thegrasscast's Podcast

#56 - Alan Bibey

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:55:00 GMT

This week on The GrassCast we continue our theme of interviewing members of the new band Grasstowne. Last week we interviewed Phil Leadbetter. This week John interviews Alan Bibey. Alan has been fronting the band Blueridge for the last 6 years or so. He now leaves that band to join Phil and Steve Gulley to form Grasstowne.

Alan discusses with John why he made this decision. This interview was recorded Wednesday afternoon Dec 6th, less than a week after the announcement of Grasstowne.

#55 - Phil Leadbetter

Fri, 8 Dec 2006 16:52:00 GMT

This week on The GrassCast our guest if award winning dobro player Phil Leadbetter. Phil has been in the news lately because of the formation of a new band of which he's a part, Grasstowne (read about it here).This interview was recorded Wednesday morning Dec 6th, less than a week after the announcement of Grasstowne. Phil discusses the new band, why he's excited about it, and why he felt it was time for him to make a change musically.

Phil spends some time talking about the musical direction the new band will be taking, and why. It's an interesting discussion that should be of interest to fans of Phil, Steve Gulley, or Alan Bibey.

Next week's episode will feature an interview with Alan Bibey concerning his decision to join Phil in this new undertaking.

#54 - Paul Williams Pt 2

Mon, 4 Dec 2006 21:24:00 GMT

This week on The GrassCast we continue our interview with bluegrass legend Paul Williams. Last week we took a look at Paul's background in the music business, how he got started, and left the discussion after listening to a song he had written and performed on a live DVD production.

Part 2 of the interview continues this week as Paul discusses one of his most popular tunes, My Walkin' Shoes Don't Fit Me Anymore, and then goes on to tell us about a new song he has written that has been recorded on a recent Marty Raybon release. We've included a verse and chorus of Marty singing the song.

Paul then goes on to talk about his DVD release and his plans for the future. This is the conclusion to a great interview, be sure to listen to both parts.

#53 - Paul Williams

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT

Our guest this week on The GrassCast is bluegrass ledgend Paul Williams. Paul has a historic career in bluegrass. He's well known for his singing but many fans may not be aware of his contributions to the music through songwriting. During the interview Paul talks about songs he wrote and then cut with Jimmy Martin. He also talks about the process of writing songs and how he got started writing bluegrass songs.

The interview is a long one so we've decided to split it in two. This week is part one and focuses on Paul's history and how he got started as a songwriter. Next week we'll continue it and see how Paul is continuing to be a vibrant songwriter who still gets cuts, while at the same time fronting his own band.

#52 - Tim Shelton of NewFound Road

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 19:11:00 GMT

This week's guest on The GrassCast is Tim Shelton of NewFound Road. Their latest CD, Life In A Song, was released the end of September 2006. Tim and John discuss the CD and preview several of the tunes including one written by Tim Stafford and another by Tom T. Hall.

Tim also introduces each of the band members and discusses their role in the band.

Another topic of interest to some listeners, will be their discussion of how NFR got signed to Rounder Records, and the benefits they've seen from being on the label. All aspiring bluegrass bands hoping for a record deal should give this a listen.

#51 - Jesse McReynolds

Thu, 2 Nov 2006 19:09:00 GMT

This week's guest on The GrassCast is mandolin legend and Grand Ole Opry star, Jesse McReynolds. Jesse has a new CD out titled Dixie Road. He had a copy with him at IBMA and we sat and talked about the recording. In the interview we preview 4 tracks from the disc, talk about the players on the disc, and touch a bit on songwriting.

In addition to the new CD, Jesse also talks about his history in bluegrass music. He tells us how he came up with the crosspicking mandolin style he's known for, and explains what it was like in the early years of bluegrass playing and singing with his brother Jim McReynolds. He also discusses the changes in recording technology and how that has affected the music.

This is a great interview with a true bluegrass pioneer. Don't miss it!

#50 - Claire Lynch

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 16:49:00 GMT

Our guest on this episode of The GrassCast is Claire Lynch. In the interview John and Claire discuss her history in bluegrass music, talk about her band members, and discuss her newest CD, New Day. The discussion leads to previewing three of the tracks off the CD, one of which was written by Claire. The conversation turns to songwriting and what makes a good song in her opinion.

Those of you who enjoy Claire's music should find this interview intersting. If you've never heard Claire before, this is a good chance to preview her music and see what you think.

#49 - Michael Cleveland

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 02:18:00 GMT

This episode of The GrassCast features an interview with Michael Cleveland. Michael was nominated for several awards at the recent IBMA and won two of them. The interview was recorded before the awards show so he didn't know he was going to win. He did win Fiddle Player of the Year for the fourth time and also won Instrumental Album of the Year for his most recent CD, Let 'Er Go Boys.

Michael and I discuss the awards nominations, the Flamekeeper band, Michael's history with the fiddle and learning bluegrass. Michael also engages in a very interesting discussion of learning to play tastefully. It's great stuff and should be of interest to any aspiring fiddle players or Michael Cleveland fans.

Michael also makes mention of the Roanoke Bluegrass Weekend coming up in November where he'll be serving as a fiddle instructor.

#48 - Frank Solivan II

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 19:37:00 GMT

This episode of The GrassCast features an interview with Frank Solivan II. Frank plays in the Navy band Country Current. He performs on mandolin and fiddle when the band is doing bluegrass and also plays electric guitar in the country version of the band. In the interview Frank and I discuss the Navy band, what their mission is, what is it was like to audition for the band, and the bluegrass component of what the band does.

In addition to playing in the Navy band, Frank also has two solo CDs out. The latest one, Selfish Tears, came out late this summer. Frank and I talk about the CD and specificially we discuss, and preview, three of the songs on the disc. We also brush on Franks other obsession, cooking. Check out the photos in the enhanced version of the podcast, I'm gonna have to eat dinner at his place one of these days!

#47 - Dale Ann Bradley

Fri, 6 Oct 2006 19:59:00 GMT

John visits with Dale Ann Bradley in this episode of The GrassCast. John and Dale Ann discuss her new CD Catch Tomorrow, and specifically talk about about several of the tunes. They also trace Dale Ann's carreer in bluegrass music, talk about her band members both past and present, women in bluegrass, and what's in store for the future.

#46 - Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 11:18:00 GMT

Doyle Lawson is our guest in this edition of The GrassCast. John and Doyle spoke recently just after the press conference announcing this year's IBMA Award Nominees. If you didn't watch the video from that press conference, you can so here.

In this interview John and Doyle discuss Doyle's carreer in bluegrass, his band, and having Terry Baucom back.

#45 - Chris Thile

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 14:43:00 GMT

This episode of The GrassCast features an interview with mandolin master Chris Thile.

We recorded this interview yesterday evening via the thilephone. Chris is on the road promoting his new CD, How To Grow A Woman From The Ground, and took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us. We discuss the new record, preview some songs from it, and yes, we do discuss Nickel Creek and the recently announced dissolution of that band. From there Chris talks about his plans for the future and more.

John adds: I was particularly struck by Chris' obvious passion for bluegrass music, and how pained he is by folks who try to explicity exclude his music from being included in even a broad definition of the term. His comments about what this rejection may mean for new fans who are drawn to his music, or Nickel Creek's, are worthy of serious consideration by those who seek to define bluegrass narrowly.

#44 - Jamie Johnson of the Grascals

Fri, 8 Sep 2006 16:50:00 GMT

This new episode features an interview John did with Jamie Johnson about three weeks ago in Nashville. Jamie spoke with us just after the IBMA Awards Nominations press conference on August 15, and the discussion centered around the band's new CD Long List Of Heartaches.

Jamie discusses the special guest appearances they have on the CD from George Jones, Dierks Bentley, and Steve Warner. He aslo talks about being in the band, what their vision is for their music, and more.

