The Bluegrass Shack in New Athens, Ill., which is east of St. Louis, is holding its annual fiddle and banjo contest on Halloween, Oct. 31, at L&B’s Eastend in New Athens.

The indoor event will feature 10 divisions with more than $500 in trophies and prizes. Food and beverages will be available, and jamming opportunities will abound….

Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice is gaining great recognition as one of the best traditional bluegrass bands to hit the scene in decades. Junior’s soulful and sometimes haunting vocals, reminiscent of the late, great, Carter Stanley, who happens to be his hero, have captivated audiences for years….

Chicago, IL — The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival, a one-day music fest to be held this December 12th at the legendary Congress Theatre, is bringing the Battle of the Banjos to the Windy City. Organizers have announced the kickoff of “Last Banjo Standing,” an online contest that will scour the Chicagoland area to find the top bluegrass or blues inspired artist….

Special Consensus, The Chapmans and The Harmans, all Midwestern bands with a far-reaching span, will headline the 37th Annual Barnes Family Bluegrass Music Festival Sept. 4, 5 and 6 at the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Aledo, Ill.

The festival dates to 1972, when Jim and Eleanor Barnes…

Special Consensus will perform a special hometown release concert celebrating their new Pinecastle Records CD, Signs, at Fitzgeralds in Berwyn, Ill, a Chicago suburb, on May 30. The band will perform from 7 to 9 p.m.

Advance ticket sales are available through www.ticketweb.com.

Pinecastle Records is offering a free download of…