The turkey’s all gone, the stockings have been hung, and Christmas shopping has begun. If you’re still looking for that perfect gift for the bluegrass musician in your life, here’s a list of suggestions! 

First, Consider Picks

For musicians, a quality pick can make all the difference in tone and playability. Knoxville-based BlueChip Pick offers a wide range of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses, with most picks priced between $35 and $40—perfect for both casual players and serious performers on guitar, mandolin, or banjo.

If the musician in your life tends to lose picks or wants something a bit more colorful, ToneSlabs is an excellent option. Run by musicians for musicians, ToneSlabs offers a variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and colors, along with customizable designs for a truly personalized touch. Priced between $35 and $40, these picks can even feature unique engravings for a one-of-a-kind gift.

For a broader selection of designs and materials, consider Apollo Picks by Nick Monnin, based in Ohio. With over ten designs and numerous color and material options, Apollo Picks provide both variety and quality, and customization is available for that special personal touch. Priced from $30 to $50, they’re a great choice for the serious musician looking for something unique.

For the Bass Player

Bass players often haul more gear than anyone else in a bluegrass band, from oversized instruments to heavy amplifiers. R.C. Williams offers a clever solution with their Bass Buggie, a $200.00 device that attaches to the bass’s endpin and allows the instrument to be rolled with ease. For added convenience, consider the optional cushion accessory, which lets the Bass Buggie attach directly to the instrument for secure, comfortable transport.

For bassists in need of a high-quality case, Louisville-based Messina Covers is well worth a look. Using American-made materials, they craft durable, custom gig bags for a variety of orchestral instruments, with more than 20 colors available for a truly personalized design. Standard bags start at $650, while custom builds begin at $750—an investment, but one trusted by numerous touring professionals for its superior protection and longevity.

If you’re shopping for an experienced bassist looking to expand their sound, a Brush Pad makes a unique and inspiring gift. This specialized accessory allows players to incorporate percussive brush techniques into their performance, blending rhythm and melody in a fresh way. Handmade in Italy and priced at €250 (approximately $290.00), it’s a standout present—just be sure to order early to beat Santa’s deadline.

For the Mandolin Player

An upgraded tailpiece can make a meaningful difference in both the look and performance of a mandolin, and the Bill James tailpiece remains a favorite among discerning players. Its classic design includes a hidden hinged cover, and the precision craftsmanship ensures long-lasting durability. Priced at $211.68 through Axiom, it’s an excellent enhancement or replacement for any mandolin.

If the mandolinist in your life is chasing better tone or increased volume, a Tone-Gard is a fantastic place to start. This accessory attaches to the back of the instrument, keeping it from resting directly against the player’s body—resulting in improved projection as well as fewer scratches and dings. Handcrafted by Antone Pires of Visalia, California, Tone-Gards range from $89.00 to $129.00.

Nothing frustrates a serious player faster than unwanted buzzes and overtones. Cumberland Acoustic’s Harmonic Suppressor grommets offer a surprisingly effective fix, often described as the cheapest, quickest way to improve a mandolin’s tone. Affordable and stocking-stuffer-ready, a pack costs just $7.00 to $8.00.

For the Banjo Player

Practicing acoustic instruments quietly can be challenging, especially in shared or noise-sensitive environments. For banjo players, Mike’s Banjo Mute offers an elegant solution. Crafted from brass and aluminum and available in both radiused and standard profiles, this mute significantly reduces volume while preserving tone—making practice possible anytime. Mike’s Banjo Mute retails for $44.95.

Long practice sessions can leave a banjo player’s right arm sore, and some musicians even develop skin irritation from contact with metal armrests. Banjolit’s Dr. Arm provides a comfortable, ergonomic alternative, serving as a “first-aid kit” for players who want relief for their arm and picking hand. Thoughtful and practical, it’s an excellent gift for any banjo enthusiast.

Keeping a banjo in tune has long been a running joke among musicians, partly due to traditional 2:1 “pancake” tuners that require tension screws and can be finicky. Bill Rickard, a respected banjo maker from Aurora, Ontario, has engineered a more precise 10:1 tuning machine that offers smoother, more accurate adjustments without relying on tension. Priced between $200 and $300, these tuners make a smart upgrade for the serious banjo picker in your life.

For the Guitar Player

A high-quality capo is essential for any guitarist, making key changes simple and keeping performances smooth and stress-free. Phill Elliott of Somerville, Texas crafts some of the finest capos available, each one handmade from stainless steel and offered in several styles priced from $165 to $230. These premium capos can be purchased directly from Elliott Capos or through any of their 17 authorized dealers.

Changing strings is part of every musician’s routine, but the right tool can make the job far easier. D’Addario’s Pro Winder combines a string winder, cutter, and bridge-pin puller into one convenient device—streamlining the entire process. Available in both white and black, and in versions for guitar or bass, the Pro Winder is an affordable upgrade at just $12.99.

For a perfect stocking stuffer, D’Addario’s Micro Soundhole Tuner offers discreet, accurate, and highly visible tuning right where the player needs it. Its soundhole placement makes it easy to use and difficult to misplace, ideal for quick tuning in any environment. The Micro Soundhole Tuner is currently priced at $23.99.

For the Fiddle Player

Developed by fiddler Tad Marks, formerly of the Del McCoury Band and Lynn Morris, Lonesome Pine Violin Rosin is a favorite of professional players. It’s available in three different varieties for optimal performance in various environments. Your favorite fiddler can’t drag a bow without it – buy them some rosin for Christmas. Estimated cost is currently $30.00 on eBay. It can also be purchased by emailing Tad directly. 

Coda Bows are an excellent choice for players who want professional performance without the high price of a traditional bow. Known for their balance, responsiveness, and durability, they offer consistent quality that musicians can rely on in any setting Whether you’re buying a student, performance, or master model, Coda Bows deliver impressive tone and control. If you’re looking for a really nice gift for the fiddler in your life, consider purchasing a Coda bow. 

A comfortable shoulder rest can make a world of difference for violin and viola players, and the Kun Collapsible Shoulder Rest is a smart choice for musicians on the go. Its unique folding design allows it to collapse easily, making storage in a fiddle case simple and hassle-free—perfect for players who travel frequently or need to maximize case space. Priced at $28.75, it combines convenience, comfort, and quality in one affordable package.

For the Resophonic Guitar Player

For resonator guitar players, the Shubb Dobro Capo is a top-tier choice. Trusted by Grammy-winning reso-player Rob Ickes, this capo delivers reliable performance and easy, precise adjustments without compromising tone. At $55.95, it’s an affordable way to help the player in your life achieve professional-quality sound with every song.

For resonator guitar and dobro players looking for effortless key changes without sacrificing tone, the Wave Capo is an outstanding pick — it’s endorsed by Jerry Douglas. Need I say more? Its smooth clamping action and rock‑solid hold make it ideal for live gigs or studio sessions. Available at around $100.00, the Wave Capo delivers professional‑level performance that any dobro or guitarist would appreciate.

Resonator guitar players know that a secure strap is essential—especially since the instrument is physically active during playing. Many reso players rely on strap locks to keep the strap firmly attached, preventing it from slipping off and risking a dropped instrument. Beyond safety, strap locks provide peace of mind on stage or in rehearsal. With an average price of around $30.00, they’re an affordable upgrade that every serious player can appreciate.

Happy shopping everyone!

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Today, Melton & Miller Music has released their latest single for Buddy Melton, former fiddler and vocalist with Balsam Range, and a 2025 North Carolina Award for Fine Arts recipient.

It’s a song called Blue Skies, written by Jeb Stuart Anderson, James Ellis, Jeff Smith, and David Tolliver, which extols a good life where things are going your way.

Of the new single, Buddy says…

“I have been thinking about recording Blue Skies for a long time. In the mid-’90s, Milan Miller and I started collaborating and creating music together, just as he moved to Nashville. I began making regular trips there to write, perform, and enjoy a music scene that was full of young songwriters who would become good friends and incredible artists. Every chapter of my musical journey seems to connect to the next, and over the years I’ve recorded many songs that grew out of those early relationships. Blue Skies is one of those songs—rooted in great writers and dear friends from over twenty years ago. It wasn’t originally written as a bluegrass tune, but I always knew it would feel right at home there.”