We've included some short clips of several songs mentioned in the interview.

#43 - Rhonda Vincent

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 15:08:00 GMT

Our new episode features an interview John did with Rhonda Vincent about two weeks ago in Nashville. Rhonda spoke with us just after the IBMA Awards Nominations press conference on August 15, and the discussion covered an interesting range of topics.

She spoke in some detail about the process of writing two songs from her current CD, the title track, All American Bluegrass Girl, and God Bless The Soldier. There is also a discussion about some of the changes in the way she operates the business side of her music, and how taking charge of that personally has made a substantial impact on her career.

She also describes her upcoming Christmas CD, Beautiful Star: A Christmas Collection, due in mid-October from Rounder and gives a few hints about what will be included.

#42 - David Crowe, Rhonda Vincent, Doyle Lawson and Cia Cherryholmes

Fri, 18 Aug 2006 19:14:00 GMT

Episode #42 is a follow up to the recent IBMA press conference announcing this year's award nominees. John speaks with Rhonda Vincent, Doyle Lawson and Cia Cherryholmes concerning the announcements. Following those clips is a full length interview with David Crowe, the president of IBMA, about IBMA itself and this year's World of Bluegrass and Awards Show.

#41 - Barry Crabtree

Sat, 12 Aug 2006 11:36:00 GMT

Episode #41 features an interview with banjo player Barry Crabtree of the band Wildfire. John sat down with Barry recently at the Roanoke Fiddle Fest. They talk about Wildfire, Barry's history in the music including his time with Larry Sparks, learning to play with a band, and more. This GrassCast is 18 minutes in length, with a download size of 17 MB.

#40 - Sammy Shelor

Thu, 3 Aug 2006 15:25:00 GMT

Episode #40 features an interview with banjo player and band leader Sammy Shelor. We've interviewed Sammy before, but felt like it was time for an update. Lonesome River Band has seen some band member changes, has a new CD out, and a new website and online store since the last time we talked to Sammy. Sam discusses all those things and more in this interview.

#39 - Andy Hall

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 19:35:00 GMT

This week, we are talking with dobro player and vocalist Andy Hall of The Infamous Stringdusters, also a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Andy talks a bit about the band, and how his Berklee degree in recording and audio production helped prepare him for his music career.

#38 - Chris Pandolfi

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 15:08:00 GMT

Episode #38 features a discussion with young banjo terror Chris Pandolfi of The Infamous Stringdusters. We spoke last fall during the IBMA convention in Nashville about what he had been doing, and about his education at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Chris is a fascinating young man, not only for his skill as an instrumentalist, but also for his clear understanding of what making music a career entails, and his level-headed approach to doing so in his own life.

#37 - August Watters part 2

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 14:58:00 GMT

This week we continue our talk with August Watters, who in addition to being an accomplished mandolinist, guitarist and banjo pickers, is also an Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. This week August describes his involvement with the Boston Bluegrass Union and their effort to present bluegrass instructional opportunities to young people. This GrassCast is 7 minutes in length and the file download size is 7 MB.

#36 - August Watters

Thu, 6 Jul 2006 18:13:00 GMT

Continuing with our education focus, we talk this week with August Watters, who in addition to being an accomplished mandolinist, guitarist and banjo pickers, is also an Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. August describes how Berklee has come to embrace using traditional string instruments (like banjo and mandolin) as a principal of study at the school, and how useful this has been for young musicians seeking a career in bluegrass and acoustic music. John's discussion with August will be continued in the next episode of The GrassCast, where he goes on to discuss his involvement with teaching young people to play bluegrass through the Boston Bluegrass Union. This GrassCast is 11 and a half minutes in length and the file download size is 13 MB.

