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.
This article features his days at New York’s Ivy League school.… Read More
Thanks everyone who joined Hot Rize and guests for a memorable night, raising ~ $40,000 for flood relief! Pete talks to Marquee Magazine about the benefit, the flood, and the next Hot Rize album:
A giant of American Roots Music has left us, after a week in hospice, following a long struggle with cancer. When I heard he was near the end, I wrote him:… Read More
As probably one of the few who knew both of these amazing individuals, may I say that there is an interesting comparability between the two. One in Brooklyn, one in Nashville, each was an offbeat, unpredictable, often hilarious, sometimes difficult, deeply knowledgeable ringleader type who didn’t trade in virtuosity or tight-ship organizational skills, or mass entertainment, but who gave shape, encouragement, camaraderie, and creative inspiration to many musicians and their respective musical communities. … Read More
Pete’s cover concept and Greg Carr and Sarah Holman’s masterful execution took top honors for the Graphic Design – Recorded Project Award at IBMA’s annual convention in Nashville on September 30, 2008. The Flexigrass “What The” cover with its layered flying-saucer/banjo design turned heads and set the tone for the CD’s adventurous music. … Read More