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Amos Perrine

THROUGH THE LENS: Bluegrass Rules Inside or Out at IBMA's Big Event

THROUGH THE LENS: Bluegrass Rules Inside or Out at IBMA's Big Event

This week bluegrass takes over the column, just days after the International Bluegrass Music Association’s annual takeover of Raleigh, North Carolina, with its World of Bluegrass festival. The fest demonstrated two things to me: 1) bluegrass just keeps becoming more vibrant every day; and 2) a shining new talent

THROUGH THE LENS: Roots Music on Both Coasts – Bristol Rhythm & Roots and BeachLife Ranch

THROUGH THE LENS: Roots Music on Both Coasts – Bristol Rhythm & Roots and BeachLife Ranch

This week the Through the Lens column explores the vitality of roots music festivals regardless of their locales, as well as two different approaches to their presentation, via two such festivals held earlier this month. BeachLife Ranch bills itself as a music festival “born in the South Bay of Los

THROUGH THE LENS: A Fond Look Back at AmericanaFest 2022

THROUGH THE LENS: A Fond Look Back at AmericanaFest 2022

As this year’s AmericanaFest was being held across so many far-flung venues in and around a Nashville that old-timers would not recognize, I decided early on to be happy in my adventure. I’d select showcases and events off the beaten path, the ones I sensed would more likely

THROUGH THE LENS: The Insider’s Guide to AmericanaFest 2022

THROUGH THE LENS: The Insider’s Guide to AmericanaFest 2022

It’s going to be an explosive five days in Nashville as the Americana Music Association presents its annual AmericanaFest, starting today. This year's edition reflects the vibrancy of roots music while presenting new challenges to festgoers. First, the lineup, in terms of the number of showcases and

THROUGH THE LENS: Nelsonville Music Festival Makes Itself at Home on New Site

THROUGH THE LENS: Nelsonville Music Festival Makes Itself at Home on New Site

The Nelsonville Music Festival has had a lot to deal with the past couple of years. First, like everybody else, it put up a temporarily closed sign due to COVID. Second, just as the epidemic was subsiding (somewhat), the local college it had called home since 2000 decided it wanted

THROUGH THE LENS: Change in the Air at 60th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival

THROUGH THE LENS: Change in the Air at 60th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival

If it’s late August, it means it’s time for one of the oldest folk festivals going, the Philadelphia Folk Festival. It has a special place in my heart as it was the first festival I ever attended. My most indelible memory is lying on my back looking up

THROUGH THE LENS: Six West Virginia Roots Musicians

THROUGH THE LENS: Six West Virginia Roots Musicians

While West Virginia may be best known for it its traditional music, it also has spawned some significant roots-based singer-songwriters. Last year Sierra Ferrell, John R. Miller, and Mary Hott all gained national attention (and were among my top albums of the year), with Ferrell being nominated for this year’