The Spinney Brothers Score 2nd Consecutive #1 Record with "No Borders!"

The Spinney Brothers are celebrating in a big way with the news of their 2nd consecutive #1 album with No Borders! The album first topped Bluegrass Unlimited's National Bluegrass Survey Top 15 Albums chart in January and has held on tight to claim the same position for February, as well. In addition, the first single from the Mountain Fever Records release, "Grandpa's Way Of Life" is #1 on February's Top 30 Songs chart!
The Spinney Brothers were surprised today when Mark Hodges, president of Mountain Fever Records presented them with a new car to commemorate this momentous occasion! Check out this great video from Rick and Allan Spinney to get a sneak peak of their new Chevrolet Camaro!

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers - New LIVE DVD, Grand Ole Opry Appearance and New Merchandise!

JMRR Live DVD Now Available

The Radio Ramblers are pleased to announce the release of an all-new live DVD! The band had a blast performing last March at the Centerville High School Performing Arts Center. From that performance, we recorded our first music video for "Some Kind Of War," which featured the Centerville Alternative Strings. We were so pleased with how the entire evening's performance turned out, we decided to release the entire concert as a DVD! The concert includes sixteen songs, two of which ("Cruisin' Timber" and "Some Kind Of War") are performed with Centerville Alternative Strings. The DVD even includes a bonus interview with Joe Mullins & Doug Eyink regarding the "Some Kind Of War" music video. The first ever Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers DVD is available at the Radio Ramblers' live performances or at the Radio Ramblers' Online Store. This DVD is a must-have for fans of Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers and includes the following songs:

1. Smoke Along The Track

2. Our Old Kentucky Home

3. Katy Daley

4. Fallen Leaves

5. Worth It All

6. Listen, They're Playing My Song

7. Steel Guitar Rag

8. Lily

9. Bottom Of A Mountain

10. A Blue Million Tears

11. I Want To Be Loved But Only By You

12. Rock Of Ages Keep My Soul

13. Be Jesus To Someone Today

14. I'm No Longer An Orphan

15. Cruisin' Timber *

16. Some Kind Of War *

* Performed with Centerville Alternative Strings

Grand Ole Opry and ET Record Shop - 2/15

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 15th and join JMRR in Nashville for an evening of music at the 2 of Music City's most historical venues! The band will kick off the evening with a performance at the GRAND OLE OPRY which begins at 7:00pm. (Purchase Your Tickets Here!) Following the Opry, they'll make their first appearance at the Ernest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree! The show will be hosted by Mike Scott and will also feature performances by Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle and Val Storey. The Midnight Jamboree is free to the public at the Troubadour Theatre on Music Valley Drive near the Opryland Hotel. You can listen live to the Opry and the Midnight Jamboree on 650AM WSM or at WSMONLINE.com.

New T-Shirts & Hats!

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers are unveiling their new line of merchandise with vintage looking t-shirts and hats! T-shirts are available in red and light brown while the new hats are available in green with khaki and gray with navy. All items are available in multiple sizes through the band's online store.

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE UNVEILS BEST OF 2013 - RUSSELL MOORE & IIIRD TYME OUT RANK AMONG TOP 5

Cumming, GA. (January 21, 2014) – Billboard Magazine has released it's Best Of 2013: The Year In Music, documenting the best-selling albums for the year, including the Top 15 Bluegrass Albums. Timeless Hits From The Past Bluegrassed, the latest release from Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, ranks #5 alongside artists such as Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Alan Jackson, and Old Crowe Medicine Show.

Released in January 2013 through the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® exclusive music program, the 12-track album features newly recorded classic hits performed bluegrass style by the seven-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, IIIrd Tyme Out and IBMA's most awarded Male Vocalist of the Year (five-times), Russell Moore. The legendary band gives a modern flare to the popular music originally recorded by Elvis, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, among others. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums chart where it remained for seven consecutive weeks for a total of 14 weeks in the Top 10.

