BLUEGRASS NEWS, CONCERTS, ALBUM REVIEWS & MORENEWSEVENTSDIRECTORIESSUPPORT Bluegrass lovers enjoying live music at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival - photo by Frank Baker Last Friday night, in Kodak, TN, Darin & Brooke Aldridge were no more than a few measures into Tear Stained Letter when I scribbled in my notebook, "LIVE music is back!" It seemed natural, but my first. Today, Tiki Parlour Recordings is

releasing a

TOMMY EDWARDS PASSES Richard Thompson. Richard F. Thompson is a long-standing free-lance writer specialising in bluegrass music topics. A two-time Editor of British Bluegrass News, he has been seriously interested in bluegrass music since about 1970.As well as contributing to that magazine, he has, in the past 30 plus years, had articles published by Country Music World, International Country Music News, Country DOYLE LAWSON’S 2021 FESTIVAL RETURNS BLUEGRASS TO NORMALCY Doyle Lawson’s 2021 Festival returns bluegrass to normalcy. With North Carolina vaccines up and COVID cases down, the state is gradually rolling back restrictions and outdoor events are returning. One of those is the 41 st Annual Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver Festival held at the Denton Farm Park in the central part of the state.

JOHN HICKMAN PASSES

He passed away quietly in his sleep, at home with his wife, Sue, by his side. He was 78 years of age. Though known largely for his time on the west coast, and his lengthy association with Byron Berline and Dan Crary, Hickman was born in Ohio and played his first bluegrass music in the bar scene around Columbus. TIMMY JONES LEAVING CAROLINA BLUE April 6, 2021. by Sandy Hatley. Look for big changes in North Carolina’s Brevard-based, Carolina Blue later this year. Mandolinist and lead vocalist, Timmy Jones, has chosen to step away from the band to pursue other interests. CB fiddler extraordinaire, Aynsley Porchak, stressed, “He will certainly be missed, and we wish him all the best

JIMMY HENLEY PASSES

April 1, 2020. by Richard Thompson. Banjo virtuoso Jimmy Henley passed away on Sunday, March 22, (2020) at his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, of throat cancer. He was 56 years of age. The diminutive Henley started playing banjo at the age of seven, his earliest performance being in his first-grade classroom in Hobbs, New Mexico. DOYLE LAWSON ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR RETIREMENT AFTER 2022 Doyle Lawson announces plans for retirement after 2022. Doyle Lawson, 43 year veteran leader of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, has announced that he will be stepping away from that role at the end of 2022. With nearly six decades as a professional bluegrass entertainer under his belt, Lawson is clearly the reigning senior statesman in our music. JOSH WILLIAMS ON HIS DEPARTURE FROM RHONDA VINCENT & THE We finally caught up with Josh Williams last night to discuss his surprise announcement over the weekend that he was leaving his position as guitarist and vocalist with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.. In fact, Josh isn’t so much leaving Rhonda, a gig that means a great deal to him, but instead is leaving the world of touring behind to focus on the most important post any man can aspire to, that JAKE GOFORTH, YOUNG NORTH CAROLINA GUITARIST, LOSES FATHER Posted on January 13, 2020. January 13, 2020. by Sandy Hatley. Thirteen year old powerhouse guitarist and singer, Jake Goforth of Troy, NC, lost his dad, Michael, on Thursday. Visitation was on Saturday evening and funeral services were held Sunday afternoon. Stunning family and friends, Michael was only 49 when he took his

life.

JOSH SWIFT LEAVING DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER Josh Swift, reso-guitarist for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver this past 12 years, has announced his departure from the band. There he has served as more than just a band member, handling a great many logistical details for Doyle on the road, and engineering many of their recordings since coming onboard in 2007. Swift earned Doyle’s trust,

gladly

BLUEGRASS NEWS, CONCERTS, ALBUM REVIEWS & MORENEWSEVENTSDIRECTORIESSUPPORT Bluegrass lovers enjoying live music at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival - photo by Frank Baker Last Friday night, in Kodak, TN, Darin & Brooke Aldridge were no more than a few measures into Tear Stained Letter when I scribbled in my notebook, "LIVE music is back!" It seemed natural, but my first. Today, Tiki Parlour Recordings is

