Clint Holley has always had a thing for vinyl. “I bought my first record around 1979 or 1980,” he recalls. It seems you always remember your first. “It was Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall  album.” Clint says his parents were big flea market people. “They used to get my sister and me out of bed at 6 am to drag us to flea markets.” During those flea market forays, Clint discovered he could buy stacks of records for ten and twenty-five cents each. “I started buying records in the 1980s when CDs came out. Everyone was eliminating their record collections, and I started buying them.” He got into sound engineering by working in the historic Beachland Ballroom and Tavern in Cleveland, Ohio. “I ran sound for the bands that played there,” he says. “I learned on the job.” He spent a decade running audio at the bar during the 2000s. In 2009, someone opened a pressing plant for vinyl records in Cleveland. “His name was Vince Slusarz, and he put a help wanted poster up in the bar where I worked. I applied for the job, but he didn’t hire me. But because I had an audio background, Vince invited me to go with him to a studio that owned a machine called a mastering lathe.” Clint went home and told his wife, Bonnie, about the machine. “She told me I should buy one of the machines, and that started a year and a half odyssey to find out more about the machines, including their history, who owns them, and who sells them.” People had destroyed a lot of the equipment from the fifties, sixties, and seventies. Most of what was left was mothballed in warehouses, and most were in bad condition. His quest led him to a man in New Jersey who had stockpiled the mastering lathes when the record companies were getting rid of them in the 1980s. “His name was Albert Grundy. He was 82 at the time, and he had bought a lot of machines that he restored and sold. He called one day and told me he had one for me. He made me a deal on a Neumann VMS-70 lathe system, and I brought home my first machine in 2010 and set it up in my mother-in-law’s garage.” With Grundy on call as a mentor of sorts, Clint taught himself the craft of cutting records. “He talked me through a lot of things. It put me in touch with an older generation and a new one, too.” “I think there is a kind of bond that can’t be broken when people enjoy the experience of listening to music,” says Clint. “There’s something special about listening to an album and looking at the cover art and liner notes. There is a stronger connection with the music that way.” Clint established his business, Well Made Music, in 2010, where he serves as the Chief Mastering Engineer. “Back then, it was manageable. Now, it has exploded. “I would say it was an industry that wasn’t ready for its own success.” Clint explains that Covid hurt the vinyl industry to a certain extent due to supply chain issues. But it also helped. “People had more time at home to listen to music, and many used their stimulus checks to buy records. At the same time, artists weren’t touring, so they had time on their hands to create more music, which increased the demand.” Clint pressed mastered his first album 14 years ago. “It was a local Cleveland band called The New Lou Reeds.” He earned GRAMMY Awards as a lacquer-cutting engineer for Bobby Rush’s Porcupine Meat  (2016) and Otis Readding’s Live at the   Whisky A Go Go  (2016). Dave Polster joined Well Made Music in 2014 as a Senior Mastering Engineer. He learned the craft of vinyl record manufacturing and has spearheaded the digital mastering services at Well Made Music. “ We are privileged to work on Grammy award-winning projects,” says Clint. Dave worked as the lacquer-cutting engineer for Billy Strings’ Home  (2020) and Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway’s Crooked Tree  (2022). The clients for Well Made Music range from independent artists to record labels and pressing plants. “Each has their own challenges. Working with artists is more personalized, I suppose. I like to invite them in so they can see their record being pressed.”

Helen White was a musician and school guidance counselor in Sparta, North Carolina, in 2000 when she noticed a gap in generational learning, particularly music. “She didn’t see local kids at community events,” says Brett Morris, who serves as the executive director of Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (JAM). “Not only did Helen want to preserve old-time and bluegrass music and dance for future generations, but she also cared deeply for people. She always believed music was a way for people to connect and to form meaningful relationships.”  Helen advocated for underserved youth, wanting to provide them with safe and healthy activities.  Playing mountain music gives people from Central Appalachia a sense of pride, and Helen introduced kids to traditional instruments, including fiddles, banjos, guitars, and mandolins, as well as to the culture of their local communities. “Helen was inspired by the former Mount Rogers Combined School in Grayson County, Virginia,” Brett says. “They didn’t have a marching band. Instead, the school’s music program focused on old-time music.” Helen founded Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (JAM) in 2008 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Her partner was well-known musician and luthier Wayne Henderson, whose name recognition helped promote the program.  JAM began to spread throughout Appalachia, with affiliates in North Carolina and into South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia. “We have nearly sixty affiliates,” says Brett. “Some counties have several JAM programs. We also have some affiliates known as YAM (Youth Appalachian Musicians) instead of JAM. It can get a little confusing, but we are all working towards the same goals.” Brett says Helen wanted the program to be “effective, sustainable, and high quality.” Helen gathered people and funding to ensure the regional parent organization was strong and offered resources and help to others. Brett, a musician, has been with JAM for twelve years. She worked for Helen for a couple of years and then assumed her role as executive director of JAM when Helen retired. Sadly, Helen passed away in 2019. “She is sorely missed.”  Brett works from the JAM headquarters in Independence, Virginia. There is a satellite office in Knoxville since 2021. “That’s how our footprint has recently expanded into East Tennessee and adjoining areas,” says Brett. The organization continues to grow in its resources and locations.  The model for the program is simple: JAM is designed for children beginning in fourth grade, and the after-school program introduces old-time and bluegrass music through small-group instruction. “We provide instruments at no cost to the kids,” says Brett. “We have created a bit of a curriculum to avoid reinventing the wheel, although we want our teaching artists to rely on their local oral traditions as much as possible.” Instructors are encouraged to teach students to learn music by ear. Children not only learn traditional music, but they have opportunities to perform in small and large groups. Program offerings are enhanced with field trips, and visiting artists help introduce the rich music history unique to each local community. Advanced students also have instructional opportunities, and many JAM alumni become teaching artists and musicians.  JAM's funding comes from private foundations and donors. “We work with other arts organizations, including South Arts out of Atlanta.” Each JAM program is individually funded and operated. JAM affiliates are eligible to receive a wide variety of free support and resources.  In addition to the work being done in each affiliate, JAM creates new programs, provides resources for existing programs, and partners with many prominent festivals to feature performances and offer learning and networking connections to current students and program alumni. Festival partnerships include the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, IBMA’s Wide Open Bluegrass, The Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax, FloydFest, and many others.  JAM’s Traditional Music and Education Summit was held for the first time this spring in Little Switzerland, North Carolina, for nearly 80 JAM teachers and music education professionals. This professional development and JAM certification event for teachers provided methodologies and instructional skills. “Pre-covid, we had many regional day camps for kids,” says Brett. “We are just about back to normal now.”  JAM has a YouTube channel, and several instructional videos are available on its website . The JAM Songbook was created by Pete Wernick, an internationally recognized music educator and musician, along with JAM Ambassador Liam Purcell. The book is used in classes by JAM students and Wernick Method students. Perfect for all jammers, the book features 39 bluegrass/old-time standards, most with two-and-three chord songs that can be played in any key. Chord diagrams for guitar, banjo, and mandolin are included, as are positions for fiddle and bass.  Visit the JAM website at www.jamkids.org .

Mandolinist, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Darren Nicholson is no stranger to success. As a solo artist and former member of Balsam Range, Nicholson has achieved what is only a dream for many. He’s a Grammy Award nominee, a 13-time IBMA award-winner, has had multiple #1 charting singles, and has appeared numerous times on the Grand Ole Opry stage. For him, this is all great, but several years ago, he realized some things in life are much more important. He discovered that happiness isn’t found in commercial achievement; it resides in 100 percent honest contribution to both the inner creative self and the contentment of others. He spoke candidly about his path out of alcohol addiction and how that path—and being sober for four years now—has brought tremendous new insight.   “Because I’m in recovery, I’m in a program that’s an ego deflation program,” Nicholson explained. He said this has resulted in him not chasing the same goals and finding himself “further away from commercial music.” He now strives for what he refers to as “facilitation music.” It’s no longer about his goals but about trying to bring joy and meaning to the lives of others. That means focusing less on high-profile appearances and more on community events, private affairs, and smaller things where he can connect to people in a real way with truly authentic music. He and his backing band now play “music that matters.”   “The way our music is showing up is as part of a community. The goal is to share joy through music,” he said.   Nicholson now eschews the old ways of chasing the spotlight. If those bright lights shine on him, he’s grateful, but it should be a byproduct of making honest music that speaks directly to people; attention, validation and profit shouldn’t be a goal.   “Most musicians, they want to win,” he said. “They want to get a nomination…they want to play this or that stage.”   He said he used to be that way but is no longer. He wants to put his heartfelt music out there, and so be it, “as opposed to trying to force my plan on the music industry.”   “I don’t want to be a star anymore,” he said. “I want to make music that enriches other people’s lives.”   By all measures, this new path is resulting in unintended positives. Since ending his 15-year stint with Balsam Range in 2022, he’s already released two albums with Mountain Home, with a third on the way. He garnered positive reception to those records, notably his solo debut, “Wanderer,” spawned two #1 charting singles.    “After 15 years, they [Balsam Range] kept doing fewer and fewer shows,” he said. “During that last year, I did 20 dates with them and 180 dates on my own.”   He decided to embark on solo work, and it sounds like he is grateful for the experiences he has been given since taking the plunge.   “After getting sober, all of a sudden, I had all this free time,” he said. “I threw myself into music. I wanted to write new songs…I feel like I’ve kind of had a rebirth – mentally, emotionally and physically.”   He’s written at least two songs addressing his path to soberness and the minimization of ego-driven career impulses. His gospel song “Leave it in the Hands of the Lord” – which reached #1 on the gospel charts – addressed feelings close to his core. Another tune – “I’ve Been Down, but I’m Not Out” – is upcoming on his next album and co-written by Becky Buller. It is also about the struggle faced by so many.   Nicholson is excited to have recently announced a lineup change to his Darren Nicholson Band, including the additions of Avery Welter (guitar, vocals) and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle). They join Nicholson with bandmates Kevin Sluder (bass, vocals) and Richard Foulk (percussion).   Nicholson’s forthcoming album—expected to drop in dribs and drabs as singles over the coming months—is as yet untitled, but Nicholson said the already completed album will feature 13 tracks and, in addition to Buller, includes contributions by Kristin Scott Benson (banjo), Deanie Richardson (fiddle), Zachary Smith (bass), Colby Laney (guitar), David Johnson (dobro), Kevin Sluder (vocals), and Jennifer Nicholson (vocals).   “This is the third record where I’ve written or co-written every song,” Nicholson said.    The performer said he is filled with gratitude for a life path offering enriching lessons and opportunities for personal growth and the good fortune of growing up in western North Carolina. It’s a genuine hotspot for making a living in acoustic music. On Friday and Saturday nights at his childhood home, he said, “There’d be a pot of coffee on, and 10 or 12 musicians picking.”   “Here in western North Carolina, we kind of consider ourselves as stewards and ambassadors for old-time mountain music,” he added. It sounds like Nicholson now embraces that role with a new seriousness, striving to build even more friendship and community through music.

