East Hartford, CT — The Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival is proud to announce some very special band workshops to be held on Saturday, August 2, 2008 as part of the 13th Annual Podunk Bluegrass Festival.

New last year was a band competition at the Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival held in East Hartford, Connecticut the first full weekend of August. The competition was an opportunity for bands looking to take their presence to the next level and be given an opportunity to perform with some of the top names in bluegrass. As a way to enhance this experience the Board of the Podunk Bluegrass Festival decided to develop a series of workshops from some of the best in Bluegrass to give the bands in the competition even more of an opportunity to improve. Podunk Vice President, Jim Perry said, ” We wanted to offer something that no other festival was doing as a way to promote these upcoming bands and help them become players on the National scene.” Perry went on to say, “If you have a band, play in a band or are thinking about starting a band then this is for you. You don’t have to be playing Bluegrass to learn a great deal from the group we have put together to present.”

These workshops will be held a half mile from the festival grounds at the East Hartford Cultural Center 50 Chapman Place, East Hartford, CT 06108, on Saturday, August 2nd where the sessions will be in an air-conditioned building. Roger Moss, Director of East Hartford Parks and Recreation and one of the coordinators of the festival said, “We didn’t want to just have these sessions in a field were there would be distractions and people coming and going. We wanted these to be class like but informal enough to allow people to ask questions and get answers that will help them whether they played in a Bluegrass band or an acoustic band to even rock and roll. I believe these presenters will be able to give advice to all.”

Anyone who would like to attend these sessions may register at the Podunk Bluegrass website at http://podunkbluegrass.net by clicking on ticket information. There will be a $15.00 fee to attend all the sessions. Jim Perry concluded by saying, “If you paid for these sessions anywhere else it would cost you $500-$1,000 to get this information. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.”

The sessions will include:

10-11:15 AM Working with an Agent - by Jim Roe, Roe Entertainment, Nashville, TN

Jim Roe possesses a diverse array of experience, including 7 years at MCA Nashville as the Senior National Director of Sales and two years of sales consulting for Skaggs Family Records. He began his own booking agency, Roe Entertainment, in November of 2005 with a few acts and a wealth of acquired knowledge and dedication. Roe saw his roster expand quickly to include the eminent acts represented today which includes: The SteelDrivers, The Freight Hoppers , Lonesome River Band, Dan Paisley & The Southern Grass and Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper.

11:30-12:30 PM Record Companies - Ken Irwin President, Rounder Records

Today, Rounder Records is the third-leading independent record label in the United States. Its catalog has grown to include 3,000 titles that span genres from folk, bluegrass, Celtic, folk, and children’s music to reggae, calypso, jazz, blues, and indie rock.

Rounder recording artists are as varied as They Might Be Giants, Madeleine Peyroux, the Cowboy Junkies, and the Dry Branch Fire Squad.

Rounder has also issued extensive series of recordings from the Library of Congress and from the archives of the legendary ethnomusicologist and record producer Alan Lomax, and funded the ongoing North American Traditions series of recordings by Mark Wilson. At the same time, critical and commercial successes such as those of the Grammy award-winning Alison Krauss and Union Station have brought the company solid financial footing.

So it’s fair to say that Rounder has made it big-very big. But from their no-frills warehouse/headquarters on a side street in Cambridge near the border with Somerville, it’s clear that they’ve kept a bedrock commitment to music with sincerity and integrity, music that has staying power, just like them.

Producing Your Albums - by Carl Jackson

Multiple Grammy award winner, Mississippi Musician’s Hall of Fame member, and 2008 SPBGMA Preservation Hall of Greats inductee, Carl Jackson has also had a hand in the production of several great artists such as Ruby Lovett, Slickerbilly, Mike Ward, Real Surreal, Carly Goodwin, Bering Strait, Jim & Jesse and Bobbie Cryner, whose first effort on Sony Records received the honor of Best Country Album of 1993 in USA Today. He is currently producing new artists, Shawn King, Jennifer Wayne, Bradley Walker (2007 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year) and Alecia Nugent.

12:30 - 1:30 PM Lunch on own

1:30 - 2:30 PM Booking At Venues - Arnie Fleischer, Promoter Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck, NY

A multidisciplinary performing arts center in Mamaroneck, the Emelin Theatre presents a diverse roster of programs including classical recitals, cabaret shows and theater for children. Arnie Fleischer is a promoter for the theatre where he over sees the booking of the Bluegrass acts.

2:45 - 3:45 PM Managing The Band with Pete Wernick “Dr. Banjo” and Vicki Simmons
Pete Wernick, is renowned worldwide for his accomplishments and contributions to bluegrass music: the hot-picking force in several trend-setting bands including Hot Rize, respected author and teacher, songwriter, and long-term President of the International Bluegrass Music Association Pete’s credentials in bluegrass include:

• Started Country Cooking in 1970, with whom he recorded three of Rounder Records’ first albums.
• Founded Hot Rize in 1978, still playing after 25 years.
• Performed worldwide, many #1 radio hits, Grammy Nomination, IBMA’s first Entertainer of the Year award recipient.
• Pioneered bluegrass instructional camps in 1980, has conducted over 100 music camps, coast to coast and in Europe.
• President of IBMA 1986-2001. Initiated youth and educational and Bluegrass Pentathlon projects
• Writer of over 50 recorded compositions on major bluegrass labels, including two bluegrass #1’s.
• Experience as bluegrass deejay, concert promoter, publicist, record producer, graphic designer, band manager and agent, road manager, teacher, video instructor.

Bassist Vicki Simmons had been 2007 IBMA Female vocalist of the year, Dale Ann Bradley’s musical partner for a decade. Born in California but raised in Berea, Kentucky, Vicki began her musical career in her early teens, learning guitar before switching to the bass. She won a job at Renfro Valley when she auditioned on-stage, and was an original member of the New Coon Creek Girls when the group was created by the legendary John Lair in 1979. Simmons’ determination and commitment led her into a role as the band’s business manager.

4:00 - 5:00 PM Songwriting - by Larry Cordle and Jerry Salley

Most widely known as a writer, Kentucky native Larry Cordle has had songs recorded by Ricky Skaggs, Garth Brooks, Alison Krauss, Alan Jackson, George Strait, The Osborne Brothers, and many others. At last count, Cordle’s songs had appeared on projects that had sold a combined total of more than 50 million records.

Equally as impressive is Cordle’s performing career. Founded in 1990, Lonesome Standard Time began as a joint venture between long-time friends Larry Cordle and Glen Duncan. Success came quickly for the band, yielding a Grammy nomination for the group’s debut album. In 1995, Larry’s songwriting commitments and Nashville’s increasing demand for Glen’s talent in the studio led the duo to take a hiatus from the road and focus on other aspects of their careers.

Award winning songwriter, Jerry Salley has been writing and singing in Nashville since 1982. To date, he has had 300 songs recorded in his career, including; “I’m Gonna Take That Mountain” - Reba McEntire, “Breaking New Ground” - Wild Rose/Universal Records, “I Fell in the Water” - John Anderson/BNA Records, “How Do You Sleep at Night” - Wade Hayes/DCK/Columbia Records, and ten (10) top twenty gospel songs.

As an artist, Jerry has performed on numerous stage shows, including the honor of performing as a soloist many times on the world famous Grand Ole Opry. His television appearances include Late Night With David Letterman, Regis and Kathy Lee, NBC’s Today Show and several different TNN (The Nashville Network) shows.

In addition to his “SESAC Country Music Songwriter of the Year” award and Dove recognition from the Gospel Music Association, Jerry has received numerous awards from different associations for his songwriting accomplishments (NSAI, SESAC, Gospel Voice Magazine, etc.).

Along with friends Carl Jackson and Larry Cordle, the trio (Cordle, Jackson & Salley) have recorded the song “You’re Runnin’ Wild” on the new Louvin Brothers Tribute on Universal-South Records, which features numerous country music stars singing songs made famous by the legendary duo.

For more information or to order tickets by phone call, Roger Moss at (860) 282-8241.

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The Telluride Thunderjam. Photo by Benko Photographics.

The 35th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival — a “can’t-miss” event for many — runs June 19-22, this year in the historic mountain village of Telluride, Colo.

The 2008 lineup includes unique collaborations (Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder; Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of The Swell Season; and Darrell Scott and John Cowan), fresh sounds (Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Brett Dennen, The Frames, Tift Merritt), as well as beloved Telluride veterans (Ani DiFranco, Yonder Mountain String Band and the Sam Bush Band).

Also on the extensive schedule are reunions of Telluride legends (Hot Rize with Red Knuckes & the Trailblazers and Leftover Salmon), music legends (Arlo Guthrie and Solomon Burke), youthful virtuosos (Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile, Uncle Earl, The Duhks), and the all-stars who have defined the virtuosic Telluride acoustic adventure, including the “house band,” Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, Peter Rowan and Edgar Meyer.

Music is featured on the main stage all day along with instrument workshops on the Elks Park stage in the middle of town. Other familiar festival highlights will return, including band and songwriting contests, late-night Nightgrass concerts at every indoor venue in town, and jam sessions throughout the night in condos and around campgrounds.

Founded in 1875, Telluride’s Victorian charm of the town is protected as a National Historic Landmark District. The town of Telluride (elevation 8,750′) is connected to the modern resort community of Mountain Village (elevation 9,450′) via a free commuter gondola.

The festival and town are in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, the highest concentration of mountains in the US. Activities in and around Telluride include mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, numerous hot springs and historic ghost towns.

Four-day and single-day festival tickets are available at www.shop.bluegrass.com or at 800-624-2422. Lodging companies are taking reservations now and some camping passes may still be available. Information is also available at http://www.bluegrass.com/telluride.

