Jim Hurst, the much lauded guitarist with the Claire Lynch Band, has started offering guitar lessons over the internet via webcam. All that is required for the online lessons is a webcam, broadband internet connection and a chat program.

According to a recent newsletter, Hurst is offering intermediate and advanced lessons in flatpicking or fingerstyle guitar….

The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco has posted a lengthy lineup, including several bluegrass acts, for its October run, but a performing schedule has yet to be posted on the festival’s Web site, http://www.strictlybluegrass.com.

The festival, headed into its ninth year, is gaining in popularity on the list of mega music events around the country….