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Richelle Putnam holds a BS in Marketing Management and an MA in Creative Writing. She is a Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) Teaching Artist, two-time MAC Literary Arts Fellow, and Mississippi Humanities Speaker. Her fiction, poetry, essays, and articles have been published in many print and online literary journals and magazines. Among her six published books are a 2014 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Silver Medalist and a 2017 Foreword Indies Book Awards Bronze Medal winner. Visit her website at www.richelleputnam.com.
Rebekah Speer has nearly twenty years in the music industry in Nashville, TN. She creates a unique “look” for every issue of The Bluegrass Standard, and enjoys learning about each artist. In addition to her creative work with The Bluegrass Standard, Rebekah also provides graphic design and technical support to a variety of clients. www.rebekahspeer.com
Susan traveled with a mixed ensemble at Trevecca Nazarene college as PR for the college. From there she moved on to working at Sony Music Nashville for 17 years in several compacities then transitioning on to the Nashville Songwritrers Association International (NSAI) where she was Sponsorship Director. The next step of her musical journey was to open her own business where she secured sponsorships for various events or companies in which the IBMA/World of Bluegrass was one of her clients.
Susan Marquez is a freelance writer based in Madison, Mississippi and a Mississippi Arts Commission Roster Artist. After a 20+ year career in advertising and marketing, she began a professional writing career in 2001. Since that time she has written over 2000 articles which have been published in magazines, newspapers, business journals, trade publications.
Singer/Songwriter/Blogger and SilverWolf recording artist, Mississippi Chris Sharp hails from remote Kemper County, near his hometown of Meridian. An original/founding cast member of the award-winning, long running radio show, The Sucarnochee Revue, as featured on Alabama and Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Chris performs with his daughter, Piper. Chris’s songs have been covered by The Del McCoury Band, The Henhouse Prowlers, and others. mississippichrissharp.blog
Brent Davis produced documentaries, interview shows, and many other projects during a 40 year career in public media. He’s also the author of the bluegrass novel Raising Kane. Davis lives in Columbus, Ohio.
Kara Martinez Bachman is a nonfiction author, book and magazine editor, and freelance writer. A former staff entertainment reporter, columnist and community news editor for the New Orleans Times-Picayune, her music and culture reporting has also appeared on a freelance basis in dozens of regional, national and international publications.
Candace Nelson is a marketing professional living in Charleston, West Virginia. She is the author of the book “The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll.” In her free time, Nelson travels and blogs about Appalachian food culture at CandaceLately.com. Find her on Twitter at @Candace07 or email CandaceRNelson@gmail.com.
A Philadelphia native and seasoned musician, has dedicated over forty years to music. Starting as a guitar prodigy at eight, he expanded his talents to audio engineering and mastering various instruments, including drums, piano, mandolin, banjo, dobro, and bass. Alongside his brother, he formed The Young Brothers band, and his career highlights include co-writing a song with Kid Rock for Rebel Soul.
by Kara M. Bachman
Multi-instrumentalist Charlotte Carrivick has discovered that it takes a strong woman to balance motherhood with being a touring performer. This flatpick guitarist from South West England proves it’s possible to juggle the dual demands of caring for others while crafting a creative life around music.
“I would say being a woman in bluegrass, or music in general, has its advantages and disadvantages,” Carrivick said. “Certainly, over here, there’s a big movement – at least with festival organizers – to ensure a strong female presence in programming.”
However, it gets difficult when a performer becomes a mom. According to Carrivick, other women who choose a life in the business understand this balancing act well.
“The brilliant flatpicker/singer/songwriter Courtney Wis putting out an album of songs that focuses on this,” Carrivick said of the introspective folk artist inspired by appreciating life’s simple beauties. For sure, children fit the bill.
As Carrivick explains, women often overextend themselves if they’re not careful.
“There’s no denying the difficulties in continuing a career that demands relatively long periods of time away,” she explained. “With the current fashion for social media and the importance of keeping a constant presence going, even the shortest maternity leave period is hard to come back from.”
She said if you choose to be the primary caregiver after maternity leave is over, “you
have to factor in traveling around with a baby and childcare. Then, beyond that, the commitments just stack up, and it gets to be really hard to find time for music, let alone any of the background admin that goes with choosing to make it your living.”
“That said,” she summarized, “I wouldn’t swap my children for anything, and I certainly can’t think of a good solution!”
It seems, however, that Carrivick IS making it work. She’s active as a solo artist, teacher and member of several other bands. Although one of the groups she used to perform with – Midnight Skyracer – has been on hiatus since the pandemic, she still performs as half of The Carrivick Sisters, a duo including her twin sister.
“Our music is very much influenced by bluegrass, but I would never call it that…I play the wrong kind of banjo, for one thing!” she explained. “A lot of it is original songs based on old stories from where we live in the South West of England. We’ve played together for as long as we’ve been playing so that always feels lovely and natural.”
She also appears in another duo where she presents mostly banjo work alongside fiddle player, Kieran Towers.
Carrivick’s work has reached a new height with the November 2024 release of her debut record, Sensible or Otherwise. Aiming to be reminiscent of “great 80s and 90s instrumental albums,” she said the tracks are influenced by work such as Béla Fleck’s “Drive,” Matt Flinner’s “The View From Here” and John Reischman’s “Up
In the Woods.” The 12-track record is all-instrumental and all-original.
“I got in touch with some of my favorite players over here in England, and we recorded with Josh Clark at Get Real Audio,” she said. “Josh has the best ear, is brilliant to work with, and his studio in a castle just happens to be ten minutes from my house.”
The record features musicians Evan Davies (mandolin), Kieran Towers (fiddle), Eleanor Wilkie (double bass), her sister, Laura Carrivick (dobro and fiddle), and her husband, John Breese (banjo).
Somehow, this woman of music finds time to fit into teaching.
“For the past few years, my teaching has been mostly in workshops and camps,” she said. One example is the Blue Ridge Guitar Camp in North Carolina, spearheaded by respected Grammy-winning session guitarist Bryan Sutton.
