Roger Brown, president of Berklee College of Music will be Keynote Speaker
This year’s keynote speaker, scheduled to address convention attendees on Monday night, Sept. 29, is Roger Brown, president of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. Former Berklee students, graduates and faculty read like a Who’s Who in the music industry, including Chris Pandolfi, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Mark Schatz, Casey Driessen, Scott Rouse, Rushad Eggleston, Evan Price, Nate Leath, Matt Glaser, Mark Simos, David Hollander, John McGann, August Watters and more. Since Brown became president, Berklee has added music performance majors in mandolin and banjo, making it possible for students to earn a degree with a focus on bluegrass, along with jazz and other types of popular music.

Brown, a bluegrass fan himself, is a graduate of Davidson College with a degree in physics and a graduate of the Yale School of Management. Although best known as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, he’s also a drummer who has performed on several CDs of children’s music. Brown co-founded Bright Horizons Family Solutions in 1986 with his wife, Linda Mason, serving as CEO until 2002 for the organization which aids non-profit agencies working with at-risk children. Prior to 1986, he was co-director of the Save the Children relief and development effort in Sudan, and worked on the border of Thailand with Cambodian refugees for CARE and UNICEF, both with Mason. Brown and Mason co-authored the book Rice, Rivalry, and Politics, which examines the management of emergency relief efforts. Roger also co-founded Horizons for Homeless Children, which serves the needs of homeless children throughout the Boston area. He received the 1999 Caring Corporation Award from the Child Care Action Campaign, and he was honored in 1997 by Working Mother magazine as one of the “25 Friends of the Family,” a title bestowed upon men who have made it easier for working parents to raise and nurture children. He was also named National Entrepreneur of the Year in 1996 by Ernst and Young/USA Today, and Best Entrepreneur by Business Week magazine in 1997.

Nashville, Tenn. — The International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) annual World of Bluegrass events, set for September 29-October 5 at the Nashville Convention Center and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, are aptly named. This is the “must attend” week for everyone interested in what’s new in the whole, wide bluegrass world and committed to the future success of the industry.

The week kicks off for industry professionals at the IBMA Business Conference sponsored by Bluegrass Unlimited magazine and D’Addario Strings. With more than 2,000 key music and entertainment leaders in one place from around the globe, this week is about building relationships with event producers, television & radio broadcasters, retailers, record labels, agents, managers, artists, songwriters, journalists, educators, association leaders, suppliers, producers & engineers, publicists, internet consultants & designers, historians, academic leaders and also consumers. It’s a week for showcasing talent, as well as new ideas, new songs, new events, projects and merchandise.

One of the benefits of attending IBMA’s World of Bluegrass Business Conference is checking out new talent, as well as new personnel and albums from current artists. The following artists will showcase during the conference: Balsam Range, Blue Highway, Cherryholmes, Cumberland Gap Connection, Dappled Grays, Dixie Bee Liners, The Farewell Drifters, The Gibson Brothers, The Lonesome River Band, Kathy Mattea, Alecia Nugent, Red Wine, Sawmill Road, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, The Charlie Sizemore Band, The SteelDrivers, Ernie Thacker, Donna Ulisse and Widow Maker.

As an acknowledgment of the continued growth of bluegrass—both artistically and commercially—around the world, IBMA will sponsor for the first time a two-day International Summit on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Led by professional facilitator, bluegrass historian and broadcaster Fred Bartenstein, international attendees will take a look at current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for bluegrass music outside of the U.S., as well as explore new ideas and options for the future and build consensus for priorities.

Also new this year is the Crash Course for Bluegrass Songwriters, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1. The seminar is designed for bluegrass artists who want to take their writing to a more professional level and for songwriters interested in pitching their songs more effectively to artists in the bluegrass community.

The high point of the week is the International Bluegrass Music Awards Show, which will be hosted at the historically rich Ryman Auditorium on Thursday evening, Oct. 2. Fans and industry reps alike won’t want to miss this salute to the year’s outstanding achievements during a fast-paced evening of fabulous performances and the presentation of the industry’s top awards.

