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www.patreon.com/banjopodcast This episode is a new-and-improved remix of Episode #26 from May of 2019, featuring banjo phenom Jens Kruger. Jens is the longtime banjoist and composer with acclaimed bluegrass group The Kruger Brothers, and has inspired a generation of musicians with his dazzling, inventive, and soulful playing. He is also an innovator in banjo design, and works in that capacity for Deering Banjos. Sponsored by Peghead Nation, Elderly Instruments, Sullivan Banjos, and Bluegrass Country Radio. Jens on the web: https://www.krugerbrothers.com/ Contact the show: pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com
This episode of Today's Bluegrass features music from artists - Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Caroline Owens, The Kruger Brothers, Tim & Jan O'brien, 7 Mile Bluegrass, The Tennessee Bluegrass Band and more. The show can be heard on Southern Branch Bluegrass & Gospel Music Radio five times each week. Monday at 9 AM, Tuesday at 12 AM, Thursday and Friday at 11 PM and Saturday at 3 AM - all times Eastern. Southern Branch Bluegrass & Gospel Music Radio can be tuned in locally at 91.7 FM Community Radio and streaming world wide at www.sbbradio.org and www.sbbradio.net We are now WSBB - Digital Broadcasting Radio.
The Appalachian Sunday Morning is a two hour all Gospel Music Radio program with radio station & program host Danny Hensley. The program is recorded live each Sunday morning while being broadcast on 91.7 FM Community radio and streamed world wide on www.sbbradio.org and/or www.sbbradio.net This week we're enjoying a variety of wonderful heartfelt songs from the station library including Gospel music selections from The Nunn Sisters, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Sisters, The Powells, Authentic Unlimited, The Kruger Brothers and more. This program is uploaded to SoundCloud, RSS.com, radio4all, Podbean and iTunes to mention a few select sources for access to radio stations all across the globe.
THE KRUGER BROTHERS Born and raised in Europe, brothers Jens and Uwe Kruger started singing and playing instruments at a very young age in Switzerland. The brothers were performing regularly by the time they were eleven and twelve years old. In just a few years they were busking on the streets of cities throughout eastern and western Europe. Jens (banjo), Uwe (guitar), and Joel (bass) personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. THE FRIEL SISTERS Anna, Sheila and Clare Friel are sisters from Scotland, traditional musicians born in Glasgow with their family roots firmly entrenched in the Donegal Gaeltacht (Derrynamansher). They achieve a close family blend on fiddle, flute and uilleann pipes interspersed with songs sang in unison, many from their family and local repertoire. Reese Carroll is an 11 year old Banjo player form Nicholasville KY
On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with Dale and Michelle Isom. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, they are excited to announce the return of the Carolina In The Fall Music and Food Festival, which runs this September 23-24. Carolina In The Fall celebrates Good Food and great music, including folk, country, and bluegrass. The pandemic allowed the team to make this year's festival a greater experience than ever before. Among the significant changes being made is a shift to a single-stage focus. Carolina In The Fall in 2022 will take place at Carolina West Wireless Community Commons in Historic Downtown Wilkesboro. There are a limited number of reserved sponsored seats this year and then opening seating for up to 2000 sponsored by the festival presenting sponsor “Window World.” Bring your family and bring your chairs. Expect an exciting lineup of talent this year, both old favorites and up-and-coming. Friday night will feature country music artists Presley Barker, Paige King Johnson, The Kruger Brothers, and Diamond Rio. Saturday's lineup includes Terry Baucom & the Dukes of Drive, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, The Contenders, Darrell Scott Bluegrass Band, and The Kruger Brothers returning alongside Kontras Quartet to perform a special piece called Moonshine Sonata. “Our goal this year,” says Dale, “is to capture still the very best of what Carolina In The Fall has always been: a close community, great entertainment, wonderful food, and relaxation.” Learn more about Carolina In The Fall at www.carolinainthefall.org.
My guest this week is Emma John, author of the wonderful book 'Wayfaring Stranger - A Musical Journey in the American South'.We chat about what made a British journalist and cricket fan want to travel to North Carolina and write a book about bluegrass, the key lesson Emma learned from the Kruger Brothers and so much more. I loved this one - it feels as much a conversation about life and belonging as it does a conversation about bluegrass.I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Links to stuff we mentionThe Breakdown podcastBuy Wayfaring stranger:US (Barnes & Noble)UK (Waterstones)Emma's website
In this episode: Uwe and Jens Kruger sit down for an interview at the 2021 MerleFest autograph tent. Uwe and Jens were born and raised Germany and Switzerland. They began singing and playing instruments at a very young age, as music was an important part of their family's life. At ages eleven and twelve years old they were already performing regularly after debuting publicly in the spring of 1973.In 1979, Jens and Uwe left home and worked as a performing duo on the streets throughoutEuropean cities; with Uwe playing guitar, and Jens playing the banjo. In 1981 they received aCBS recording contract with their band Rocky Road. In 1982 Uwe and Jens split up, with Uwebecoming the leader of a country music band. Jens came to American and was granted theopportunity with Bill Monroe to become the first European banjo player to be featured on theGrand Ole Opry. Jens returned to Switzerland and began working in the local music scene as abanjo player, while Uwe became the band leader for many country music singers throughoutEurope. In 1988 they reunited and began to focus on their fundamental love of American roots music. In 1989 the two brothers met up with Joel Landsberg, a native from New York City, whom had recently moved to Switzerland. Joel is a classically and jazz trained bassist, who had been performing since the early 1970's as well. Jens and Uwe began hiring Joel to perform with them in a variety of bands, playing over 200 shows a year on average. In 1995, Joel became an integral part of the group and it was from that point forward the group decided to focus exclusively on performing as the Kruger Brothers.In 1997, the Kruger Brothers made their debut in America playing for audiences at MerleFest,the Wilkesboro festival named in honor of Doc Watson's son, Merle. They were big fans of Doc Watson's music, and they felt at home in the mountains of North Carolina. The trio moved to the United States in 2003.The traditional style of music that once dominated their performances slowly gave way to more of their own compositions. They increasingly incorporated elements of European folk and classical music into their performances, molding it into a unique one-of-a-kind style. Since then, the Kruger Brothers have performed at countless music festivals and performing arts venues throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. They have performed with symphony orchestras all over the world, often debuting original classical compositions that Jens has been commissioned to write by the National Endowment of the Arts, Chamber Music America, the Banff Center of Canada, among several others. They have been honored with numerous national and international awards and have been inducted into various music Hall of Fames. They have performed with the likes of Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Willie Nelson, Ricky Scaggs, and many more. In addition to their performances at MerleFest, they have brought much recognition to Wilkes County through their annual festival, Carolina in the Fall, named after one of their songs, which has hosted some of the best of North Carolina's folk, bluegrass, roots, and acoustic bands. The Kruger Brothers host an annual Music Academy in Wilkes County that draws participants from all over the world who enjoy musical instruction and amazing interactions with these highly sought after professionals. The Kruger Brothers are ambassadors of the music and culture, emphasizing on tradition and innovation, of the region they now call home.For more information visit https://www.krugerbrothers.com/
Jens Kruger of the Kruger Brothers is a modern master of the 5 string banjo who is taking the instrument to places it has never been. Born in Switzerland and now living in North Carolina, Jens' music bridges American folk music and European classical music styles. He has composed for a full symphony orchestra as well as a number of string quartets and more. In this interview, we dig deep into his compositional techniques, style, and more. Enjoy!
