On this September 13th, 2024, we mark the birthday of a towering figure in American music, Bill Monroe, the man whose name is forever bound to the creation of bluegrass. Born in Rosine, Kentucky, in 1911, Monroe was a force that shaped the soundscape of American folk, country, and beyond, casting shadows deep into the realms of rock and jam music. It is no stretch to say that without Monroe, the sonic evolution that gave rise to countless genres would be missing a crucial voice—a high, lonesome voice, as the hallmark of his sound came to be known.

Last weekend, Billy Strings delivered two sold-out concerts at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. The weekend was a full-fledged celebration of bluegrass music in the state where it all began decades ago with Bill Monroe.

Never missing the chance to educate the audience on the bluegrass legends that came before him, Strings filled the setlist on Friday night with several traditional bluegrass tunes and covers, many of which referenced the state of Kentucky.

The Infamous Stringdusters should be way more famous.

Not to say they haven’t earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy win for Best Bluegrass Album in 2018. The quintet also tops the bill at many string-based festivals. While perhaps not yet a “household name” in the bluegrass pantheon, the Stringdusters may be the worst-kept secret in the genre.

Peter Rowan will share the stage with Railroad Earth on New Year’s Eve at the Vic Theatre in Chicago and Grateful Web was thrilled to have a chance to talk to Peter leading up to the shows...

DEC 30TH @ 8:00PM

Chicago (The Vic Theatre) 

This past weekend the 49th presentation of the bluegrass community staple RockyGrass came to a close and once again, the gathering was a rousing success. Presented with the care and talents of the illustrious Planet Bluegrass, attendees were treated to three days of local, regional, and national talents inspired by the Appalachian sound. As is customary with this family friendly festival, equipped with onsite camping, all age access to the cool waters of the North St.

Ever since Bill Monroe stormed out of Kentucky 75 years ago with a hot new take on traditional tunes, bluegrass music’s metric drive and high lonesome sound has thrilled and inspired audiences around the world. That bluegrass high energy and soulfulness was captured live in December of 2019 at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky for BLUEGRASS NOW!, a nationally televised PBS special premiering Saturday, February 29.

It takes a hell of a lot to get me to brave the absolute sardine-pack that is a sold-out Ogden Theatre in Denver for 3 consecutive nights. There are very few bands that would warrant something like that but Billy Strings is up there at the top of the shortlist.  Over the course of a cold weekend in December, the city of Denver was lucky enough to get to take part in the only three-night run of Billy Strings’ fall tour.