Compass Records and Larry Stephenson are making a special offer for his latest album, What Really Matters due out later this month -- May 29th. You can now pre-order the album, get free shipping and, the first 100 pre-orders will receive an autographed copy.

Highly regarded as one of bluegrass music's finest high lead and tenor vocalists, Larry Stephenson has been a torchbearer for the traditional sound for over twenty years and now, for his first album with Compass Records, Stephenson presents What Really Matters, available May 29th. The album is a fitting follow-up to the Larry Stephenson Band's win at the 2010 International Bluegrass Music Awards, his bluegrass star-studded previous effort, 20th Anniversary that took the prize for Recorded Event of the Year.

On this new release, armed with 12 outstanding tracks and surrounded by a road-tested band that includes Kenny Ingram (banjo), Kevin Richardson (guitar) and Danny Stewart (bass), Stephenson's distinctive vocals are showcased to great effect, setting a distinct standard of clarity, melody and insightful storytelling.

The overall album represents a personal reflection for Larry and the songs feature his grounded perspective as well as his musical maturity. "The song fits my life to a tee, my wife Dreama and I have a three year old daughter so now I see 'what really matters,'" shares Stephenson regarding the title track, a new song written by the late Harley Allen and John Wiggins. The rest of the album spans plenty of the familiar bluegrass themes that "really matter:" love lost ("The Blues Don't Care"), love found ("I See Love"), riding on trains ("Big Train") and the quintessential uplifting spirituals ("God Will," "Jericho Road") as well as a lively classic instrumental ("Bear Tracks").

At the suggestion of producer Ben Surratt, Stephenson called upon Sam Bush to record fiddle and harmony vocals their version of "Philadelphia Lawyer." "I've always been a fan of Sam's, love his mandolin playing and singing. Every time I see him he's so complimentary to my music and me. When I called him and told him about 'Philadelphia Lawyer,' he said, 'Ill have to get my Red Allen record out.' I knew I had the right man for the job! That I know of, it has never been done as a duet."

Longtime producer and friend Surratt was again enlisted for What Really Matters. "Ben's the best! This is our 8th album together and he's co-produced four with me. He always comes up with great songs and arrangements and he makes the whole process enjoyable."

This veteran performer continues to deliver new and fresh material while never straying far from his deep traditional roots. Inducted into the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996, Stephenson is considered by many to be one of the premiere torchbearers for the traditional bluegrass sound created by first generation legends Jimmy Martin, Mac Wiseman, Jim & Jesse and The Osborne Brothers. Throughout his now over twenty-year career fronting his own band, and almost forty years as a major, touring performer, Larry Stephenson has been well-recognized and awarded by fans and his peers in the recording industry. He's been named Male Vocalist of the Year at SPBGMA (The Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) five times. See Larry Stephenson's tour dates here.The Blues Don

Lebanon, TN -- The first-ever Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® two-disc set, An Evening With...Dolly, has earned a Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Gold award. The DVD/CD was RIAA certified just four weeks after its April 2 release date and its debut at #2 on Billboard's Top DVD Music Videos Chart.

The RIAA gold award marks a first for Cracker Barrel and the first for Dolly Records in the U.S., with previous Gold certifications in Australia and the United Kingdom. "I'm thrilled that so many fans are listening to my songs and taking a look behind-the-scenes of my European tour,' said Dolly. "I had a wonderful time performing in London and I think the audience did too. It's exciting to be able to share my experiences with Cracker Barrel fans. And I have to tell you, I'm even more excited that An Evening With...Dolly earned the first Gold in the Cracker Barrel exclusive music program. That's just icing on the cake.'

"We're very pleased that An Evening With...Dolly has been so popular with our guests,' said Julie Craig, Cracker Barrel Marketing Manager. "It is our first two-disc set and the first Gold for our exclusive music program. We just couldn't be prouder of the quality and energy that Dolly brought to this project.' The first-ever Cracker Barrel two-disc set was the second project with Dolly Parton and is available for $11.99 exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations and online at crackerbarrel.com.

"In true Dolly fashion and always on the cutting edge, Dolly was the first to be SoundScanned in Cracker Barrel's exclusive music program, and now their first gold record,' said Dolly's Manager/President of Dolly Records Danny Nozell.