IIIrd Tyme Out founder and highly revered lead singer Russell Moore says, "We're very proud to see Timeless Hits From The Past Bluegrassed receive this kind of recognition. It was our hope that our presentation of these classic songs would serve as tribute to some of our musical heroes, and the fact that it is considered to be among the top 5 best-selling bluegrass albums by Billboard magazine for the year 2013, is very exciting and we know that our fans, old and new, will enjoy it for many years to come."

For more information on Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, please visit www.iiirdtymeout.com. Timeless Hits From The Past Bluegrassed is available at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and crackerbarrel.com, as well as iTunes and Amazon.com.

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Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out- New Photos, Male Vocalist Nomination, Interviews and More!

2014 Kicks Off Into High Gear

Thanks to our good friend Judith Burnette at WBRF in Galax, Virginia, we have some great photos from Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out's first performance of 2014 at the Fairview Ruritan Club! Russell was joined onstage by longtime IIIrd Tyme Out band members Wayne Benson on mandolin and Justen Haynes on fiddle, as well as new band members, Keith McKinnon on banjo and Blake Johnson on bass. From all accounts, the band rocked the packed house! We've posted the photos to the band's Facebook page and you can also see the photos on their website photo gallery.


In addition to a great first show of the year, Russell has been announced as a nominee for Male Vocalist of the Year by SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass in America). This year's awards will take place on Sunday, February 2nd at the Music City Sheraton in Nashville, TN.

Billboard's Top 10 For 2013
Billboard Magazine has released its “Best Of 2013: The Year In Music” and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out are ranked among the top selling Bluegrass artists for the year, coming in at #5 for their latest release, Timeless Hits From The Past Bluegrassed. The band shares the chart with Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Alan Jackson, and Old Crowe Medicine Show. Check out the complete list here: Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums of 2013.

Russell Moore On WWB and WCYO This Weekend
Russell Moore will be featured on two radio programs this weekend. On Saturday, January 11th at 2:30pm ET, he'll chat with Steve Martin on Unreal Bluegrass which can be heard at worldwidebluegrass.com.


WCYO's Charlie Hall will visit with Russell on Sunday, January 12th for a live phone interview at 7:30pm ET. WYCO is located in Richmond, KY but can be heard worldwide through the station's website at www.wcyo.com.

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Kickoff SOIMF Photo Contest!

It's back! The March 2014 Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival Photo Contest is now in process! Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers produce this Spring festival each year and are hosting the official contest. Details and contest rules may be found on their website here.  Enter, and you could win a pair of tickets to the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival or other great prizes.

The Spinney Brothers Celebrate A #1, Welcome A New Band Member, and Share Perils of the Road!

The Spinney Brothers' latest project, No Borders is the #1 Bluegrass CD according to Bluegrass Unlimited's National Bluegrass Survey for this month. Released in May 2013, No Borders includes recognizable hits for The Spinney Brothers including the first single, "Grandpa's Way Of Life," which is currently #2 on the Top 30 Songs chart, and fan favorite, "I Want My Dog Back," which debuted on the same chart just three months ago and sits at #17.

The Spinney Brothers are thrilled to 

introduce Terry Poirier as their new bass player. Terry is a native of New Brunswick, Canada and is the son of very well-known Canadian fiddle player, Eddy Poirier. Terry has spent the last 5 years as bass player for the contemporary bluegrass group, Newtown and is also a DJ, Webmaster and Music Librarian for World Wide Bluegrass. "We are thrilled to have Terry Poirier join the Spinney Brothers band," states Rick Spinney. "We have known Terry for many years and respect his level of musicianship and dedication to Bluegrass music." Terry is equally excited about joining a band of fellow Canadians stating, "I fully expect my new venture with the Spinney Brothers to be great and I'm looking forward to many shows and miles traveled with them."

