rice, Bobby Osborne, Vasser Clements, Kenny Baker, and The Bluegrass Album Band just to name a few! Richard is currently working on a new album which will release in early 2014 on Lonesome Day Records and will feature the talents of Adam Steffey, Mark Schatz, Ron Stewart, and Legendary Guitarist Tony Rice!
Bend, OR -- Two Old Hippies, manufacturers of Breedlove and Bedell Guitars and Weber Fine Musical Instruments, is pleased to announce the addition of Harry Fleishman as Head of Research and Development for their facilities in Bend, Oregon. Harry brings over 40 years of guitar designing and building experience – as well as 30 years of teaching experience – to his new position. He’s responsible for pioneering work with multi-scale, multi-hole, and multi-wood-topped acoustic guitars, as well as electric upright basses for several leading guitar companies in the U.S., and around the world. Harry was director for two distinctive educational institutions – American School of Lutherie and Luthiers School International – and also taught lutherie in Italy, China, Australia, and Texas.
Greenville, SC -- Layne Publications has just enhanced the collection of bluegrass tabs in their website with the addition of a series of new tabs for bluegrass guitar. This popular website is the number one online destination for aspiring musicians looking to learn how to play with a bluegrass band. The website has an incredible collection of tabs for guitar, mandolin, and banjo.
Wilkesboro, NC -- MerleFest 2013, presented by Lowe’s, held the Doc Watson Guitar Championship and the Merle Watson Bluegrass Banjo Contest on Friday, April 26. This year's award winning artists were Michael Ballard on guitar and Steven Moore on banjo. Each received an array of prizes. Place winners were also recognized for second and third positions. The Instrument Contests are always an exciting part of the MerleFest experience.