Tim Stafford will talk about about his new book, Still Inside, the Tony Rice Story on Pastures of Plenty on WORT 89.9 FM, Tuesday, May 18 at 10 a.m. Stafford will talk to host John Fabke about Rice, seminal musician who blazed the trail for bluegrass guitarists, elevating the instrument from rhythm to lead. Stafford spent countless hours interviewing Rice, as well as his friends, family and fellow musicians. For more information about Still Inside, The Tony Rice Story, go to www.tonyricestory.com.

Attention all acoustic music lovers!  A new biography of Tony Rice is due out on April 12!  Co-written by Tim Stafford and Caroline Wright, Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story chronicles Tony’s incredible musical/life journey through anecdotes, observations from his friends, family, fans, fellow musicians and most importantly, Tony’s own words.

From his turbulent childhood, to his current status as statesman of the acoustic guitar and everything in between, this biography explores the incredible musical contributions Tony has made…elevating the acoustic guitar to lead instrument, pioneering the new acoustic jazz called Dawg, and his years as bluegrass’ most eloquent vocalist.

Co-author Caroline Wright, who went on the road with Tony, documents his everyday life in great detail, sure to astound and fascinate even his most knowledgeable fans.  Tim Stafford, founding member of super group Blue Highway and a highly respected acoustic guitarist himself, lends his acuity into Tony’s unparalleled guitar style.  Additionally, Tim discusses the life and times of Tony’s prize possession, the 1935 Martin D-28 Herringbone guitar also known as “The Bone” or “The Antique,” formerly owned by the great Clarence White.

This insightful and entertaining biography also contains a comprehensive discography, a detailed and fascinating timeline, a bibliography of suggested reading for serious fans and more than 100 never-before published photos. Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story is sure to be the bluegrass literary event of the year!

To pre-order or to find out more detailed information about Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story, go to www.tonyricestory.com.

Since forming a musical partnership in 1986, when Tom first joined Laurie’s acclaimed band Grant Street, Lewis and Rozum have recorded 12 alblums and performed around the globe. These Grammy-nominated artists (for their 1995 album The Oak and the Laurel) are widely regarded as among the leading lights of modern bluegrass.

In their concerts, Lewis and Rozum pay homage to such eminent influences as Woody Guthrie, Hazel Dickens, Grandpa Jones and Bill Monroe, and add their own distinctive touches to traditional favorites. They also perform several of Lewis’ highly acclaimed compositions.

Tickets will are $14 in advance and $17 on the day of the show. More information at http://high-noon.com.

SpareTime Bluegrass and The Oak Street Ramblers, along with The Cork ‘n Bottle String Band and children’s music peformer Dave Landau will present a benefit concert for United Way of Dane County on Sunday, February 14 at 1:00 p.m. at The Barrymore Theatre, 2090 Atwood Avenue, Madison WI. All of the performers are contributing their time and talent, and all proceeds will go to support United Way to advance the community’s Agenda for Change goals.

The annual concert has seen strong support from serious bluegrass fans. Admission for this family-friendly concert will be $10 for adults, and $5.00 for children 5-12 years of age ($20 maximum per family). Tickets may be ordered at www.barrymorelive.com.

Here are some terrific CDs selected by the bands themselves for this Holiday Buying Guide. Any one would make a splendid gift:

Henhouse Prowlers

Chicago bluegrass powerhouse The Henhouse Prowlers have a brand-new album out called A Dark Rumor. Find out why music blog Wildy’s World said “This is one of those albums that makes you want to run out and find what else The Henhouse Prowlers have done, and when the next new album might be expected. Check out The Henhouse Prowlers, a must-hear band.”

You can purchase the disc through CD Baby at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TheHenhouseProwlers . Or you can download the album on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/album/a-dark-rumor/id343345267?v0=9989&ign-mpt=uo=1 .

Liberty Bluegrass Band

2009 WAMI Bluegrass Artist of the Year Liberty Bluegrass is offering two CDs this holiday season. The first is  their debut album Life, Liberty Bluegrass and the Pursuit of Happiness, featuring their 2008 WAMI CD-Roulette winning cover of “Rank Stranger to Me.” Their latest CD is Goin’ Burlap, featuring four original songs and a cover of Lynard Skynard’s “Simple Man.”

Both CDs can be purchased for $10 each plus $2 S&H. During the holiday their online purchased CDs come with free gift wrapping! LBB’s on-line store is located at http://www.libertybluegrassband.com/LBB_Store.html

Alzen Family Bluegrass Band

Fans of gospel bluegrass will want to own some discs from the Alzen Family band.  The group have three CDs available: On the Sea of Life, Let My Life Be a Light, and Traveling Through God’s World. CDs cost $15, plus $2 shipping. Available to listen and order on band website www.alzenfamily.com via PayPal. Those wishing to buy the old fashioned way may also order by phone at 715-749-3977, or send check or cash by mail to Alzen Family, 1016-110th Avenue, Roberts, WI 54023. Please specify which CD and quantity.