The Spinney Brothers are certainly no strangers to adventures in road travel. (Remember the bear they met a couple years ago?) Even so, it doesn't really make it any less bearable when schedules get messed up because of weather. After finishing several shows in Florida this past weekend, the band was anxious to catch a flight back home to Canada when the big "polar vortex" hit. The band found themselves stuck in one airport after another for an adventure that took 2 days before they finally slept in their own beds. Never let it be said, though, that they lose their sense of humor. Check out these regular Facebook updates from Rick Spinney, documenting all the excitement:

Update 1: Here we sit with hopeful anticipation…to get back home for some relaxation…the airport's a buzz…folks coming and going...Orlando is sunny...in Canada it's snowing...still we forge on ahead through the maze of security...keeping our cool...showing maturity...only 10 minutes to board then up up away...back to our loved ones and home we will stay...just then we hear it...from the speaker above..."your flight is delayed, from Air Canada...with love"...............West Jet..we love you and will see you next week. The Spinney Brothers.

Update 2: Oh..oh..oh....do I know the system or what??? Another delay…2 more hours....how many of you can guess what we will hear in 2 hours?? Lol

Update 3: Wait for it.....wait for it....and......cancelled!!!!!

Update 4: Well....I'm happy to inform you that I am tucked in bed and ready for sleep...problem is IT'S NOT MY BED!! Lol...well, we fly out at 1:45pm tomorrow.

Update 5: After being diverted to Montreal today..we have finally made it to Nova Scotia. What was to be a 3 and a half hour flight has lasted 2 days…But we're still smiling.. :-)

This month's fan photo comes from Nancy Jordan, a promoter in Florida who booked The Spinney Brothers for 2 different shows this past weekend. This photo was taken after the show at the first venue, Gallery 26, in Nancy's hometown. According to Nancy, it was a great night: "They are awesome guys as well as professional entertainers. They played to a packed house at Gallery 26 in my town and had 2 standing ovations! I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting this great group of guys as you can tell from the picture!" 

 

If you've got a photo you'd like to share, please post it on the band's Facebook page and we just might choose it for a future "Fan Photo Of The Month!"

Country Music Hall Of Fame To Feature Blake Williams Banjo Demonstration

Blake Williams - Banjo Demonstration
Sunday, January 12th at 1:00pm CT
Country Music Hall Of Fame - Rotunda

An accomplished musician, master of ceremonies and entertainer, BLAKE WILLIAMS has been in professional entertainment for over 40 years. After 9 years as a disc jockey for WSMT, he toured with Bobby Smith & The Boys From Shiloh and soon moved into the role of banjo player for Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass until Lester’s death in 1979. Blake went on to work with the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, for 10 years, making him Monroe’s longest tenured banjo player. In 1991, Blake was invited to play bass with comedian, Hee Haw star and Grand Ole Opry member, Mike Snider where he stayed until 2001. In early 2002, Blake founded the group The Expedition Show (formerly Williams & Clark Expedition) and continues to perform professionally. During his career, Blake has toured 48 states and 7 countries, played Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Lincoln Center. He recorded 2 albums with Lester Flatt and 6 albums with Bill Monroe for which one of them, Southern Flavor, won the first Grammy for “Bluegrass Album of The Year”. You can hear Blake’s bass work on 5 albums with Mike Snider and 2 live videos, as well. He has also performed on projects by Patty Loveless and Vince Gill. Blake has recorded three solo projects and performed regularly on the Grand Ole Opry for over 23 years. In addition to his musicianship, Blake is an excellent master of ceremonies and one of the best country comedians in the business. He has also enjoyed songwriting success having his songs covered by Lester Flatt & The Nashville Grass, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage and The Expedition Show. Blake is a 3-time SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) “Entertainer Of The Year” nominee (2007-2009) and he graced the cover of Banjo Newsletter in May, 2008. In 2009, the City of Sparta, Tennessee erected new city limits signs declaring Sparta as the Home of Lester Flatt, Benny Martin, and Blake Williams. 

Made possible by Gibson Guitar Corporation. Takes place in the Museum's Hall of Fame Rotunda. Museum admission or Museum membership required for program admittance.

The educational programs of the Country Music Hall of Fame^® and Museum, Hatch Show Print, and Historic RCA Studio B are funded in part by grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, through an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Michael Cleveland, Barber?

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper Reach 5000 in 

"Locks For Likes" Contest - Nathan Livers Gets a Haircut

January 7, 2014 (Charlestown, Indiana)—Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper are pleased to announce they have exceeded their goal of 5000 Facebook Fans as a result of their "Locks For Likes" contest. The band launched the contest in 2013 with the promise of a special Flamekeeper Prize Package to one lucky winner, and a haircut for Flamekeeper mandolin player, Nathan Livers, who would donate his hair to Locks of Love, a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.

The winner of the Flamekeeper Prize Package was determined through a random drawing from the 5000 fans on the band's Facebook page. Terry Williams of Lantana, Texas has been announced as the winner and has been awarded a prize package that includes two complimentary tickets to one of the band's concerts, a meet & greet and private jam session with the band and the opportunity to perform a song live with the band during the show.

This past weekend, Cleveland and his father, John Cleveland, Livers and his wife Steffani, and fellow Flamekeeper bandmate Josh Richards, travelled to Warrens On Route 60, a local barber shop, for the official cutting of Nathan's hair which was captured on video.

The response to the "Locks For Likes" contest has been so encouraging, that Nathan Livers made an impromptu statement to do it all over again when they reach 10,000 "likes" on their Facebook page. In addition to video, photos of the hair-cutting event were also captured and have been posted to the band's Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/mcflamekeeper. 

For more information on Locks Of Love, visit www.locksoflove.org. For more information on Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, please visit www.flamekeeperband.com. 

New Photos Of Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

Thanks to our good friend Judith Burnette at WBRF in Galax, Virginia, we have some great photos from Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out's first performance of 2014! Russell was joined onstage by longtime IIIrd Tyme Out band members Wayne Benson on mandolin and Justen Haynes on fiddle as well as new band members, Keith McKinnon on banjo and Blake Johnson on bass. From all accounts, the band rocked the house, which comes as no surprise to us!! Take a look at the photos on the band's website photo gallery.

Bluegrass Planet Radio To Feature The Spinney Brothers

Bluegrass Planet Radio will feature The Spinney Brothers Tuesday night when Rick Spinney visits with DJ Dawn O'Neal about the band, their #1 CD and their upcoming shows. The LIVE interview will take place Tuesda, January 7th at 7:00pm EST and can be heard here: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=131130&cmd=tc

Russell Moore Welcomes New Members To IIIrd Tyme Out

Russell Moore Welcomes New Members To IIIrd Tyme Out (Cumming, GA) – The International Bluegrass Music Association's 5-Time Male Vocalist of the Year, Russell Moore, is proud to announce the addition of two new members to his illustrious band, IIIrd Tyme Out; Keith McKinnon on banjo and Blake Johnson on bass.

McKinnon, a native of Marion, Virginia, first received critical acclaim as a member of Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain. After several years of performing with Hassler, Keith and his twin brother, Kevin, hit the road in 2010 with their own band Still-House. It was at that point that Keith discovered a true love for audio engineering and soon secured a job behind the controls for lauded bluegrass band, Lonesome River Band, where he's spent the last 2 years. Although, he was thrilled to be working with such a revered band, McKinnon longed for his first true love of playing music. When he heard of the potential opening for Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, he was thrilled to be invited to audition and ultimately be offered the role as the band's new banjo player and harmony vocalist.

Originally from Roxboro, NC, Blake Johnson has been singing and playing gospel and bluegrass music since he was a young child with his family. Eventually, his bass playing and distinctive vocal style landed him his first professional job with Jay Kaczor and The Bluegrass Connection. Soon after, he helped launch The Hagar's Mountain Boys who performed for seven years together and recorded four albums. Perhaps his most notable performances, though, have been over the last year as guitarist and lead singer for Grasstowne. Johnson will return to his preferred role of playing bass and singing harmony as a new member of IIIrd Tyme Out.