We've teamed up with Come Hear NC on a podcast series that explores North Carolina music one song at a time. This time, musician Joe Newberry tells us why he is inspired by the Switzerland born and NC based bluegrass trio Kruger Brothers . "Carolina In The Fall" tells the story of their journey here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU91GEMxk8Y
The world tends to look at accomplishments in the form of accolades and although only in his mid-30’s, Michael Cleveland has plenty to his credit. After picking up the fiddle at age 4, Michael’s musical momentum began to propel him forward towards early success. “When I started taking lessons at age 4,” he remembers, “I told the teacher right up front that I wanted to learn how to play bluegrass and I wanted to play ‘Orange Blossom Special.'” Reluctant as they were, his teachers quickly found a reason to his rhyme, helping him progress to the point when, at age 9, Michael was invited to sit in with the legendary Bill Monroe at the Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival. Soon after, he was hand-picked for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Bluegrass Youth Allstars which led to an invitation by Alison Krauss to bring his virtuosic style to the Grand Ole Opry, all before he was 14 years old. His blistering prowess and technical fluency have since marked him as a sought-after musician, leading to performances with Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Tim O’Brien, J.D. Crowe and the New South, Andy Statman, and The Kruger Brothers in recent years. However, it wasn’t until 2006, when Michael formed his own band Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, that he found the right vehicle for his musical vision, and he hasn’t rested since constantly looking for new ways to push himself and his music forward. “He plays fearless and it’s intoxicating to play with him because he makes you play fearless,” says Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill. “He takes no prisoners but he plays with a restraint and a soul. He plays without abandon.” Clearly, the IBMA agrees as he’s their most awarded Fiddle Player of the Year with 10 wins, has won Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year six times, and fronts their 5-Time Instrumental Group of the Year. Together with Flamekeeper members Josh Richards (guitar), Nathan Livers (mandolin), Jasiah Shrode (banjo) and Tyler Griffith (bass), Cleveland makes his way around the country performing festivals, clubs, and performing arts centers, delighting audiences, leaving them with jaws dropped in complete amazement.“It’s wicked to see how much music he pulls out of a bow,” continues Vince. “He’s untouchable.” Michael Cleveland was inducted into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame in 2018.
This episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast was recorded on location during the 2019 Kruger Brothers Music Academy in Wilkes County, NC. Carl spoke with Jens about his musical journey and the events that led to his moving from Europe to Wilkesboro more than 15 years ago. Jens and his brother Uwe began playing music at a young age, and by the time Jens was 17 in 1979 the two were performing on the streets of various European cities. They were signed to CBS Records based on their talent, and the rest is history. In 1982, Jens spent some time in the US where he learned from Bill Monroe and was advised to go back to Europe and continue fine-tuning his musical style until it was something very unique. He and his brother kept writing and playing, and they developed their own style, which was not very well-received by their European audience, so they were surprised when they received an invitation to play MerleFest in 1997. That experience was monumental for them, as they finally felt that their music was appreciated and they received a lot of support from icons in the bluegrass and folk community. In 2003, Jens decided to move his family to America to take advantage of the creative freedom and acceptance he anticipated, and due to his experience at MerleFest and the rich musical culture of the region, he chose to move to Wilkes County. Jens’ whole family felt welcome in the community and quickly developed friendships that have lasted from those early days. Now that The Kruger Brothers are traveling and touring all over America and the world, Jens has an even greater appreciation for the musical community of the High Country and for being able to call it his home. In fact, he started referring to Wilkes County and the surrounding areas as the “heart of folk” many years ago based on his heartfelt experiences. In recent years, The Kruger Brothers have helped establish the Carolina In the Fall musical event and they have created The Kruger Brothers Music Academy which draws attendees from all over the world. In addition to the rich relationships he has developed with his brother and other musicians in the community such as Bill Monroe and Doc Watson, Jens has received multiple notable recognitions: playing with Bill Monroe at the Grand Old Opry, having the flag at the US Capitol flown in his honor for his contributions to American culture, receiving his green card, winning Steve Martin’s Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music and playing with Steve on the David Letterman Show, being inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, and many more. Connect with Jens: https://krugerbrothers.com/ https://www.instagram.com/krugerbrothers/ https://www.facebook.com/KrugerBrothers https://twitter.com/KrugerBrothers https://www.youtube.com/user/doubletimemusic Connect with us: http://www.lifeinthecarolinas.com/ https://www.lifeinthecarolinaspodcast.com/ Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com
www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik chats with banjo virtuoso Jens Kruger of The Kruger Brothers about his style, background, and philosophy about music. Jens is a widely renowned performer and has won many awards, including the 2013 Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo. Special thanks to Peghead Nation (www.pegheadnation.com) - use coupon code "pickyfingers" for 30 days of free videos! Jens on the web: www.krugerbrothers.com Contact the show: pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com
Visiting with Michelle and Dale Isom at the lovely 1915 Historic Federal Courthouse and Post Office in Wilkesboro, NC, home to the Blue Ridge Artisan Center and The Artisan Café. Find out how they are expanding cultural horizons for children and communities through educational programs to help preserve traditions from one generation to the next and how they are supporting and promoting local and regional artists, musicians and performing artists through the sharing of resources.The Artisan Cafe is a local eatery and cafe also located in the 1915 building, serving amazing coffee and local, fresh products. A place to relax. For hours, exhibits and other news, including information about the 2019 Carolina in the Fall Music & Food Festival, visit blueridgeartisancenter.org.
