Spring Valley, CA — Discovering how to create a banjo with great balance, tonal purity, and incredible resonance has long been the mission of Greg Deering of the Deering Banjo Company. His relentless pursuit of excellence has not elevated the tonal character of the ever popular Goodtime banjo to a level unheard of in a banjo for 4 times the price. Months of labor to create the new tooling and training their luthiers in the exacting technique needed to gently bend the delicate and resonant sweet maple wood have culminated in the creation of their exclusive, solidly built 3-ply all maple rims….

Nashville, Tenn. — The Americana Music Association has announced that legendary Nashville radio station 650AM WSM will be officially added to the Americana Music Radio Panel starting Monday, March 2, 2009.

“It’s always an honor to be accepted as a member to a radio panel of premier broadcasters. WSM’s contribution to the Americana Chart is evidence that quality artists have a platform to reach a national and international audience at 650AM and WSMonline.com,” says WSM Program Director Joe Limardi….

Nashville, Tenn. — DelFest organizers have announced that the deadline for discounted tickets has been extended until March 2nd at midnight. The festival, to be held in Cumberland, Maryland Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-24th will continue to offer the adult 3-day pass for the discounted price of $110.00 until March 2nd, after that, the price changes to $125.00 through April 6….

Olivia Smiley has already proven herself as a fiddler, compiling more trophies from fiddle contests than you can shake a well-rosined bow at. Now, she’s on the path of proving herself as a bona fide bluegrass artist with her second CD, Bright Lights and Avenues, recorded with her three-piece backup band, Main Street.

Alexandria, VA — GRAMMY^® winning artists Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer will present a Songwriting Workshop at the Lab at Convergence, (1819 Crestwood Dr.) in Alexandria, VA on March 7. The workshop, running from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, is limited to 50 seats and priced at $50.00 per person. To pre-register, visit www.SAW.org and click on the events / workshops box….