We posted last fall when Robert Trapp, a Recording Industry student at Middle Tennessee State University, offered free studio time to any bluegrass band who would travel to Murfreesboro. Trapp had a project for his Recording Techniques class and, as an avid grasser himself, knew there would be bands out there who would jump at the chance for free time.

Struggling bluegrass artists don’t make a ton of money, in case you hadn’t noticed.

Well, Robert has just started his final semester at MTSU and his senior project involves an even more ambitious undertaking, which he is again offering to a deserving bluegrass band.

“I will be graduating this December with my BS in Recording Engineering and am working on my senior level project. I am to produce and record two songs for which I will provide the artist with a PR/Marketing portfolio along with further documentation for future release of the song masters. This is a chance for anyone interested to have the opportunity to record their material for free in two of the highest professional grade studios in the Middle Tennessee, along with having demos of the songs available for IBMA.

Artists who are interested need to act quickly and be able to have a relatively open schedule at night (the demo session dates are from 12:00 am to 4:00 am… not so fun). Once the 2 song demo is complete, further planning and preparation will start for the Master Tracking sessions.

This is a great opportunity for the financially strained artist to get their music out to the masses, and have it sound great as well. We will be working via an API Vision console and our SSL console. Highest quality = very expensive equipment but amazing sound

Artists: Jump on this opportunity before IBMA to get your demos heard and to have material/product to hand out!!!”

Such a deal… You can reach Robert by email at for more details.

The Bluegrass Blog will once again run our readers’ awards poll, mirroring the nominees for the International Bluegrass Music Awards. We have done this for the past few years, and everyone seems to get a big kick out of it.

This poll is not affiliated with IBMA in any way. It is just a fun exercise so that readers who are not voting members of the IBMA can have their say in who among the many nominees they would like to see win.

Our poll will be up later this week, with all the same nominees in the same categories as the official IBMA ballot. We look forward to your participation!

Rhonda Vincent performed at a private event yesterday (9/5) on a farm near Gettysburg, PA and took the opportunity to test drive a John Deere 9760 STS combine.

She not only took this pricey heavyweight for a spin, but also left behind an autograph on the Deere green side panel.

Here are a number of photos for your Labor Day perusal.

The Bluegrass Blog is on the hunt for several on-the-ground correspondents and photographers to help in our coverage of the IBMA World Of Bluegrass convention later this month.

We are looking for folks who will be in attendance, and are willing to put together a number of reports each day during IBMA week. These could be impressions from the daytime seminars or the exhibit hall, reviews of shows on the main stage each day, or the late night showcases each evening. There may also be artist interview assignments, or specific report requests.

Preference will be given to those with writing experience and previous publication. Remuneration will depend on the level of commitment, and may involve direct payment, or payment (reimbursement) of registration fees. Press credentials will be provided.

We are also looking for photographers able to provide images through the week.

To be considered, you will need to have a laptop and online access during the convention.

This could be a good way to help cover your IBMA expenses. If you are interested, please contact us.