Greenbrier in the studio with guest musicans Danny Barnes and Shad Cobb during the recording of “The Back of the Book.”

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. — Bluegrass band, Greenbrier is proud to announce the title track from their March 29, 2008 album, “The Back of the Book” has been released to bluegrass radio as the first single. The song is an original by band member Roger Helton who also performs guitar, banjo, Dobro and vocals on the CD along with other band members, Jimbo Whaley (vocals and guitar); Scott Carris (bass); and guests, Danny Barnes (mandolin); and Shad Cobb (fiddle).

Last month Greenbrier kicked off the release of “The Back of the Book” with what became a CD Release concert and celebration. The event was held at the Historic Mills Auditorium in Gatlinburg, TN where over 1300 fans attended and over 1200 CDs were sold. Guests included: Marty Raybon, Trey Hensley, Danny Barnes, Dr. Eric Littleton, Whaley’s son, Turner, and many more. The concert featured songs from “The Back of the Book” including new fan favorites, “Barabbas, Breakin’,” “Jail at Midnight,” “You Take the Lead” and the title track to name a few.

Greenbrier is one of the most popular bluegrass bands in the East Tennessee area, but due to high demand elsewhere, they are now performing select dates around the country including California, Wisconsin and most recently, a recent sold out Atlanta show with Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain.

Greenbrier has one previously released CD, “I Want to Know More,” that was released in 2005 and Whaley has numerous solo projects including: a live performance DVD/CD, “Jimbo Whaley & Friends” released in 2007, “The Kings of Orebank” released in 2006 and his self titled album released in 2005.

For more information on Greenbrier please visit www.JimboWhaley.com

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Wilksboro, NC — The high cost of travel and a downturn in the economy didn’t seem to slow down attendance to this years MerleFest. According to a press release on Merlefest’s website, this years festival was enjoyed by over 76,000 festival attendees this year. Over the course of four days, the Wilkes Community College campus became the home of a wide variety of traditional-plus fans and players with music featured on a multitude of stages daily.

Preliminary estimates show that MerleFest 2008 overall participation reached 76,708 which is comparable to 2007 participation of 79,412. “We are so proud that MerleFest fans remain committed to the event despite current economic conditions and threatening weather that included a storm delay on Saturday,” says festival director Ted Hagaman. “Since we opened ticket sales in November we have seen single day ticket sales outpace four-day ticket sales.”

Performers at MerleFest 2008 included The Avett Brothers; Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Fleck, Casey Driessen, & Ben Sollee; Sam Bush; The Carolina Chocolate Drops; Jerry Douglas; Levon Helm & The Midnight Ramble on the Road with Special Guests; Solas “Reunion,”with Karan Casey & John Doyle; Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder; Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mtn Boys; Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives; Rhonda Vincent and The Rage; Dan Tyminski Band; Alison Brown Quartet with Joe Craven; Donna The Buffalo; Blue Highway; The Claire Lynch Band; Dirk Powell & Riley Baugus; Tony Rice; Peter Rowan; Ollabelle; Sally Van Meter; Rhonda Vincent & The Rage; Pete Wernick & Flexigrass; Tim O’Brien; The Waifs; The Waybacks; Old Crow Medicine Show, and many more.

Additional information about all aspects of the festival can be found at www.merlefest.org.

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Davis, OK — The grass is green and the flowers have bloomed in the Arbuckle Mountains, but at Arbuckle Mt. Park the grass is “blue” with the old time country and gospel just about to come into full bloom. That can only mean one thing, the Arbuckle Mountain Spring Bluegrass Jam is just around the corner. The Spring Bluegrass Jam takes place May 11-17 with tents set up for open jamming all week long.

Old timers, newcomer’s to their instruments and singers are encouraged to attend.

“Jams are a wonderful opportunity for the old-timers as well as the new players and singers. If you are new to playing, come on out and join a jam and there is always someone willing to help you if you need help. Everyone is welcome to join in or just listen. Acoustical instruments Only. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy visiting with old friends and meeting new friends. Bluegrassers are some of the best people in the world.”Rosemary Bowen - Arbuckle Mt. Park

Arbuckle Mountain Bluegrass Park is located North of Davis, OK on I-35, Exit 60 (Ruppe Rd), turn East and follow signs .

Events scheduled for the week include:

• An Open Stage will be held on Friday evening from 7-9 pm.
• Food Concessions available Saturday ONLY.
• A Pot Luck on Monday May 12th at 6 PM. Bring a dish to share.
• Band Scramble on Saturday May 17th at 1 PM
• A free quilt drawing will be held after the Band Scramble.

The annual Band Scramble will be held on Saturday, May 17th , at 1 pm. This has become a very popular event during the Arbuckle Mountain Spring Bluegrass Jam. Entries must be in by Noon and there will be prizes awarded for 1st - 3rd place. For the less informed, a band scramble is where musicians put their name in a bowl for which ever instrument they play. Names will be drawn out of each instrument bowl to make up a band. The band will then have a few minutes to determine what their band name will be and perform on stage. We have really had a lot of fun with this event. If you have a desire to be on stage, this is your chance!

The campground has hookups for 300 RV’s. There are clean hot showers, restrooms and 2 dump stations plus a honey wagon. The park will be open for early arrivals.

Arbuckle Mt. Park strives to have family oriented events where everyone is treated like family. A place where you don’t have to worry about what you , your kids or grand kids see or hear, Good Clean Fun and Fellowship . There are ABSOLUTELY NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL allowed.

RV camping is $12 a day, 7 or more days, $10 and Rough Camping $6. Admission is $1 for drive-ins. There is no admission charge for campers.

For more information contact Allen or Rosemary Bowen at (405) 665-5226, rosemary@brightok.net or our website: www.arbucklemtbluegrasspark.com.

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