#35 - Greg Cahill

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 10:59:00 GMT

This week we start a roughly month long focus on issues relating to bluegrass education, and bringing bluegrass music to young people in the schools. We start with Greg Cahill, who in addition to his work as banjo picker with Special Consensus, has been credited with helping launch IBMA's official Bluegrass In The Schools program. Greg discusses what he has been up to with the band, his recent Huber Banjos endorsement, and how he got started making bluegrass presentations to school children.

This GrassCast is 13 minutes in length and the file download size is 13 MB.

#34 - Donna Hughes

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 05:02:00 GMT

This is our second week of GrassCast episodes focused on bluegrass songwriters. Episode 34 is a discussion with Donna Hughes, whose song Poor Old Heart was recorded by Alison Krauss & Union Station on the CD Lonely Runs Both Ways. Donna has a new project of her own that will be released on Rounder Records when completed.

This GrassCast is 11 minutes in length and the file download size is 13 MB.

#33 - Mark Brinkman

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 13:30:00 GMT

Episode 33 is a discussion with Mark "Brink" Brinkman, whose publishing company, Brinksongs, has been successful getting cuts on projects from Don Rigsby, The Kruger Brothers, Pine Mountain Railroad, Wildfire and others.

We include audio samples from some of these recordings, and talk about how he got started as a songwriter, and how the digital download phenomenon affects independent songwriters.

This GrassCast is 17 minutes in length and the file download size is 16 MB.

#32 - Alan Bibey

Fri, 9 Jun 2006 18:51:00 GMT

This week's edition of The GrassCast features a discussion with Alan Bibey of BlueRidge. Alan talks about their new CD, Gettin' Ready, their first for Pinecastle - and their first all-Gospel release - and we include samples of several tunes in the interview.

This GrassCast is 10 minutes in length and the file download size is 10.5 MB.

#31 - Jakub Racek

Fri, 2 Jun 2006 23:06:00 GMT

Episode #31 of The GrassCast features an interview with Jakub Racek, guitarist, vocalist and primary songwriter for the Czech band, Monogram. This interview was recorded last October during the IBMA convention, the band's first visit to the US.

This GrassCast is 10 minutes in length and the file download size is 11.5 MB.

#30 - Liz Meyer

Fri, 26 May 2006 21:49:00 GMT

Episode #30 of The GrassCast features an interview with singer/songwriter Liz Meyer. This interview was recorded last fall at IBMA. The discussion topics include, Liz's CD The Storm and the European World Of Bluegrass.

This GrassCast is 8 minutes in length and the file download size is 9 MB.

#29 - Alan Munde

Fri, 19 May 2006 14:54:00 GMT

Episode #29 of The GrassCast features an interview with Alan Munde. This interview was recorded last fall at IBMA. Alan is a renowned banjo player and instructor. He currently has his own band, The Alan Munde Gazzette and teaches at South Plains College. This GrassCast is 7 minutes in length and the file download size is 7 MB.

#28 - Jim Mills

Fri, 12 May 2006 06:06:00 GMT

Episode #28 of The GrassCast features an interview with Jim Mills. This interview was recorded last fall at IBMA. Jim is a member of Ricky Skaggs' band Kentucky Thunder. John and Jim discuss banjos old and new, and recording projects Jim is involved with. This GrassCast is 11 minutes in length and the file download size is 12 MB.

#27 - David Moultrup

Mon, 8 May 2006 11:14:00 GMT

Episode #27 of The GrassCast features an interview with David Moultrup. This interview was recorded last fall at IBMA. David is a member of the IBMA Wellness Committee. John and David discuss David's background in the music, his passion for health, both physical and mental/emotional for musicians, and what the Wellness Committee does. There will follow shortly a post with some news and information about the IBMA Wellness Committee, so be looking for that. This GrassCast is 7 minutes in length and the file download size is 6.5 MB.

