In the summer of 2022, Hot Rize’s’s 45th year, the band received two special honors: induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, and a request to headline the 50th annual RockyGrass Festival in Lyons, Colorado. Hot Rize was also … Read More
It’s been something of a shock to lose three of the most prominent and respected banjo players of all time, in a matter of a few months. Sonny Osborne, Bill Emerson, and J.D. Crowe. Every 5-string 3-finger player alive has to have been influenced by these enduring and legendary pickers.… Read More
I love to jam. Jamming is truly “bluegrass in its most natural habitat”… more than performing (in a circle you can really see and hear each other). Bluegrass Banjo Heaven-on-Earth is when you’re in a good bluegrass jam. The teamwork and spontaneity are fun — bluegrass at its essence.… Read More
I was honored to be featured in two podcasts in the spring of 2021 and I’m pleased with how they turned out. In April, Bluegrass Unlimited’s podcast featured me as part of their April Learn to Play themed issue, and in May, the Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast interviewed me for almost two hours!… Read More
The death of Tony Rice on 25 December 2020 was a huge loss for the music world. I feel very fortunate to have known Tony and to have performed with him several memorable times. … Read More
We have all struggled to keep music going during the past year. Some have managed outdoor jams, online jams with JamKazam, and even playing along with jam videos. But the in-person experience of a bluegrass camp or festival, where we can gather and play and learn together is one I have really missed this past year. I bet you have too!… Read More
Pete scouted the recipient of the 2016 Brian Friesen Award. From the Deering Banjo website: “Sixteen-year-old Ashe County High School student Trajan Wellington was presented with the 2016 Brian Friesen Award at the MerleFest Jam Camp on Wednesday, April 27. … Read More
Rize, passed away from cancer in his native New Jersey. Mike was on the demo tape that led to the album that led to the formation of Hot Rize in January, 1978 — with Mike on guitar, age 22. … Read More
Pete had the honor of presenting IBMA’s 2015 Distinguished Achievement Award to Steve Martin at the annual awards ceremony in Raleigh, NC. Enjoy these two videos!… Read More
Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers’ strange adventures at the 2015 RockyGrass Festival are officially preserved in the mini documentary, Night of the Living Red.