"I am very excited about playing with a band who have been some of my favorites for a long time," states Keith McKinnon. "The guys are all world class musicians and Russell is one of the greatest vocalists to ever grace a stage." "I consider it a real honor to be joining Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out," adds Blake Johnson. "I've always looked up to them as singers and musicians and I'm really looking forward to playing with these guys for a long time to come."

"When you work and travel with people in a touring band for years, not only is it a creative effort on a professional level, but you become friends with these people as well," explains Russell Moore. "Even though we are sad to see old friends depart, we are excited about the fresh, new talent, creative energy and new relationships we'll develop, both professionally and personally, with the new members. As a band, it's sometimes important to reinvent yourselves, your music and your show, to keep things exciting and fans engaged. Quite often a band member change can be the spark that lights that creative fire. I know the feel and excitement of being a new member of an established band, dating back to my days when I joined Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Although they are not 'new' to the bluegrass music scene, it is great to see and feel that same excitement from Keith and Blake. IIIrd Tyme Out's past has been nothing but wonderful, but have no doubt, we're even more excited about what the future holds." 

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out will be unveiling their new band lineup when they perform in Galax, VA on January 4, 2014, for the Fairview Ruritan Club. Other dates in January include Grayson, KY, Clay City, KY and Fort Payne, AL. For more information on Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, including a complete list of 2014 tour dates, please visit www.iiirdtymeout.com.

About Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
The International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) most awarded Male Vocalist of the Year (five-time) Russell Moore is truly at the top of his game. Fronting one of the most popular bands in bluegrass history, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out is celebrating 20 years as one of the genres most awarded and influential groups in modern day bluegrass. All in all, the band has garnered over 50 industry accolades since their inception in 1991 including being named the IBMA’s Vocal Group of the Year seven consecutive years. Their a cappella renditions of many songs can rarely be matched and their superb instrumentation provides even more quality sound to their rich vocal blend featuring one of the most respected lead vocalists of all time. All this along with a heavy touring schedule, including many performances on the Grand Ole Opry as well as GAC and RFD channel programs, over 16 recordings to date, and a desire to present their fans with the best music possible, makes this "supergroup" one of bluegrass music's most recognized and in-demand bands. For more information, please visit www.iiirdtymeout.com.

December 30, 2013 (Willis, VA)—Mountain Fever Records is pleased to announce the The Spinney Brothers' latest project, No Borders is the #1 Bluegrass CD according to Bluegrass Unlimited's National Bluegrass Survey for the month of January 2014.

Brothers Allan and Rick Spinney are originally from the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia and debuted their band in 1992, showcasing a tight duet vocal style that was immediately recognized for its energetic and distinctive sound. The cornerstone of their musical identity is their thorough understanding of traditional, southern-flavored bluegrass music. The first generation bluegrass legends have been an important musical influence, yet the Brother’s music is equally shaped by their personal lives and rural heritage. By incorporating original material, which draws from various sources, the Spinney Brothers effortlessly intertwine the past with the present.

Their debut CD on Mountain Fever Records, Memories, was also well received and reached the #3 spot on the National Bluegrass Music Survey in February 2013. The title track reached #1 that same month on the Top 30 Songs chart. Released in May 2013, No Borders includes recognizable hits for The Spinney Brothers including the first single, "Grandpa's Way Of Life," which is currently #2 on the Top 30 Songs chart, and fan favorite, "I Want My Dog Back," which debuted on the same chart just three months ago and sits at #17.

"We are just thrilled with the success of The Spinney Brothers," states Mountain Fever Records executive Mark Hodges. "Allan and Rick are some of the most wonderful people I know and it's been a pure joy to work with them over the years. Their dedication to their music and to the business is refreshing and I can't think of a more deserving group of people. It's a great way to kick off a new year!" The Spinney Brothers will begin 2014 in the U.S. with shows at various venues in Georgia and Florida beginning January 2nd through 18th. For more information on The Spinney Brothers including a complete list of tour dates, visit www.SpinneyBrothers.com.