Hosts: The Gillinator, Brandon Krum, Shahi Sabzevari Gather round the fire as we tell the frightening tales of Arnold's most gruesome kills, and ponder which Arnold character could have a second job as a horror movie slasher, and then end our spooky episode with a special retelling of Poe's "The Raven." Plus, Arnold news! Listen... if you dare!!! Like ARN? Help us get bigger and ballsier by rating and reviewing us in iTunes, and sharing us with other Arnold fans! Contact us: arnoldradionews@gmail.com @ArnoldRadioNews @gillinator @KRUMstudios @TheArnoldFans The Best Sites in Life: Arnold T-shirts by Randy Jennings TheArnoldFans.com TAFs Facebook Page Daniel Marshall Cigars Arnocorps
On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, our guest is Dale Isom, an engineer by trade who has recently entered the hospitality industry and is doing a lot for the northwestern North Carolina community. Dale and his wife own several hotel properties in the area and across the state, and they have come to understand the importance of making their guests feel secure and welcome in the community. About 5 years ago, Dale and the Kruger Brothers came up with the idea to brand Wilkes county as “The Heart of American Folk Music”, which has created the tradition of year-round concerts in local establishments as well as the Carolina in the Fall annual event, highlighting the talented musicians of the area and the genre of American Folk. Additionally, Dale has revitalized the old post office and federal courthouse in downtown Wilkesboro and created The 1915 event space that is also the home of the Blue Ridge Artisan Center. These artisans and those who will be involved in the Artisan Café opening this fall showcase the culture of Wilkes and the surrounding counties, celebrating the community and what makes it unique. Dale’s efforts have jump-started the rejuvenation of downtown Wilkesboro, supported by local merchants, private investments, and local government funding. These investments will continue to impact the community and the celebration of its culture for many years to come. Connect with Dale: https://the1915.org/ https://carolinainthefall.org/ https://blueridgeartisancenter.org/ http://heartoffolk.com/ Life in the Carolinas Site: www.Lifeinthecarolinas.com Link to LITC broadcast segment on Carolina In the Fall https://youtu.be/AqM_RG262Ss
Author, musician Don Brown is my guest as we discuss his new book; SIMPLE TRUTHS IN MUSIC AND LIFE. It's inspired by his time spent as a student and friend with Uwe Kruger of the Kruger Brothers. Yes, the book is about the art and craft of songwriting … but it’s more than that – it conveys lessons for everyday life too.
Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina
Brothers Jens and Uwe Krüger grew up in rural Switzerland, listening to records by North Carolina music legends Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs. They fell in love with the sound and mastered the music, playing with bassist Joel Landsberg. Now the Krugers make their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, playing and touring and teaching younger students.
Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina
Brothers Jens and Uwe Krüger grew up in rural Switzerland, listening to records by North Carolina music legends Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs. They fell in love with the sound and mastered the music, playing with bassist Joel Landsberg. Now the Krugers make their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, playing and touring and teaching younger students.