releasing a

TOMMY EDWARDS PASSES Richard Thompson. Richard F. Thompson is a long-standing free-lance writer specialising in bluegrass music topics. A two-time Editor of British Bluegrass News, he has been seriously interested in bluegrass music since about 1970.As well as contributing to that magazine, he has, in the past 30 plus years, had articles published by Country Music World, International Country Music News, Country DOYLE LAWSON’S 2021 FESTIVAL RETURNS BLUEGRASS TO NORMALCY Doyle Lawson’s 2021 Festival returns bluegrass to normalcy. With North Carolina vaccines up and COVID cases down, the state is gradually rolling back restrictions and outdoor events are returning. One of those is the 41 st Annual Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver Festival held at the Denton Farm Park in the central part of the state.

JOHN HICKMAN PASSES

He passed away quietly in his sleep, at home with his wife, Sue, by his side. He was 78 years of age. Though known largely for his time on the west coast, and his lengthy association with Byron Berline and Dan Crary, Hickman was born in Ohio and played his first bluegrass music in the bar scene around Columbus. TIMMY JONES LEAVING CAROLINA BLUE April 6, 2021. by Sandy Hatley. Look for big changes in North Carolina’s Brevard-based, Carolina Blue later this year. Mandolinist and lead vocalist, Timmy Jones, has chosen to step away from the band to pursue other interests. CB fiddler extraordinaire, Aynsley Porchak, stressed, “He will certainly be missed, and we wish him all the best

JIMMY HENLEY PASSES

April 1, 2020. by Richard Thompson. Banjo virtuoso Jimmy Henley passed away on Sunday, March 22, (2020) at his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, of throat cancer. He was 56 years of age. The diminutive Henley started playing banjo at the age of seven, his earliest performance being in his first-grade classroom in Hobbs, New Mexico. DOYLE LAWSON ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR RETIREMENT AFTER 2022 Doyle Lawson announces plans for retirement after 2022. Doyle Lawson, 43 year veteran leader of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, has announced that he will be stepping away from that role at the end of 2022. With nearly six decades as a professional bluegrass entertainer under his belt, Lawson is clearly the reigning senior statesman in our music. JOSH WILLIAMS ON HIS DEPARTURE FROM RHONDA VINCENT & THE We finally caught up with Josh Williams last night to discuss his surprise announcement over the weekend that he was leaving his position as guitarist and vocalist with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.. In fact, Josh isn’t so much leaving Rhonda, a gig that means a great deal to him, but instead is leaving the world of touring behind to focus on the most important post any man can aspire to, that JAKE GOFORTH, YOUNG NORTH CAROLINA GUITARIST, LOSES FATHER Posted on January 13, 2020. January 13, 2020. by Sandy Hatley. Thirteen year old powerhouse guitarist and singer, Jake Goforth of Troy, NC, lost his dad, Michael, on Thursday. Visitation was on Saturday evening and funeral services were held Sunday afternoon. Stunning family and friends, Michael was only 49 when he took his

life.

JOSH SWIFT LEAVING DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER Josh Swift, reso-guitarist for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver this past 12 years, has announced his departure from the band. There he has served as more than just a band member, handling a great many logistical details for Doyle on the road, and engineering many of their recordings since coming onboard in 2007. Swift earned Doyle’s trust,

gladly

DOYLE LAWSON’S 2021 FESTIVAL RETURNS BLUEGRASS TO NORMALCY Doyle Lawson’s 2021 Festival returns bluegrass to normalcy. With North Carolina vaccines up and COVID cases down, the state is gradually rolling back restrictions and outdoor events are returning. One of those is the 41 st Annual Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver Festival held at the Denton Farm Park in the central part of the state. 2021 COMMON GROUND SONG CONTEST WINNERS Common Ground on the Hill has announced the winners of the 3 rd annual Acoustic Roots Songwriting Contest.. First place went to Kevin Hale. If you read the fine print on bluegrass charts, you’ve seen his name in the songwriting credits. 2021 MOUNT AIRY BLUEGRASS & OLD TIME FIDDLERS CONVENTION One of the more popular fiddlers' conventions was held this past week in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, and you would never know there had been a

year off.