As Appalachian food rises in popularity, the chefs at the forefront of the movement are being recognized for their contributions to the industry. Historically, Appalachia food was often overlooked in culinary circles, but in recent years, beloved ingredients rooted in the region’s foodways—ramps, morels, and more—have begun to make their way onto menus. Many chefs driving the seas of change have earned prestigious nominations for the James Beard Awards, often called the "Oscars of the food world.” Only a select few have won the award. The award highlights their exceptional talent and the unique flavors and traditions of Appalachian cuisine they bring to the national stage. These accolades are a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage and the innovative spirit of its chefs. Paul Smith: West Virginia’s First Winner For the first time, a chef from West Virginia won a James Beard award this year. Paul Smith, of 1010 Bridge in Charleston, West Virginia, won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV) and during his acceptance speech, he noted two words that had never been said on that Chicago stage: West Virginia. Smith’s menus are a testament to the rich agricultural bounty of West Virginia, the only state located entirely within the Appalachian Mountains. He works closely with local farmers, foragers, and artisans to source the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. Dishes like ramp pesto pasta, trout with sorghum glaze, and heirloom corn polenta reflect his commitment to showcasing the best of Appalachian flavors. These creations honor the past and push the boundaries of what Appalachian cuisine can be. Terry Koval: Champion of Sustainable Dining Terry Koval, the chef behind The Deer and the Dove in Decatur, Georgia, has gained recognition for his commitment to sustainable dining and local sourcing. Koval’s dedication to quality and sustainability earned him a James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast in 2023, highlighting his influence in the culinary world. At The Deer and the Dove, Koval creates dishes celebrating the Appalachian region's flavors while incorporating influences from his travels and experiences. His menu features wood-fired meats, seasonal vegetables, and house-made charcuterie, all sourced from local farms and purveyors. Koval’s approach to cooking not only honors the traditions of the region but also pushes them forward, creating a dining experience that is both familiar and innovative. Adam Evans: From Alabama Roots to National Acclaim Hailing from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Adam Evans deeply appreciates the South's culinary traditions. In Birmingham, Evans opened Automatic Seafood and Oysters in 2019. The restaurant quickly became a culinary hotspot, earning rave reviews for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and inventive dishes. Evans’ commitment to quality and sustainability shines through in his menu, which features a blend of Southern and Appalachian influences. Dishes like wood-fired Gulf shrimp and roasted oysters with Benton’s bacon are a testament to his ability to elevate regional ingredients to new heights. Evans’ dedication to his craft and innovative approach to Southern cuisine earned him the James Beard Award for Best Chef South in 2022. Dolester Miles: The Sweet Soul of Southern Desserts Dolester Miles has become a legend in the world of Southern desserts. With over three decades of experience, Miles has been the pastry chef at Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham, Alabama, where she has worked alongside renowned chef Frank Stitt. Her dedication to her craft and exceptional talent were recognized in 2018 when she won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Miles is known for her ability to blend traditional Southern flavors with refined techniques, creating nostalgic and innovative desserts. Her famous coconut cake, lemon meringue tart, and pecan pies are a testament to her skill and creativity. Miles’ desserts perfectly embody Appalachian and Southern culinary traditions, showcasing the region’s ingredients and flavors in a sophisticated manner. Allan Benton: The King of Country Ham No discussion of Appalachian cuisine would be complete without mentioning Allan Benton, a legendary figure in the world of charcuterie. Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams, located in Madisonville, Tennessee, has been producing some of the finest cured meats in the country for decades. Benton’s dedication to traditional methods and high-quality ingredients has earned him numerous accolades, including a James Beard Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America Award 2015. Benton’s journey began in the 1970s when he took over a small ham-curing business. He quickly gained a reputation for his exceptional products, which were made using time-honored techniques and meticulous attention to detail. Benton’s hams and bacon are now revered by chefs and food enthusiasts nationwide, and they play a crucial role in many Appalachian dishes. Joseph Lenn: Elevating Tennessee’s Culinary Heritage Joseph Lenn, a native of Tennessee, has become a prominent figure in Appalachian cuisine through his innovative approach to traditional Southern dishes. Lenn’s culinary journey began at The Barn at Blackberry Farm, a luxurious resort in Walland, Tennessee, where he earned a James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast in 2013. At Blackberry Farm, Lenn focused on showcasing the region’s bounty, from locally sourced produce to heritage meats. His dishes, such as braised rabbit with heirloom vegetables and Benton’s bacon-wrapped quail, reflect a deep respect for Appalachian ingredients and culinary traditions. Lenn’s philosophy centers on “farm-to-table,” a deeply rooted concept in a region where farming and food preservation are integral to daily life. Christopher Hastings: A Culinary Pioneer Christopher Hastings, chef and co-owner of Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Alabama, is a pioneer of farm-to-table dining in the South. Hastings’ culinary philosophy centers on using the freshest local ingredients and celebrating the seasons. His dedication to this approach earned him the James Beard Award for Best Chef South in 2012. Hastings’ menu at Hot and Hot Fish Club is a reflection of his commitment to local sourcing and sustainability. Dishes like tomato salad with Benton’s bacon, Gulf seafood, and locally foraged mushrooms highlight the rich bounty of the Appalachian region. Hastings’ ability to blend traditional Southern flavors with contemporary techniques has made him a standout in the culinary world. Frank Stitt: The Godfather of Southern Cuisine Frank Stitt, often referred to as the godfather of Southern cuisine, has been a pivotal figure in the culinary renaissance of the South. As the chef and owner of Highlands Bar and Grill, Stitt has played a crucial role in bringing national attention to Appalachian and Southern cuisine. His contributions to the culinary world were recognized in 2011 when he won the James Beard Award for Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America and in 2001 when he won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast. Stitt’s approach to cooking is deeply rooted in the traditions of the South. He emphasizes the importance of using fresh, local ingredients and honoring the region’s culinary heritage. Dishes like stone-ground grits, farm-fresh vegetables, and locally sourced meats are staples of Stitt’s menus, showcasing the best of Appalachian flavors. His work has inspired a new generation of chefs to explore and celebrate the region's culinary traditions. Scott Peacock: Preserving the Past Scott Peacock, a celebrated chef and food historian, has dedicated his career to preserving and promoting the culinary traditions of the South. Peacock’s dedication to this cause earned him a James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast in 2007 for Watershed in Decatur, Georgia. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to using heirloom ingredients. Peacock’s dishes, such as buttermilk biscuits, fried chicken, and seasonal vegetable plates, are a testament to the simplicity and beauty of Southern cooking. As these chefs continue to celebrate and elevate the flavors of their heritage, they are preserving the past and shaping the future of American gastronomy. Through their work, the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Appalachia are gaining the recognition and appreciation they have long deserved.

Photo by Molly McCormick   Crooked Still is one of those bands that can’t be put in a specific box. A string band, but not in the traditional bluegrass sense, their style has been described as progressive bluegrass, folk-country, and even Americana. They have a unique way of continuing the bluegrass tradition that began with Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin. While they use the traditional stringed instruments commonly found in bluegrass music – the original lineup was vocals, bass, and banjo - adding a cello created a different dynamic, and that’s exactly how the members of Crooked Still like it. A fiddle has been added to the current lineup. The band began in 2001 when Aoife O’Donovan and Corey DiMario were classmates at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Rushad Eggleston, who attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, soon joined them, followed by Greg Liszt, the only non-musical student in the bunch, who had earned a doctorate in biology from MIT. Crooked Still had a loyal following in Boston-area clubs, and local music journalists began to take notice, giving them great reviews. The Boston Globe  raved about the band, saying Crooked Still is “the most important folk group to emerge from Boston since the early 1960s.” It wasn’t long before they began playing festivals, including huge events like the historic Newport Folk Festival and the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. The band gained a reputation as equal parts musical innovators and cultural ambassadors. They thrilled audiences with their high energy on stage combined with an old-time mountain soul. Their technical skill and unusual instrumentation (that cello!), along with their innovative acoustic style, helped them stand out. Ben Levin with Good Harbor Music manages the band. “Rushad left the band at the end of 2007 to pursue his own music,” says Ben. “Brittany Haas and Tristan Clarridge joined the band in January 2008, and the lineup has remained the same since.” The band comprises Aoife O’Donovan, Greg Liszt, Corey DiMario, Brittany Haas, and Tristan Clarridge. Aoife, an American singer with a crystal-clear voice, is the lead singer for Crooked Still. She is also a Grammy award-winning songwriter. An accomplished musician, Aoife has performed with traditional orchestras, including the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Kansas City Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Louisville Orchestra, and the Utah Symphony Orchestra. She co-founded the powerhouse female folk trio, I’m With Her. She has also recorded, collaborated, and/or toured with artists including Jim Lauderdale, Sara Watkins, Chris Thile (with both Nickle Creek and Punch Brothers), Greensky Bluegrass, Kronos Quartet and Yo-Yo Ma. Aoife has also recorded many albums on her own. Greg Liszt is the band’s banjo player. He is also an associate professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Greg has created a unique four-finger picking style, and in addition to his work with Crooked Still, he is a member of the Seeger Sessions Band and the Deadly Gentlemen, recording with both bands as well as with Bruce Springsteen. Corey DiMario plays double bass with Crooked Still, bringing a diverse musical background to the band. He has performed extensively with fiddler/singer Lissa Schneckenburger and the Brittany Haas/Dan Trueman Band, performing old-time and Scandinavian music. He has also played in Bela Fleck’s house band for his New York Banjo Summit. Corey’s home base is Brattleboro, Vermont. Northern California native Brittany Haas is regarded as a world-class fiddle player – one of the most influential of her generation. She grew up attending string camps, releasing her first album at age seventeen. She is a sought-after session musician and has performed on Late Night with David Letterman  and Saturday Night Live  as part of Steve Martin’s bluegrass band. She has also performed with Bela Fleck, Abigail Washburn, The Waybacks, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Tony Trischka. Brittany currently resides in Nashville and shares her passion for music at string and fiddle camps worldwide. While Tristan Clarridge is a five-time Grand National Fiddle Champion, he plays cello with Crooked Still. He began his music studies at the age of two. He comes from a free-spirited family who lived in a tepee in the mountains of northern California. He was homeschooled, and the family traveled great distances for young Tristan to attend music camps. He now directs the Shasta Music Summit with his sister, Tashina, and teaches at other music camps and workshops along the West Coast. The band celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of its album Shaken by a Low Sound  (initially released in 2006) in 2001. Each song on the album is a delight – as is evidenced by “ Railroad Bill .” Ben says the band doesn’t have any new releases coming up, but they will be headlining at the Green Mountain Bluegrass Festival  in Manchester, Vermont, on August 18. “Brittany will be touring with Hawktail and Punch Brothers over the summer, and Aoife will tour with Hawktail this summer and fall.”

Kicking off their tour, contemporary bluegrass fiddle player Mark O’Connor and his wife, Maggie O’Connor, took the stage with a sold-out performance at the CSI Fine Arts Center in Twin Falls, Idaho. “We started our pre-release gigging,” says the Grammy award-winning couple promoting their new album  Life after Life.  “People in Idaho responded to these new songs they haven’t heard before,” says Mark, excited about the show’s turnout.  “I have to pinch myself that we came up with this recording,” the former Grand Master Fiddle Champion admits. “People are not recording as much anymore. Most people are doing singles or EPs. I can totally see why, because the whole music industry is turned upside down. There are no CD stores anymore.” Reuniting with the guitar and mandolin, the renowned violinist reminds some of his older fans that he is still a picker.      “For a long time, I didn’t play the guitar or mandolin at all,” says Mark, who replaced guitarist Tony Rice in the David Grisman Quintet. “I laid off for twenty years. People might not remember I played these instruments.” His wife and music partner, violinist/lead singer Maggie O’Connor, says forming the Grammy Award-winning Mark O Connor Band in 2017 helped re-sharpen Mark’s playing. “When we had our [family bluegrass band], we got our feet wet with all these instruments again.”  “I’m probably playing guitar only because of Maggie’s encouragement,” explains Mark, a two-time national guitar flatpick champion. “It took me months to get my calluses back [laughs]. I still feel like I’m learning every day I pick up the instrument.” Writing songs during their weekly live stream called Mondays with Mark and Maggie, the couple could experiment in front of a live audience. Maggie recalls, “The pandemic gave us the opportunity to have that extra time for creativity. We did seventy Mondays in a row because we didn’t know how long the pandemic would last. We ran out of our repertoire, fast, and we needed to expand!”   Mark has a name for their style of music, “We’re building our brand and calling our music Americana Bluegrass,” says the multi-instrumentalist, adding, “We’re tapping into the Americana style, but we are using a lot more poetry in our lyrics.”  “They are kind of pleasantly surprised,” says Maggie about their fans, “because they didn’t realize we sang.” As a duo, Mark and Maggie are known for virtuosic fiddling. Mark adds, “We sang some on The O’Connor Band stuff. Maggie was singing some lead in that group, and now on this album, she is singing all the lead.” Talking about some of the highlights on Life after Life, Mark announces, “We do the Stevie Wonder song ‘Love is in Need of Love Today,’ from [his] Songs in the Key of Life  album. We turn it into our Americana Bluegrass.” Mark describes the arrangement, “You hear the acoustic guitar, the mandolin and the fiddle, and then all of a sudden, these strings come in.” Maggie includes the Dolly Parton song Wildflowers. “I really liked the song and the fiddling on it,” adding that she was surprised to discover Mark played on the original.  “That was back in 1987 on the trio album,” remembers Mark, “All these years later, we are looking for a few songs to sing by greats like Dolly Parton, and Maggie landed up on ‘Wildflowers.’” Maggie shares that she loves the song’s message. “It’s such an empowering song for women.” Although Mark’s collaborations with country stars Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, and Steve Wariner on the hit song ‘Restless,’ along with Nashville sessions work, placed him at the center of Music City, it was a new musical idea that opened the next chapter of his life. Mark explains, “I wanted to expand my horizons and had the musical talent to explore new environments, so I started writing concertos and full-length symphonies. What was great is the Nashville Symphony embraced it.” The former Nashville sessions player describes the situation: “Here I am, a bluegrass and country type fiddler, and I’m coming up with pieces like the ‘Fiddle Concerto.’ They ended up premiering my next three or four major pieces.” Maggie shares that starting as a musician, she was inspired by Mark’s work with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. “His projects with Yo-Yo Ma showed me that you can do different styles of music.” Maggie explains, “You can have that bluegrass-Americana background and do classical and create something new with it. Mark crossed that bridge and opened doors for everybody.” Mark says he is still inspired to try new things. “I love piano, and I have written a lot for piano, so I think that could be a future project. I have always been involved with cross-pollinating to the extreme.”

Whether you have a birthday, anniversary or housewarming party coming up, these Appalachian gifts help you share your love for the region with the recipient.  Appalachia is home to various unique food brands that reflect the region's rich culinary traditions and artisanal craftsmanship. Here are some foods from Appalachia that make excellent gifts: 1. Muddy Pond Sorghum Mill Muddy Pond Sorghum Mill in Tennessee produces high-quality sorghum syrup using traditional methods. The family-owned operation has been crafting this sweet, molasses-like syrup for generations, making it a wonderful gift for anyone who appreciates traditional Appalachian flavors. 2. Broadbent's Hams In Kentucky, Broadbent's Hams is renowned for its country hams, bacon and sausage. Their dry-cured, aged hams offer a savory taste of Appalachian tradition, perfect for the carnivores in your life and those who enjoy artisanal charcuterie. 3. Yoder's Apple Butter Yoder's Apple Butter, produced by the Amish community in Ohio, is a staple in many Appalachian households. Slow-cooked and spiced to perfection, it is a delicious spread for toast, biscuits, and more, offering a comforting taste of home. 4. Shady Grove Botanicals Shady Grove Botanicals in North Carolina offers a range of ramp products, including ramp salt and ramp-infused oils. These wild leeks are a prized ingredient in Appalachian cuisine, and their products capture the unique flavor of this seasonal delicacy. 5. The Old Mill The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, provides stone-ground cornmeal and grits, essential ingredients in many traditional Appalachian dishes. Their products are milled using time-honored techniques, ensuring a superior taste and texture. 6. Blue Smoke Salsa Blue Smoke Salsa, based in Ansted, West Virginia, offers a range of salsas made from locally sourced ingredients. Their salsas come in various heat levels and flavors, from mild to extra hot, and even include unique varieties like black bean and corn salsa. These salsas are great for anyone who enjoys bold, fresh flavors. 7. Meadow Creek Dairy Meadow Creek Dairy in Virginia is known for its artisanal cheeses, such as Grayson and Appalachian, which have garnered national acclaim. These handcrafted cheeses reflect the region's terroir and make a luxurious gift for cheese lovers. “Each of our cheeses has its own original recipe and its own specialized make process; our seasonal raw milk means no two makes are the same. Unwavering attention to detail, decades of cheese-making experience, and our hand-picked, dedicated team of cheese makers keep our cheeses at a consistent level of excellence. Still, every day brings something new to learn,” reads the website. 8. Dancing Bear Apiary Dancing Bear Apiary in North Carolina produces wildflower and sourwood honey, both known for their distinctive flavors. Their honey is a delightful natural sweetener and a lovely gift for those who enjoy a little sweetness. Raw honey varietals include wildflower honey, orange blossom honey, buckwheat honey, basswood honey and berry blossom honey. 9. J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works is a family-owned company in West Virginia that produces small-batch, hand-harvested salt from an ancient ocean trapped below the Appalachian Mountains. This gourmet salt, known for its purity and rich mineral content, is perfect for food enthusiasts and home chefs. Their products include finishing salts, flavored salts, and bath salts, all beautifully packaged and ideal for gifting. Finishing salt varieties include ramp, applewood smoked, bourbon smoked, mushroom herb and ghost pepper. 10. French Broad Chocolates Based in Asheville, North Carolina, French Broad Chocolates creates artisanal chocolates using local ingredients and sustainable practices. Their bean-to-bar chocolates and truffles are an indulgent treat and a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates fine, handcrafted confections. Some of their signature bonbon flavors include fresh raspberry, wildflower honey caramel, lemon cheesecake, hazelnut crunch, cafe au lait, rose, cardamom, and pistachio. 11. Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory Located in Yazoo City, Mississippi, the Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory produces one of Appalachia’s gems: cheese straws. Cheese straws are “a delectable combination of perfectly aged cheddar cheese, flour and spices shaped into narrow ‘straws” which we bake to perfection to create a crispy snack-of-art,” according to the website. In addition to the classic cheddar flavor, the business offers many more, including lemon, sriracha, sea salt caramel, peppermint cookie, red velvet, three cheese, cinnamon pecan and toasted almond. These are just a handful of the delicious delicacies that are not only delicious and unique but also embody the rich cultural heritage and artisanal spirit of Appalachia. Each item offers a taste of the region's traditions and makes a thoughtful and memorable gift.

Identifying a problem is the first step to finding a solution. That’s what Donald Cohen did when he created The Fan Alliance. “I have always been a music fan, and like many, I stream music to listen to some of my favorite artists. One day, I was listening to music on Spotify and began to wonder if doing so was actually hurting the artists.” After doing his research, Donald identified the problem for artists as threefold: Streaming music for free has replaced purchasing albums.  Because of that, artists must look to other revenue sources, including touring and selling merchandise, and depend on direct support from their fans. And touring is tricky – it’s not unusual for a touring artist to do 150 shows a year, and with the high travel cost, they can lose money on a tour. Artists regularly see their music shared without adequate – and sometimes even no - compensation . Tech companies are shielded from responsibility by the existing laws. Payment rates from digital platforms, including Spotify, YouTube, and others, are far too low. And finally, hidden ticket fees and predatory resellers hurt artists and fans . Promoters, ticket companies, and venues often add high costs on top of the concert ticket price, and predatory resellers buy up the best inventory to resell for profit. Some of the worst offenders sell “speculative tickets” – or, in plain speak, tickets that don’t exist. That is money fans want to go to the artists to offset the high cost of touring. Because of these problems, artists are having an increasingly difficult time earning a living creating, recording, and performing their music. “That’s where The Fan Alliance comes in,” says Donald. “We can help.” Donald says that many fans don’t understand that artists are people who have families, mortgages, and bills and that if they aren’t touring and selling merch, they aren’t making money. “I did a workshop for fans in 2018 or 2019 on the working life of musicians.” Joining Donald on the panel were members of the folk-pop band Birds of Chicago and singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah. A few years ago, Donald met Roseanne Cash, who sat on the Artist Rights Alliance (ARA) board. She introduced him to the executive director of the ARA in Washington, D.C. “We said we can be helpful on some of the issues that artists have today, whether that is updating copyright protections or other policies that could raise incomes for artists. I saw the need for a fan organization, and that’s what I did. I created The Fan Alliance.” The organization is volunteer-run and operates from Donald’s home in Los Angeles. “I worked with a website designer to get our website  up and running and we talked to more artists about how Fan Alliance could help artist-led initiatives. When we launched, I emailed my personal lists, including artists like Rhiannon Giddens and others. Rhiannon posted about The Fan Alliance on her social media, and it took off.” The Fan Alliance deals with issues including artificial intelligence through the Human Artistry Campaign, which supports the No AI Fraud Act; ticketing reform through Fix the Tix, a campaign that supports bills to reform live event ticketing; and streaming royalties. It recognizes that while creators have little power standing alone, collectively, they can negotiate on a level playing field to secure fair licensing rates for their work. Simply put, The Fan Alliance exists to add the power of fans to support these and other projects to help music creators – and the entire independent music ecosystem – so they can earn a decent livelihood to create and share the music. The Fan Alliance works to build a network and community of fans that can work together to pass new laws and industry practices that will create a fair, sustainable ecosystem for artists. The Fan Alliance launched in November 2023, and Donald continues to spread the word and learn about the issues facing artists, songwriters, independent music venues, and others who are part of creating a vibrant music scene. He attended the National Independent Venue Association conference in New Orleans in June to learn about the challenges independent venues face while working to keep their doors open. “It’s hard for artists to reach new audiences these days unless they tour. They are like all workers; they need places to work, and venues need workers (aka artists) to fill seats. It’s simple: music needs fans, and fans need music. Our goal is simple. We believe that there are a lot of people who would do better if they were better educated on this topic. We want to encourage those fans to be actively involved in helping support the artists and the entire independent ecosystem.” The only requirement to join is to agree with The Fan Alliance's pledge to be a music fan who supports the future of music. Members support fair pay for all music creators, fair compensation, transparency, and accountability for artists from online platforms, the rights of artists to control and receive compensation for the use of their work, and efforts to ensure that live music is a fan-friendly concert experience free from predatory ticket selling prices. To join The Fan Alliance, visit their website at thefanalliance.org .