Matt Haimovitz joins us in the midst of his Bach Listening Room Tour. On this tour, Haimovitz brings Bach’s cello suites to small, intimate settings throughout the southeast, performing Bach’s Six Suites not in concert halls, but in coffeehouses and music clubs. To conclude the tour, he'll perform all six suites in a single day in Bethesda, Maryland.
Jazz artist Roy Ayers once said, "The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers." I was reminded again of that connection with an extended musical family of members both old and new recently at the second annual Carolina In The Fall Music and Food Festival in Wilkesboro, NC. The Infamous Stringdusters performed a rousing set on the Carolina Stage Last year, the monsoon season began with the festival, and it was the rainiest weekend festival I could remember. The people that attended were pretty hard core fans, decked out in rain gear and patiently waiting out some set delays that were largely due to the unrelenting precipitation. This year the weather did a 180 degree turn, and we had mostly sunny, fairly hot days in store. I was emceeing once again for WNCW, and by mid-afternoon on Friday, decided to ditch my jeans in favor of shorts for the rest of the way. Josh Vana of Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line works on his guitar backstage Some musical takeaways: The Infamous Stringdusters were the most difficult to photograph. They had a fog machine going, which looked great but made the camera lose focus. They also moved around constantly. But they also put on a fantastic set, so no real complaints here. Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line's sound has evolved from a sound rooted in acoustic traditions to a much more electric, honky-tonk style all their own. I was knocked out by their newest material, which will appear on album sometime around or just before spring of 2017. Canadians really can play authentic bluegrass: see Slocan Ramblers (pronounced "Slow-Can"). Flatt Lonesome is as impeccably dressed as their harmonies are spot on. Volunteers are the best -- I had many conversations with people staffing the event and felt like I was right at home. Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line Guitarist Jay Lapp of The Steel Wheels steps out on the main stage After the late night jam early Sunday morning, I got a few minutes with Jay Lapp of The Steel Wheels and asked him about the Red Wing Roots Music Festival that they host, about touring by bicycle, and their next record. It was heartwarming to reconnect with old friends Jeff Eason, Holly and Mike Paul, Tom and Gail Watts, and The Kruger Brothers. New friends like Stu Vincent were a joy, and getting to know festival organizers Dale and Michelle Isom better was another high point for the weekend. One of the many murals in Wilkesboro, NC This month I hope to reconnect with both my musical and biological family when I take my cousin Richard to his first LEAF festival in Black Mountain. Hope to see you there! -Joe
THE KRUGER BROTHERS are three soulful world-class virtuosos originally from Europe and now living in North Carolina. They were first introduced to American audiences in 1997, quickly gaining the attention of fans and the music industry alike. In an ever expanding body of work, Jens Kruger (banjo, vocals), Uwe Kruger (guitar, lead vocals), and Joel Landsberg (bass, vocals) personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. In fact, Jens Kruger was recently named the fourth recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music. Kruger is known for his innovative banjo composition and performance that integrates folk music with European classical music. This is personified in the band's latest work 'The Spirit of the Rockies'. A poetic, spiraling tale about ghosts, relationships and guides � both seen and unseen that was written by Jens for a small orchestral ensemble,
ANDY MCKEE is considered one of the world�s finest acoustic guitar masters. His YouTube video are excess of 78 million plays and at one point he held the #1, #2 and #3 positions for Top-Rated Videos of All Time. McKee�s unique skill allows him to transform the guitar from a simple stringed instrument to a dynamic calliope of sound. The self-taught McKee, first garnered international attention as one of the top finalists at the prestigious National Finger Style Guitar Championships in Windfield, Kansas. KRUGER BROTHERS return to the WoodSongs stage with a brand new CD called "Between the Notes." In 2003 the band moved from Switzerland to North Carolina and began concentrating on performing their own genuine style of music throughout the United States. In November, 2006, Jens�s orchestral score Music from the Spring was recognized by the NEA with an award for Artistic Excellence. The new CD includes 11 original compositions.