The FreshGrass Foundation, No Depression's nonprofit publisher for the last 10 years, share two big announcements this week. First, the finalists for the FreshGrass Awards have been named. These awards, which total more than $20,000 and showcase the best up-and-coming roots music talent, have been a cornerstone of FreshGrass | North Adams since its inception in 2010. Check out the finalists below and learn and listen more here.
Band:
Blue Ridge Gathering
The Cody Sisters
The Wilder Flower
Banjo:
Bayla Davis
Carson Moore
Jordan Riehm
Fiddle:
Madeline Dierauf
Carla Rose
Cody Bauer
Mandolin:
Caleb Swan
Megan Cody
After first years, the FreshGrass Foundation also announced the conclusion of FreshGrass | Bentonville with the following statement. Check out No Depression's recap of the final festival here.
After much thoughtful consideration, the FreshGrass Foundation and the Momentary have made the joint decision to conclude the FreshGrass | Bentonville festival.Since its inception in 2021, FreshGrass | Bentonville has brought together artists and audiences to celebrate world-class roots music in the heart of Northwest Arkansas. We are incredibly proud of the festivals we’ve created together, full of unforgettable performances and joyful community.Thank you to every artist, guest, partner, and team member who made FreshGrass | Bentonville such a special experience. While this chapter is closing, both the Momentary and the FreshGrass Foundation continue to champion new music and support artists year-round through their programs and initiatives.Thank you for being part of the journey.
RIP to accordionist Flaco Jiménez, who passed away on July 31 at the age of 86. A pioneer of Tex-Mex music, he blended elements of conjunto, zydeco, norteño, country, and rock, throughout his seven-decade career. His contributions to these styles earned him recognition from the Grammys, Americana Music Awards, Tejano Music Awards, Billboard, and more. Learn and listen more in this tribute post from Smithsonian Folkways.
In new and upcoming releases from folkie singer-songwriters, Charlie Parr released his second book of fiction — a new collection of short stories titled Five — on August 5. Joan Shelley announced her seventh LP, Real Warmth, which is die out September 19 via No Quarter. Check out new single "Everybody" here.
WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO
Brennan Leigh - "Dumpster Diving" (from her forthcoming album, Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love, due out October 3 via Signature Sounds)
Oliver The Crow - "If You Knew Me Better" (from their forthcoming record, Feather In A Hurricane, due out November 28)
Goose - "Royal"
Lucy Dacus - "Bus Back To Richmond"
Justin Townes Earle - The Saint of Lost Causes
Lucinda Williams - Don't Tell Anybody The Secrets I Told You: A Memoir (audiobook narrated by the author)
NEW RELEASES – 8/8/25
Rachel Baiman and Viv & Riley - Kissing Other Ppl
Hayes Carll - We’re Only Human
Charley Crockett - Dollar A Day
Field Medic - surrender instead
Ashley Monroe - Tennessee Lightning
Rebecca Porter - Roll With the Punches
Hillary Reynolds - Changing Seasons
COMING SOON - 8/15/25
Steve Gunn - Music For Writers
Woody Guthrie - Woody At Home (8/14/25)
The Kingston Lions - The Kingston Lions
Tamar Korn and Kyle Morgan - Darkening Green
Cass McCombs - Interior Live Oak
Molly Tuttle - So Long Little Miss Sunshine
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