Category Archives: people

Night Noises

Last night after work I met my wife out in the country for dinner.  We met at our cabin in the mountains of Floyd County and ate at the picnic table outside since it was a cool evening.  As we sat there, … Continue reading

Posted in nature, New River Valley, people | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Banjo Masters Interview Series

For the past two years, our Archives department has been conducting interviews of master banjo players and builders.  As of now we have published interviews of Butch Robins, Sammy Shelor, Jens Kruger, and Tom Nechville.  This is a fascinating and … Continue reading

Posted in bluegrass, McConnell Highlights, music, people | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

New Interview- Tom Nechville- Banjo Building’s Mad Scientist

  Tom Nechville- Banjo Building’s Mad Scientist https://vimeo.com/173492693 A few years ago when I came up with the idea to interview various banjo masters, I intended to focus on both players and builders that I felt were innovative, influential, and … Continue reading

Posted in bluegrass, McConnell Highlights, music, people | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

A.J. Gaither- Home Made Musician

A.J. Gaither is not technically an Appalachian, he lives in Arkansas actually.  He does though, live by the Appalachian belief in using what you have, repurposing things to make up for what you don’t have and making the best of your … Continue reading

Posted in music, people | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Alison Brown

Today I am highlighting a very non-traditional selection. The music today is mostly jazz with enough Celtic thrown in and a nod to Doc Watson so I feel it appropriate enough- besides, I love jazz music played on a banjo … Continue reading

Posted in McConnell Highlights, music, people | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Jens Kruger Interview

(Photograph ©John Hildreth 2014 and used with permission.) I can remember the first time I ever heard The Kruger Brothers’ music.  I had heard the name Kruger Brothers and was aware that Jens was an amazing player but that was as … Continue reading

Posted in bluegrass, McConnell Highlights, music, people | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Fred Robbins- Preserving Bluegrass History

Musicians play music. Once a note is played it can not be reclaimed.  If a listener or would-be listener misses that note, too bad.  Nothing to be done about it. Photographers take pictures and make films.  When a photograph is … Continue reading

Posted in bluegrass, music, people | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Sammy Shelor Talks about Life, Music, and Banjos.

On my frequent trips to Meadows of Dan a few years ago, I would often see Sammy Shelor around.  It is a very small town after all, and Sammy and his family have lived there for a very long time. … Continue reading

Posted in bluegrass, music, people | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Butch Robins Presents-Blue Grass Music, its Origin and Development as a Unique and Creative Art Form.

Butch Robins presents- Blue Grass Music, its Origin and Development as a Unique and Creative Art Form. In this 5 part video series, Butch Robins explains the fascinating history of Blue Grass music. He uses both recorded and live music … Continue reading

Posted in bluegrass, Local events, music, New River Valley, people | Tagged , | 29 Comments

Butch Robins presents the history of Blue Grass Music- Preview

I have known Butch Robins for several years now and never tire of hearing him talk about music, life, or whatever he wants to talk about.  At times I would visit him and as soon as he got on a … Continue reading

Posted in bluegrass, music, New River Valley, people | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment