The Bluegrass Community

What is Bluegrass Music?

It is impossible to summarize an entire music genre in just one paragraph (or even one webpage). But as a Bluegrass band, and more personally as musicians, we can give you an idea of why we were drawn to Bluegrass, and what it means to us. Looking back at our different musical backgrounds (Joe - classic & modern country; Paula - old-time and fiddle music), it seems the two met perfectly in the middle, right in the heart of Bluegrass music. Since forming Stillhouse Road, we have found our home in a music genre full of passion, honesty, and creativity, with heartfelt songs and highly skilled instrumentation. To us, Bluegrass music is uniquely 'alive', because of the community of people that keep it going and growing all the time. It's a great way for us to be together, entertain others, and have fun!

So what is Bluegrass, and where did it come from? We've found these resources to be helpful:

Bluegrass Bands & Musicians

We have a wide variety of music in our library, but our Bluegrass CD collection is always growing. There is no end to our CD wish-list, because we are constantly discovering new artists (at least new to us), or finding another 'must have' album by one of our favorites. But just narrowing down a favorites list is nearly impossible. So we've compiled a list of our most inspirational artists who have made the largest impact on our music, and whose songs have found their way into our set lists.

First on our list are the legacy artists, whose early contributions to Bluegrass music remain the foundation and core of the entire music genre. There are too many great artists to list, but those MOST influential on our music include:

Compilation and tribute albums that are staples in our music collection:

Our favorite Bluegrass bands from past years:

Our favorite current Bluegrass bands:

Our favorite influential country artists who have often 'crossed over' into Bluegrass:

Our favorite 'local' Bluegrass bands from Utah & Nevada:

Bluegrass Music Associations

Bluegrass supporters have always formed strong communities:

  • IBMA - International Bluegrass Music Association
  • SPBGMA - Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America
  • SNBMS - Southern Nevada Bluegrass Music Society
  • IAMA - Intermountain Acoustic Music Association
  • SWBA - Southwest Bluegrass Association
  • CBA - California Bluegrass Association
  • OFOAM - Ogden Friends of Acoustic Music

Bluegrass Festivals

Part of the Bluegrass experience is going to festivals, where fans (pickers and grinners) can enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere, plenty of opportunity to meet with artists, jam with other musicians, and attend workshops. This part of the country has some wonderful events featuring great Bluegrass entertainment. Check out these local festivals, all within a day's drive from Southern Utah.

A sampling of the largest bluegrass festivals across the nation:

Bluegrass in the Media - Radio, Web, TV, Print, DVD

Honestly, our area is not exactly a mecca for bluegrass music. We rely heavily on magazines and other media to keep us informed about past, established, and new artists.

The Bluegrass Scene

National Bluegrass Venues & Award Shows:

Bluegrass-Friendly Events & Hot Spots in our area: (also see the Festival section)