She also offers lessons for fiddle tunes for both guitar and clawhammer banjo, available through the Patreon platform.
Carrivick said her instruction technique centers on “the spirit of exploration.” To her, that means “taking a small idea and seeing where it might lead you.” The idea
is that learning should be fun: “If you’re simply following notes in a book, you’ll get those wonderful moments of excitement far less often than you might by taking a simple phrase, playing around with it in as many ways as you can think of, and in doing that, finding some entirely new idea that may then lead to the next idea.”
Carrivick’s trajectory was informed and inspired by having a great experience with capable teachers. Her exceptional learning experience happened at Sore Fingers Summer School. Her teacher – and that of her twin sister as well – was Matt Flinner, who she said remains “a musical hero to this day.”
“As we were writing and singing songs together, it seemed sensible for one of us [sisters] to play guitar,” Carrivick reminisced. “Laura was primarily just playing fiddle at that point, and so it fell to me to learn to flatpick.”
“It’s a music camp for bluegrass and old-time where they bring over some of the greats from the U.S. to teach for a week, and it’s utterly brilliant,” she said. “My sister and I had our 14th birthday there, and that was probably the end of us doing anything sensible with our lives!”
Carrick’s comment is humorous, but she certainly proves it’s possible to live a “sensible” life as a “woman of bluegrass” if family and work are balanced with care.
by Brent Davis
Spend time with Courtney Hartman, and the conversation turns to journeys and paths.
The musical journey for this accomplished guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer includes a stint with Della Mae, a groundbreaking bluegrass band; collaborations with accomplished musicians from widely varying genres; a solo, 500-mile pilgrimage by foot across Spain that led to an exploration of awakenings and discovery; and many opportunities as a sought-after instructor where she’s influencing and nurturing the growing number of women studying flatpicking guitar.
The journey sometimes takes Hartman to unexpected places, but she’s confident of the path she’s on.
“It’s an ever-growing evolution of what it looks like for life today and what it looks like for life this year,” Hartman says. “But since I was like 14, I don’t think I ever really wholeheartedly considered other paths. And it’s what I love to do.”
Hartman grew up in Colorado with nine siblings. Five of them played music together. She started on the fiddle and then took up the piano and mandolin before switching instruments yet again.
“Well, we needed someone to play guitar,” she recalls. “But more than that, I think I saw my mom taking lessons, and that was inspiring. Then, I was teaching myself how to play fiddle tunes on guitar. I was hearing Doc Watson and Norman Blake, and that was immediately inspiring to me as a kid.”
Another influence was Rebecca Frazier.
“She was in Colorado with a group called Hit and Run, and at the time, the bass player and banjo player were kind of like mentors to my siblings, and they had given us band lessons and stuff. So that band was a group that we admired a lot. And Rebecca played guitar.” (Frazier recently released an album called Boarding the Windows.)
As a teenager, Hartman played the bluegrass festival circuit. When it came time for college, many of her peers were headed for the roots program at Berklee College of Music in Boston. A friend arranged an introduction with faculty member John McGann.
“He just took me under his wing that very first visit to Boston. And he championed me in a really loving way. I felt so lucky. He passed when I was in my third or fourth year there, very unexpectedly. All of us who got to study with him felt very, very lucky for our time with him.”
After Berklee, Hartman spent seven years with Della Mae, a Boston-based bluegrass band formed in 2009. Seeing a stage filled with women playing bluegrass music was a revelation for many people. Hartman hadn’t experienced anything like that growing up.
“I would be like 14 years old, and I would be the only woman in classes or whatever. I noticed, but I didn’t really register how imbalanced it was. And so then, being that for other girls felt really important to me. And there’s nothing that I loved more than having a group of young girls or just young kids in general being at the front of a stage when you’re playing. That means the world to me.”
Some of Hartman’s collaborations have kept her close to her flatpicking bluegrass roots, such as Dear John, a loving take with guitarist/singer Robert Ellis on John Hartford songs. Other projects demonstrate the breadth of Hartman’s range as a songwriter, singer, and guitarist. Ready Reckoner is an ethereal, evocative, and introspective album Hartman created after walking the Camino de Santiago, a trek across Spain that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. It was an intentional disruption of everyday life that allowed her to explore the connection between walking and writing.
It also allowed her to incorporate a wider palette of sounds, styles, and musicians in the studio, including renowned jazz guitarist Bill Frisell. Despite her bluegrass roots, Hartman often crosses boundaries.
“We want to put boxes and labels on things,” Hartman observes. “But in reality, the community is much more fluid and amorphous than that. We’re all inspired by playing with people from all over the world. It just makes me want to learn from other people and collaborate with other people even more.”
Hartman has been on the faculty at Bryan Sutton’s Blue Ridge Guitar Camp in North Carolina for the last three years. She strives to teach students more than the mechanics of playing the instrument.
“If instead of just going home with a new tune, if they have been vulnerable enough to learn something new or displayed the courage to be imperfect in front of a stranger--if they can take that into their life and family and work, that would be my goal. That would feel like my work had been true.”
Now, her journey has taken her to Wisconsin, and becoming a new mother has affected her touring, recording, and writing.
“It makes it more difficult to do anything in life, but it’s also better and brighter, you know?” she says. “So, I am just loving it. It’s been such a total gift and a privilege to have a little one. It changes everything. And yet, we’re still the same people. So, I have a new album coming out that I’ve been working on for the last couple of years. So, I feel extra excited about that.”
Pennsylvania-based Echo Valley has brought its blend of rock, bluegrass, Americana, folk and “grassicana” to venues across the U.S. At times covering songs that are quite unexpected – for instance, the music of Guns N’ Roses – Echo Valley brings a fresh roots-inspired interpretation to the familiar. It seems their “retro vibe” respects no rigid boundaries. It can encompass the style and sounds of yesteryear (Frank Sinatra) or the high energy and rebellious attitude of 80s rock.
