Donna Hughes - Gaining Wisdom

Rising songwriter / vocalist Donna Hughes has announced a string of summer and fall tour dates in support of her critically acclaimed Rounder debut album, Gaining Wisdom. Released in February, Gaining Wisdom continues to receive solid support at press and radio. The album is currently #15 on Bluegrass Unlimited’s Albums chart (August issue) with “Bottom of a Glass” at #21 on the Songs chart.

Produced by acoustic music maverick Tony Rice, Gaining Wisdom features 12 impressive originals and two covers (including a moving rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time”). Though rooted in classic bluegrass, the North Carolina native is unafraid to branch out, seeking a wide range of acoustic sounds and styles to complement her moving, thoughtful compositions. Among the artists contributing to Gaining Wisdom are Tony Rice, Alison Krauss, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sam Bush, Rhonda Vincent, Alecia Nugent, Carl Jackson, Tim Stafford, Rob Ickes and Sonya Isaacs. Well-known behind the scenes as an eminent songwriter, Hughes has had her songs recorded by such artists as Alison Krauss (”My Poor Old Heart” on Lonely Runs Both Ways) and The Seldom Scene (”Sad Old Train” on their forthcoming album.)

Upcoming Tour Dates

August
11 Virginia Highlands - Abingdon, VA (3pm and 5pm)
25 Flat Rock Wine Shop - Flat Rock, NC

September
1 Nelson Farms - Butler, TN
15 Dollywood - Pigeon Forge, TN
19 The Birchmere - Alexandria, VA (opening for Marty Stuart)
29 Eddie’s Attic - Decatur, GA
30 Hamilton County Fair - Chattanooga, TN

October
1-6 IBMA - Nashville Convention Center Nashville, TN

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois State Fair’s annual fiddle and banjo contest will be held Saturday (Aug. 11) on the Springfield fairground’s Lincoln Stage. Both contests are split into three age divisions: junior for those 16 and younger; 17 to 59 years old; and a senior division for those 60 and older.

First-place prize money ranges from $200 to $150, with cash awarded to the top three finishers in each class. No entry fee is required to enter the contest, but contestants must pay their own admission to the fairgrounds. Contestants may enter the day of the contest, starting at 9 a.m. Registration will close at 10:15 a.m.

Each contestant must play two tunes of their choice, one being a hoe down and the other a waltz. No more than three accompanists will be allowed per contestant and electric amplification is a no-no.

Fiddle players cannot perform “Black Mountain Rag,” “Orange Blossom Special” and “Listen to the Mockingbird.”

Judging will be on the following abilities: rhythm and timing, creativity, authenticity and taste, expression and execution.

The order of performance for contestants will be posted at the Lincoln Stage one hour prior to competition.

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Pinecastle Records is re-releasing both Terry Eldredge solo projects: 1992’s “Your Own Set of Rules” and 1994’s “Making the Rounds.” Terry is currently a member of the award-winning band The Grascals. The band has won Emerging Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association.

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The Dixie Bee-Liners have been in the studio recording their debut record on Pinecastle. The record will be produced and engineered by the legendary Bil VornDick, who has worked with everyone from Bob Dylan to Ralph Stanley. Despite, Bil Vorndick’s dynamic repertoire he still has great things to say about working with The Dixie Bee-Liners:

“I am enjoying producing the new album on The Dixie Bee-Liners, and it is one of the more creative albums I have produced in a really long time. They are extremely talented and this album will put a new artistic edge to acoustic music.”Bil VornDick

The Dixie Bee-Liners debut on Pinecastle will be available in the first quarter of 2008

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