Category Archives: Bluegrass

I am a bluegrass music nut!

Bluegrass Is More Than Music!

Posted on November 29, 2019 by Wayne Rice

Over the past three decades, I have been an active member of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). I’ve been on several committees, given a keynote speech, led workshops, produced awards shows and more. But the most gratifying job I’ve … Continue reading →

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Remembering Merle

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Wayne Rice

Merle Haggard turned 79 today and then died. He had been ill for a good while although he was planning to fulfill some concert dates in the near future. Today was also my father’s birthday, who would have turned 95 … Continue reading →

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40 Years on KSON!

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Wayne Rice

It was on March 7, 1976 that my radio show, The Bluegrass Special, went on the air for the first time. I can’t remember a time in my life when I have been more nervous. When the clock hit 6 … Continue reading →

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Best Bluegrass Albums of 2015

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Wayne Rice

It’s time to make a list of the top 30 bluegrass albums of 2015, as heard on KSON’s Bluegrass Special December 27. If you missed it, you can listen at kson.com/bluegrass through the end of January. This list doesn’t mean … Continue reading →

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Remembering Bill Keith

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Wayne Rice

Bill Keith, newest member of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, died on October 23, less than a month after being inducted into the IBMA’s prestigious Hall of Fame. Bill accepted the honor in person at ceremonies held in Raleigh, … Continue reading →

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A Celebration of Bill Monroe’s Birthday

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Wayne Rice

The “Father of Bluegrass Music” is Bill Monroe, the first recording artist to incorporate into his band the five acoustic instruments (mandolin, 5-string banjo played three-finger style, fiddle, guitar and string bass) that make up a classic bluegrass ensemble. He … Continue reading →

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The Punch Brothers: Something Special Indeed

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Wayne Rice

The Punch Brothers played the North Park Theater on Wednesday night and I just had to write about the experience, because that’s what it was for me—an experience, not just another concert. The Punch Brothers are at first glance a … Continue reading →

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39 Years on KSON!

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Wayne Rice

KSON’s Bluegrass Special went on the air for the first time on March 7, 1976 from 6-8 PM. The first few programs were aired on KSON-FM 97.3 which at that time was called “Country 97” and honestly had very few … Continue reading →

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Robert Earl Keen Records Bluegrassy “Happy Prisoner”

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Wayne Rice

You may or not be familiar with Texan Robert Earl Keen as he has never been a mainstream country or pop artist, preferring instead to stay on the fringes and record his own brand of folk, roots, blues, protest, outlaw, … Continue reading →

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Another Banner Year for Bluegrass Music

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Wayne Rice

Once again I had a tough time choosing the top bluegrass albums of the year. There were simply too many good ones to choose from. But I made my choices, based primarily on what gets played the most on my … Continue reading →

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