This past spring, they released a single – the Echo Valley version of the GNR rock classic “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
“It was a great experience doing a cover of an 80s rock tune,” explained Echo Valley fiddle player Emily Anderson. “We had a blast recording it, and it really pushed our musical boundaries.”
The single was released in advance of the full album.
“The new record was engineered and mixed by Scott Vestal and produced by Valerie Smith of Bell Buckle Records,” Anderson explained. “Working with both of them in the studio was amazing. Valerie and Scott’s expertise boosted us to the next level and fine-
tuned our style.”
Anderson has honed her craft as a fiddle player over the past 22 years. As the 2021 Pennsylvania State Fiddle Grand Champion – and the 2018 Maryland State Fiddle Grand Champion – this woman of bluegrass has a passion that’s grabbed attention and made her a vital part of this talented sibling-based group. Her background began with classical violin training, which might help explain why the band crosses genres and touches upon various musical influences.
“I took classical violin lessons for many years. When I was 10, I went to my first fiddle contest at a local fair, and I was hooked,” she said. “We came home, and my dad found me sheet music for ‘Boil Them’ Cabbage Down.’ The next year, I entered the contest, and you can imagine my disappointment when I came in dead last. I spent the next few years honing my skills and competing in as many local contests as I could.”
Thirteen years later, she finally scored big with the Pennsylvania Grand Champion Fiddle title.
“All the hard work and lessons learned have made me the fiddle player I am today,” she explained. “I love this instrument!”
Echo Valley is composed of six siblings, including five sisters and one brother; they’re an attractive bunch of young talents. The rest of the Echo Valley Andersons include band leader, guitarist and vocalist, Lizzy; banjoist, fiddler and vocalist, Olivia; bass player, Emmaline; mandolin player, Dolly; and the member contributing male energy to Echo Valley, the girls’ brother and Scruggs-style banjo player, David.
“We started performing 15 years ago at a local church,” Anderson continued. “We only knew one song, which we played over and over for several months. That got embarrassing, so we learned another, which led to another, and another, and so on.”
Since then, they’ve progressed to recording several albums and performing everywhere, from Dollywood to Nashville’s legendary venue, The Station Inn.
While Echo Valley’s main goal is to someday perform at the Grand Ole Opry, these young musicians are already quite busy booking dates and traveling to fairs, festivals and venues this winter.
“In January, we will be playing for the January Ice Jam in Beaver Falls, Penn.,” she said. “It’s for a non-profit called the Bluegrass Relief Fund, which helps those of the bluegrass community in need. We will also be headed down to Apalachicola, Florida, in February.”
“We love a variety of music and genres and have learned to keep things interesting for ourselves, which in turn keeps it interesting for the audience,” Anderson said. “From traditional bluegrass to Frank Sinatra tunes to Electric Light Orchestra, there are no limits to the music we perform…except for rap,” she added.
“We enjoy playing unusual songs with our bluegrass instruments and surprising ourselves and our audiences,” she added.
by Susan Marquez
Martha Spencer is a singer-songwriter, mountain musician, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist. She was literally born into a world where music was an everyday part of life, so she was destined to make her mark.
She grew up in the musical Spencer family on Whitetop Mountain in Southwest Virginia. “I learned early on from my dad, Thornton Spencer, who played old-time fiddle, and my mom, who made instruments and played in a band. And, of course, I was immersed in a community where music is a major part of life. I played in a string band program in school, and my family taught there.”
Martha teaches when she can for the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), sharing her love for music with tomorrow’s musicians. There’s no doubt her musical education began at home. She recalls going to Galax, where her parents played. Johnny Cash was there with June Carter.” She started playing with her family band and still plays with them when she can. “When he passed away, my brother joined the band.”
Martha always loved writing songs. “I had a guitar made by luthier Jackson Cunningham.” She learned to play several other instruments at a young age, including fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, mandolin and bass. Over the years, she has developed her unique vocal range. She also learned how to flatfoot, dance, and clog. Watching her dance is fascinating. She educates her audience on the dance style and then mesmerizes them as she stomps a beat to the music. It’s a skill she has truly mastered. “I love dance traditions, and I love seeing different dance styles. I grew up going to fiddler’s conventions, where I was exposed to a lot of it. One thing I’ve noticed is that while styles may differ, they all have a similar heartbeat.”
Martha has performed and recorded with several groups, been involved with several roots music projects, and led workshops in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe.
One of the groups she plays with is the Blue Ridge Girls, along with Jamie Collins and Brett Morris. Like Martha, the other musicians in the trio work to promote and preserve the rich musical heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She also plays with Wonderland Country Band, Whitetop Mountain Band, and Whitetop Mountaineers. She plays as part of a duo with Spencer Branch, Old Time Country Roadshow, and Unique Sound of the Mountains with Larry Sigmon.
Her new album, Out in La La Land (Music Maker, May 2024), is a follow-up to her 2020 release, Wonderland. “I had written some of the songs, and in March, I started thinking about what I wanted the album to be. I ran into Mark Thornton at Dee’s in Nashville and decided to record at his Sidekick Studios.”
The songs on the album are all original except for Martha’s covers of Bob Dylan’s “Tomorrow is a Long Time” and “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” by Dolly Parton. In the California-centric themes of “La La Land” and “California Sunshine,” Martha paints vivid pictures of a life far away. “My dad was such a good storyteller.”
Martha is inspired by some strong women in music—her own family, as well as Hazel Dickens, Ola Bell Reed—“she’s a great songwriter,” and Dolly Parton—“she inspires so many.” Martha says she also loves George Jones’s music and contemporary artists, including Lillie Mae Rische.
For Martha, music is a great connector. “I feel very grateful for experiences that bring people together.” She plays a lot of local gigs, and she gigs at festivals up north and out west. “I travel a lot, but I always love to come home to the mountains. It helps me to recharge. I am real tied to nature.”
Martha has more touring on the horizon as she promotes her new album and continues her work to keep passing on her traditions through her music. She has a trip to the UK planned in February. “I love to bring positivity to people’s lives. I want them to be as proud of where they came from as I am.”
Growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Cindy Baucom was surrounded by music. “My dad played and made instruments.” And Cindy listened to the radio—a lot.
While still in high school, she listened to a local bluegrass radio show. “I always paid close attention to detail,” she says. “I wanted to be sure the facts were straight.” One day, she was listening to the DJ announce a new album by Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. The album was on the Sugar Hill Records label. “Apparently the DJ looked at the turntable and announced, ‘here’s a new band called Sugar Hill.’” Cindy couldn’t let that one get passed her.
The station’s owner had served as master of ceremonies at some of the shows and pageants Cindy was in. “My first job was as a receptionist and switchboard operator at a local hospital. After I heard that fiasco on the radio, the station owner came into the hospital when I was working. I told him about it, and he said he needed someone to produce and host that bluegrass show.”
While she had been on stage, Cindy had no idea how to run a radio board, but she was a quick learner. “I have had an interest in radio since I went to a career day at my school in the seventh grade. I went straight to the radio station table. I was a kid who always had a transistor radio with me and was intrigued by listening to stations in different cities and their onair personalities.”
She learned every department of WKSK and the radio station she listened to growing up. “I did a
live bluegrass show for three hours every Monday and Tuesday called The Bluegrass Spectacular. I recently found my playlists from 1983, and looking down the list, I was impressed with my song selections even as a teenager.”
She did that show her whole senior year of high school, and after graduation, she was offered a full-time job at the radio station. She worked during the day and attended Wilkes Community College at night.
In 1988, she was offered a job at an AM/FM combo, WKBC. “My dad’s band, The Tarheel Travelers, used to record a half-hour show there when I was young,” she said. While working there, MerleFest started, and for over thirty years, Cindy has hosted the main stage at the festival. “The original director of MerleFest, B. Townes, used to bring Doc Watson into the studio to sit in on my show. Doc shared stories about Merle and performed songs in our tiny studio.”
Cindy was also called upon to sing the National Anthem for four events at the Winston Cup races at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, covered on ESPN.
From there, she moved to Statesville, NC, in 1996 to work at WFMX, a powerhouse 100,000-watt station that covered a 60-county area. “It was a coverage area focused on the Charlotte, Greensboro, and Hickory, NC radio markets.” She co-hosted a morning and classic country show and did remote broadcasts for clients and special events.
Cindy spent eight years at the station, and then the opportunity to syndicate through the John Boy & Billy Network in Charlotte presented itself in 2003. “Ed Lowe was their CEO, and he had seen me on stage at MerleFest.” He also listened to her on the air. “It didn’t hurt that he was taking banjo lessons from Terry Baucom.”
The Knee Deep in Bluegrass show launched on 28 network affiliates. The reach has grown to 100+ network affiliates throughout the United States. “It’s so fun knowing there are FM stations in major markets that have never played bluegrass, and they report that their listeners love it.”
Cindy met Terry Baucom at various festivals over the years. “We got to know each other and found we not only had a passion for bluegrass but so many other things in common too - and we fell in love.” They married on March 21, 2003. “He picked the date - it was the first day of spring, and Terry says that was an ideal day for new beginnings.” Sadly, Terry, known as “The Duke of Drive,” passed away in December 2023.
While losing the love of her life has been difficult, Cindy continues to be energized by the music community. In late September, she spent two evenings as MC on the Red Hat Amphitheater stage in downtown Raleigh, NC, during the IBMA World of Bluegrass event. It’s obvious she loves what she does. Her strong desire to share great music with as many people as possible drives her always to be the best she can be.
“Life is like a road map,” Cindy says. “There are lessons to be learned along the way. There are sometimes gravel roads and hardships, the struggles we need to get us to our destination. I’ve had to do a lot of staying the course to do what I have a passion for.”
Cindy recently wrote a children’s book about Terry and their dog, Simon. “He was a shelter dog named Soloman, but Terry renamed him several times.” Proceeds from the book will be donated to Lewy Body Dementia research and dog rescue.
“It’s a great career,” she says. “I love the opportunity to interview so many talented people and share the stage with them as well. I am a firm believer in ‘if you dream it, you can do it.’ I look back at the things that have prepared me for this – from the cassette recorder I got from Santa Claus to reading articles from my dad’s copies of Bluegrass Unlimited. I don’t know what additions to my career my future holds, but I always keep my options open. I can travel and continue to broadcast the best music and share interviews. I’m open to challenges in the music world I haven’t explored yet. I don’t wait for the phone to ring and be reactive – I’m always looking for ways to be proactive.”
And, of course, she’ll always find time for her children and her grandson, who was twelve when Terry died. “He had a very special bond with Terry. I had three children under the age of ten when Terry got together. That worked for 23 wonderful years with lots of beautiful memories.”
by Jason Young
Two-time IBMA award winner Heather Berry Mabe has one of the most exceptional bluegrass vocalist of the year nominee, she has walked away with awards since age twelve.
Heather and her husband, banjo player and multi-instrumentalist Tony Mabe, formed Red Camel Junior Sisk’s backing band. Along with fellow bandmates mandolinist Jonathan Dillon and bassist label, Pinecastle Records.
“When we were talking about making a record and looking for a label,” Heather explains, “Pinecastle had heard that they are great to work with.”
Heather called up her friend, singer Dale Ann Bradley. “She couldn’t say enough good about Ethan what, I’m gonna call Ethan right now and tell him he needs to sign y’all!’ And she did.”
Looking for a chance to break out on their own, the band wanted to create something new. “I have too, that just wouldn’t fit Junior’s style,” Heather says, adding, “Recording the songs I’ve written fulfilling things I have ever done.”
voices today. Also a two-time SPBGMA female
Camel Collective, which most fans will recognize as bassist Curt Love, they signed on with their new record
“Pinecastle was one of the first names that came up. We
Ethan Burkhardt and the label. She said, ‘I tell ya
have a bunch of original songs, and a bunch of covers written for RCC’s project has been one of the most
Dropping their first single, “Roll on Mississippi,” Heather says she had an idea for a bluegrass-style arrangement. “I wondered how it would do with a double time, bluegrassy vibe, like if it had originally been done by the Osborne Brothers,” recalls the Sherando, Virginia-born singer-songwriter.
Speaking about the original Charlie Pride hit, “Our debut single is a song I have loved since the first time I heard it. For those who have Charley Pride’s original version, you know how magical it is. I knew the only way to cover that one would be to re-envision it.”
Heather gives props to her husband, Tony, and mandolinist Jonathan Dillon. “Tony and John going back and forth instrumentally just set the tone for the song and made it easy for me to tell the story. We are so happy that it was so well received, too. It stayed in the charts for six months since its release.”
Heather calls their latest release, “Sincerity,” unique. “I don’t know where the melody came from! It’s so different from anything I’ve ever sung or wrote. John said it sounded Middle Eastern when he heard it for the first time!” She laughs.
“I had woken up at about 3 in the morning, and in my spirit, I just heard plain as day one word, sincerity,” recalls Heather. “When I got up the next morning, I couldn’t get that word out of my mind. I just kept thinking about it and its meaning. I was driving to town to run some errands, and the first line to the song just came to me.”
When asked about the band’s name Red Camel Collective, “We wanted a unique name and something that would pay homage to Junior Sisk, being as we are all members of his band. One of my favorite songs [Sisk] ever did is called ‘The Man in Red Camels,’ written by Junior’s cousin Timmy Massey and Rick Pardue.”
Heather says she sought refuge in songwriting after a tragic event. “In 2021, my husband Tony completely lost his sight. It has been the most challenging thing either one of us has ever faced. To say our lives were completely changed would be an understatement. I’ve written here and there for years, but never so much as I have in the past couple of years.”
When it comes to music, Heather explains, “Tony encourages me, and I encourage him. I love playing my original music for him. There is no one on earth who believes in me more than he does, and I feel the exact same about him.”
Heather and Tony’s faith has been a huge help to them. “My faith in the Lord influences my music because it influences every part of who I am. His goodness is the reason why I can sing, even in the hardest of times. I want, above all, in music and every aspect of my life, to reflect His light and His love.”
As for the highly anticipated album, Heather says, “At the time we are doing this interview, we don’t have a release date for the album. We are shooting for early 2025.”
Bluegrass, gospel, and country performer Kristen Leigh Bearfield has certainly made the rounds as a musician. The Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Fortune and Brooke Aldridge are just a few of the artists she’s worked with. In addition to other projects, Bearfield tours fulltime as a member of the Grammy-nominated group HighRoad. She’s had the pleasure of performing on stages at acclaimed venues and events, including the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman, IBMA, The Country Music Hall of Fame, MerleFest, and as part of the Gaither Homecoming series.
Bearfield doesn’t claim to have done all this because of her own volition; she credits her success to her religious faith. Even the very beginnings of her music career began in church.
“From the time I was young, there was never any question that music was my calling,” Bearfield explained. “I sang my first solo in church at three years old and never looked back.”
A major life event once made Bearfield think she might not pursue a career as a performer. She said she only overcame this major obstacle because of her spiritual belief system.
She was in a bad car accident.
“Due to a severe neck injury that affected my spinal cord, doctors told me that I would most likely be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life,” she said. “I lost my voice and the ability to play my instruments. There were certainly times that I didn’t understand why this was happening, but there was never a moment that I didn’t feel God’s hand on my life. In fact, I can honestly say that I physically felt God’s arms wrap around me as my car flipped through the air. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was there with me in that car and I’ve never felt his presence more strongly than I did in that very moment,” she continued. “My faith is at the core of everything I do,” she added. “It’s what gives me hope and purpose and infuses every aspect of my music.”
It’s no surprise that this attitude might have contributed to her recent nomination for the Absolutely Gospel Music 2024 “Positive Country Female Artist of the Year” award (her song with Brooke Aldridge – “Heaven’s Getting Sweeter Each Day” – also received a nomination in the bluegrass single category).
Bearfield has irons in several fires. This winter, she was busy with yet another successful collaboration. A single she released – “Country Faith,” – featured gospel performer Karen Peck Gooch.
“She has been a hero and influence of mine since I was a little girl, so to have a collab recording with her is a dream come true,” Bearfield explained. “This song will serve as the theme song for the Singing News ‘Faith Country & Bluegrass’ series, coming in 2025 to Singing News TV.”
She was raised in the mountains of Appalachia, but today, Bearfield calls Nashville home.
by Kara M. Bachman
Her home region’s rustic, rugged landscapes seem to stay with her.
“I always want to carry the sound of the mountains with me in everything I write and play and most importantly, carry the hope and peace of Christ,” she said. Right now, Bearfield is also taking a new focus on solo work.
“My next immediate goal I am setting out to accomplish is finishing up my new solo album,” she said. “It’s been a long time coming, and I’m just a few songs away, hoping for a Spring 2025 release.”
Bearfield didn’t detail exactly what the record would hold, but she explained how she balanced the three genres she loved: bluegrass, country, and gospel.
“It’s a delicate balance, for sure,” she said. “I have a deep respect for the pioneers of bluegrass, country and gospel music, and I draw a lot of inspiration from their work. At the same time, I’m always looking for ways to push the boundaries and bring something fresh to the table.”
Lastly, she emphasized, “I think the key is to stay true to yourself and your convictions while also being open to new ideas and influences.”
by Kara M. Bachman
As a prominent woman broadcaster in the country and bluegrass arena, Michelle Lee has made a name for herself over many years by bringing the music and stories of roots music to the airwaves. She’d already been recognized for her work with a 2019 IBMA “Broadcaster of the Year” win, which had only been given to a woman broadcaster four times in the history of that industry honor. In 2022, she was awarded the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) “DJ of the Year” award.