"Working with Dolly for a second time has been has been doubly exciting," said Julie Craig, Cracker Barrel Marketing Manager. "It's the first time we have released a two-disc set, and together they are just jam-packed with music including some of Dolly's biggest hits, on stage entertainment, and down-home conversations with Dolly. The DVD offers a rare look behind the scenes at one of Dolly's concert tours and complements the CD beautifully."

The DVD and CD transport you to a front row seat in London as Dolly performs some of her most popular songs "Coat of Many Colors," "9 to 5," and "Jolene," live in front of her sold-out O2 arena concert. The double-disc set includes live performances of Dolly's biggest hits, including "9 to 5," "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," "Here You Come Again," "Islands in the Stream," and "I Will Always Love You," among others. The package retails for $11.99 and is also available online at www.crackerbarrel.com

Classics like Dolly's very first million seller, "Here You Come Again" and "I Will Always Love You," along with previously unreleased live bonus tracks "Shattered Image" and "My Tennessee Mountain Home," combine in a memorable collection. The DVD captures Dolly interacting with the audience, sharing stories about growing up in Tennessee, and in the "Soundcheck" feature, fans get to take a peek backstage and see the inner workings of the show.

An Evening With... Dolly CD Track Listing:

An Evening With... Dolly DVD Track Listing:

An Evening With...Dolly is the latest in Cracker Barrel's exclusive music program. In January, Cracker Barrel released the Gospel Side of Dailey & Vincent CD. In September of 2011, The Oak Ridge Boys' CD It's Only Natural was released through Cracker Barrel's exclusive music program. In July, Cracker Barrel released Jason Michael Carroll's all-country Numbers with 11 new songs and one previous hit. In May, Cracker Barrel released Teddy Gentry's Best New Nashville with original music from 12 talented new artists and Randy Travis' self-titled album Randy Travis. In March of this year, Cracker Barrel released Kenny Rogers' The Love of God, which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and #2 on the Top Christian Albums chart. In January, Cracker Barrel released The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin, which debuted at #1 on Billboard magazine's Bluegrass Albums chart and at #26 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. In November 2010, Cracker Barrel released Smokey Robinson's Now & Then, which debuted at #19 on Billboard magazine's R&B chart and was nominated for an NAACP IMAGE AWARD. September saw the release of the self-titled Rodney Atkins, which included four #1 hits, and Mandy Barnett's Winter Wonderland. Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive CDs with Craig Morgan, Wynonna, Alan Jackson, the Zac Brown Band, George Jones, Montgomery Gentry, Bill Gaither, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Sara Evans and Charlie Daniels.

Sedona, Arizona is known for its majestic red rocks, mystical vortexes and amazing hikes, but there is much more to Sedona. The music in Sedona is not only incredible, but extremely diverse as well, including the 6th Annual Sedona Bluegrass Festival held Sunday, June 3, 2012, 12:00 - 6:00pm at the Los Abrigados, Creekside. Spring is a magical, musical season in Sedona. Music lovers have a variety of genres and events to choose from, with Sedona's majestic red rocks serving as a beautiful backdrop for days and nights filled with song; perfect for a Musical Sedona Arizona Vacation.

One of the biggest music events in Sedona is the Sixth Annual Sedona Bluegrass Festival, held May 20th ? June 3rd. This lively event will feature festival performances by world renowned Bluegrass artists, Evening Chamber Music at the Library, and a Bluegrass Master Class. Featured performers at the Festival include Grammy Award winning Bluegrass titans Tim O'Brien and Bryan Sutton, an exciting new group The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, and the ever popular Muskellunge Bluegrass.

Grammy Award winning Bluegrass titans Tim O'Brien and Bryan Sutton, an exciting new group The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, the ever popular Muskellunge Bluegrass, and rising stars Run Boy Run are the featured performers for the sixth Sedona Bluegrass Festival. This year's Sedona Bluegrass Festival will once again be held at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa - Creekside. Come and enjoy an afternoon of great Bluegrass in this spectacular setting on the bank of Oak Creek in the middle of Sedona. Click here for directions to the Resort.

Outside food and drink are not allowed on the resort grounds. Los Abrigados Resort & Spa has once again created a great menu of food selections for your enjoyment. You may purchase vouchers here or buy your meal at the Festival. The advance purchase cost for a complete meal is only $12, or you can buy your meal at the Festival at a higher cost. The Online purchasing option will be live soon, so keep checking back.

