The Bluegrass Painter

Rebekah Weiler at Leadership Bluegrass

The Daily News Journal of Murfreesboro, Tennessee reports on our friend Rebekah Weiler's attendance at last week's Leadership Bluegrass. 

IBMA 2008 Art

I think it was mentioned here before on this blog how pleased we were to be asked last year by the IBMA to provide artwork for the 2008 World of Bluegrass marketing materials.   Here's a look at an image they sent out yesterday in an email some of you probably received about the event.  They did a great job with the graphics on this.   Thanks again to Dan Hays for involving us in this project. We're looking forward to attending the event again this year. 

Hickory Ridge at IBMA

I'm finally getting back to reviewing some of my IBMA photos.  Here's one of Hickory Ridge, one of the first bands that we enjoyed listening to upon arriving at IBMA .  These guys are somewhat local to me as they are from south central Pennsylvania.  You can catch up with them at www.hickoryridgebluegrass.com. 

Williams Fine Violins and Luthier Studios

Another friend made at the World of Bluegrass was Dustin Art Williams of Williams Fine Violins and Luthier Studios.   Dustin's shop is located in the historic "Music Row" neighborhood in Nashville.  We haven't been to Dustin's shop, but hope to make a visit on our next trip back to Music City. 

IBMA Wrap Up and Thanks

We got back Sunday night from the super IBMA gathering in Nashville.  We had a fun and productive trip, enjoying the company of friends both old and new.  We even managed to do some business between picking tunes and seeing some great musicians, both on stage and off. 

Thanks to Dan Hays, Executive Director of the IBMA. He asked us to provide the artwork that the IBMA will use in their promotional and graphic materials for the 2008 World of Bluegrass.  We can't be prouder about this and can't wait to see the art in action.  Dan's guidance and encouragement for us to participate as exhibitors got us involved.  I believe this is a significant landmark for our Appalachian Studio. We sure plan to be back next year.  We could not have been more fortunate than to have had Benoit Guitars, represented by Anita and Carroll Benoit in our neighboring booth. They provided advice and a helping hand. Class folks with beautiful resonator guitars.

Reflecting on some personal highlights of this past weekend...picking  "Whiskey Before Breakfast"  with David Harvey at the Gibson booth on the Ricky Skaggs Master Model Mandolin #1...renewing acquaintances with Alaskan Cruise mates Louis Champagne, Tom Thorpe, Dwight Worden, David Moultrie and, of course, Carla and Greg Hoover of Cottage Music. Louis brought his entire band, Grassfire, to IBMA and let me jam some with them...thanks Louis. This was all after attending the IBMA Award spectacular...talent of this level is inspiring to say the least. And attending late night showcases by The Claire Lynch Band, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, The Infamous Stringdusters, J.D. Crowe, among many others.

And from the home front...Karen and Bob Artis helped guide us through our first IBMA. They were there with Bernie and Mary Beth Cunningham. Karen, Bob and Bernie are 75% of The Allegheny Drifters...a truly fine bluegrass band from the western Pennsylvania region. These folks need to be showcased.

If you have a chance to get to this event next year...don't miss it.  I hope to have more pictures and comments up soon.