Buddy plays bass and sings the lead vocal, with support from Sam Bush on mandolin, Stephen Mougin on guitar, Bennett Sullivan on banjo, and Casey Driessen on fiddle. Milan Miller added harmony vocals.

Melton spoke quite highly of this bunch.

“Recording Blue Skies with this lineup was a truly rewarding experience. After years on the road, I’ve been fortunate to befriend many of my musical heroes—among them Sam Bush. I’ve recorded with Sam before, even winning an IBMA Collaborative Recording award with him and Terry Baucom, but I’d never had the chance to feature him on one of my own tracks. When he agreed to join me in the studio, I began searching for the perfect song to showcase his style. When I remembered Blue Skies, I got overly excited and knew it was the one! 

The session was a joy from start to finish. My thanks to Stephen Mougin for his standout playing and expert engineering at Dark Shadows Studio, and to Van Atkins at The Shop Studio for bringing the mix together so seamlessly. In addition to Sam and Stephen, I’m also deeply grateful to Bennett Sullivan, Milan Miller, and Casey Driessen for lending their remarkable talents.

I couldn’t be happier with how this track came together.”

Give it a listen and see what you think.

Blue Skies is available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct and Get It Played.

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Lisa Rau, who gave 34 years of her life to Silver Dollar City as its Director of Publicity and Public Relations, died yesterday following heart surgery in Branson, MO. She was 64 years of age.

The millions of visitors to the park during her tenure aren’t likely to have interacted with Lisa, though the many bluegrass artists who performed there certainly did. Over two decades of their Bluegrass & BBQ festival at the park, which runs for a full month each spring, artists and their representatives worked side-by-side with Rau to ensure that potential visitors knew that they would be playing there.

A Michigan native, her professional career began in newscasting, starting out doing weather for KY3 after graduating from Stephens College in Missouri in 1984. Before long, she moved into reporting and ended up anchoring news broadcasts for the station.

In 1989 Lisa made the move to Silver Dollar City, where she spent the next three decades singing the praises of the park and its many attractions and accommodations, as well as the charm and vitality of Branson itself. A tireless promoter and a natural pitch woman, she was remembered by the company in this statement to the media.

“Lisa was a member of our work family for more than three decades before retiring in 2023. Her passion for telling the stories of our special city and the Ozarks was unparalleled. As our PR Director, she built a legacy of theme park public relations through historic ride launches, grand openings, and ‘stunts with integrity.’ She was a tireless champion of our culture along the way. Her impact will live on in the hearts of our citizens.”

After leaving Silver Dollar City, Lisa went to work for the City of Branson as their Communications Director, a position she gave up last year to launch her own PR firm.

Larry Milton, Mayor of Branson, also released a statement on her passing.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Lisa Rau, a beloved former Communications Director for the City of Branson, a dear friend of mine personally, and a cherished figure throughout the Ozarks. Lisa was a gifted storyteller whose work, from her years in broadcasting to her leadership roles at Silver Dollar City and here at the City, helped shape how the world sees our community.

Lisa brought passion, professionalism, and warmth to everything she did. She uplifted the people around her and dedicated her career to highlighting the very best of Branson. Her impact on our city is lasting and her loss is felt by all who knew and worked with her.

On behalf of the City of Branson, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Lisa’s legacy will remain a meaningful part of our community.”

Many in the professional bluegrass community will be mourning her loss, as a good number of them became friends over repeated contacts.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

R.I.P., Lisa Rau.

The post Lisa Rau passes appeared first on Bluegrass Today.

Kaz Inaba & the Bluegrass Buddies with Trey Wellington in Bangkok (11/29/25)

This report on the Southeastern Old Time Gathering in Thailand comes from Kaz Inaba, Japan’s leading bluegrass entertainer and promoter.

Country Gongbang of South Korea toured in Japan in February, and so did Tom Peng and the Newgrasslands in September. David Grier toured in Japan in October/November, Peter Rowan in November, Anya Hinkle in November, and the Ashville Mountain Boys in November/December. A busy year, wasn’t it?

In Thailand, the second annual Southeastern Old Time Gathering in Bangkok was held on November 29-30. Kazuhiro Inaba and the Bluegrass Buddies were invited as a headliner for the festival, along with Trey Wellington, Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt from the States, and Snasta from Ireland.

The festival was held indoors at Public House Hotel, and it was a sold-out event of bluegrass, old time, and Irish music with many music lovers from all over the world.

It was my very first experience visiting Thailand and to see the people and its culture, which was an awesome experience in my life. 

The Thai version of the Bluegrass Buddies consisted of Hitoshi Imamura (banjo) and Yoshie Sakamoto (vocal) from Japan, and with the help of Baron Collins-Hill (mandolin), Jittima R. Catalano (bass), Paul Flynn (bass), and myself (guitar). We did two shows – Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon sets, and we were so grateful that we were received so warmly by the enthusiastic audience. 

I deeply appreciate Sunny Sachdev, the festival organizer, who invited us and showed us the warm hospitality, and Masutomi Koga, our tour conductor who showed us around.

I believe Southeastern Old Time Gathering in Thailand will be more active from now on, so keep your eyes on the bluegrass move in Asia!

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Pinecastle Records is putting forward The Life of Jesus as a Christmas single for Ashleigh Graham, one of the tracks on her current debut album, I’ll Just Drive.

The Life of Jesus, written by Rickey Graves, is for those who celebrate the original and true meaning of the Christmas season. It is just as the title suggests, a retelling in song of the birth, life, ministry, passion, and death of our Saviour. But we know the rest of the story as well.

Graham sings lead and plays mandolin, with Scott Patrick on guitar, Stephen Burwell on fiddle, Matt Leadbetter on reso-guitar, and Kameron Keller on bass. They give the song a new acoustic feel, with a nice jam section in the middle.

Have a listen.

The Life of Jesus, and the full I’ll Just Drive album, are available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.

You can check out all the Christmas bluegrass we have covered at Bluegrass Today by following this link.

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With the recent hiring of Carter Eddy on bass, Seth Mulder now has a full complement of his touring band, Midnight Run, for the 2026 season.

Eddy is a 21 year old musician from West Virginia who has managed to pack a great deal of playing experience into his young life. Not 24 hours after his high school graduation, Carter made his Opry debut with Andy Statman, and has demonstrated his abilities online alongside his brother Jake. He maintains a full schedule of private students among his many recording sessions, and has worked with artists like Victor Furtado, Philip Bowen, Johnny Staats, Earl White, and more.

Mulder is a particular admirer of this young man.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Carter Eddy’s bass playing. He has some of the best timing and note selection I’ve ever been around. Not to mention, he’s one of the easiest guys you’ll ever travel with. I’m really looking forward to making some music with him out on the road.”

Eddy expressed his eagerness to get out with Midnight Run.

“These guys are great pickers! I’m looking forward to playing with them more steadily, and think that we will have a great time on the road.”

He joins Mulder on mandolin and lead vocals, Anthony Howell on banjo, and Sam Zolla on guitar.

They’ll be at the Station Inn in Nashville tonight, and at the Floyd Country Store in Virginia on Saturday. You can find their full tour schedule online.

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Tom Lynn is a Michigan grasser, and a 2024 graduate of the The Kentucky Center for Traditional Music in Morehead, KY. Despite having lived in both Kentucky and Michigan, he is a native of Moldova, who came to the United States as a boy named Thomas Lyngklip.

He had also studied bluegrass in Hyden, KY at the Kentucky School for Bluegrass and Traditional Music under Bobby Osborne and Dean Osborne. That’s a heckuva twofer!

Now Tom has released his first single, showcasing him as a vocalist and songwriter. It’s one called Still Falling, which he says was inspired by true events in his life while still in high school in 2018.

This song won Lynn the Rick Lang Songwriters Scholarship in 2024, giving him the impetus to see it recorded and released.

Supporting him in the studio were Dax Lewis on banjo, Jachin Irwin on guitar, Jesse Wells on fiddle, Robert Myers on mandolin, and Ruth McLain Smith on bass. Harmony vocals were provided by Jadyn Mobley and Robert Myers.