Those planning to attend the festival should reserve tickets in advance for one of the event's most popular evenings of music at the Oak Creek Canyon Ranch home of Steve and Connie Segner, owners of nearby luxury inn, El Portal. The Segners will host a foot-stomping BBQ benefit on Thursday, May 31st, which features a very personal performance by the Claire Lynch Band, along with delicious food and drink. This event has sold out the last two years and promises to be one of the highlights of the festival.

The Bluegrass Festival is held at Los Abrigados Resort, which is only steps away from Sedona's luxury boutique hotel, El Portal. The twelve room Arizona luxury hotel was designed and built with meticulous attention to detail, featuring turn of the century Southwestern design, 18-inch thick handmade adobe walls, recycled wood trim and natural native stone. Hosted by music lovers and Sedona insiders Steve and Connie Segner, the goal is for guests to make themselves completely at home in the amenity-filled luxury inn. The Segners and staff at El Portal offer a wealth of knowledge about all there is to see and do in Sedona and the surrounding area; and are happy to personally plan and arrange itineraries for guests. El Portal is also a pet-friendly bed and breakfast, featuring newly built dog yards and offering pet sitting services.

Tim O'Brien grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia, and was surrounded by classic country and bluegrass music first, subsequently augmented by the revolutionary folk music the era, including Bob Dylan, whom O'Brien paid tribute to on the acclaimed 1996 release Red On Blonde. While his sister (and occasional collaborator) Mollie took piano lessons, O'Brien pursued guitar and banjo on his own, eventually adding mandolin and fiddle to his arsenal by the time he left for college. Dropping out of a northeastern liberal arts college after a year, O'Brien headed west, eventually settling in Boulder, Colorado, where a burgeoning, eccentric roots music scene was forming. Following a stint in the endearingly ramshackle Ophelia Swing Band, O'Brien co-founded the bluegrass band Hot Rize in 1978, with guitarist Charles Sawtelle, bassist Nick Forster, and banjo player Peter Wernick. Combining a healthy reverence for bluegrass tradition with a playfully postmodern sensibility, Hot Rize became a fan and festival favorite, recording a series of acclaimed albums for the Flying Fish and Sugar Hill labels. The uncanny intersection of traditional and contemporary elements in his songwriting, his tireless dedication to a vast and still-expanding array of instruments, and his ongoing commitment to place himself in as many unique and challenging musical scenarios as possible has made him a key figure in today's thriving roots music scene ? and well beyond it. www.timobrien.net

Bryan Sutton was born near Asheville, NC in 1973. He started playing the guitar at age 8. By the time he graduated from high school, he was already immersed not only in bluegrass, but jazz and rock and roll, playing in an array of bands and making his first recordings. From there he went directly to work in his first band, spending two years on the road with acoustic country gospel artist Karen Peck before joining Mid South, a contemporary country/gospel band. That job led him to Nashville where he added mandolin, banjo and fiddle skills to his already considerable guitar abilities. In 1995, Sutton joined Ricky Skaggs' Kentucky Thunder. As the group metamorphosed into a bluegrass band over the next two years, his fiery guitar solos and punchy rhythms grew more prominent. By 1998 he was not only turning heads with his work behind Skaggs - as a member of Kentucky Thunder, he shared in that year's bluegrass Grammy award - but also appearing on some of the highest-profile releases bluegrass had to offer. Few artists have come so far so fast - and yet, at the beginning of 1999, Bryan followed his heart and retired from Kentucky Thunder to devote himself to the recording work he finds so fascinating and rewarding. In the fall of 2000, Bryan was honored by the International Bluegrass Music Association as "Guitar Player of the Year". BryanAutton.net

Nine year old banjo sensation Jonny Mizzone along with his brothers Robbie, age 12, on fiddle, and Tommy, age 14, on guitar, are The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys. Though their combined age is younger than music's Hip- Hop era, it's the music of Flatt & Scruggs & The Stanley Brothers that inspires them. The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys are the result of faith in God, brotherly-love, and a passion for inspiring others with their God given musical gifts. Best known for their YouTube bedroom practice videos, with over 3mm views, this young bluegrass trio has become an overnight sensation. Since going "viral", they have been approached by The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and recently appeared as musical guests on The Late Show with David Letterman. In July, the boys were contacted by Fox News to appear on the Mike Huckabee show, and due to an overwhelming response, were asked to appear again the following week - the only musical guests to appear on back to back episodes in the history of the show. In August the boys were named official Martin Guitar Ambassadors, had their Grand Ole Opry debut, and appeared as musical guests for a thirty-minute national segment on NBC's Today Show. One highlight of their emerging musical career was a live performance with banjo legend J.D. Crowe at a recent festival. Their first album entitled "America's Music" was recently recorded in Nashville and will release in September. The boys hope to widen the appeal of this traditional acoustic music to the next generation. You can follow The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys at SleepyManBanjoBoys.com.

