Here’s another in our series of 2009 Red Carpet videos. These were filmed immediately prior to the IBMA Award Show.

This particular video features Doug McKelway interviewing Larry Stephenson.

Bluegrass lovers have long cherished the close bond that exists between the performers and the fans, something that is cultivated and fostered on both sides. Folks new to the music marvel at how approachable the artists are, and how much time they spend at live shows socializing with the audience.

We expect bluegrass artists to be generous with their time where devoted fans are concerned, but this weekend we’ll see an especially high level of dedication from a number of acts, all for a special fan beloved for the joy she brings to her favorite performers.

Mary Ennis is a familiar sight to show and festival goers in central Virginia. She won the nickname “Dancin’ Mary” for her spontaneous, free-form reaction to her favorite music, and has been befriended by a number of top bluegrass artists.

One such friend is Larry Stephenson, who when he found out that Mary had been diagnosed with lung cancer, responded by organizing a benefit concert in Lovingston, between Lynchburg and Charlottesville, VA. Rhonda Vincent is also a Ennis fan, and is interrupting her tour schedule to be available for the show next Thursday (8/6). Nothin’ Fancy, The Little Mountain Band, In the Tradition, Plain and Simple, the James River Cutups and popular radio host Brenda Lawson will also appear.

Larry Stephenson explained what got him involved in this endeavor…

“Fans like Mary Ennis are why we do what we do. I’ve traveled all over the world in the last 35 years and I’ve never met a better bluegrass fan then Mary.

The second Friday of January each year we play a date at the Bingo Hall in Madison Heights, VA for the James River Bluegrass Association, and that’s where I met Mary. She has made that date the most fun date we play all year. It’s always a joy to see her and her family at shows in and around central Virginia.

I put this concert together in a little over an hour from my home in Tennessee, and no one said no. Bluegrass fans, bluegrass artists… it’s a wonderful community, and I’m so proud to be a part of it. It will be a special night in Lovingston, VA and I thank everyone involved.” (more…)

Dreama Stephenson, née Belcher, sent along some sad news about her dad, Sterling Belcher.

Sterling has been hosting the Bluegrass In The Pines Festival near Rocky Mount, VA for the past 29 years, and has hordes of friends and business acquaintances in the bluegrass world. He turned 70 on June 14th and, just this week, it was discovered that he has bone cancer.

Belcher is a cancer survivor already, having seemingly beaten prostate cancer several years ago. But it seems that the disease is back, and has spread throughout his body.

Cards and well-wishes can be sent to:

Dreama and her husband, Larry Stephenson, ask that anyone who might be willing to lift Sterling up in prayer, please do so. As we can all imagine, she isn’t ready to lose him just yet.

Larry Stephenson shared some sad news…

I’m sorry to report that Bill Harrell passed away this afternoon at 4:10 p.m. at his home in Davidisonville, MD.

Viewing with be Sunday evening (6/28) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship Church, Central Ave, Davidisonville, MD. The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday morning at the same church.

Condolences may be sent to:

938 St. George Barber Road
Davidisonville, MD 21035

Bill suffered a stroke on June 12 and had returned home after a week in the hospital.