MARCH 2014
INDUSTRY NEWS
On the Charts as reflected at press time Billboard: Alan Jackson, The Bluegrass Album at number one; Rhonda Vincent, Only Me at number two; The Devil Makes Three, I’m a Stranger Here at number three. Bluegrass Today Monthly Airplay: Joe Mullins and Junior Sisk, “Wild Mountain Honey,” (written by Arthur Q. Smith) at number one; Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, “Where I Am,” (written by Chris Jones, Tom T. Hall, Dixie Hall) at number two; and “It’s Just a Road,” by The Boxcars (written by Keith Garrett) at number three.
Bluegrass Unlimited songs: “I’m Putting on my Leaving Shoes,” by Big Country Bluegrass (written by Tom T. Hall, Dixie Hall, Troy Engle) at number one; “Grandpa’s Way of Life,” by Spinney Brothers (written by Brink Brinkman) at number two; and “Brothers of the Highway” by Dailey & Vincent (written by D. Johnson, N. Witt, and K. Williams) at number three. Bluegrass Unlimited albums: Three Chords and the Truth by James King at number one (Rounder); The Streets of Baltimore by The Del McCoury Band (McCoury Music) at number two; and No Borders by Spinney Brothers (Mountain Fever) at number three.
Association Assertions The Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association reported their stage was lost in a fire that started in the warehouse where the stage was stored. Both Tri-State festivals will continue this year as planned, and the association has insurance, but as with insurance, they are not sure how much will cover the cost. They are remaining optimistic about getting a new stage that can better fit their needs.
The Central New York Bluegrass Association is holding a membership drive through March to increase their community of passionate ‘grassers. If you’re in the area, join the association! For more info on how to join, visit www.cynba.com. The Southeastern Bluegrass Association is turning 30 this year. Congratulations! SEBA promises to upgrade the interactive experience online as part of membership, and encourages everyone to get involved to make the next 30 years even greater. SEBA is based in Atlanta, GA.
Standing ‘o!’ Congratulations to Erin and Aaron Youngberg (Finnders & Youngberg) who are celebrating their new baby girl: Ophelia Rose. The family is happy and healthy. Nu-blu is celebrating playing together as a band for 10 years! In honor of the occasion, the band released Ten, an album of ten of their best loved songs. They’re
also embarking on The Ten Tour. Check their tour dates here. Congratulations to The Grascals who are also celebrating their 10 year anniversary playing music together. Catch the band on tour, and pick up their November 2013 release When I Get My Pay! *Editor’s Correction: Last month we reported the winners of the Northern
California Bluegrass Awards. We regret to say we left out the winner for Best Fiddle Player -- Mark Wardenburg. Congratulations, Mark! Junior Sisk and Rambler’s Choice were named Bluegrass Band of the Year at the 40th Annual Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) in Nashville February 2.
In remembrance Harry West, longtime co-proprietor of Harry & Jeanie West Fine Musical Instruments in Statesville, NC, died on January 25. He was 87 years old. (Reported by Bluegrass Today)
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Tom Henderson, founder of The Bluegrass Parlor Band and longtime bluegrass DJ in Tampa, FL, has passed away. Tom’s popular radio program This Is Bluegrass aired on Tampa’s WMNF from 1971 until October 2013, when he retired. Tom was honored with a Distinguished Achievement Award in 1988 (then a Certificate of Merit). He will be sorely missed throughout the bluegrass community.
International Bluegrass
www.ibma.org