Round the Bend

Round the Bend’s self-titled debut album is a perennial favorite. Country music historian Bill Malone says “The diversity of styles is one of the most appealing aspects of the music heard here. . .You’re going to like what you hear.”

You can listen to clips and purchase the CD at http://roundbend.com/cdinfopage.htm.

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Copies are still available of Jeff Hickey’s MAMA-winning album, Loose Ends. Hickey, a gifted guitarist and singer/songwriter, died earlier this year from injuries sustained in a car accident, and the limited supply of CDs are being sold to benefit Jeff’s family. You can find out how to order a copy here: http://www.thirdhandcapo.com/jeff/index.html.

Eight acts competed for cash prizes before an enthusiastic crowd. Winners were decided by an Applause-O-Meter at the end of the competition. In addition, a “Crowd Favorite” award was selected by by direct ballot of the audience.

A jug band consisting of Beverly Hills, Scott Knickelbine, Arvid Berge, Dave Nance and Frank Parks won the Second Place prize as well as the Crowd Favorite award with a spirited performance of “Blues in the Bottle.” Sandy Nowak, Dan Hildebrand, Jim Carrier, John Jirak, Mitch Rosefelt, Dale Ward and Natalie Grady won Third Place with a winsome, multimedia rendition of the bluegrass classic “Roses in the Snow.” Catherine Ryner and Jim Hodges won Honorable Mention for their duet on “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind.”

The 2009 SWBMAI holiday party was the best-attended in recent years. Kudos to board member Sharon Manion for organizing the event, and for shooting this video of the winning acts!

“I was extremely proud to represent Wisconsin as I accepted my award,” Sherman told SWBMAI shortly after the awards ceremony. “My heart has never left Wisconsin and I truly miss and adore my Bluegrass family there!”

“I founded and still direct the East Troy Bluegrass Festival 17 years ago,” Sherman said. “I have been writing music since I was 16. Since living with my partner Doug and having this wonderfully talented band Hard Ryde in my life, I have finally found the right group to make my songs come alive!  As a family we live the Bluegrass life. We have 5 family festivals here in Canada , along with my festival in East Troy. We host a winter series in the spring from Feb-April and produce the Bluegrass awards for Central Ontario. Hard Ryde is on the road constantly playing festivals both in the US and Canada.”

Watch Hard Ryde perform one of Melissa Sherman’s songs, “Turkeyville Road”

$ . . . can now offer individual donors and corporate donors a tax deduction for their donations to us.

$ . . . is eligible to receive private foundation grants. Private foundations are required by law to distribute a minimum amount of money for charitable purposes. One way they fulfill this obligation is by making grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

$ . . . is eligible for lower postal rates on third class bulk mailings through the US Postal Service.

$ . . . will not pay federal corporate income tax except on income derived from unrelated business income. With this exemption, an organization can save 15% – 35% of its taxable income.

$ . . . in most instances, will not pay state property taxes, corporate income, franchise, excise, use, and sales tax.

The bottom line: SWBMAI donors save money, SWBMAI can develop new sources of operating revenue, and we can put more of that money directly to work encouraging the preservation and growth of bluegrass music in Wisconsin.

But there’s one more prize left. A hat will be passed all day for the winner of the Audience Favorite award which will be decided by paper ballot. You’ll receive it at the door.

If you want to participate in the talent show, be sure to register early. There is a limited number of slots available on a first come, first served basis. You can register by calling board member Sharon Manion at (608) 424-3408 or by e-mailing SWBMAItalentshow@gmail.com.

Click Here for More Details on the Holiday Party and the Talent Competition!

The special live tribute will be performed Friday, November 6th at Mother Fool’s Coffehouse in Madison and Saturday, November 7th at the Richland Auditorium.

Bob Black is a master of the five string banjo and a veteran of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys. He has also performed with Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Emmylou Harris, Norman Blake and Rhonda Vincent and played the Grand Ole Opry. Paul Kienitz is one of the finest traditional bluegrass fiddle players in the upper Midwest. Paul has been a long standing member of the award-winning Nob Hill Boys and was a featured performer with a reunion of Blue Grass Boys at the 2008 Sugar Maple Festival.

Bob and Paul will be joined by Mark Hembree on bass (veteran of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys as well, the Nashville Bluegrass Band and the Dreadful Snakes with Bela’ Fleck and Jerry Douglas). Brian Ray on mandolin (This is the Squirrel Hunters) and John Fabke on guitar (Nob Hill Boys) will complete the line-up for this special Tribute.

Friday, November 6, Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse, 1101 Williamson St., Madison, WI, 8pm
Admission: $10.

Saturday, November 7, Richland Center City Auditorium, 182 N. Central Ave., Richland Center, WI., 7:30pm.
Advanced Tickets: Auditorium Antiques, 182 N. Central Ave., Richland Center, WI Info: 608-649-3456.
*A portion of the proceeds goes to RCPAC (Richland County Performing Arts Council) to fund the Auditorium Rehabilitation Project.*
Tickets: $10.