We posted earlier in the week concerning the possibility that John A. Brown, convicted for the brutal murders of Dave Akeman (a.k.a Stringbean) and his wife Estelle, might be released on parole.

That piece prompted a note from Sandy Rothman, a prominent west coast picker and former Blue Grass Boy, suggesting that we share a bit more information about how String’s many fans and friends could become involved in helping to thwart Brown’s release.

Specifically, Sandy suggests that letters sent to the Parole Board might help sway the two remaining votes on the parole application.

“Letters may influence these board members who have not heard from people who remember String and know his history, not only as a country music entertainer but as the first banjo picker in Bill Monroe’s band.”

Communication can be sent to:

Singer/songwriter Donna Hughes was among the featured performers at last weekend’s Ossipee Valley Bluegrass Festival in Portland, ME.

To help promote their appearance, Donna and her guitarist, Rebecca Frazier, did a television spot for WCSH on July 26, which has been posted online. Donna did a version of Where Are You Darlin,’ from her Gaining Wisdom CD, and talked with the show hosts for a bit before singing Little Bluebird from her Same Old Me release.

In this clip, Rebecca shows why she has been gaining the attention of flatpickers since her days with Hit & Run Bluegrass.

Donna normally performs with a full band, but she and Rebecca went duo for this TV segment. Maybe the rest of the band had some trouble getting it together for a morning show?

Last month we told you about plans for the production of the IBMA Awards Show, with top bluegrass DJs Ned Luberecki and Cindy Baucom being entrusted with the task.

We also mentioned briefly that the 19th International Bluegrass Music Awards would be held at the Ryman Auditorium once again.

Greg Cahill, IBMA President/Board Chair spoke about the show’s return to the Ryman Auditorium ‚Ķ‚Ķ‚Ķ

“The decision by the IBMA Board of Directors to move the Awards Show back to the Ryman Auditorium was twofold. Attendees at the annual World of Bluegrass convention, which includes the Awards Show, have consistently mentioned that they appreciated seeing the Awards Show in the hallowed Ryman Auditorium hall and the Board saw moving the show back to the Ryman as both a response to the wishes of the fans as well as an opportunity to make the show more conveniently accessible to the World of Bluegrass attendees, who can simply walk across the street from the convention center to the Ryman. Although there were more available seats at the Grand Ole Opry House, Awards Show attendees had to either drive to the facility or pay to take a shuttle from the convention center.

We are excited about once again having the IBMA Awards Show in the historic Ryman Auditorium and look forward to another wonderful show that will honor our award recipients and will include dynamic musical performances by many of the nominees.”

The award ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, October 2, 8:30pm CST.

Del McCoury and Kathy Mattea will announce final nominees for the 19th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards at a Press Conference on Thursday, August 14, at the Ford Theater, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, in Nashville. The IBMA Hall of Fame inductees and Distinguished Achievement Award honorees will also be announced.

Rounder Records duo Dailey & Vincent will perform at the beginning and conclusion of this press conference.

We will have full coverage of the nominees announcements on The Bluegrass Blog as soon as the press conference has concluded, by noon on August 14.