#26 - Jamie Dailey

Mon, 1 May 2006 14:47:00 GMT

Episode #26 of The GrassCast features an interview with Jamie Dailey. This interview was recorded last fall at IBMA. Jamie is a member of Doyle Lawson's band, Quicksilver. In the interview we talk about the band, of course, being nominated for IBMA awards, youth in bluegrass, and Jamie's vision for the future of bluegrass music. This GrassCast is 8 minutes in length and the file download size is 7 MB.

#25 - Don Rigsby

Fri, 21 Apr 2006 15:58:00 GMT

Episode #25 of The GrassCast features an interview with Don Rigsby. This interview was recorded last fall at IBMA. John visits with Don about the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music, his band Midnight Call, and Longview. This GrassCast is 17 minutes in length and the file download size is 16 MB.

#24 - Reno and Peterson

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 00:55:00 GMT

Episode #24 of The GrassCast features two interviews. The first is with bluegrass legend Ronnie Reno. Ronnie discusses his TV show and a new gospel project he has underway. The second interview is with David Peterson of the band 1946. David discusses his new CD In The Mountaintops To Roam, as well as some producing he's doing.

This GrassCast is 12 minutes in length and the file download size is 11 MB.

#23 - Bob Black

Sat, 8 Apr 2006 18:46:00 GMT

Episode #23 of The GrassCast features John's interview with bluegrass banjo player and author, Bob Black. They discuss his book Come Hither to Go Yonder. The book is full of Bob's remembrances of the time he spent playing banjo with Bill Monroe.

This GrassCast is 13 minutes in length and the file download size is 12 MB.

#22 - Neil Rosenberg

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 21:40:00 GMT

Episode #22 of The GrassCast features John's interview with bluegrass historian, Neil Rosenberg. They discuss his book Bluegrass: A History, which is now available in a 20th anniversary paperback edition. This GrassCast is 18 minutes in length and the file download size is 17 MB.

#21 - Chris Jones

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 16:35:00 GMT

Episode #21 of The GrassCast features an interview with Chris Jones. Chris is a bluegrass guitar player, singer, songwriter, and radio DJ. This interview was recorded live at IBMA in Oct '05. This GrassCast is 7 minutes in length and the file download size is 6.4 MB.

#20 - Larry Cordle

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 12:34:00 GMT

Episode #20 of The GrassCast features an interview with songwriter Larry Cordle. Larry has written a great number of songs that have become country music hits, including Highway 40 Blues, Lonesome Standard Time, Rough Around The Edges, Against The Grain, Lonesome Dove, etc. In the interview, we talk about an exciting new CD project he's working on, and of course a good deal of time is spent discussing the history, business and art of song-writing. This GrassCast is 13 minutes in length and the file download size is 12MB.

#19 - Terry and Cindy Baucom

Thu, 9 Mar 2006 12:05:00 GMT

Episode #19 of The GrassCast features two interviews. One with banjo player Terry Baucom. Terry plays with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. The second interview is with Terry's wife, Cindy Baucom. Cindy is the current IBMA Broadcast Personality of the Year. Her syndicated radio show is Knee Deep In Bluegrass. This GrassCast is 15 minutes in length and the file download size is 14MB.

#18 - Bobby Hicks

Fri, 3 Mar 2006 06:17:00 GMT

Episode #18 of The GrassCast features an interview with fiddle legend Bobby Hicks. John and Bobby discuss his storied career in both bluegrass and country music - starting with Bill Monroe while still his teens, through The Bluegrass Album Band and Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. This GrassCast is 12 minutes in length and the file download size is 11MB.

#17 - Alecia Nugent and The Lovell Sisters

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 06:26:00 GMT

Episode #17 of The GrassCast features two interviews. The first is with singer Alecia Nugent. We talk about her new CD A Little Girl...A Big Four Lane. The second interview is with The Lovell Sisters. We talk with all three sisters about their CD as well as their journey to bluegrass. This GrassCast is 13 minutes in length and the file download size is 12MB.

