2009 Bluegrass Calendar - $9.95

Bluegrass, the often lonesome – sometimes happy sound of the hills. Created over sixty years ago by a proud Kentuckian named Bill Monroe, bluegrass music has grown from regional popularity to a worldwide phenomenon. Starting in the late 1930s, the world-famous Grand Ole Opry beamed Monroe’s high, lonesome sound, with its soaring vocals and dazzling fast-paced instrumentals, all over the United States. A new revolution in music was started, and the tradition has thrived ever since. Today, bluegrass is heard more and more on radio, television, at concerts and weekend long festivals across America and around the world. There are literally hundreds of bands playing bluegrass. Many have adhered to the original structures of the music as defined by Bill Monroe, while others have sought to expand those boundaries.

A key player in the transmission of bluegrass music to the masses for the last 20 years has been Pinecastle Records. Orlando, Florida businessman Tom Riggs started the label in 1989. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Tom developed a passion for traditional country and bluegrass music in his youth. Over the years, he channeled his enthusiasm into several music-related endeavors including the syndication of a weekly bluegrass radio program and serving as a master of ceremonies at festivals and concerts.

Pinecastle got its start as a favor for a friend who was looking for an outlet for their newly recorded CD. Part of Pinecastle’s mission statement reflects the label’s desire to develop and promote new and upcoming talent. Thanks to Pinecastle, many deserving young artists have been given a leg up in the growth of their careers. Pinecastle is also a home for bluegrass legends with releases by entertainers such as the Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse, and Charlie Waller & the Country Gentlemen.

The 20th anniversary of Pinecastle finds the label situated in the mountains of southwestern North Carolina. It has released over 250 separate projects, issued several DVD collections, and launched a mail order service – The Music Shed – where people can purchase a wide variety of bluegrass and oldtime music. The 2009 edition of the Bluegrass Calendar highlights the rich diversity of pickers and singers that is Pinecastle Records.