Muskellunge Bluegrass consists of Nolan McKelvey (Vocals/Guitar), Aaron Tyler (Mandolin/Vocals), Tim Hogan (Bass/Vocals), and Frank Dedera (Banjo), performing original and traditional bluegrass music. Nolan McKelvey was dubbed "central to the Somerville (Boston) roots music scene" by WBUR Boston from his time spent in The Benders, Kris Delmhorst, Bow Thayer and The Resophonics among several other bands. He moved to Boston after several years in Flagstaff, Az as the founder of Onus B. Johnson. Nolan has performed at the Newport Folk Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and many other festivals. The Resophonics won a Boston Music Award in 2004 for "best folk act", and he has performed on nationally syndicated "Nashville Bluegrass Breakdown" and "World Cafe". Nolan has been referred to as "One of the best songwriters of the Southwest" (FlagLive.), and was elected "Best Musician in Flagstaff" by the Arizona Daily Sun Reader's Poll in 2010.

Aaron Tyler is renowned across the southwest and beyond for his incredible mandolin skills. Aaron has performed in and around Arizona for over twenty years and was the state champion mandolinist at the Wickenberg Bluegrass Festival in 1999. Aaron is a two-time finalist at the telluride bluegrass festival and his playing has been referred to as "adrenolin" for his unmatched speed and dexterity.

Tim Hogan has traveled the country in several nationally renowned acts including Acoustic Semi, and the In-Betweens. He is a phenomenal harmony vocalist and he lays the foundation for the band with creative and melodic bass lines.

Frank Dedera is a one of the founding members of legendary Arizona band ?Flying South'. He has performed at festivals throughout the southwest and four corners region. Frank took a 10+ year hiatus from performing to raise a family and is now back in the throes of music providing the driving force behind the bluegrass sound of Muskellunge. It's contemporary bluegrass, with one eye on the future and the other on the past. NolanMcKelvey.com.

Run Boy Run - Matt Rolland (fiddle, guitar), Grace Rolland (vocals, cello), Bekah Sandoval (vocals, fiddle), Jen Sandoval (vocals, mandolin), Jesse Allen (Bass) is rapidly growing to be a prevalent force in promoting the tradition of Bluegrass and Appalachian old-time in the Southwest. With captivating three-part female harmony, masterful fiddle work by the two-time Arizona State Fiddle Champion, and roots in traditional, jazz, classical, and folk music, Run Boy Run offers a riveting and exciting performance of traditional and original music. The result is a vast and sublime musical landscape, wide as the Appalachian range, haunted by the melancholy tones of Van Zandt, and rich in earth that quakes with the music of Monroe.
Winners of the coveted Telluride Bluegrass band competition in 2011, Paste Magazine has called them one of the "10 Arizona Bands You Should Listen To Now" RunBoyRunBand.com
Best Musician in Flagstaff

The eldest of the Dillard brothers, Doug Dillard passed away Wednesday night, May 16, 2012. He and his brother Rodney performed during the rise of the folk, bluegrass and acoustic scene of the '60s and '70s. The Dillards became household names as "The Darlings" on the Andy Griffith Show. Doug had been of ill health and passed away at a Nashville hospital Wednesday of a lung infection.

Douglas Flint "Doug" Dillard was born in Salem Missouri on March 6, 1937. The Dillards, with Doug on banjo and Rodney on guitar, grew up playing music with their family and friends including a teenaged John Hartford, in Missouri. They performed on a St. Louis radio station as The Dillard Brothers in 1958, recording for a local label. The Dillards played their first show at Washington University in St. Louis and hit the road for Los Angeles in 1962. A DesiLu Studios rep saw an ad in Variety magazine about Elektra signing The Dillards, and within days they were called in to audition for the role of The Darlins on The Andy Griffith Show.