L.A. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT VIDEO FROM DALE ANN BRADLEY Pinecastle Records has released a tasty music video for Dale Ann Bradley, one of the most beloved singers in bluegrass music, featuring a song on her current album, Things She Couldn’t Get Over.. It seems that Dale Ann always finds a pop or country classic to include on each of her records, and never fails to turn it into something special. IBMA ANNOUNCES SHOWCASE ACTS, TICKETS, AND REGISTRATION The International Bluegrass Music Association has officially announced this morning the good news we discussed last week, that they are moving full-speed ahead to an in-person World of Bluegrass week in Raleigh at the end of September. There will also be a virtual component to the festivities, with more details about which events will be included to be detailed later this summer. BIG CITY DROPS FOR MASON VIA Mason Via is certainly on a roll this year, appearing as a contestant on American Idol and being chosen as a member of Old Crow Medicine Show. He’s also signed a recording contract with Mountain Fever Records, who have released a debut single today JIMMY MARTIN'S TENNESSEE HOME DEMOLISHED (UPDATED Jimmy Martin’s home in Hermitage, TN, where he lived for 40 years until the end of his life, was recently demolished. Many of his friends in Nashville will recall visiting him here, as will those who traveled to Hermitage to interview or meet Martin there. CONCESSION 23 ARCHIVES Band names can be a funny thing. Consequently, Canada's Concession 23 naturally inspires some curiosity as to how their handle originated. Fortunately, vocalist and mandolin player, Kevin Golka, has a ready

explanation.

24TH ANNUAL STRINGBEAN MEMORIAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL The 24th Annual Stringbean Memorial Bluegrass Festival will be held on June 17-18-19, 2021, at Stringbean Memorial Park in beautiful Jackson County, KY. The festival honors Jackson County native and beloved Grand Ole Opry star David ‘Stringbean’ Akemon. His unique stage attire, traditional claw hammer banjo style, and entertaining stage banter endeared him to fans CAROLINA BIBLE CAMP BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL ARCHIVES The Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival is happy to be hosting their festival again this year at their Retreat Center in Mocksville, NC. Last year's event was cancelled, of course, along with almost every other music show due to the BLUEGRASS NEWS, CONCERTS, ALBUM REVIEWS & MORENEWSEVENTSDIRECTORIESSUPPORT Bluegrass lovers enjoying live music at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival - photo by Frank Baker Last Friday night, in Kodak, TN, Darin & Brooke Aldridge were no more than a few measures into Tear Stained Letter when I scribbled in my notebook, "LIVE music is back!" It seemed natural, but my first. Today, Tiki Parlour Recordings is

releasing a

BLUEGRASS TODAY WEEKLY AIRPLAY CHART The Bluegrass Today Chart. This chart is compiled weekly from actual airplay data logged and reported by our contributing Bluegrass DJ’s. The numbers reflect airplay on Satellite and terrestrial radio. Our reporters come from both commercial and non-commercial stations, but do not include streaming internet broadcasts. TOMMY EDWARDS PASSES Richard Thompson. Richard F. Thompson is a long-standing free-lance writer specialising in bluegrass music topics. A two-time Editor of British Bluegrass News, he has been seriously interested in bluegrass music since about 1970.As well as contributing to that magazine, he has, in the past 30 plus years, had articles published by Country Music World, International Country Music News, Country RALPH STANLEY II TO HOST AUGUST FESTIVAL AT HILLS OF HOME Ralph Stanley II has just announced a very special way to celebrate the 75th year that The Clinch Mountain Boys have been on the road.. Owing to ongoing changes in the COVID-19 restrictions in his native Virginia, Stanley will host a special, two-day bluegrass festival, August 13-14 at the Hills of Home park in McLure, VA. Ralph had postponed the 2020 and 2021 festivals in light of

JOHN HICKMAN PASSES

He passed away quietly in his sleep, at home with his wife, Sue, by his side. He was 78 years of age. Though known largely for his time on the west coast, and his lengthy association with Byron Berline and Dan Crary, Hickman was born in Ohio and played his first bluegrass music in the bar scene around Columbus.

