We are  deeply saddened to note that Allen Shelton passed away, November 21. After having been released from the hospital a week ago (11/13), he was readmitted on Thursday, slipped into unconsciousness on Friday and died on Saturday afternoon.

Allen had been initially hospitalized in October, where he was diagnosed with leukemia. He had remained in the hospital in Nashville until his recent release.

Fred Robbins sent along this report from Allen’s daughter-in-law…

“He had to be readmitted to the hospital Thursday because his platelets were low. He was fine Friday evening, but at some point he went to sleep and they could not get him to wake up. They ran tests and believe he had a heart attack and a stroke. He never woke up again, but thankfully he went peacefully surrounded by his family.”

We hope to have details on funeral arrangements on Monday, along with where cards of sympathy and remembrances of Allen can be sent.

Allen Shelton was an exceptional banjo player, and his contributions to our music will be long and well remembered. He was also a generous, kind and sweet man, and we send our condolences to his family and friends.

We’ve been telling you about the works of art created by bluegrass painter Robert Yonke for a couple years now. He’s painted some fantastic bluegrass scenes in the past, including the artwork for the 2008 IBMA World of Bluegrass.

We’ve just learned that Yonke has recently been commissioned to create artwork for the 2010 Delfest. The artwork will be used as the “graphic foundation” for the festival poster and other related promotional pieces.

Yonke is a mandolin player himself, and finds great joy in combining his two artistic passions, bluegrass music and watercolor painting.

We’re fans of his work here at The Bluegrass Blog, and excited to see this fusion of two fine art forms.

Be sure to visit his online studio at AppalachianStudio.com.

Many thanks to David Hollender, upright bass and banjo instructor at Berklee College of Music, for turning me on to Ragtime West, makers of some of the most amazing musical creations I have ever seen.

The company is the brainchild of Ken Caulkins, who has modified the concept of the player piano for a variety of other stringed instruments and percussion. He has also created full-sized MIDI music boxes with actual instruments that perform upon command.

Ken is obviously a bluegrass fan, as he offers several versions of his automated music players in a Bluegrass Special line. The lovely conversation starter pictured above is his Grade 3 model, complete with banjo, guitar and bass, selling for $37,950 in cherry.

Here’s a look at one in action.

Hollender forwarded me the following video, which gives a great look at his robot banjo in operation, this time in clawhammer style.

What do you get for the bluegrass picker who has everything? You can see more and get full details on these fascinating machines at www.ragtimewest.com.

We are delighted to let everyone know that banjo legend Allen Shelton has been released from the hospital, and is home again with his family after a hospitalization of nearly two months.

Shelton was diagnosed with leukemia, which at age 73, is an awfully serious bit of news. He had been receiving chemo and other treatment at the Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, and was released this past Friday (11/13).

Here is the report we received from Allen’s daughter in law, via Fred Robbins:

“He still has a way to go on his recovery, but the doctor told them (him and Mrs. Shelton) that as long as they are very careful (wearing masks, gloves, and limited visitors) he could recover at home.  They were thrilled to get out of that hospital room.”

That’s wonderful news for Allen’s many friends and admirers of his tremendous contribution to the world of 5 string banjo.