The Dillards incorporated stand-up comedy into their stage show, and their talents as entertainers brought bluegrass to new audiences in urban clubs from L.A. to New York City, on college campuses, in movie scores, at folk festivals and on tour with mainstream rock bands and comedians. The band's unique flair for songwriting and arrangement affected a broad range of important future musicians in the bluegrass and pop music world alike, and they are credited with helping set the stage for the "country rock" movement and the burgeoning progressive sounds of bluegrass. The Dillards were inducted into the International Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2009.

The Dillard brothers were active and influential during the late 1960s folk and bluegrass music scene. They were the foundation of progressive bluegrass and even performed with electrified instruments -- something considered taboo by bluegrass traditionalists. As members of The Darlings on the Andy Griffith Show, they expanded their reach bringinb bluegrass music to people across the nation.

The Dillards were also notable songwriters and wrote many original songs. Their classic songs have become bluegrass standards like "The Old Home Place," "Dooley," "Doug's Tune," "Banjo in the Holler" and "There is a Time." Doug began playing music as a child and played guitar and banjo. He followed the Earl Scruggs 3-finger style of banjo. Earl Scruggs also recently passed away.

Doug teamed up with Gene Clark forming Dillard & Clark. Gene was well known with The Byrds and they joined the Southern California country rock movement. Their influence on America's music continued to expand as other groups took their queue and implemented Dillard & Clark style into their own music.

Doug and his brother were inducted into both the IBMA Hall of Honor and the SPBGMA Hall of Fame. param name=

Jonesborough, TN -- The Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Music Series will present an award-winning hot-band when they bring The Gibson Brothers to the concert series on May 19th. Joining The Gibson Brothers will be Mark Newton's Stillhouse Band and Blue Edition. Produced by Mountain Music Entertainment and nestled in Tennessee's oldest town, the Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series was recently awarded the NETTA Pinnacle Award.

Eric and Leigh, more widely known as The Gibson Brothers, are recognized as the finest brother duet in bluegrass music today, evidenced by their being named International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) 2011 Vocal Group of the Year and also winning the 2011 Album of the Year for Help My Brother; also named the 2011 Album of the Year by PopMatters and the 2012 Album of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA). This follows two 2010 IBMA awards for Song of the Year and Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year for "Ring The Bell". Help My Brother is their tenth release and arguably the finest in the duo's 20-year career. The project held the #1 album position on the Bluegrass Unlimited Top 30 chart for 8 months and continues to have songs charting one year after it's release. With its uplifting message and tight brother harmonies, Help My Brother has further established The Gibson Brothers as one of the most important bands in bluegrass music today. Eric (banjo) and Leigh (guitar) are supported by a tight ensemble of musicians including Clayton Campbell (fiddle), Joe Walsh (mandolin) and Mike Barber (upright bass).

Opening for The Gibson Brothers will be Mark Newton's Stillhouse Band. Originally from Paducah, KY, Mark Newton has spent his lifetime in music, first performing professionally with the cutting edge band The Virginia Squires, and then with his own band that he has fronted since the late 1990's. During his career he has entertained thousands and has released several solo projects including his latest, Hillbilly Hemingway, produced by the legendary Carl Jackson (producer of the Grammy-winning Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers album). In addition to performing, Newton produced the landmark album, Follow Me Back To The Fold winning IBMA's Recorded Event Of The Year in 2001. Joining The Gibson Brothers and Mark Newton's Stillhouse Band, Blue Edition, comprised of students from East Tennessee State University's Bluegrass and Old Time Music Program, will also perform.

The Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series is especially proud to announce they recently were awarded the primary Pinnacle Award in the entertainment and recreation category from the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA). The NETTA Pinnacle Awards pay tribute to individuals, groups, businesses and organizations that significantly contributes to the region's economy through tourism promotion and development. "We were thrilled to be recognized for our contribution to tourism by NETTA," stated Steve Johnson of Mountain Music Entertainment, producer of the Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series. "Our objective has always been to bring headline entertainment to the region while giving back to the community and to be recognized for that is a wonderful accomplishment." In addition to winning the Pinnacle Award, the Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series will also announce their partnership with the Southern Appalachia Ronald McDonald House during a press conference to be held in Johnson City, TN on Friday, May 18th.

