Americana Music Magazine – Bluegrass, Roots, Folk, Blues, and Old-Time

“When you think of the Blue Ridge Mountains, your first thought is probably not of stringed musical instruments playing authentic and unique American roots music; however, this rural backdrop is the raw source of much of the sounds we hear today and consider our American musical legacy; including rock-and-roll and jazz,” writes Ross Moonie, spokesperson and head of media relations ...

Being part of the writing effort for a magazine that focuses upon Americana music means we are blessed with the chance to attend some exceptional music festivals throughout the year. Even when the official editorial call to attend is not there, my wife and I often find ourselves heading off for a whole weekend here or a single day there ...

These days I would describe myself as an amateur farm/country girl because I have moved to the country. Oh yes, it is definitely different out here, gentle and charming if you are not focused on all of the new breed of bugs and wildlife I can hear in the distance that I must use my imagination to get a glimpse ...

At 30 years old, some say Stefan Szabo is an old soul going on 60. He is the singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist for his band, National Park Radio. Their’s is a fresh but familiar sound reminiscent of Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers, National Park Radio delivers a unique blend of folk, country, bluegrass, and rock. Their music embodies ...

Minneapolis, MN is home for Americana singer/songwriter Matthew Fox for about the last 17 years. Originally from Georgia, Matt grew up in Texas where he discovered his musical chops. Matt says his parents were huge music fans. “Mom was always singing around the house, and dad was like the quintessential listener. He’s the reason people like me have jobs,” he ...

Chris Pluska and his band Curio have been playing to crowds at juke joints, dives and clubs in and around Chicago, IL since 2009. Their music has been dubbed “hell-raisin’, soul-shakin’ rock n’ roll,” It is steeped in southern gothic lore by way of the Midwest. “I feel like it’s very swampy,” Chris told me. You can hear the growl ...

The 30th installment of Merlefest came to a close Sunday afternoon, April 30th, with a crowd pleasing set from one of Country Music’s more popular artists, the Zac Brown Band. It is estimated that well over 80,000 folks attended the celebration over the four days. This festival is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation which funds scholarships and capital ...

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is April, 30th; what better way to celebrate (besides adopting a pet) than to check out the upcoming CD release dedicated to raising funds and awareness for this amazing cause. The CD, Rescue Me! A Cause for Paws, is a project of Blue Light Records and co-produced by singer/songwriter Amy White, (Inside Track artist, ...

One of AR’s editors was leafing through the pages of the latest AARP Bulletin (Vol 58, No 3, Apr ’17 issue)—yes, he is that old; and on page 38 was a short story about Mr. Michael Kurtz who is recognized as the co-founder of National Record Store Day. After being reminded that the annual National Record Day is coming upon ...

For two guys who grew up on a dairy farm in New York, just a few miles from the Canadian border, to be called “Bluegrass superstars” by the New York Time is a big deal. Eric Gibson told me recently, “That was a nice feather in our cap to have a publication of that notoriety say something like that. We’ve ...