#16 - Ronnie Bowman

Thu, 16 Feb 2006 12:57:00 GMT

Episode #16 of The GrassCast features an interview with singer/songwriter Ronnie Bowman. John and Ronnie talk about Ronnie's new CD It's Gettin' Better All The Time, having a #1 hit on country radio, and what it's like living in Nashville. This GrassCast is 11 minutes in length and the file download size is 11MB.

#15 - Mountain Heart

Thu, 9 Feb 2006 16:27:00 GMT

Episode #15 of The GrassCast features an interview with Adam Steffey and Steve Gulley of the band Mountain Heart. Their new CD Wide Open will be released Feb 14th on Skaggs Family Recrods. Hear what the guys have to say about the new record, as well as samples of several songs. This GrassCast is 19 minutes in length and the file download size is 18MB.

#14 - Wichita Rutherford

Thu, 2 Feb 2006 06:25:00 GMT

Here it is, episode #14 of The GrassCast! This week I interview podcasting superstar Wichita Rutherford. Wichita is the guitarist with Van Heffer, whose new CD will be released on Feb 7th. The concept of this CD is delightfully bizarre. Van Heffer performs bluegrass versions of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osborne songs, and their lead singer, Sherman Van Heffer, appears on stage as an Elvis impersonator. I went to visit Wichita and asked him about the CD. In all honesty, he did duck a couple of my questions, but this was by far the most interesting experience I've had recording an interview. Those of you who are familiar with Wichita's hilarious podcast 5MinuteswithWichita.com will know what I'm talking about. This GrassCast is 14 minutes in length and the file download size is 13MB.

#13 - The Grascals

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 05:30:00 GMT

The GrassCast episode #13 features John's interview with David Talbot and Terry Eldredge of The Grascals. They talk about the making of their new music video for the IBMA Song of the Year Me And John And Paul, which is currently in rotation on GAC and featured on CMT.com. Also discussed is their tour with Dolly Parton and opening for Brooks and Dunn. This GrassCast is 12 minutes in length and the file download size is 11 MB.

#12 - Eric Gibson

Thu, 19 Jan 2006 05:31:00 GMT

The GrassCast episode #12 features an interview with Eric Gibson. Eric and his brother Leigh form The Gibson Brothers. Their new CD Red Letter Day is set to be released January 24th. In this interview we talk about the upcoming release and some of the songs on the CD. This GrassCast is 6 minutes in length and the file download size is 5 MB.

#11 - Murhpy Henry

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 11:50:00 GMT

Episode #11 of The GrassCast features interviews with banjo teacher Murphy Henry, and her daughter Casey Henry. Murphy is a performer, teacher, author, and small business owner in the bluegrass industry. She is also an engaging person with a passionate love for bluegrass music, and the more specifically, the banjo. Casey Henry is a talented banjo player in her own right and has a newly formed band with her brother Chris Henry. This GrassCast is 11 minutes in length and the file download size is 10 MB.

#10 - Gary Reid

Thu, 5 Jan 2006 06:39:00 GMT

In episode #10 of The GrassCast we bring in the new year with an interview with Gary Reid of Copper Creek Records. Copper Creek Records is located in Roanoke, VA so John and I just dropped by the other day and recorded an interview. John and Gary discuss the Bluegrass Calendar and some new projects to be released in 2006 on the Copper Creek label. This GrassCast is 10 minutes in length and the file download size is 9 MB.

#9 - Sammy Shelor

Thu, 29 Dec 2005 06:28:00 GMT

In episode #9 of The GrassCast we bring you an interview with Sammy Shelor. Sammy stopped by the AcuTab office to share some exciting news about The Lonesome River Band with John, and we captured it as an interview. They talk about Sammy announcements concerning the band, a new Sammy Shelor instructional DVD, a solo CD, and what else is new for 2006. This GrassCast is 16 minutes in length and the file download size is 12 MB.

