Jim Lauderdale - The Bluegrass Diaries

Jim Lauderdale, one of country music’s most prolific songwriters is back again with a new batch of bluegrass tunes with The Bluegrass Diaries. Currently set to be released September 18 on Yep Roc Records.

Fresh off of a 2006 Grammy nomination for his last bluegrass album Bluegrass and an earlier Grammy win in 2002 for his album Lost In the Lonesome Pines with Ralph Stanley, The Bluegrass Diaries is the first of three albums the Nashville legend will release over the course of the next year. After releasing two albums in 2006, the man Nashville has come to know as the quintessential “songwriter’s songwriter” is still constantly writing, recording and collaborating, resulting in this legendary output of top notch gems. Lauderdale has penned hits for some of country music’s most chart-topping superstars including The Dixie Chicks, George Jones, George Strait, Vince Gill and Patti Loveless.

The Bluegrass Diaries picks up where Bluegrass left off allowing Lauderdale to indulge in his passion for intricate picking and foot stompin’ with his friends. The album includes Jesse Cobb on Mandolin, Richard Bailey on Banjo, Jay Weaver on bass, Cody Kilby on guitar and Aaron Till on fiddle as well as many other special guests. On The Bluegrass Diaries Lauderdale blends bluegrass chops with his signature turn of phrase. At root, the album is a metaphor for Lauderdale’s entire career; switchblade-sharp, honest and starkly American.

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Sam Bush by David McClister

NASHVILLE, TN - Legendary bluegrass and Americana artist Sam Bush has been selected to host the International Bluegrass Music Awards October 4, 2007, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN.

Besides helming the popular Sam Bush Band, the mandolin prodigy from Kentucky has been a prodigious influence on musicians young and old–not only in his wide-ranging choice of material and signature groove, but also with his captivating, high-energy live shows that make him a much demanded headliner at mega-festivals and concert halls alike.

When not heading his own band, Bush has spent the past 15 years as a “super sideman” with the likes of Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett and the Flecktones; spearheaded boundary-stretching collaborations with Edgar Meyer, Mark O’Connor and David Grisman; and driven a number of bluegrass supergroup collaborations with his powerful, inimitable mandolin chop.

“I am excited to be asked to host this year’s IBMA Awards Show. Bluegrass is and has always been an important part of my life and the foundation of the music I play. I love the music, the pickers and the fans. It’s an honor and a thrill. I’m psyched!”Sam Bush

On the Road, the first live concert DVD from the Sam Bush Band, is slated for an August 14 release on the Sugar Hill label. Recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, Calif., the world class band spins acoustic gold on a collection of favorites from Sam’s solo releases and New Grass hits, along with crowd pleasers like John Hartford’s “Back in the Goodle Days.” Bonus content on the disc includes interview footage from the taping, in-studio footage from Laps In Seven, and the music video for “The River’s Gonna Run” featuring Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller.

The International Bluegrass Music Awards are determined by the professional membership of the association and recognize outstanding achievement in the bluegrass genre. The show is syndicated to more than 300 radio stations across the country and around the world, and will be broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio. National Sponsors for the show include Martha White Foods; GACTV; GHS Strings; MerleFest and Deering Banjos.Tickets go on sale to the public on August 16 and may be purchased from Ticketmaster at 615-255-9600 or the Grand Ole Opry House Box Office at 800-733-6779.

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Reserved tickets are on sale now for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s annual awards show.

Through Aug. 15, tickets are only available to IBMA members.Remaining tickets will be made available to the general public after that date.

The program, saluting the best bluegrass has to offer, starts at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. It’s a highlight of the World of Bluegrass convention in Nashville. The week also includes the IBMA Business Conference for industry professionals and Bluegrass Fan Fest, obviously geared toward patrons of the genre. Both the business conference and fan gathering will be held at the Nashville Convention Center/Renaissance Hotel.

The annual business conference, to be held Oct. 5-7, will feature artist showcases, an exhibit hall with more than 100 booths, professional development seminars, member constituency meetings and one-on-one networking, according to IBMA’s Web site.

The fan fest, also running Oct. 5-7, will highlight more than 60 artists and include the Masters Workshop Stage, Roots & Branches Stage, exhibit hall, and virtually non-stop jam sessions.

Three-day tickets for Fan Fest will be sold through the IBMA office or the organization’s Web site through Sept. 7. After that , all tickets must be purchased at the gate. All single day and student tickets will be sold only at the gate for the day of purchase. No single day or student tickets are sold in advance.

According to IBMA. org, reserved seating tickets to the IBMA Awards Show are sold separately and not included in Business Conference registration packages or Fan Fest tickets.

“Tickets are sold at three different levels and while all seats at the Grand Ole Opry House are excellent, the higher price seats are in closer proximity to the stage or have slightly better views,” the Web site states.

Ticket prices for IBMA Lifetime members range from $30 to $80. All other IBMA members have ticket prices ranging from $90 to $30. Non-member tickets, which go on sale Aug. 15, run from $35 to $100.

Tickets and reservations can be made on line.

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Sugar Hill Records

• Seldom Scene - Scenechronized,
• Sam Bush - On The Road (DVD)
• Absolutely Bluegrass Vol. 1.

Rebel Records

• Steep Canyon Rangers - Lovin’ Pretty Women

Rounder Records

• The Charlie Sizemore Band - Good News

American Roots Publishing

• Shawn Camp & Billy Burnette - The Bluegrass Elvises Vol. 1

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