Back in 2020, during the pandemic shutdowns, Lee started the “Real Talk” show. It was a video series where she sat down with artists and songwriters to have “conversations that opened them up a little more.” It aimed to go well beyond just talking about the music. Her “Michelle Lee on Air” online streaming features programming such as her “Smoked Country Jam” and “Bluegrass Borderline.” It can be accessed 24/7 through the Live365 platform or from her website at Michelleleeonair.com. The live streaming and past episodes of “Real Talk Bluegrass with Michelle Lee” can be found on her website, Michelleleeonair.com.
Lee has experienced a lot of changes over the years in her industry.
“Like many other professions, broadcasting has been improving over the last few years from the typical ‘man’s world’ style,” she said. “More and more today you hear and see women within the broadcasting role, whether it is in radio or on the side of the football field. It was rough through the beginning years as a female due to some unwanted actions from higher management, but being able to overcome all of that, it has been great becoming one of the women trailblazers in the broadcasting world.”
When Lee was asked why she has been so successful in a field where it’s often difficult to maintain a career that spans decades, she tried to pin down what makes her different.
“I have always strived to bring my personality through my work,” she explained. “I have a more ‘boots on the ground’ approach and love learning about the music and artists. Having the knowledge of the music always helps me to create the best show for my fans.”
Other work experiences have aided her in developing an insider’s view of the biz.
“Working as a booking agent in past years has also allowed me to gain knowledge to assist artists on the back side of the music as well,” she said. “I always enjoy meeting all the bluegrass fans and artists at festivals. Being that type of broadcaster that is approachable and open to my fans and artists is something I love.” She added, “Like most people, I work every day trying to find ways to better myself at what I do.”
In 2023, Lee brought her wife, Marsha, into the bluegrass fold and mentored her entry into broadcasting; her program, “Marsha’s 2 Notes,” can also be heard via MichelleLeeonair.com. A longtime country fan, Marsha also became a fan of bluegrass after meeting Lee, and her program touches on both genres. The duo established the “Real Talk – Michelle Lee and Marsha” Facebook page to further expand upon the work of both broadcasters.
Lee said the page was created to “provide a central point for fans and artists to share information, along with doing periodic giveaways for our fans. Our goal is to bring artists back into videos and have more ‘real talk’ type interviews in the future.”
Lee explained why this music is her passion.
“I love bluegrass music because it tells stories from the heart and soul,” she explained. “Bluegrass also highlights the incredible musicians’ abilities through instrumentals. It always amazes me how these wonderful bluegrass songwriters can take myths, history, love stories and write the songs that the artists then turn into the beautiful songs we tap our toes to every day.”
She elaborated more, saying, “Not only do I love bluegrass music, I love the bluegrass community just as much. The bluegrass community not only produces great music, but they also come together when someone is in need within the community. Bluegrass is an awesome family.”
by Susan Marquez
Penni McDaniel may not be in the spotlight, but she spends her time making sure her clients are well-known. It’s her job as the owner/agent for Hope River Entertainment, a career she fell into thanks to her cousin.
“My cousin played in a band called Pine Mountain Railroad. In 2001, he invited us to a festival. I wasn’t familiar with bluegrass music and was amazed at the talent. My cousin said he needed help booking the band and thought I’d be good at it.”
Penni had three kids in school, and she thought it was something she could do from home. “My cousin told me about IBMA and how to research festivals. The band wanted me to book as many dates as possible.” Penni booked 200 dates in the first year. The band also needed press releases and bios, which was no problem for Penni, who was educated as a writer.
“When I went to my first IBMA World of Bluegrass in Louisville, KY, the band had a single out, ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’ They created a great buzz.” While there, she met Mark Holliday, who introduced him to his son, banjo prodigy Ryan Holliday, who played on the Grand Ole Opry at age five. As a publicist, Penni could book Ryan on Oprah Winfrey’s show, World’s Most Talented Kids. She booked many other promotional appearances for artists throughout the years and witnessed some incredible performances. One of the most memorable was the late Tim Hensley’s performance with Kenny Chesney and Buddy Cannon at the Grand Ole Opry. She met other artists at IBMA as well. “I met Donna Hughes, who introduced herself as a songwriter and asked me to listen to her CD. I listened to it on repeat all the way home to Atlanta from Louisville. I called her immediately.”
Penni started working with Donna, and soon, other artists came on board. By 2002, Penni had formed a full-service music entertainment agency. It was an enormous leap of faith because she didn’t have a background in that industry. “I worked for General Electric for years, then for an architectural firm.” So many people were helpful in the beginning of Penni’s Atlanta-based firm, Hope River Entertainment.
As she learned more about the industry, Penni got to know the promoters, people in the press, radio, and others who helped drive the world of music. As she worked to promote artists, she learned the importance of her role.
Over the years, she has streamlined her operation. “I know where to put my efforts to make the biggest impact–right now, I’m in my comfort zone.”
Over the years, Penni has worked with artists, including Lonesome River Band, Balsam Range, Carrie Hassler, Melonie Cannon, Jeanette Williams, and more. Her clients include Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, Volume Five, Special Concensus, Greg Blake, Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul, Larry Cordle, Shannon Slaughter, Crandall Creek, and Caleb Bailey.
“I enjoy the interaction with the artists the best,” Penni says. “I’m a big supporter of songwriters and I’m always so honored when an artist calls me to sing me a song they wrote or want to record. I think it’s truly the biggest perk of my job.”
Penni says that artists often ask for her opinion. “I get to know my clients’ personalities and what their specific music goals might be, and then personalize their services.”
Penni has also handled event promotion and served as a record label publicist for Rural Rhythm Records and other labels. Penni has achieved media success for many albums, garnering magazine covers, feature articles, and reviews in mainstream media outlets. Many of the albums she has promoted have appeared on Billboard’s Top 10 Bluegrass Chart and have received awards and nominations from IBMA and GMA Dove Awards to SPGBMA, Grammy®, and more.
Hope River Entertainment has been involved with many albums and worked with many talented women in bluegrass. One of the highlights is Donna Hughes’ 2007 release, Gaining Wisdom. “She wrote all the songs on the album, and Tony Rice produced it,” says Penni. Guest artists on the album included Alison Krauss, Sonya Isaacs, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rhonda Vincent, Sam Bush, and Carl Jackson.
Penni has two college degrees, the most recent being in creative writing and English. She and her husband, Brian, live in Ellijay, North Georgia. “We live in a wildlife sanctuary and have regular visits from black bears and other wildlife. We love it here.” They have three grown children, Ashley, Brent, and Kerri.
by Jason Young
Bluegrass fans won’t have to fear the winter doldrums, at least not while talented artists like Sierra Hull are around. Releasing her Limited-edition Holiday Favorites, the Grammy Nominated and nine-time IBMA award-winning Mandolin Player says it’s a project she’s wanted to do despite her busy touring schedule.
“It’s one of those things where you get busy through the year, and you look up, and it’s Christmas. And you’re like, ‘Well, I didn’t do it again this year.’”
Sierra, who hasn’t recorded an album since 2020, says the time was right for releasing new music. “It was really fun getting back into the studio!”
Sierra and her team agreed to record two new songs before recording Holiday Favorites.
“We decided a few months ago that we were gonna release a couple of covers, so we released a couple of songs we cover in our live show.”
The “Weighted Mind” singer says her recordings of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World” and The Grateful Dead’s “Black Muddy River” were requested by her fans. “People are always asking when are you going to record these songs?”
Although busy working on her album, which will be released early next year, Sierra says she was finally able to record her Christmas record.
“I have been in the midst of trying to finish the new album, so I was just like, ‘You know what? Let’s do the holiday thing this year, too, while we’re in the flow of being in the studio.’”
Sierra is treating her fans to a vintage vibe. Available as a limited edition on 7” vinyl, Sierra says releasing a 45 RPM was her idea.
“It feels very nostalgic in that way. It’s a thrill to have a physical copy of it as well.”
Sierra says she wants to continue recording Holiday Favorites.
“I would love to do this every year, so we’ll see!”
The Tennessee-born mandolinist explains her plans: “I thought how fun it would be to have a volume 1 and, next year, have a volume 2 with another A side/ B side. Before you know it, we will have a collection of holiday songs and put them out as the years go on.”
While searching for Christmas music, Sierra says that she stumbled upon Bing Crosby’s “The First Snowfall.”
“Surprisingly, I found out it was more obscure than I thought it might be to a lot of people,” explains Sierra, who says Bing Crosby’s version is more orchestral. “I love the melody so much. I thought we could make it more playful: almost lean into that rootsy kind of bluegrass approach.”
Sierra explains that covering a song can be tricky. “There are some songs you can love so much that you think, ‘I can’t touch that!’ Sometimes, the only way to honor a song is to do it differently. I like to make it sound … like my voice and not just trying to replicate the thing.”
Sierra names Tony Rice, Dolly Parton and her close friend Alison Krauss as artists who can interpret songs. “I’ll never forget hearing “Shadows,” by Tony Rice. I thought to myself, this is the best thing that I’ve ever heard in my life. When I was eight years old, I didn’t know that Gordon Lightfoot wrote the song.” Her busy schedule includes a recent performance at the 58th Annual CMA Awards with Dierks Bentley. “I got to join my two favorite musical sisters,” Sierra shares, referring to Molly Tuttle and Bronwyn Keith Hynes, who gathered with Sierra and Dierks for an electrifying version of Tom Petty’s “American Girl.”
Another artist she can be seen taking the stage with is flat-picking sensation Billy Strings. Sierra says her recent performance with Billy at Austin City Limits was a “bucket list moment.”
“I watched Austin City Limits my whole life. We did two old bluegrass songs into a single mic. We both grew up loving those Doc and Bill collaborations.”
Sierra has big things in store but says she wants to slow down for the holidays. Opting not to sign again with Rounder Records, Sierra shares, “I think it’s time for me to work at my own pace, have full ownership of my music and step out to what feels like a second chapter for me as an artist.”
By Candace Nelson
Appalachia is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional cuisine, farmto-table experiences, and festivals celebrating local flavors. In 2025, the region will be brimming with events that food lovers won’t want to miss. Here’s a month-by-month guide to some of the best upcoming food events and festivals in Appalachia:
Portsmouth, Virginia
Kick off the new year at Portsmouth Restaurant Week in Virginia. The week is a celebration of the city’s diverse gourmet offerings. Local chefs will prepare special menus featuring two-course lunches and three-course dinners that are sure to leave you wanting more.
Morehead City, North Carolina February means chocolate in North Carolina, where the Carolina Chocolate Festival transforms the town into a chocolate lover’s dream. Vendors offer a wide array of chocolate treats, from truffles to hot cocoa. There’s even a chocolate baking contest and a cocoa-themed 5k run, all in support of local charities.
Highland County, Virginia
In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the Highland County Maple Festival celebrates the tradition of maple syrup making. Visitors can watch syrup production in action and indulge in all things maple—maple donuts, maple sugar, maple butter, and pancakes drenched in fresh maple syrup.
Irvine, Kentucky
April in much of Appalachia means it’s mushroom season, and the Mountain Mushroom Festival in Irvine offers a full slate of fungi-filled fun. From a mushroom market and cooking demos to arts and crafts, this festival pays tribute to the coveted morel mushroom. You might even score some for yourself if you’re lucky!
Oak Hill, West Virginia
Ramps, the garlicky wild onion that grows in the Appalachian Mountains, take center stage in May at the Ramp It Up Festival in West Virginia. Known as the “ramp capital of the world,” the festival features traditional Appalachian dishes like ramps, potatoes, brown beans, cornbread, and ham, and local music fills the air.
The Poke Sallet Festival in Harlan, Kentucky, is an Appalachian celebration of the Southern dish made from the cooked leaves of the poisonous pokeweed plant. Over several days, the festival features craft vendors, games, a car show, and a delicious poke sallet served with other Southern favorites.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
In July, Pittsburgh transforms its downtown bridge into a pickle paradise for Picklesburgh. This festival celebrates everything pickled from pickle ice cream and pickle beer to a pickle juice drinking contest. Voted USA Today’s #1 Specialty Food Festival, it’s a unique experience for those who love a tangy treat.