#8 - Kerry Hay

Thu, 22 Dec 2005 05:25:00 GMT

In episode #8 of The GrassCast Brance has a conversation with Kerry Hay, owner of Hay Holler Records. Hay Holler has recently released a Christmas CD, Christmas with Hay Holler, and Kerry tells about the disc, the artists who are on it, and how it came about. Brance and Kerry also discuss the history of Hay Holler Records, as well as upcoming projects from the label. This GrassCast is 13 minutes in length and the file download size is 12 MB.

#7 - Tim O'Brien

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 08:31:00 GMT

In episode #7 of The GrassCast we listen in on a conversation John had with Tim O'Brien during the IBMA event in October. John and Tim talk about the event being in Nashville, and about Tim's new CDs. This GrassCast is 9 minutes in length and the file download size is 8 MB.

#6 - Charlie Daniels

Thu, 8 Dec 2005 09:53:00 GMT

In episode #6 of The GrassCast we share with you a conversation John had with Charlie Daniels. John spoke with Charlie over the phone just recently. They spoke about Charlie's bluegrass gospel CD Songs From The Longleaf Pines, as well as a project Charlie is involved in called Operation Heartstrings. This GrassCast is 10 minutes in length and the file download size is 9 MB.

#5 - Ruth Oxenberg

Thu, 1 Dec 2005 06:31:00 GMT

In episode #5 of The GrassCast we share with you a conversation John had with Ruth Oxenberg, producer of the documentary film Bluegrass Journey. John spoke with her during the IBMA Fan Fest this past October. The video is now playing on PBS television stations nation wide. This GrassCast is 10 minutes in length and the file download size is 9 MB

Episode #4 - Dan Hays

Thu, 24 Nov 2005 08:03:00 GMT

In episode #4 of The GrassCast we conclude our theme from last week as we share an interview we conducted with Dan Hays, the Executive Director of IMBA. We asked Dan to share his thoughts about the 2005 IBMA trade show and fan fest. You've heard what the bluegrass artists, songwriters, and business persons in attendance thought, now here what a staff member has to say. This GrassCast is 9 minutes in length and the file download size is 8 MB

Episode #3 - IBMA reactions part 2

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 09:22:00 GMT

In episode #3 of The GrassCast we continue our theme from last week as we share excerpts from interviews we conducted with a number of bluegrass personalities. We asked them to share their thoughts about the 2005 IBMA trade show and fan fest. With 2005 being the first year for the event to be held in Nashville, TN, there were a lot of positive and negative responses. We previously posted about this topic here. Now you can hear what the bluegrass artists, songwriters, and business persons in attendance thought, in their own words. Originally this was to be the last part in this series, but this episode ran long (24 min) and we still didn't include everything. Part 3 will be along next week. Look for it early, due to Thanksgiving. Comments from:

This GrassCast is 24 minutes in length and the file download size is 22 MB

Episode #2 - IBMA 2005 reactions

Thu, 10 Nov 2005 07:03:00 GMT

In episode #2 of The GrassCast we share excerpts from interviews John and I conducted with a number of bluegrass personalities. We asked them to share their thoughts about the 2005 IBMA trade show and fan fest. With 2005 being the first year for the event to be held in Nashville, TN their were a lot of positive and negative responses. We previously posted about this topic here. Now you can hear what the bluegrass artists, songwriters, and business persons in attendance thought, in their own words. Due to the great number of these, this will be a two part series with the second part coming in next week's episode. Comments from:

Terry Baucom
Alan Munde
Jim Mills
Phil Leadbetter
Ronnie Reno
Eric Gibson
Chris Jones
Jamie Dailey
Dave Peterson
Neil Rosenberg
Tim Stafford

Episode #1 - Jere Cherryholmes

Wed, 2 Nov 2005 19:17:00 GMT

In our inaugural episode of The GrassCast John interviews Jere Cherryholmes. Cherryholmes won this year's Entertainer of the Year award from the IBMA. This interview was recorded live at the IBMA Fan Fest the day following the awards show. This GrassCast is 8 minutes in length and the file download size is 7.3 MB