Pete reports: “I recently did this podcast called Visions of Greatness and I’m glad to be in the company of some sports and entertainment celebrities who have been interviewed. One of the hosts, Dr. Donald Teig, is a childhood friend … Read More
It’s been a pleasure to see folks ordering the newly released downloadable version of Masters of the Five String Banjo. We will continue to offer a special treat for fans of Earl Scruggs — and aren’t we all? The book’s extensive and detailed … Read More
Masters of the 5-String Banjo, the seminal work by Pete Wernick and Tony Trischka, is now available in digital format through Amazon. First published in 1988, this book has been out of print since 2023. In response to continued interest, the book has been converted to the ebook format and can be viewed on any device with the Kindle app or web browser. The book is priced at $45, but on sale now for a short time at $30.… Read More
Hot Rize was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame on September 18, 2025 as part of the 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards program at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Pete, Tim, Nick, and … Read More
by Pete Wernick What an honor for Hot Rize to be inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame! Since 1978, the band has been a major part of my life’s work as a musician, writer, producer, and teacher. I feel … Read More
Two old recordings from this wildly popular group from the 1970s and ’80s have been released. Mighty Mississippi, written by Kelly Harrell about a devastating flood in 1927, came to Hot Rize through the New Lost City Ramblers, and this version was recorded live at a Hot Rize show in 1989. Brown Eyed Rabbit is an old time number that Wernick brought to the 2014 sessions for the reunited band’s When I’m Free project with Bryan Sutton.… Read More
From Banjo Hangout, January 22, 2025 Holy ++++ I just watched a random movie called 1000 heroes about a plane crash in Sioux City. In that true story on film there was a scene where a police chief found a … Read More
From Pete: Big congrats to Tray Wellington for his well-deserved honor! I met Tray when he’d been playing less than a year, age 15. He applied for (and got) a scholarship to my Merlefest Jam Camp. His “audition” video showed … Read More
The Colorado Music Hall of Fame and PBS Channel 12 have partnered to create documentary shorts on the 2021 induction classncluding a 5-minute piece on Hot Rize. The shorts are intended for viewing on public broadcasting station 12-1 in Broomfield, … Read More
(by Pete)
Bluegrass and folk music has just lost a true giant. Happy was soft-spoken but the NY Times had it right when their obituary called him a stalwart of the folk music… Read More