As a child growing up in Front Royal, Virginia, Gina Furtado was surrounded by music. “My mom was a little bit musical,” she says. “She always loved music, and she got me and my siblings started in classical music early – I started playing piano at age five. We were homeschooled, and our main focus was music. We all started with the Suzuki method.” Gina’s musical direction took a turn when she discovered the banjo at age eleven or twelve. “I started doing fiddler’s conventions, like Galax Old Fiddlers Convention and became a bluegrass superfan. I loved the focus of the conventions – jamming at campsites and competing.” Soon, Gina and her siblings received invitations to play up and down the eastern seaboard from Virginia to Florida. “I got really serious about banjo and took lessons from Murphy Henry, which was wonderful.” Gina began earning ribbons at fiddlers conventions and building a solid reputation in the regional bluegrass scene. Gina didn’t plan on becoming a professional musician. “It just sort of happened,” she laughs. “When I was 16 or so, I began playing professionally. I was getting some pretty good-paying gigs. I played with a local group, and we played for parties and weddings, that kind of thing.” She played in several regional bands, including Blue Light Special, New Girls Nite Out, On the Run, and Bud’s Collective. “I decided I was going to buckle down and do this. That’s when I started playing with Chris Jones.” Gina began contacting people she knew, asking if they might need a banjo player. “I spoke with Jon Weisberger, who played with Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, and as it turned out, they were looking for a banjo player.” Playing with Jones gave Gina international touring exposure. Her talent has been recognized with awards and media exposure. When Gina’s album True Colors  was released in 2017, it debuted at #13 on the Bluegrass Billboard  charts, with two number-one songs on the Bluegrass Today  charts. In 2017, she was featured on the Banjo Newsletter cover and was nominated for the IBMA Banjo Player of the Year in 2018. The Gina Furtado Project, the band she fronted as a singer, songwriter, and banjo player, heavily emphasized original, catchy, and relatable material that spanned from bluegrass to gypsy jazz, swing, and beyond. “We still have several tracks recorded that have not yet been released.” In addition to performing, Gina was a much sought-after teacher for online banjo lessons from her home in Winchester, Virginia, and she taught at many banjo camps. These days, she keeps a full calendar with dog training. “I adopted a basket-case dog that required extensive training. I worked with her, and now she is awesome. I have now started training dogs for other people.” That lifestyle suits her since she has three children. “Traveling is hard to do with a family.” Gina says she still finds time to write. “It’s important for me to write. Whether it’s journaling, poetry, or songs. The words help make sense of things to me.” While stepping back from music to be with her family, Gina says she hopes to return when the time is right.

Colorado-based Downey Chase reflects the rich landscapes and clear skies of the Rocky Mountains.  A new single – “I Spin” – marks the beginning of Downey Chase. The moniker defines a solo breakaway project by musician Nic Lussier. A member of the indie rock group The Brazen Youth, Lussier finds time to tour with the band while pursuing his own quieter folk vision. “I’d classify my music as folk because it’s what comes from the deepest parts of my soul. Hope that’s not too corny,” Lussier said. His upcoming Downey Chase EP includes songs he said “felt so simple and natural while writing.” “All I was trying to do was capture whatever I was feeling without any masks, shiny things, or grandiosity,” he explained. “To me, that’s what folk is.”  Lussier said his biggest influences for Downey Chase have been Bob Dylan, Adrianne Lenker and Gregory Alan Isakov.  “They’ve set a standard that I feel I’ll never live up to,” he confessed, “but will keep me going forever because I know that such a high level of beauty can be created.” Lussier tried to record music that reflects that beauty, which is available in ample supply in Colorado. “I recorded this EP from a closet in my apartment here in Boulder,” Lussier said. “I’d often go for a run or a drive in the mountains when I’d want to listen back to my mixes. Most of these songs are inspired by little ‘Colorado moments,’ too.”  He said the new single was “inspired by a trip my partner and I took to the Sand Dunes back in September. It’s considered an International Dark Sky place, with some of the best star views in the world. Lucky for us, the night we camped was a new moon. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life.” Before tackling solo work, Lussier put out several records with The Brazen Youth and “toured all over the country.” He sees that band’s tone and sonic quality as quite different from that of Downey Chase. This venture allowed him to do something new. “I’ve always felt this strong connection to folk music and the lifestyle it promotes, but I’ve never seen The Brazen Youth as a ‘folk’ band – we hover more in the indie-rock sphere,” he explained. “It’s been a dream of mine to put music like this out – something that feels deeply personal and uninhibited.” Lussier has been involved with music since childhood. “I grew up singing with my family and playing guitar. As a kid, I spent a lot of time gigging around town with my [The Brazen Youth] bandmate, Charlie. We’d play at farmers' markets, town events, and birthday parties – whoever would let us play, really. He used to play a singing saw and keys, and I’d sing and strum the guitar and pedal away at a kick drum.” He’s spent the last seven years traveling with The Brazen Youth, but now, an additional chapter will be added to his ongoing journey. “This new project has been a big challenge for me,” he said, “forcing me to rely on myself playing instruments I’m not too comfortable playing, like piano, mandolin and banjo.” The new single, “I Spin,” features Lussier’s brother, Joe, who performs under the stage name of “Shower Beer.”  “He guided me through this song and played banjo on it,” Lussier said. “Carson McHaney, a fiddler who also lives in Colorado, really brought this song to life with his additions. I gave him such a mishmash of thoughts, and he took them, polished them, and added something beyond my wildest dreams. Anna Frick, over at Ally Sound in Longmont, Colorado, mastered the track.” Lussier said a few more Downey Chase singles will be released over the summer, and the full EP is expected to be released sometime in autumn.

Photo by Rebecca Sharp As part of “Bluegrass Queen,” Rhonda Vincent’s band—The Rage—upright bassist and multi-instrumentalist Mickey Harris has spent most of a lifetime doing what he loves. Tennessee-steeped and family-band-raised, Harris is making music, seeing the world, and doing exactly what he loves: Plucking out those deep-down notes that bring depth to bluegrass. He came to it because his grandfather needed a bass player for his band, and he looked to his family to fill that void. Harris said they were just a small local band that played at the VA and churches. “He bought my first bass for me,” Harris said. It was an electric bass, and he was just nine years old. “I started upright bass at 12.” He made the switch because his great aunt—also a performer with a band—played the upright. It always intrigued the young Harris. When he was in the room during a gig, Harris said he’d “always sneak over there and play it.” While playing in both family outfits, he focused on the Tipton Family Band.  “I also played mandolin in my family’s band,” he said. “We played a lot of bluegrass and gospel shows in middle Tennessee.” Harris is also adept at guitar and dobro. After performing with several other bands, he eventually landed with Vincent, where he’s been for over twenty years.  “I met her through other bands I was with,” Harris said. “We had done some festivals and bluegrass cruises together.” He started filling in at the end of 2001 and did a European tour with her that summer. “We got along great, so I took the job full-time,” he said. “We’ve been to all 50 states and a lot of foreign countries. We’ve seen a lot of countryside together. We’ve rode a lot of miles together.” “Rhonda’s been great,” he continued. “Ever since I’ve been in the band, she’s also sung on every record I’ve made. We’ve done some duets, and she’s done some harmony vocals.” Here, Harris references his own recordings. There are six of them, and all are available at MickeyHarrisMusic.com .  Besides touring with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, he sometimes finds time for extra outings. “I occasionally may do a show at the Station Inn [in Nashville] with some of our band members. We just do things for fun occasionally,” he said. Harris said he does somewhere between 120 and 140 dates a year with Vincent. “We’ve also added a lot of Grand Ole Opry dates because she’s a member now,” he added. Harris had some advice for aspiring bass players. To him, becoming great is about educating oneself and simply…paying close attention. He said this is exactly how he learned long ago: by being a keen observer of others he admired. “I used to go down to the Station Inn and watch Mike Bub play,” he said of one of his main inspirations during his teen years. Bub would play regularly at a Tuesday night jam session. Another influence on Harris was middle-Tennessee-based bassist Phil Wimett.  “He was great. He was a big influence on my playing as a young kid. He was very entertaining,” Harris laughed. Another person he watched closely in his youth was “Cousin” Jake Tullock, who played with Flatt & Scruggs: “He was always one of my favorites.” “Just sit and listen and watch,” he advised youngsters just starting out. Yes, playing and rehearsing are important. Of course. An even bigger part of the success equation, however, involves having the humility to follow in the footsteps of others, to give credit where credit is due, but then build upon what you’ve learned. Harris believes that’s the thing that makes or breaks someone who wants to play professionally someday. Harris found mentors in people who had mastered the bass, and it helped him to master it as well. These are wise words of advice. “That’s exactly how I learned. Listen to the notes they’re putting in, but especially to what they’re leaving out,” he laughed. “I don’t like to over-play, especially over the melody.” The knowledge of when to come forward and when to pull back has always been – and always will be – the mark of a seasoned professional.

Members of the Wood Box Heroes are no strangers to performing with the biggest names in the music business. While this fresh outfit doesn’t yet have longevity, the individual band members definitely have high-profile experience and playing chops. If all goes as planned, referring to them as a burgeoning super-group wouldn't be wrong. Banjo player Matt Menefee plays with the ultra-popular Mumford and Sons. Jenee Fleenor has played fiddle for George Strait, Blake Shelton and Larry Cordle. Bass player Barry Bales gigs with Alison Krauss. Last but not least, lead guitarist, songwriter and vocalist Josh Martin has played on recordings of Willie Nelson.  Based in Nashville, Martin said he’d been gigging up in Michigan during summers and “always took a bluegrass band with me to play my country stuff.” This particular configuration seemed somehow…right. “It was so much fun…it just kind of fell together real naturally,” Martin said. The band’s name seems to be a source of amusement. He laughed when telling its story. “It kinda fell off the tip of my tongue one day,” he recalled. They kept toying with name ideas, and someone would inevitably bring up the phrase “Wood Box Heroes” again and again. They liked the words, but the story of the name’s symbolism sort of came retroactively. “We were asking ourselves: What does it  mean ?” Martin laughed. In the end, they came to a consensus on how it related to their stringed instruments. “All the heroes we looked up to were making music on wooden boxes.” “Towards those heroes,” Martin continued, the band has “a reverent mindset…but also a kindred spirit mindset.” He said taking in a live performance will be more instructive than simply listening to recordings. This is true of almost all music. “Any time we’re out close to y’all, definitely come out to experience it,” he said, speaking directly to readers of The Bluegrass Standard. “Get to a live show if you really want to dive into what the band is all about.” In its second year, Wood Box Heroes has tripled the number of public appearances but still aims for a measured approach that focuses on quality rather than quantity. Last year, they did about ten gigs, and this year, they are scheduled for about 30. In May, they appeared onstage at the Grand Ole Opry. “We wanna go play places that make sense and are conducive to what we do,” Martin explained. What they “do” is meld “an eclectic array of sounds” from country, bluegrass, blues, jazz, rock and classical.  As a songwriter, Martin said he focuses his writing on things that are “real.” “The real world,” Martin said, of what inspires his lyrics. “Living…going through this thing that we call living, and relating and sympathizing with others…giving somebody else an opportunity to see they aren’t the only one to have a situation go down. At its core, it [music] is how we make sense of things.” This writing—and the group's musicianship—are showcased on the band’s first album, the June release titled “444.” They’ll spend time performing to support the record, but it sounds as if they’re not content to sit for long before bringing more new music to the table. “We’re chomping at the bit to get back in the studio,” Martin said, explaining that he’s written quite a bit that’s sitting waiting in the hopper. “We probably have five albums already of songs.” Martin sets his hopes high; he believes this group can become the next big thing. He said after several experiences of being part of various projects, this one feels…different. He “knows” that things are clicking into place and ready to fly (or, as he laughed about it, “the key is in the lock and turning.”) “In a band situation, it’s a ‘feeling’ type thing,” he said. “I truly think that this group of musicians – the caliber of it – I think it can go as far as we are able to take it.” If Billy Strings can do it, so can Wood Box Heroes. “Billy’s taking it to the arenas and selling out every show,” Martin said. “Something happened in the psyche of the whole world during the pandemic that made them yearn for something real. Billy’s giving it to them…and we can, too.”