Still Falling shows a young songwriter with tremendous promise. Have a listen.

Still Falling is available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.

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Kentucky Just Us at the 2025 Josie Awards in Nashville (11/2/25)

Sometimes it takes ten years to become an overnight success. That’s exactly what had happened for Glasgow, Kentucky’s  Kentucky Just Us. After ten years of relentless touring, sharpening their craft, and building a loyal community of fans, this powerhouse group is stepping into a well-earned spotlight.

Their dedication paid off in a major way this year when they were named the 2025 Josie Music Awards Fan’s Choice Group of the Year, receiving the honor on the iconic stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.  Here is what the band said accepting the award:

“We’re so thankful and honored to be here this evening. Thank you so much to our fans who voted for us. We couldn’t do this without you. Most of all we’d like to thank the good Lord for giving us the opportunity to do what we love, and to make a living at it, and we’d also like to thank all of our sponsors and endorsers who believe in us and the whole Josie family. Thank you so much.”

To top it all off, Kentucky Just Us has also released their brand-new album, 10, a milestone project celebrating a decade of music, and signaling an even brighter road ahead. 

My opportunity to see the band live was at the June 2025 Charlotte Bluegrass Festival. They are booked back for the 2026 show, a clear indication of their talents. At Charlotte I was able to spend some time with Terry O’Neal, Band Manager. I was able to get a good feel for how hard these young men and women have worked and how far they have come.

The band consists of:

• Kacey O’Neal – fiddle
• Jesse Meador – banjo
• Caleb O’Neal – mandolin
• Shelane O’Neal -bass
• Kolten Matthews – guitar

With momentum building, a new album on the charts, and fans rallying behind them, Kentucky Just Us is becoming one of the most exciting names on today’s bluegrass and Americana scenes.

It bears mentioning that this is the group in which John Meador, recently late of Authentic Unlimited and working now with Vince Gill, came of age as an artist. Jesse Meador, banjo player with Kentucky Just Us, is his younger brother.

Check their tour calendar – you’ll want to catch them live when they come through your town. 

The post Kentucky Just Us celebrates a big year appeared first on Bluegrass Today.

On December 2, Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland performed their hit song, Outrun The Rain, on the Grand Ole Opry with an all-star cast. A music video has been released today of this event, and we are happy to share it with our readers.

On stage with the two fiery fiddlers were Cody Looper on banjo, Joshua Gooding on mandolin, Frank Rische on guitar, and Norbert McGettigan on bass. Jaelee Roberts sang harmony, as she did on the audio cut, along with Vince Gill, as Jason handled the lead.

It’s mighty powerful. Have a look/listen.

The song, written by Terry Herd and Jimmy Yeary, is contained on the album Carter & Cleveland, which is nominated for a Grammy in the Best Bluegrass Album category for 2026.

The post Opry video of Outrun The Rain from Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland appeared first on Bluegrass Today.

Ethan Ratliff – photo © Joshua Moore

NewFound Road has announced that Ethan Ratliff from Abingdon, VA has joined the group on guitar.

A young performer, Ethan has already made a name for himself in southwestern Virginia and beyond, working with The Mike Mitchell Band, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, and Addie Levy, among others.

Tim Shelton, NewFound Road’s founder and primary vocalist, says that Ratliff is perfect for their newly-reformed group.

“Ethan has the qualities that we are looking for to be a part of NFR. First off, he’s a quality human being and has a lot going for him offstage, but musically he plays with the fire and intensity we love, while being aware of tone and taste.”

And Ethan is very pleased to come aboard.

“I’m super grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to join NewFound Road. I’ve been such a fan of them for a long time, so getting to be a part of the band means the world to me.”

He joins Shelton on guitar, Jr. Williams on banjo, Joe Booher on mandolin, and Sam Lauderbaugh on bass. Ratliff is filling the vacancy formed when Jared Hensley made the move to play with Volume Five.

NewFound Road has recently signed with Billy Blue Records, and will have new music in 2026, their 25th anniversary year as a band.

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