BLINK OF AN EYE

Blink of an Eye – new single from Danny Paisley. Pinecastle Records has offered a first peak today at Bluegrass Troubadour, the upcoming album from Danny Paisley, our reigning IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year. This debut single is Blink of an Eye, written by Robert Amos, a driving mid-tempo number packed full with the soulful stylings that

have

ASK SONNY ANYTHING... CELEBRATING THE CHIEF'S 100TH COLUMN Good morning Chief, well it’s finally here. Ask Sonny # 100! On behalf of all our readers, your fans and admirers around the world, Mr. Lawless and myself, please accept our heartfelt thanks for this weekly journey through the pages of bluegrass history. The many stories recorded here will be preserved for generations to come, to

read and

CHURCH SISTERS GO THEIR SEPARATE WAYS Church Sisters go their separate ways. Over the past decade, one of the most exciting singing groups in bluegrass and traditional country music have been The Church Sisters, Savanah and Sarah. From the time they were young teens in southern Virginia, these fraternal twins had captivated audiences with their lovely duet harmony on old time JOSH WILLIAMS ON HIS DEPARTURE FROM RHONDA VINCENT & THE We finally caught up with Josh Williams last night to discuss his surprise announcement over the weekend that he was leaving his position as guitarist and vocalist with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.. In fact, Josh isn’t so much leaving Rhonda, a gig that means a great deal to him, but instead is leaving the world of touring behind to focus on the most important post any man can aspire to, that TREY HENSLEY GUITAR COURSE AT BIG TENT MUSIC Trey Hensley, one of the most robust and dynamic guitarists on the bluegrass scene today, has joined his musical partner Rob Ikes at Big Music Tent with a new video instruction course for flatpickers who want to take the slop out of their playing.. Since he was in his teens, Trey has been known for his intricate guitar skills, on both rhythm and lead, as well as his prodigious vocal talents. BLUEGRASS NEWS, CONCERTS, ALBUM REVIEWS & MORENEWSEVENTSDIRECTORIESSUPPORT Bluegrass lovers enjoying live music at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival - photo by Frank Baker Last Friday night, in Kodak, TN, Darin & Brooke Aldridge were no more than a few measures into Tear Stained Letter when I scribbled in my notebook, "LIVE music is back!" It seemed natural, but my first. Today, Tiki Parlour Recordings is

releasing a

BLUEGRASS TODAY WEEKLY AIRPLAY CHART The Bluegrass Today Chart. This chart is compiled weekly from actual airplay data logged and reported by our contributing Bluegrass DJ’s. The numbers reflect airplay on Satellite and terrestrial radio. Our reporters come from both commercial and non-commercial stations, but do not include streaming internet broadcasts. TOMMY EDWARDS PASSES Richard Thompson. Richard F. Thompson is a long-standing free-lance writer specialising in bluegrass music topics. A two-time Editor of British Bluegrass News, he has been seriously interested in bluegrass music since about 1970.As well as contributing to that magazine, he has, in the past 30 plus years, had articles published by Country Music World, International Country Music News, Country RALPH STANLEY II TO HOST AUGUST FESTIVAL AT HILLS OF HOME Ralph Stanley II has just announced a very special way to celebrate the 75th year that The Clinch Mountain Boys have been on the road.. Owing to ongoing changes in the COVID-19 restrictions in his native Virginia, Stanley will host a special, two-day bluegrass festival, August 13-14 at the Hills of Home park in McLure, VA. Ralph had postponed the 2020 and 2021 festivals in light of

JOHN HICKMAN PASSES

He passed away quietly in his sleep, at home with his wife, Sue, by his side. He was 78 years of age. Though known largely for his time on the west coast, and his lengthy association with Byron Berline and Dan Crary, Hickman was born in Ohio and played his first bluegrass music in the bar scene around Columbus.

