The following Artists, Songs and Albums, were nominated for Grammy^® awards last night as during a televised nomination ceremony. The Grammy^® nominations listed below is a partial listing as related to bluegrass music.

Alison Krauss & Robert Plant’s “Raising Sand” (Rounder) picked up 5 nominations, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals, Best Country Collaboration With Vocals and Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album .

Burlington, MA – On March 24, Rounder Records will release Hillbilly Goddess, the new album by stunning vocalist Alecia Nugent. In the five short years since the release of Nugent’s debut CD, she has gone from being the toast of Hickory Grove, Louisiana to one of the most celebrated bluegrass & country singers across America’s heartland.

Framingham, MA. — The Boston Bluegrass Union (BBU) is proud to present the 24th annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival, Presidents Day Weekend, February 13 – 15, 2009, at the Sheraton in Framingham, MA.

This beloved winter tradition boasts a full weekend of top-notch bluegrass entertainment, including performances by some of the best national and regional bands, over forty master classes and workshops

Weston, VT. — A benefit for Linda Ralph of the Danby Four Corners Store will take place at the Weston Playhouse in Weston, VT. Linda was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the benefit is hoping to help Linda and Butch offset the medical expenses.

The Gibson Brothers, Cabin Fever, Acoustic Blue and the Seth Sawyer Band will perform at the benefit. The benefit begins at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 13th. There will be several items raffled off including a Martin Guitar, pairs of tickets to several area bluegrass festivals, tickets to the upcoming Claire Lynch performance in Hartford and much more.