Wrapping up the week with a bluegrass festival unlike any other, is Bluegrass Fan Fest (Oct. 3-5), sponsored in part by Martha White Foods, Martin Guitars and Knee Deep in Bluegrass. Inside the comfortable setting of the Nashville Convention Center, attendees will enjoy music from more than 60 acts on four stages, including the Main Stage, the Roots & Branches Stage, the Masters Workshop Stage and the Grand Master Fiddler Championship.

Performing artists confirmed at press time include: The Grascals, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Bradley Walker, Kathy Mattea, Cherryholmes, Blue Highway, Dailey & Vincent, Michael Martin Murphey, David Parmley & Continental Divide, Paul Williams & Victory Trio, The Greencards, Special Consensus, Larry Stephenson, Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Group, The Chapmans, Ralph Stanley II, Alecia Nugent, Grasstowne, Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, Keith Sewell, NewFound Road, Blue Moon Rising, Circuit Riders, Balsam Range, The Freight Hoppers, The April Verch Band, Ramona Jones Family & Friends, G2 Bluegrass Band, The Maybelles, The Red Desert Ramblers, The Tina & Buddy Wright Group, The Songcatchers, Dennis Cash & Friends, plus more artists to be announced soon.

Proceeds from Fan Fest ticket sales benefit the Bluegrass Trust Fund, established to help bluegrass professionals during times of emergency need, as well as IBMA’s marketing and educational events to promote the music year-round. All artists appearing at the event donate their time and talents for the cause.

Tickets for all events are available at www.ibma.org or by calling 888-GET-IBMA (615) 256-3222. For discount rates on accommodations, call the event housing bureau at 1-877-259-4716.

WORLD OF BLUEGRASS 2008 SCHEDULE
(all activities at the Nashville Convention Center unless otherwise noted)

Monday, September 29, 2008

• Noon-1 p.m. Orientation (For All Attendees)
• 1:15-3 p.m.: Professional Development Seminars
• 1:15-5 p.m.: Crash Course for Artists
• 3-6 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Open
• 6:30-8 p.m.: Keynote Address & Dinner
• 8-11 p.m.: Artist Showcases
• 11 p.m.-2 a.m.: After Hours Showcases, Jam Sessions

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

• 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.: International Summit (NEW)
• 10-11:30 a.m.: Professional Development Seminars
• 1:15-2:30 p.m.: IBMA Member Constituent Meetings
• 2-6:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
• 2:45-3:45 p.m. Professional Development Seminars
• 4-6:30 p.m. Songwriter Showcase, sponsored by ASCAP
• 6:30-8:15 p.m.: Song Circle 1 & 2
• 8:30-11 p.m. Artist Showcases
• 11 p.m.-2 a.m.: After Hours Showcases, Jam Sessions

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

• 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.: International Summit
• 9 a.m.: Sign up for Gig Fair appointments
• 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.: Sign up for Mentor Sessions
• 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: Golf Tournament*
• 11 am to 1 pm: Artist Showcase Brunch
• 1-5 p.m.: Health Fair, sponsored by MusiCares
• 1:30-6:30 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Open
• 1:15-3:45 p.m.: GIG FAIR
• 4-6 p.m.: Professional Development Seminars
• 4-7 p.m.: Crash Course for Bluegrass Songwriters (NEW)
• 7-8 p.m.: Bluegrass Songwriter Assoc. meeting
• 8:30-11 p.m. Artist Showcases
• 11 p.m.-2 a.m.: After Hours Showcases, Jam Sessions

Thursday, October 2, 2008

• 9-10:30 a.m.: Town Hall Membership Meeting
• 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: Special Awards Luncheon
• 1:30-5 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Open
• 2-4 p.m.: DJ Taping Sessions
• 3-5 p.m.: Song Demo Listening Sessions
• 8:30-11 p.m.: INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS* - Ryman Auditorium

Friday, October 3, 2008

• 8 a.m.: Fan Fest Ticket Sales Open
• 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Utilizing Bluegrass in the Classroom Teacher Workshop
• 10:30 a.m.: Fan Fest Main Stage Opens
• 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Open
• 11 p.m.-2 a.m.: After Hours Showcases, Jam Sessions

Saturday, October 4, 2008

• 8 a.m.: Fan Fest Ticket Sales Open
• 10:30 a.m.: Fan Fest Main Stage Opens
• 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Open
• 11 p.m.-2 a.m.: After Hours Showcases, Jam Sessions

Sunday, October 5, 2008

• 9 a.m.-Noon: Bluegrass Chapel/Gospel Show

*Separate ticketing required for certain functions.
ALL TIMES AND FUNCTIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
All times listed: U.S. Central Time

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Lonesome River Band - “No Turning Back” (Rural Rhythm) hits streets on September 9.