BLINK OF AN EYE

Blink of an Eye – new single from Danny Paisley. Pinecastle Records has offered a first peak today at Bluegrass Troubadour, the upcoming album from Danny Paisley, our reigning IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year. This debut single is Blink of an Eye, written by Robert Amos, a driving mid-tempo number packed full with the soulful stylings that

have

ASK SONNY ANYTHING... CELEBRATING THE CHIEF'S 100TH COLUMN Good morning Chief, well it’s finally here. Ask Sonny # 100! On behalf of all our readers, your fans and admirers around the world, Mr. Lawless and myself, please accept our heartfelt thanks for this weekly journey through the pages of bluegrass history. The many stories recorded here will be preserved for generations to come, to

read and

CHURCH SISTERS GO THEIR SEPARATE WAYS Church Sisters go their separate ways. Over the past decade, one of the most exciting singing groups in bluegrass and traditional country music have been The Church Sisters, Savanah and Sarah. From the time they were young teens in southern Virginia, these fraternal twins had captivated audiences with their lovely duet harmony on old time JOSH WILLIAMS ON HIS DEPARTURE FROM RHONDA VINCENT & THE We finally caught up with Josh Williams last night to discuss his surprise announcement over the weekend that he was leaving his position as guitarist and vocalist with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.. In fact, Josh isn’t so much leaving Rhonda, a gig that means a great deal to him, but instead is leaving the world of touring behind to focus on the most important post any man can aspire to, that TREY HENSLEY GUITAR COURSE AT BIG TENT MUSIC Trey Hensley, one of the most robust and dynamic guitarists on the bluegrass scene today, has joined his musical partner Rob Ikes at Big Music Tent with a new video instruction course for flatpickers who want to take the slop out of their playing.. Since he was in his teens, Trey has been known for his intricate guitar skills, on both rhythm and lead, as well as his prodigious vocal talents. BLUEGRASS TODAY WEEKLY AIRPLAY CHART The Bluegrass Today Chart. This chart is compiled weekly from actual airplay data logged and reported by our contributing Bluegrass DJ’s. The numbers reflect airplay on Satellite and terrestrial radio. Our reporters come from both commercial and non-commercial stations, but do not include streaming internet broadcasts. GETTYSBURG BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, SPRING 2021 Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, May 2021 – photo by Frank Baker. As we share this first gallery of Frank Baker’s photos from the Spring 2021 Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, please allow us a moment to note how wonderful it is to see bluegrass pickers and lovers of the music gathering outdoors again after a full year of enforced separation. 2021 COMMON GROUND SONG CONTEST WINNERS Common Ground on the Hill has announced the winners of the 3 rd annual Acoustic Roots Songwriting Contest.. First place went to Kevin Hale. If you read the fine print on bluegrass charts, you’ve seen his name in the songwriting credits. 2021 MOUNT AIRY BLUEGRASS & OLD TIME FIDDLERS CONVENTION One of the more popular fiddlers' conventions was held this past week in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, and you would never know there had been a

year off.

BLUEGRASS BEYOND BORDERS: ONTARIO'S CONCESSION 23 The band’s sophomore set, The Walls Around You, was released in 2007 and drew its material from both modern and traditional sources in addition to four original recordings. Concession 23’s next effort, 2009’s Wandering Steps, was nominated for Recording of the Year.They describe it as “a high-octane recording in the tradition of first generation bluegrass,” featuring songs written by SIERRA HULL & JUSTIN MOSES EXCLUSIVE VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE As both musical and life partners, Sierra Hull and Justin Moses wake up every day, grab a cup of coffee alongside their instruments and start playing together as they have done for over a decade. The instrumental journeys are traditional and experimental in nature, with the extremely proficient multi-instrumentalist Justin Moses switching JIMMY MARTIN'S TENNESSEE HOME DEMOLISHED Jimmy Martin’s home in Hermitage, TN, where he lived for 40 years until the end of his life, was recently demolished. Many of his friends in Nashville will recall visiting him here, as will those who traveled to Hermitage to interview or meet Martin there. WAITING OUT THE STORM Lee Zimmerman. Lee Zimmerman has been a writer and reviewer for the better part of the past 20 years. He writes for the following publications — No Depression, Goldmine, Country Standard TIme, Paste, Relix, Lincoln Center Spotlight, Fader, and Glide. A lifelong music obsessive and avid collector, he firmly believes that music provides the soundtrack for our lives and his reverence for the 24TH ANNUAL STRINGBEAN MEMORIAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL The 24th Annual Stringbean Memorial Bluegrass Festival will be held on June 17-18-19, 2021, at Stringbean Memorial Park in beautiful Jackson County, KY. The festival honors Jackson County native and beloved Grand Ole Opry star David ‘Stringbean’ Akemon. His unique stage attire, traditional claw hammer banjo style, and entertaining stage banter endeared him to fans BLUEGRASS AT THE BARN Join us for a summer evening with family and friends at George Rogers Clark Park. Listen to the sounds of Greg Beasley, New Mountain Heritage and Berachah Valley. El Buen Taco food truck will be on site that night for a delicious dinner option. To join in on the fun: Bring