The next Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series concert will take place on May 19th at 7:00pm at the Jonesborough Visitors Center located at 117 Boone Street, Jonesborough, Tennessee. Tickets are $20/adults, $10/ETSU students with ID and children 12 and under, and may be purchased at the door the night of the show, online at www.jonesboroughtn.org or by calling 866-401-4223. Proceeds from this show will benefit the Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House Charities located on the campus of Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, TN. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House, visit www.rmhsa.org. For more information on the Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series including a complete concert schedule, please visit www.Jonesboroughbluegrass.com.

Hayward, CA -- Recording King has updated their Slope Shoulder guitars with an extended scale length and vintage styling. They have taken everything great about their slope shoulder guitars and added a bunch of new features that will please both modern players and vintage enthusiasts.

Following the early mid-century "Jumbo" to "advanced Jumbo" change, they have extended their scale length to the full dreadnought scale of 25.4" for a little more punch and projection. The classic body shape still delivers the sweetness and ideal tonal blend characteristic to slope shoulder guitars, but the longer scale gives it just a touch more volume to help cut through the mix.

To celebrate the sonic upgrades, they have made some changes in the detailing too, with ivory body and fretboard binding, pearl fretboard dots, vintage-inspired Golden Age tuners and the classic Recording King headstock logo inlay. The 1-11/16" bone nut is perfectly comfortable for strumming, fingerstyle or flatpicking, and combined with the bone saddle, helps to give these guitars an additional degree of brightness and clarity.

Recording King's slope shoulder guitars are available in two different models to fit the needs of any player. The RAJ-126 has a solid AA grade Sitka spruce top and solid African Mahogany back and sides. It's finished in vintage sunburst with a classic firestripe pickguard, and ivory Golden Age tuning machines. The RAJ-116 has the same AA grade Sitka top with Mahogany back and sides. It's finished in natural, with the same firestripe pickguard but with vintage-style Grover tuners.

The Recording King Slope Shoulder guitars start at a suggested price of $499.99 with a solid Sitka top and Mahogany back and sides, and come with Recording King's industry-leading lifetime warranty. See the whole 2012 line of Recording King guitars and banjos at www.RecordingKing.com to

Jimmy Gaudreau & Moondi Klein are two gifted artists. Although influenced by their bluegrass backgrounds, their sound has moved on to new levels. The tight harmonies, "hot" instrumental arrangements, and the heart-felt lyrics lend themselves to just about any style or genre of acoustic music. One guitar...one mandolin...two crystal clear voices...musical magic! Their love of the music and the fun are infectious whey they are in front of an audience. Enjoy the exciting musical journey that is coming your way.

When Jimmy Gaudreau moved from his native Rhode Island to the Washington, DC area in 1969, the region was becoming a virtual hotbed for bluegrass music. Jimmy joined the legendary Country Gentlemen and it launched a career which has since included stints with numerous nationally known bands and artists. He has performed and/or recorded with the likes of Emmylou Harris and the Tony Rice Unit, to name just a few.

Moondi Klein was raised in New York City and relocated to the DC area in 1984 after college. Moondi was classically trained and performed with the New York Metropolitan Opera Children's Chorus at a young age. His classical training was a strong, if not unusual foundation for his ambitions to start a career in bluegrass music.

Jimmy and Moondi crossed paths in 1990 during a picking party at a mutual friend's house. After singing a few tunes together, it quickly became evident that they were a great fit. In 1992 they joined forces with Seldom Scene members Mike Auldridge and T. Michael Coleman to form the group Chesapeake. This part-time band eventually became a full-time entity, yielding three highly acclaimed recording projects on the Sugar Hill label.

After the disbanding of Chesapeake, both Jimmy and Moondi went on to pursue their individual endeavors. It wasn't until a call a few years later that they reunited. Back together again, they are now performing as a duo and are making big waves on the acoustic music scene. Although influenced by their bluegrass backgrounds, their sound has moved on to new levels. The tight harmonies , "hot" instrumental arrangements and heart-felt lyrics lend themselves to just about any style or genre of acoustic music.

Their first CD as a duo, 2:10 Train on Rebel Records, has gained international acclaim. From this release came many opportunities for performing including a tour of the US and Canada as co-bill and opening artists for Emmylou Harris.

After years in the making, their second duo CD on Rebel Records, Home from the Mills, has just been released. In addition to being another eclectic mix of instrumental and vocal tracks, this CD includes guest performer Lauren Klein, who adds a beautiful third voice to the vocal harmonies.

Jimmy & Moondi are having more fun now than ever ? honing their craft and wowing audiences with every show. Their love of the music and the fun are infectious when they are in front of an audience.

Nashville, TN -- The International Bluegrass Music Association announced its plans today to move its World of Bluegrass events to Raleigh, North Carolina for the next three years, 2013-2015. World of Bluegrass Week includes the four-day IBMA Business Conference, the International Bluegrass Music Awards Show, and the three-day Bluegrass Fan Fest. The annual industry summit/bluegrass family reunion draws over 16,000 fans, artists, and music industry professionals from around the world for the week-long event, with an estimated 8,000-10,000 coming from outside the region. World of Bluegrass provides opportunities for showcasing, professional development and networking at the largest concentrated week of powerful, live bluegrass music on the planet.

The following World of Bluegrass dates have been announced, with the option for a five- or seven-day event each year:

World of Bluegrass 2013-2015 will be hosted at the Raleigh Convention Center, the Raleigh Amphitheater and Memorial Auditorium, with hotel blocks at the Raleigh Marriott City Center, the Sheraton Raleigh and six additional nearby hotels. "If we had designed a perfect venue for our events, it would look a lot like the facilities in Raleigh," said IBMA Board of Directors chair Stan Zdonik. "Raleigh offers us a compact ?campus' that includes both indoor and outdoor stages, as well as a state-of-the-art convention center that incorporates a bright and open atmosphere. We're getting substantial savings and value from Raleigh, both for individual World of Bluegrass attendees and for our organization as a whole. We're overwhelmed already by the strong support from the City of Raleigh, the Raleigh Convention Center and Venues, the Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, and PineCone (Piedmont Council of Traditional Music), along with an enthusiastic welcome from the local bluegrass music community. IBMA anticipates a successful event and partnership with Raleigh."

"I speak for the entire Greater Raleigh hospitality community in saying that we are ecstatic to host IBMA's annual conference beginning in 2013," said Denny Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We look forward to showcasing our area's musical and cultural heritage to the thousands of fans, musicians and industry leaders coming to North Carolina's Capital City."

The leadership of IBMA is looking forward to working with a local organizing committee in Raleigh to plan World of Bluegrass and a city-wide celebration, with showcase and performance opportunities for dozens of bands in the Raleigh Convention Center, the headquarter hotels, local schools, and up and down the streets in local music clubs and cafes.

"North Carolina has a rich bluegrass music history," IBMA Interim Executive Director Nancy Cardwell noted. "A number of our Bluegrass Hall of Fame members hail from the Tar Heel State, including Earl Scruggs himself; legendary guitar stylist Doc Watson; Red Smiley of Reno & Smiley; Carlton Haney, who produced the first multi-day bluegrass festival; Curly Seckler; Carl Story and George Shuffler. Pre-bluegrass pioneers Wade Mainer and Charlie Poole are from North Carolina, and the Monroe Brothers (Charlie and Bill) made their first recordings in Charlotte, N.C. The tradition continues today with a number of talented artists based in the Carolinas---including our reigning Entertainers of the Year with Steve Martin, The Steep Canyon Rangers"

While the World of Bluegrass will move to Raleigh, IBMA's office will remain in Nashville. "IBMA hosted our World of Bluegrass events in Owensboro and Louisville, Kentucky before moving to Nashville in 2005," said Cardwell. "We have a good home in Nashville, and we intend to stay actively involved throughout the year in local efforts to keep a high profile for bluegrass music in Music City, including quarterly ?Bluebird in the Bluegrass' songwriter rounds at The Bluebird Café, a ?September is Worldwide Bluegrass Music Month' downtown concert organized by the Foundation for Bluegrass Music, teacher workshops in collaboration with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and other events produced by local members."

IBMA's 2012 dates for World of Bluegrass are Sept. 24-30, in Nashville, Tennessee. Members and fans are invited to come enjoy the conference in Nashville, to be sure to secure a ticket early for the 23rd International Bluegrass Music Awards at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 27, and to absolutely enjoy everything Music City has to offer before we move to Raleigh for the next three years.

Call 615-256-3222 or email info@ibma.org for more information or visit www.worldofbluegrass.org for event updates throughout the summer. For reservations at Nashville's Renaissance Hotel and surrounding properties during World of Bluegrass 2012, please call 877-259-4716 or (615) 259-4700.

