Guitar wiz Jim Hurst is ending his longtime affiliation with Claire Lynch — first as a member of the Front Porch String Band for five years and another five with the Claire Lynch Band.

Hurst made the announcement himself in a self-penned newsletter to his fans….

Vote for your favorite Bluegrass Guitar slinger and see if you and the readers of BluegrassJournal.com can pick the winners for the 2009 International Bluegrass Music Awards. The IBMA Awards Show takes place during the World Of Bluegrass Week on Thursday, October 1 at 7:30 pm (Central Time) at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.

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….

Burlington, MA – Claire Lynch, one of acoustic music’s most versatile singers, will release “Whatcha Gonna Do” September 8 on Rounder Records. A new Claire Lynch album does more than herald the arrival of a new collection of stellar vocals and tight, tasteful arrangements – each album also showcases Lynch’s remarkable taste in songs. “Whatcha Gonna Do” is no exception – it brims over with powerful songs, extraordinary vocals, and top-of-the-line musicianship….

Asheville, NC — Veteran bluegrass performer, Claire Lynch and the Claire Lynch Band will be playing The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC on Sunday April 19th, 2009. The general admission show will start at 8 PM with tickets going for $12.00 in advance or $15.00 the day of the show.

The Grey Eagle describes itself as a smoke free, live music venue with events for all ages. For tickets or more information call 1-828-232-5800 or visit them at www.thegreyeagle.com….