a blanket or chairs

BLUEGRASS NEWS, CONCERTS, ALBUM REVIEWS & MORENEWSEVENTSDIRECTORIESSUPPORT 49th annual Armuchee Bluegrass Festival. This report is a contribution from Audie Finnell, who also provided the photos. The Armuchee Bluegrass Festival kicked off its 49th consecutive season over the past Memorial Day Weekend in Georgia, with a few changes TOMMY EDWARDS PASSES Richard Thompson. Richard F. Thompson is a long-standing free-lance writer specialising in bluegrass music topics. A two-time Editor of British Bluegrass News, he has been seriously interested in bluegrass music since about 1970.As well as contributing to that magazine, he has, in the past 30 plus years, had articles published by Country Music World, International Country Music News, Country CHURCH SISTERS GO THEIR SEPARATE WAYS Over the past decade, one of the most exciting singing groups in bluegrass and traditional country music have been The Church Sisters, Savanah and Sarah.From the time they were young teens in southern Virginia, these fraternal twins had captivated audiences with their lovely duet harmony on old time, bluegrass, and country standards.

JIMMY HENLEY PASSES

Richard Thompson. Richard F. Thompson is a long-standing free-lance writer specialising in bluegrass music topics. A two-time Editor of British Bluegrass News, he has been seriously interested in bluegrass music since about 1970.As well as contributing to that magazine, he has, in the past 30 plus years, had articles published by Country Music World, International Country Music News, Country SUNSET PARK DESIGNATED A PENNSYLVANIA LANDMARK The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission has approved the placement of a marker at Sunset Park, the site of the famed country and bluegrass music park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in recognition of its historical significance.. Sunset Park was built in 1939 (and opened the following year) by G. Roy Waltman, who invited notables such as Tex Ritter and TV personalities Chief FLATT LONESOME SAYS BYE BYE, FOR NOW Flatt Lonesome has surely been among the most influential and entertaining bluegrass acts of the past decade. From their debut performance at SPBGMA in 2011, this talented group based around the Robertson siblings from Florida, have won raves for DOYLE LAWSON COMES RARIN' BACK WITH A NEW QUICKSILVER There is likely no more common topic of discussion in bluegrass circles than Doyle Lawson’s latest band. In his more than 40 years as a bandleader – and headliner – Doyle has reformed his touring group more times than he’d probably care to remember, and each time he watches a number of his star players move on to start a solo career or enter another line of work, he comes right back

RAY DEATON PASSES

Ray Deaton, the original and long time bassist and bass singer with IIIrd Tyme Out, died earlier today. He was 66 years of age. Prior to helping create IIIrd Tyme Out, Ray had been a member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, along with Russell Moore and Mike Hartgrove. JAKE GOFORTH, YOUNG NORTH CAROLINA GUITARIST, LOSES FATHERGARY GOFORTH OBITUARYJUDY GOFORTH OBITUARYMICHAEL GOFORTH OBITUARYPATRICIA GOFORTH OBITUARYWILLIAM GOFORTH OBITUARY Thirteen year old powerhouse guitarist and singer, Jake Goforth of Troy, NC, lost his dad, Michael, on Thursday. Visitation was on Saturday evening and funeral services were held Sunday afternoon. Stunning family and friends, Michael was only 49 when he took his

life.

