musicreporterblog

Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass


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Remember Pat Green? You can catch him playing his new album at Ziggys on Wednesday, March 11

Singer-songwriter Pat Green’s claim to fame is the haunting, “Wave on Wave,” a crossover smash hit which topped the charts more than a decade ago. But the Texas native is no one-hit wonder. In fact, he has a new album out, “What I’m For,” and he’s coming to Ziggy’s at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, in Winston-Salem. If you like Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett, Jimmy Buffet and Dierks Bentley, you won’t want to miss Green’s show. Advanced tickets are $17 and $20 at the door. Buy tickets here.
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Dwight Yoakam to make first appearance at MerleFest 2015, Steep Canyon Rangers and Shannon Whitworth also added

MerleFest fans: If you have never seen Dwight Yoakam perform live, you are in for a treat at this year’s festival! The good folks over in Wilkesboro just announced that Yoakam will be performing on the Watson stage for the first time. The festival is also welcoming banjo-songstress Shannon Whitworth and perennial faves and N.C. natives Steep Canyon Rangers, who are also schedule to perform at Rooster Walk 7 over Memorial Day weekend in Axton, Va. Continue reading


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‘Live at the Rives Theatre Concert Series’ kicks off season with Asheville Country Music Revue, Junto and Kristin Diable on Saturday, Jan. 31

MARTINSVILLE, Va. — The historic Rives Theatre in uptown Martinsville, Va., will kick off its annual “Live at the Rives Theatre Concert Series” season on Saturday, Jan. 31, with Asheville Country Music Revue and Junto, featuring members of Sanctum Sully, as well as Kristin Diable. Continue reading

Yarn performs at Rooster Walk 6


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Steep Canyon Rangers among bands added to Rooster Walk 7’s Memorial Day Weekend lineup

The Grammy-winning bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers has been added to the Rooster Walk 7 lineup for the May 21-24, 2015, festival on Pop’s Farm in Axton, Va. Continue reading

After Jack performs at Rooster Walk 6


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Listen up! My favorite Americana discoveries of 2014

One of the reasons I attend Americana music festivals is for the opportunity to be exposed to new music and musicians I might never have sampled on my own. Following is a list of some my favorite Americana musical discoveries of 2014 at some of my favorite festivals in no particular order and where I first heard them. I hope that you will share your own discoveries.

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Seven questions with bluegrass master Tim O’Brien of Hot Rize, Earls of Leicester fame

Tim O’Brien has been called a lot of things throughout his musical career, which spans more than four decades: newgrass, bluegrass, singer, songwriter, mandolin aficionado.

He has been called a lot of things because, well, he does a lot of things. Continue reading


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42nd Telluride Bluegrass Festival initial lineup includes historic collaboration of Cooder, White and Skaggs and new faces among usual suspects

I’m using my least favorite day of the year, Winter Solstice, to tell you about a show you don’t want to miss on my favorite day of the year, Summer Solstice: the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. This festival holds a special place in my heart. It is the first bluegrass festival I ever attended. One of my best friends and fellow music lover, Lynn Holt, introduced me to the magic of the box canyon that is topped by the twin Bridal Veil Falls and a river running through its lush valley. If Kevin Costner’s dad in “Field of Dreams” showed up there, he would ask if it was heaven. You seriously have to see it to understand how amazing it is. Continue reading

Yarn performs at Rooster Walk 6


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Rooster Walk 7 Music and Arts Festival announces initial lineup, early-bird ticket sales for May 21-24, 2015, event event

Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival organizers have announced the initial lineup for Rooster Walk 7 set for May 21-24, 2015. The event will feature Yarn (Saturday and Sunday), Southern Culture on the Skids (Thursday), the Kings of Belmont, After Jack, Major & the Monbacks and Lizzy Ross.

“We’re super excited to welcome SCOTS into the fold for the first time, and thrilled to bring the other five Rooster Walk vets back again,” says Johnny Buck, Rooster Walk executive director.

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After Jack performs at Rooster Walk 6


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Give yourself a gift: Go hear After Jack perform at the Rives Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 20

After Jack, a Franklin County-based “hot folk” trio, is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Rives Theatre in uptown Martinsville, Va., as part of The Bluegrass at the Rives Concert Series. Continue reading