The lineup includes:

Thursday, June 19

• 10 a.m. — Gates Open
• 11 a.m. to noon - Darrell Scott
• 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. — Cadillac Sky
• 2 - 3:15 p.m. — Uncle Earl
• 3:30 - 4:45 p.m. — Arlo Guthrie
• 5:15 - 6:45 p.m. — Del McCoury Band
• 7:15 - 8:30 p.m. — Ani DiFranco Band
• 9 - 10:30 p.m. — Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

Friday, June 20

• 9 a.m. — Gates Open
• 10 - 11 a.m. — Spring Creek
• 11:30 - 12:45 p.m. — Béla Fleck, Duos with Friends
• 1:15 - 2:30 p.m. — Emmitt-Nershi Band
• 3 - 4:15 p.m. — Peter Rowan & the Free Mexican Airforce
• 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. — Tim O’Brien
• 6 - 7:30 p.m. — Paolo Nutini
• 8 - 9:30 p.m. — Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder
• 10 - 11:30 p.m. — Leftover Salmon

Saturday, June 21

• 9 a.m.— Gates Open
• 9:45 - 11 a.m. — Band Contest Finals
• 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. — Steep Canyon Rangers
• 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. — Tift Merritt
• 2:15 - 3:30 p.m. — Jerry Douglas Band
• 3:45 - 4 p.m. — Telluride Troubadour
• 4:15 - 5:45 p.m. — Yonder Mountain String Band
• 6:15 - 7:30 p.m. — Brett Dennen
• 8 - 10 p.m. — Sam Bush Band
• 10:30 p.m. - Midnight — The Frames

Sunday, June 22

• 9 a.m. — Gates Open
• 10:15 - 11:30 a.m. — Solomon Burke
• noon - 1:15 p.m. — The Duhks
• 1:45 - 3 p.m. — Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile
• 3:30 - 4:45 p.m. — John Cowan & Darrell Scott Band
• 5:15 - 6:30 p.m. — Hot Rize with Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers
• 7 - 8:30 p.m. — The Swell Season: Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
• 9 - 11 p.m. Telluride House Band

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Russ BarenbergBryan Sutton

The annual Pagosa, Colo., Folk ‘n Bluegrass Festival next month could be a flat-picker’s dream.

Headlining the festival in Reservoir Hill Park, June 6, 7 and 8, are guitar monsters Russ Barenberg and Bryan Sutton. They will appear together at 2 p.m. Saturday and again at 6 p.m. Sunday. The duo will also present a guitar workshop at 4 p.m. Sunday

The festival features camping in the 120-acre ponderosa pine forest of Reservoir Hill Park. It includes workshops, late night shows, campfire jams, and free children’s programs.

Others on the schedule are:

• The Waybacks
• The Biscuit Burners
• Martha Scanlan & the Stuart Brothers
• The Belleville Outfit
• Cadillac Sky
• Red Stick Ramblers
• Boulder Acoustic Society
• Shannon Whitworth
• Jayme Stone
• The Expedition Quartet
• The Badly Bent
• Pete Kartsounes Band
• Rock and Rye

Tickets can be ordered by calling 877-472-4672.

Camping information, the performance schedule and other details are available at http://www.folkwest.com/folk_bluegrass_festival/

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In less than a month, the 42nd annual Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival will kick in to high gear. Featuring over 50 bluegrass artists, Bean Blossom will run from June 14 - 21 in Bean Blossom, IN.

Among the highlights of this years lineup are the John Cowan Band, Larry Stephenson, The Sullivan Family, Karl Shiflett & Big Country, Eddie and Martha Adcock, Tim Graves and Cherokee, IIIrd Tyme Out, James King Band, The Lewis Family, Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys, Michael Cleveland, Special Consensus, Dan Paisley & Southern Grass, Gene Watson, Dailey & Vincent, Cherryholmes, Bobby Osborne & the Rocky Top X-Press and Ernie Thacker & Route 23.

Several Music and Instrument workshops will be given throughout the festival from beginning to advanced levels on banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin and bass; mountain and bluegrass vocals, group harmony, songwriting, band promotion, Bean Blossom history and more.

The festival will feature the Bluegrass Now Youth Tent where kids and teens can get up close and personal with some of Bluegrass’ greatest musicians.

2008 also marks the 3rd year for the Youth Bluegrass Boot Camp. Sarah Wasson is in charge of coordinating the camp and instructors. Enrollees will cover topics about basic instrument care, vocals, harmonies, stage presence, microphone technique, and songwriting. The Boot Camp culminates with a performance from the students on the main stage.

Bean Blossom is offering a discount on advance ticket purchases that ends June 1st and they have several combo and single day packages available. The festival also offers camping with options for RV hookups or primitive camping.

For more information on Bean Blossom visit Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival online.

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The Del McCoury Band has posted video on the Delfest site of Dierks Bentley rehearsing his hit single “Lot of Leavin’ Left To Do” with Del and the boys in anticipation of their performance together at the 1st annual Delfest.

The festival, promoted by High Sierra Music and McCoury Music, takes place over Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, in Cumberland, MD at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.

The inaugural lineup features the aforementioned Dierks Bentley along with Vince Gill, Sam Bush, David Grisman, The Punch Brothers and Steep Canyon rangers along with a whole list of others.

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