Nashville, Tenn. — Rural Rhythm Records is very proud to announce a brand new single, “Them Blues ” by the Lonesome River Band that will be released to bluegrass radio on the next Rural Rhythm “Fresh Cuts & Key Tracks” Radio CD July 15, 2008. The song is from the band’s upcoming new album, “No Turning Back” scheduled for release September 9th. This will be the 12th album by this award-winning band comprised of Sammy Shelor (banjo, vocals), Brandon Rickman (guitar, vocals), Mike Hartgrove (fiddle), Andy Ball (mandolin, vocals), and Mike Anglin (bass, vocals).

Shelor commented today, “We are always looking to the future with Lonesome River Band and can’t wait for all our fans and friends to hear these great new songs on “No Turning Back.”

“I feel like we have reinvented the LRB sound with this band and I’m really excited about working with these guys - on stage and in the studio. With a reinvented sound, it seems like the right time to go a different direction with distribution and marketing, and we couldn’t have made a better choice than Rural Rhythm Records. The Passamano family has shown the same seriousness and dedication about their end of the business as we do about ours. I look forward to what we can accomplish together. It’s amazing that the band has gone on for 25 years, but you can’t simply rest on your laurels in the music business,” he continued.

Terry Herd of the Bluegrass Radio Network said, “Sammy Shelor once told me he only wanted to make CDs his fans would be proud of. With the release of “No Turning Back“, I just say wholeheartedly Mission Accomplished.” The CD includes songs by highly respected, songwriter and LRB band member Brandon Rickman who co-wrote: Dime Store Rings with Charlie Stefl; Not There Yet with Jerry Salley; Depression with Amanda Williams; and Long Way From Home with Kevin Denny.

Over the years, LRB band members have left to pursue solo or songwriting careers and many have left - only to return again. During those years however, one thing still remains - Lonesome River Band’s distinctive sound and popularity that never seems to change.

When Sammy Shelor and Ronnie Bowman joined Lonesome River Band in 1990, Shelor had just come off a six year stint with the popular Virginia Squires, but never envisioned himself leading LRB one day. The group’s breakout CD, “Carrying The Tradition“, released in 1991 included Shelor, Bowman, Dan Tyminski, and Lonesome River Band founder, Tim Austin. They recorded a second album, “Old Country Town,” before Tyminski accepted a gig with Alison Krauss & Union Station and Austin decided to leave the road to focus on his recording studio, Doobie Shea. At that time, Shelor and Bowman took over band management, and when Bowman left in 2001, Shelor found himself in charge, leading the band that had hired him years earlier. Over the years, LRB included the likes of Kenny Smith, Don Rigsby, Ron Stewart, and Rickie Simpkins just to name a few of the stellar musicians that have toured and recorded with the group.

Lonesome River Band’s long career is obviously filled with a multitude of Awards and Recognitions including the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) honoring the group with the Album of the Year award and an amazing four-time award wins for Shelor as Banjo Performer of the Year. The group has also received recognition by SPBGMA for multiple Bluegrass Band of Year wins, Vocal Group of the Year, Song of the Year and Shelor as Banjo Player of the Year.

The Lonesome River Band is now on tour at festivals and concerts throughout the country including July festival appearances at the Music in the Mountains, OATS Bluegrass Festival, Wayside Bluegrass Festival, Musicians Against Childhood Cancer, Lowell Folk Festival and more. For a complete schedule and more information on the band, please visit www.lonesomeriverband.com

Rural Rhythm Records has more information on The Lonesome River Band on their site at
http://ruralrhythm.com/LonesomeRiverBand.htm including new photos, song clips (coming soon) and more album information.

