Tradition!

l. to r.: Evan McGregor, Adam McIntosh, Joe Mullins, Tim Kidd,
Mike Terry

As a member of the Traditional Grass, Joe Mullins performed on the same stage with the likes of Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley. Now, with the Radio Ramblers, he carries the torch originally lit by those luminaries.

The Traditional Grass broke up shortly before my passion for this music was kindled in the mid-1990s, so I never got the chance to see the band live (though I have practically worn out its fine recordings, especially the flat-out awesome 10th Anniversary Collection).

But I intend (Lord willing and the creek don't rise) to make up for that lack in my bluegrass experience by seeing Joe and the Ramblers twice this summer -- at Bean Blossom in June and at Rockome Gardens in August.