In the bluegrass world - as in any other - a 25th Anniversary is something to celebrate. In our slice of the music business, anyone who survives for a quarter century is rightly lauded for persevering in the face of the obstacles that confront a niche market such as ours.

Red Shipley, host of Stained Glass Bluegrass on WAMU in the Washington DC market has chosen to mark his 25th Anniversary on the show by stepping away from the microphone. This Sunday’s (9/16) program will be his last, a position he has maintained since August of 1982.

In 2006, Red was honored by the IBMA with their Broadcaster Of The Year award. His show has also been carried since 2001 on WAMU’s internet bluegrass channel, BluegrassCountry.org.

Shipley’s radio career actually spans more than 50 years, with stints at stations in Orange and Alexandria, VA. WAMU has set up a special phone line for fans and friends of Red’s show to leave their comments and well wishes: 202-885-8827.

Red’s final show will air from 6:00-10:00 a.m. (EDT) this Sunday, September 16 on both WAMU and BluegrassCountry.org. Co-host Bob Webster will assume solo host duties after Shipley’s retirement.