JOSH SWIFT LEAVING DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER Josh Swift, reso-guitarist for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver this past 12 years, has announced his departure from the band.. There he has served as more than just a band member, handling a great many logistical details for Doyle on the road, and engineering many of their recordings since coming onboard in 2007. BLUEGRASS NEWS, CONCERTS, ALBUM REVIEWS & MORENEWSEVENTSDIRECTORIESSUPPORT 49th annual Armuchee Bluegrass Festival. This report is a contribution from Audie Finnell, who also provided the photos. The Armuchee Bluegrass Festival kicked off its 49th consecutive season over the past Memorial Day Weekend in Georgia, with a few changes TOMMY EDWARDS PASSES Richard Thompson. Richard F. Thompson is a long-standing free-lance writer specialising in bluegrass music topics. A two-time Editor of British Bluegrass News, he has been seriously interested in bluegrass music since about 1970.As well as contributing to that magazine, he has, in the past 30 plus years, had articles published by Country Music World, International Country Music News, Country CHURCH SISTERS GO THEIR SEPARATE WAYS Over the past decade, one of the most exciting singing groups in bluegrass and traditional country music have been The Church Sisters, Savanah and Sarah.From the time they were young teens in southern Virginia, these fraternal twins had captivated audiences with their lovely duet harmony on old time, bluegrass, and country standards.

JIMMY HENLEY PASSES

Richard Thompson. Richard F. Thompson is a long-standing free-lance writer specialising in bluegrass music topics. A two-time Editor of British Bluegrass News, he has been seriously interested in bluegrass music since about 1970.As well as contributing to that magazine, he has, in the past 30 plus years, had articles published by Country Music World, International Country Music News, Country SUNSET PARK DESIGNATED A PENNSYLVANIA LANDMARK The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission has approved the placement of a marker at Sunset Park, the site of the famed country and bluegrass music park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in recognition of its historical significance.. Sunset Park was built in 1939 (and opened the following year) by G. Roy Waltman, who invited notables such as Tex Ritter and TV personalities Chief FLATT LONESOME SAYS BYE BYE, FOR NOW Flatt Lonesome has surely been among the most influential and entertaining bluegrass acts of the past decade. From their debut performance at SPBGMA in 2011, this talented group based around the Robertson siblings from Florida, have won raves for DOYLE LAWSON COMES RARIN' BACK WITH A NEW QUICKSILVER There is likely no more common topic of discussion in bluegrass circles than Doyle Lawson’s latest band. In his more than 40 years as a bandleader – and headliner – Doyle has reformed his touring group more times than he’d probably care to remember, and each time he watches a number of his star players move on to start a solo career or enter another line of work, he comes right back

RAY DEATON PASSES

Ray Deaton, the original and long time bassist and bass singer with IIIrd Tyme Out, died earlier today. He was 66 years of age. Prior to helping create IIIrd Tyme Out, Ray had been a member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, along with Russell Moore and Mike Hartgrove. JAKE GOFORTH, YOUNG NORTH CAROLINA GUITARIST, LOSES FATHERGARY GOFORTH OBITUARYJUDY GOFORTH OBITUARYMICHAEL GOFORTH OBITUARYPATRICIA GOFORTH OBITUARYWILLIAM GOFORTH OBITUARY Thirteen year old powerhouse guitarist and singer, Jake Goforth of Troy, NC, lost his dad, Michael, on Thursday. Visitation was on Saturday evening and funeral services were held Sunday afternoon. Stunning family and friends, Michael was only 49 when he took his

life.

JOSH SWIFT LEAVING DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER Josh Swift, reso-guitarist for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver this past 12 years, has announced his departure from the band.. There he has served as more than just a band member, handling a great many logistical details for Doyle on the road, and engineering many of their recordings since coming onboard in 2007. BLUEGRASS TODAY WEEKLY AIRPLAY CHART The Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay chart is compiled from actual airplay data logged and reported by our contributing Bluegrass DJ’s. BLUEGRASS TODAY EVENTS