Classic. The word more properly evokes a feeling than a concrete meaning. The meaning would be flatly explained as something from the past that has gained a memorable status. When applying “Classic” to the bluegrass genre a whole new set of meanings and associations surface. Bluegrass is classic Americana. A genre that is wholly American and comes loaded with stories and fables that define less of a time than a mentality. The workingman’s blues.

The 46th Annual Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival will be held June 9 – 16, 2012 at the Bill Monroe Memorial Bluegrass Music Park & Campground in Bean Blossom (Brown County), Indiana.  The 8-day event includes a stellar line-up of over 50 bluegrass bands, Youth Bluegrass Boot Camp, instrument and vocal workshops, jam sessions, camping, food, vendors, and so much more.  Tickets can be purchased by phone (800) 414-4677 or at the park’s website:

PLM is set to release the new Eliot Lipp album, Shark Wolf Rabbit Snake, on May 22, 2012. This release has Lipp breaking new ground with his ever-evolving production style. He has developed a unique sound that is completely its own yet sticks with the PLM axiom of genre bending originality.

In honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mickey Hart, two-time Grammy winning artist and percussionist of the Grateful Dead, will perform an original composition of the sounds of the bridge at Crissy Field on May 27th.  As Hart will tell you, the Golden Gate Bridge is not simply a bridge; it is a giant wind-harp.

Dark Star Orchestra's latest update to their Dark Star Jubilee is the addition of 5 more bands to the already Jubilous lineup - Great American Taxi featuring Vince Herman from Leftover Salmon, The Ragbirds,

Geek rocker and Internet phenomenon Jonathan Coulton has developed a cult following, first turning heads with his unconventional themes and inventive approach to distributing music. With a long list of accomplishments that includes having an award-winning song featured in the video game “Portal” and his album Artificial Heart reaching #1 on the Billboard Heatseeker Chart last year, Jonathan’s influence has been vast and notable.

MS MR has made their single "Hurricane" available for download.  Release date for the single to be announced shortly.