IBMA is the international trade association for bluegrass music, with members in 50 states and 30 countries, whose goal is to work together for the future of bluegrass music.

New Bluegrass & Old Heartaches" border=0 height=200 width=210 />Nashville, TN -- Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce the May 22, 2012 album release, New Bluegrass & Old Heartaches by Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press. The album was produced by Glen Duncan, Bobby Osborne and Boj (Bobby Osborne, Jr.) and contains new and old songs that will surely delight Bobby's fans worldwide and celebrate his impressive 60 year career.

Highlights from New Bluegrass & Old Heartaches include the first single release, "I'm Going Back To The Mountain" written by Jake Landers who also penned "The Old Oak Tree." A newly recorded "Muddy Waters" written Phil Rosenthal is certainly another stand out track as well. The song was originally intended for release on the Osborne Brothers last Decca Records album in the early 70's, but never released. Other highlights include a wonderful rediscovered song Bobby wrote many years ago titled "The Last Bridge You'll Ever Burn" plus a newly written anthem type song titled "Born In Kentucky".

Tracks on the album include:

Bobby Osborne is an American Music Legend. From his first recorded hit in 1949, to his membership in The Grand Ole Opry in 1964, to "Rocky Top" in 1967 - Bobby Osborne has been one of the most influential singers and mandolin players in the history of Bluegrass and Country music. He was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2002, inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Fame (Lonesome Pine Fiddlers) in 2009, and has recorded two State songs - "Rocky Top (Tennessee)" and "Kentucky" (Kentucky).

Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press have a previous album on the Rural Rhythm Records label titled Memories: Celebrating Bobby's 60th Anniversary as a Professional Entertainer. The album certainly showcases Bobby's one-of-a-kind lead vocals and that familiar sound of the legendary Osborne trio.

For more information on Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, please visit BobbyOsborne.com and RuralRhythm.com.

Bond, CO -- The first weekend of August will once again mark the arrival of YarmonyGrass at Rancho Del Rio and State Bridge Riverside Amphitheatre along the Colorado River. This year's festival features the return of Railroad Earth, accompanied by Elephant Revival, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, members of String Cheese Incident and others, joining forces for Yarmony's seventh annual get-together.

With an authentic atmosphere that is uniquely Colorado, YarmonyGrass looks to build on a tradition of unique musical collaborations, community spirit and an active mountain lifestyle, which both the festival's artists and patrons have helped cultivate over seven years. Festival mainstay Railroad Earth, which previously played the event in 2008 and 2010, is among the performers that have personified the YarmonyGrass soundscape.

"Railroad Earth and YarmonyGrass have strong ties, and each has really evolved over the years. It means a lot to have them back," said YarmonyGrass founder Andrew McConathy. "This year's lineup once again features many of Colorado's most beloved bands, while continuing a strong tradition of showcasing fresh acts from other parts of the country."

Other confirmed performers include The Contribution, Honkytonk Homeslice, Poor Man's Whiskey featuring Michael Kang performing "Dark Side of the Moonshine," Todd Sheaffer, Danny Barnes, The Drunken Hearts, The Grant Farm, Sons of Fathers, Dead Winter Carpenters, Fruition, and The Tumbleweed Wanderers.

And of course, no YarmonyGrass would be complete without the late-night YarmonyGrass Joint Set, an impromptu collaboration of festival performers led by String Cheese Incident frontman Bill Nershi in which anything and everything can happen.

"After the bands have played their sets, the top pickers and singers get together for the Joint Set," Nershi said. "The musicians bring their favorite songs to the jam. Players and fans push the limits and gravitate toward the bizarre."

More than just a music festival, YarmonyGrass is held along the Colorado River with numerous activities taking place at Rancho Del Rio and State Bridge. Patrons have the option to immerse themselves and explore their surroundings via raft, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, bicycle and hiking trails. On-site camping is encouraged and included with purchase of a festival pass.

Carbone accurately sums up the YarmonyGrass adventure: "The river. The music. The vibe. The intimacy. It is simply the most unique festival experience there is," he said.

For complete ticketing and lineup information, check out the official YarmonyGrass website at www.yarmonygrass.com. For up-to-date news and breaking announcements, "like" YarmonyGrass on Facebook.

YarmonyGrass 2012 lineup:

David Gans