In Beckley, West Virginia, the Appalachian Festival is a weeklong celebration of Appalachian heritage, including arts, crafts and food. The festival includes a restaurant week highlighting regional food and restaurants that helped define the area.
Albany, Ohio
Celebrate one of Appalachia’s hidden gems—the pawpaw—at the Ohio PawPaw Festival in Albany. With its creamy texture and tropical flavor reminiscent of banana and mango, the pawpaw takes the spotlight in September. Guests can enjoy pawpaw-themed treats, cooking demos, and workshops dedicated to the unique fruit.
October in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, means one thing: the smell of apples simmering into butter. At the Apple Butter Festival, attendees can watch huge copper kettles churn apple butter in the center of town, enjoy baked goods contests, and participate in a parade. It’s the perfect fall celebration in America’s first spa town.
Mobile hosts the Alabama Pecan Festival in November, celebrating the state’s official nut. This family-friendly festival offers fresh pecans, pecan pies, and a variety of pecaninfused dishes, along with carnival rides, entertainment, and the crowning of the Alabama Pecan Festival Queen.
Tucked away in the scenic mountains of West Virginia, Fayetteville hosts its charming Gingerbread Festival. The town comes alive with festive, small-town charm, making it the perfect retreat from the holiday rush. Take a peaceful family getaway, explore local shops, and wander through the historic downtown, transforming into a whimsical gingerbread wonderland with festive decorations lining the streets.
These festivals and events provide a delicious way to explore the diverse flavors of Appalachia. Whether you’re drawn to heritage foods, farm-to-table dining, or unique local treats, there’s something for every food lover throughout the year in this storied region.
By Candace Nelson
Appalachian chefs have been making their mark on the national culinary scene, showcasing the region’s rich food traditions and unique flavors on popular TV shows.
From grilling competitions to high-stakes grocery store challenges, these chefs bring a distinct approach to cooking that reflects the heritage of Appalachia—emphasizing local ingredients, traditional techniques, and a deep connection to the land.
Their appearances on shows like Guy’s Grocery Games, Chopped: Grill Masters, and Cooks vs. Cons highlight their individual talents and the evolving Appalachian cuisine, inspiring a broader appreciation for the region’s culinary culture.
Matt Welsch
Wheeling, West Virginia
Hosted by Guy Fieri on Food Network, Guy’s Grocery Games features four chefs on each episode competing against each other for a grand prize of $20,000. This culinary competition is set in a grocery store where contestants face challenges through a series of rounds, with the ultimate champion receiving an opportunity to shop the market to win
the prize money. Welsch prepared a pork entree with potatoes, green beans, portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers and grilled apple slices for the win.
Brittany Furbee
Morgantown, West Virginia
Geoffrey Zakarian hosts the Food Network cooking competition, in which talented home cooks compete against pros in a blind taste test to prove who has the best dish. The victorious cook or con will take home a $10,000 prize at the end of two rounds. Furbee’s steak and eggs benedict with a blue cheese mustard asparagus vinaigrette and blue cheese crumble hash browns scored her the grand prize of $10,000!
Jean-Francois Suteau
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
As the executive pastry chef of The Greenbrier Resort, Jean-Francois Suteau has been known for his incredible baked delights for years. However, in Season 2, which aired in 2018, he competed against eight other chefs to win $25,000 through various rounds of baking cakes, pies, and bonbons. While he did not come out victorious, Suteau did make it to the finale and gained a loyal following for his impressive skill and talent.
Mary Brent Galyean
Appalachia
Known as an expedition chef, Mary Brent Galyean is a bit of a nomad when it comes to settling down in one geographic location. Naturally, she was a perfect fit for a Chopped: Grill Masters episode focused on outdoor cooking. While she didn’t come out victorious, she did create inventive dishes like a bacon granola stuffed hot dog, elk chops with blueberry brown sugar jus and a harvest soufflé made of acorn squash, eggs, bananas, and frosted cupcakes.
Steve Weiss
Ashburn, Virginia
Steve Weiss is no stranger to food television. He has appeared on a number of Food Network specials, including America’s Best Pastry, $50,000 Pastry Challenge, Pastry Daredevils, Sugar Impossible, Flying Sugar, Sugar Inventions and King of Cones. The chef and educator won the Food Network Series Halloween Wars Season 10 in 2022 and most recently competed in the Netflix “Is It Cake” series in 2022, where he was dubbed “the silent assassin” by host Mikey Day. One of his most notable cakes was a recreation of a grouping of melon, asparagus and cauliflower that consisted of an almond cake with milk chocolate ganache and orange zest that looked so real it fooled the judges.
Mike Costello
Lost Creek, West Virginia
In this show, the late Anthony Bourdain traveled the world uncovering lesser-known places and learning about their food. He traveled to West Virginia, where he enjoyed lunch with coal miners underground, watched on during an extreme sports event and attended a homecoming football game. As part of his culinary adventure, he traveled to Lost Creek Farm to learn about food rooted in place. Lost Creek Farm chefs and owners Mike Costello and Amy Dawson provided an Appalachian feast made from local food, including corn chowder, fried rabbit with chow-chow and paw paw ice cream.
Marion Ohlinger
Morgantown, West Virginia
Chef Marion Ohlinger partnered with PBS to create “Culinary Concerts,” which features a farm-to-table dining experience paired with music from Appalachian artists. Marion visits farms in the region to select the ingredients and produce before heading back to his kitchen. While Chef Marion prepares a meal, local bands will play for the audience. The chef combines the two arts in each themed episode to educate viewers.
These chefs play a vital role in displaying Appalachia’s rich culinary heritage. By participating in food television, they highlight the region’s unique ingredients and flavors while inspiring others to explore and celebrate Appalachian cuisine. Their efforts promote local agricultural practices and contribute to a growing appreciation for the diverse culinary traditions found in Appalachia. Their visibility on national platforms continues to significantly contribute to the evolving narrative of Appalachian food culture.