“No Turning Back” Track Listing:

1. Them Blues
2. Like a Train Needs a Track
3. Dime Store Ring
4. One Littel Teardrop
5. Wires and Wood
6. Somebody’s Missing You
7. I’m Not There Yet
8. Long Way From Home
9. Depression
10. Molly
11. Darkness Wept
12. I’d Worship You
13. Struttin’ To Ferrum
14. Flowers

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The new Murphy Method Blog has officially launched.

The Murphy Method has launched it’s own blog with the likely title of the Murphy Method Blog.

It was officially kicked off Tuesday with some preliminary posts.

“We will blog about what we’re doing, about teaching, about instruments, or whatever happens to be on our minds at the moment. We will also answer your questions,” said Murphy Henry.

Murphy, Casey, and Red Henry will rotate posts.

“We invite you to bookmark it and visit often. We’ll have at least one new post every weekday (we’re saving Saturday and Sunday for actually doing the things we’ll write about,)” Murphy Henry said.

In other news from the Murphy Method family of bluegrass instructional materials, Casey Henry is filling in this month on banjo with the Dixie Bee-Liners.

The blog and other information about the Murphy Method line of materials can be found at www.murphymethod.com

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Indiana

July 4-5 — Cedar Valley Bluegrass Festival - Derby, IN. Bluegrass Artists scheduled to appear include: Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Bluegrass 101, David Parmley & Continental Divide, Tommy Brown & County Line Grass, Audie Blaylock and More. Single day tickets are $20 or a festival pass good for both days is $35.

Tennessee

July 4-5 — Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree - Smithville, TN. The official State and National Fiddlers Championship offering over $12,000 in cash prizes. Admission to the public is free.

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Donna the Buffalo - “Silverlined” on Sugar Hill Records will be released July 8.

Nashville, Tenn. — Donna the Buffalo is twenty years young this year and as energized as ever. Their 7th record, Silverlined, which will be released on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 on Sugar Hill Records, builds on Donna the Buffalo’s signature sound — a bedrock of traditional mountain music infused with elements of Cajun, rock, folk, reggae and country. Throughout Silverlined, these undulating rhythms carry the original lyrics, and alternating vocals, of founding members Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear along a powerful, mesmerizing current.

Donna the Buffalo represents one of most respected ‘brands’ in the world of touring roots acts. The band has put countless miles on their vintage biodiesel bus playing the country’s most prestigious festivals and clubs. Their fervent fan base, nicknamed The Herd, follows the band with zeal and has created a unique and supportive community online and at DTB shows across the nation. As an extension of this community and the band’s own dedication to live roots music, Donna the Buffalo started its own annual event — The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance — in upstate NY which draws more than 15,000 people every year.

Unlike their last record, Life’s a Ride, which was recorded in DTB’s home studio, (The Tracking Shack, in Perry City, New York) Silverlined went many miles, and has many hands in its making. Only one track was recorded in their home studio; two were recorded at Yes Master studio in Nashville, Tennessee, ten at Echo Mountain in Asheville, North Carolina, and several vocal tracks were laid down at Sound Cell Studio in Huntsville, Alabama. Silverlined was co-produced with — and engineered by — New York-based recording engineer Joe Blaney, whose eclectic list of clients includes the diverse talents of Keith Richards, Prince, and Blues Traveler.

Rounding out DTB with Nevins (vocals, guitar, fiddle, accordion) and Puryear (vocals, guitar) are Tom Gilbert, drums (eleven years with DTB), David McCracken, keyboards, and Jay Sanders, bass (he recently replaced Bill Reynolds who’s off with Band of Horses). Silverlined also includes the talents of such well-known guests as Béla Fleck, Claire Lynch, David Hidalgo and Amy Helm.

Silverlined Track Listing:

1. Temporary Misery 3:20
2. Tomorrow Still Knows 4:51
3. Locket And Key 3:20
4. Garden Of Eden 3:52
5. Broken Record 3:18
6. Meant To Be 3:48
7. Biggie K 3:26
8. Silverlined 3:08
9. The Call 5:03
10. I Don’t Need A Riddle 2:53
11. Blue Eyes 4:03
12. Beauty Within 3:03
13. Forty Days And Forty Nights 3:55

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