Bluegrass Country Radio
Keep the music playing! Donate to Bluegrass Country.
At Bluegrass Country, "listener supported" isn't just a casual phrase. This station is unique, supported by listeners through contributions to a nonprofit foundation, and by companies and organizations that like the music as much as you do. It's this commitment, from you and the other supporters, that keeps Bluegrass Country on the air and the net, commercial-free, playing the music you love 24 hours a day.
Take a look at the program schedule and you'll see that there's nothing else like it. Bluegrass Country doesn't have a playlist; we're not a jukebox shuffling through a hard drive of hits. Every show on this station is hosted by a real live person, selecting the music from our incomparable song library, or a personal record collection that probably includes songs you'll never hear anywhere else. We play the whole range of bluegrass, from the pioneers to the present, from traditional to experimental and everything in between. We play old time, classic country, folk, rare blues and jazz, zydeco, roots and modern Americana, and even a taste of Grateful Dead. Our shows originate in our Washington studio, as well as radio stations and studios around the US and the world, and include live performances as well as records.
And every now and then we pause to remind our listeners that we need your support. Our spring fund drive begins Sunday, April 22. If you're already a Bluegrass Country member, this is a great time to tell your friends about the station. Tell them about your favorite shows and hosts. Tell them they can listen on HD radio in the DC area, or online all over the world. Then tell them they should join you in becoming a member, making a financial contribution to keep this great music on the air.
If you're not a member, it's easy to make a one-time donation, or become a sustaining member by pledging a monthly contribution. Just hit the DONATE button on the right of your screen, or call 202-844-6670.
Keep the music playing! Become a Bluegrass Country member today.
We have some e
xciting new premiums that can be yours with a sustaining donation to Bluegrass Country. Dick Spottswood's The Blue Sky Boys is a new book that tells the tale of two North Carolina brothers whose vocal harmonies captivated southern radio audiences for generations, and provided a treasure trove of songs still being performed today. An autographed copy is yours with a sustaining membership contribution of $15 or more. Read more about the book here.
Bill Nowlin, founder of Rounder Records, has compiled a 6-CD anthology of early bluegrass music that has not been published since the early 1960’s. The collection includes a 200+ page companion book, The Early Days of Bluegrass, describing the backstory of this unique collection chosen by this prolific author and publisher of bluegrass music. You can select the book, the CDs, or both with your sustaining membership contribution to Bluegrass Country.
To get the details of these offers, just click the DONATE button on the right.
Charm City Bluegrass Festival
Bluegrass Country Radio is proud to sponsor the Charm City Bluegrass Festival on Friday and Saturday, April 27 & 28! Two-days, 3 stages, 21 bands, tons of great food, craft, and beverage vending and very family friendly. Kids 10 and under get in free! Buy your tickets today: https://www.mt.cm/6th-annual-charm-city-bluegrass-festival
"Play Bluegrass Country on TuneIn"
Did you know you can listen to your favorite bluegrass station on your Amazon or Google device? Bluegrass Country's webstream is a featured station on the internet radio service TuneIn, which is also available on Amazon Echo and Google Home. All you have to do is say the words: "[Alexa or OK Google], play Bluegrass Country on TuneIn." You can also access TuneIn from your computer, phone or other internet-connected device.
IBMA Leadership Bluegrass
Congratulations to Jeff Ludin and Ivy Sheppard, 2018 graduates of the Leadership Bluegrass program of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Jeff is the vice president of the Bluegrass Country Foundation, and Ivy is host of Born in the Mountain, heard weekly on Bluegrass Country. They join other program hosts Brad Kolodner (2016), Chris Teskey (2012), Lee Michael Demsey (2009) and Fred Bartenstein (2008) as alumni of this professional development program, bringing together leaders on behalf of bluegrass music.
Live from Pearl Street Warehouse
Saturdays at 3 pm EDT.
Go to the program schedule to see who's playing.
Sunday afternoons from 3 to 4, Bluegrass Country presents Live from the Pearl Street Warehouse, featuring the best in bluegrass and Americana recorded live on stage at the Pearl Street Warehouse in Washington, DC. This neighborhood bar and diner is filled with the sounds of all-American music like blues, folk, country, bluegrass and soul, and offers a relaxed atmosphere and front-row music experience in Washington's booming Wharf district.
Bluegrass Country Radio Director Chris Teskey is the host, selecting the best in recent live shows and bringing his knowledge and experience in bluegrass broadcasting to his discussion with the performing artists.
Pearl Street Warehouse was developed by Nicholas Fontana, Bruce Gates and Henry Gandy, principals and founders of Cantina Marina, DC waterfront dock bar and restaurant that was a fixture on the Southwest Waterfront for over 14 years. The bring their love of live music and classic American food to this new DC destination.
The series premiere on February 16 featured Grammy-winning Danny Barnes Trio, recorded at the Pearl Street Warehouse in January. Tune into Bluegrass Country Radio every Saturday at 3 pm EDT for more music recorded Live from Pearl Street Warehouse.
Hot Off the Press
Bluegrass Country host Dick Spottswood's new book tells the tale of two North Carolina brothers whose old songs and vocal harmonies captivated southern radio audiences for generations. CLICK HERE to learn more about "The Blue Sky Boys."
Greetings!
First, my personal thanks to each of you who supported Bluegrass Country during our 2018 Drive to Survive. Your donation goes directly to cover our monthly operating expenses.
It really matters!
If you were too busy during our last fund drive, it’s not too late to contribute. Please click “Donate Now” and make your donation. Typically, over 10% of a drive's donations are made shortly after the official Drive to Survive ends, so you’re in good company.
Please become a Sustaining Member. It’s your regular donations each month, however small, that allow us to breathe easier and plan ahead.
On behalf of the Bluegrass Country Foundation, our thanks to each of you and your financial donations, large and small. There will be still more on-air fundraisers in 2018, since we are still in our financial infancy.
Although we have a 50-year legacy, we’re still learning as a one-year old independent bluegrass station. We are working to deserve your support on behalf of bluegrass fans everywhere.
Sincerely,
Bill Sherard
President, Bluegrass Country Foundation
Show Schedule
From traditional bluegrass to gospel to contemporary trend-setters, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Check back often to be sure to catch your favorite programs!
Our Team
Learn about the hosts you'll hear from as you listen, as well as the indispensable people working behind the scenes to bring you DC's Bluegrass Country Radio.
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