While at IBMA last week, we were able to get a few minutes to sit down with Sugar Hill recording artist Sam Bush.

Our good friend Doug McKelway conducted the interview. He and Sam spoke at length about Sam’s new CD, Circles Around Me. The CD is due to be released on October 20, on Sugar Hill Records. They also spoke about the digital age of music, recording a duet with Del McCoury, Sam’s place in the mandolin world, and more.

Thanks to Donica and all the folks at Sugar Hill Records for making this interview possible.

The interview lasted close to 15 minutes, and we’re bringing it to you in full. Enjoy…

There are a number of big events we are looking forward to attending at IBMA this week, outside of the wealth of activity on the official schedule.

We have video interviews set up with Del McCoury and Sam Bush to talk about their upcoming CDs.

The Grascals have scheduled a major announcement for Monday afternoon. No leaks about what they are up to, but we’ll have something on it as soon as possible.

Mountain Heart has a very ambitious schedule for the week. On Tuesday evening they have a private showcase set up that is expected to draw a great deal of attention. The band has written and worked up some new material that they will be performing before an invitation-only group of label folks on Tuesday, and we’ll be there to report on the show.

If you have seen Mountain Heart of late, you may have noticed that their edgy, in-your-face style has become even more so, with vocalist/guitarist Josh Shilling occasionally slipping behind an electric keyboard for some bluesy, rocking numbers.

Here’s an example…

Then on Wednesday evening, they will host a 10th anniversary jam from 11:45 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. (CDT) in the Fisk Rooms at the Renaissance Hotel. Cindy Baucom will MC as Mountain Heart will pick and sing with a most impressive lineup of guest performers.

This event is open to any IBMA registrants. We hope to capture some video of the show, and speak to some of the performers.

Also on Wednesday, Rural Rhythm and Sugar Hill Records are hosting private showcases, and we are planning to spend time there as well. Both will serve to highlight their fine artists, who we hope to interview and shoot – videowise, that is.

Rural Rhythm’s showcase is expected to feature Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, IIIrd Tyme Out, Audie Blaylock & Redline and Michael Martin Murphey. They will also share details about their involvement with a major east coast festival. Kyle Cantrell will MC.

Those are just a few of the IBMA events we’ll be covering over the next few days. Whew… better bank some sleep!

Here’s the fifth installment of the video content we’re bringing you as part of our Infamous Stringdusters promotion.

The album The Infamous Stringdusters, will be released tomorrow, June 10, 2008. See our original post for information about the pre-order special.

This video is provided in cooperation with The Infamous Stringdusters, Sugar Hill Records, and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival.

Each episode (5 in total) will be accompanied by either a streaming track or an mp3 download from the new CD. Access to the tracks will be limited to registered users of The Bluegrass Blog, and accessing the track will enter you in a promotional giveaway to win one of three autographed copies of the CD.

We also have one other contest for you – there will only be one winner in this contest, but it’s big. We’re giving away a pair of tickets to this year’s Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, a meet and greet with the band at the festival, and some merchandise the guys will autograph just for you on site.

Enjoy the video, listen to this week’s track, and enter to win free festival tickets!

This fifth installment of the video is a look inside the production of the CD. The tune is Get It While You Can.

Enter to win an autographed CD (and listen to the streaming track)

Enter to win a pair of tickets to the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

Here’s the fourth installment of the video content we’re bringing you as part of our Infamous Stringdusters promotion.

The album The Infamous Stringdusters, will be released on June 10, 2008. See our original post for information about the pre-order special.

This video is provided in cooperation with The Infamous Stringdusters, Sugar Hill Records, and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival.

Each episode (5 in total) will be accompanied by either a streaming track or an mp3 download from the new CD. Access to the tracks will be limited to registered users of The Bluegrass Blog, and accessing the track will enter you in a promotional giveaway to win one of three autographed copies of the CD.

We also have one other contest for you – there will only be one winner in this contest, but it’s big. We’re giving away a pair of tickets to this year’s Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, a meet and greet with the band at the festival, and some merchandise the guys will autograph just for you on site.

Enjoy the video, download this week’s track, and enter to win free festival tickets!

This fourth installment of the video is a live performance at the 2008 Merlefest. The tune is Lovin’ You, written by Sarah Siskind who wrote Simple Love from Allison Krauss’ A Hundred Miles Or More CD and Goodbye Is All We Have from the last AKUS CD, Lonely Runs Both Ways – and is also engaged to Travis Book of the ‘Dusters. Tim O’Brien joins the guys onstage for the performance.

The free mp3 download this week is the live version of Lovin’ You from the live CD download available only when you pre-order the new CD. This version is over 8 minutes long, featuring extended instrumental sections.

Enter to win an autographed CD (and listen to the streaming track)

Enter to win a pair of tickets to the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival