Tune in weekly for the latest bluegrass music news, guitar lessons and road stories from 20 time bluegrass guitar player of the year Josh Williams and interviews with folks in the bluegrass music industry.
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Tim and Josh are back for Episode #115 of The Hometown Bluegrass Show! This week, we catch up on what’s happening around the world of bluegrass music, talk about some of the latest news and happenings, and—as always—share a few stories and probably a laugh or two along the way. To close out the show, Josh Williams picks and sings the bluegrass classic “Midnight on the Stormy Deep,” a song with a long history in bluegrass and roots music, recorded through the years by artists including Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Tony Rice and others. If you love bluegrass music, great picking, and good conversati
It’s just Tim and Josh this week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, and we’ve got some exciting news to share! We officially announce the Bluegrass at the Dam Music Camp, coming February 5–7, 2027, at beautiful Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. We talk about what inspired the camp, what you can expect, and why we think it’s going to be a special weekend of learning, picking, jamming, and bluegrass fellowship. And, of course, it wouldn’t be The Hometown Bluegrass Show without some live music! Josh grabs the guitar and plays the bluegrass classic “Long Journey Home.” ️ In Episode #114: Tim &
Welcome to a milestone episode of the Hometown Bluegrass Show Podcast—it's our very first video podcast! We're excited to launch this new chapter and hope you'll enjoy watching the show as much as you've enjoyed listening over the years. This week, Tim and Josh sit down with Mark Rogers, owner of McQuan Guitar and Mandolin Picks, to talk about the craftsmanship behind his popular picks, what makes them unique, and why so many musicians have made them their pick of choice. Mark shares the story of McQuan Picks, his passion for serving musicians, and plenty of great bluegrass conversation along
Episode 112 welcomes bluegrass favorite Joe Mullins! Joe joins Tim and Josh for a great conversation filled with stories from his remarkable career, his love for traditional bluegrass, and life on the road with Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. Joe also shares stories from his longtime broadcasting career in southwest Ohio, where he has helped keep bluegrass and traditional country music on the air for generations of listeners. It’s another fun episode full of laughs, music, and plenty of bluegrass talk. Don’t miss this visit with one of the finest entertainers—and nicest folks—in bluegrass mu
No guest this week—just Tim and Josh catching up for another episode of the Hometown Bluegrass Show Podcast! Josh shares some stories from his recent time playing with Rhonda Vincent at the Grand Ole Opry, and we talk about a special YouTube video making the rounds featuring Josh playing alongside the legendary Tony Rice back in 2011. Any chance to talk Tony Rice is a good day around here! And, as always, we finish things off with some music. Josh picks up the guitar and performs the beautiful Ian Tyson classic “Four Strong Winds.”
This week on the Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim and Josh welcome one of the most respected banjo players in bluegrass music, Kristin Scott Benson! Kristin shares stories from her incredible career, including life on the road, recording, and performing with The Grascals. The conversation is filled with laughs, behind-the-scenes moments, and great memories as Kristin and Josh swap stories from years of playing together in the bluegrass world. If you enjoy hearing the personal side of your favorite musicians, you'll love this episode. It's a fun, relaxed conversation with one of bluegrass music's f
Hometown Bluegrass Show Podcast – Episode #109 This week on the Hometown Bluegrass Show Podcast, Tim and Josh are joined by one of the most respected musicians in bluegrass music, Andy Leftwich! Andy shares stories from his incredible career, discusses his musical journey, and gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at life as one of the most in-demand instrumentalists in acoustic music. As always, the conversation is full of laughs, great stories, and plenty of bluegrass talk. Plus, Josh takes us back in time with a performance of a classic George Jones song, adding his own bluegrass touch t
Hometown Bluegrass Show – Episode 108 After a short break, Tim and Josh are back behind the microphones and catching up on everything that's been happening!
On this week's episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim Batts and Josh Williams welcome one of bluegrass music's most recognizable voices, Darren Nicholson. Darren joins us to talk about his career in bluegrass, his time with Balsam Range, his current projects, songwriting, touring, and what continues to inspire him as an artist. You'll also hear stories from the road and get Darren's perspective on the state of bluegrass music today. We also take a few minutes to visit with one of our valued podcast sponsors, The Lakehouse Inn. We sit down with the owner to learn more about this beautiful
Episode 106 – Bluegrass on the Bluff Recap & Nathan Lynn of The Wheelhouse Rousters On this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim flies solo behind the microphone and looks back on the incredible success of the very first Bluegrass on the Bluff Festival held at beautiful Columbus-Belmont State Park in Columbus, Kentucky. Tim shares stories from the day, highlights some of the outstanding performances, and reflects on the overwhelming support from music fans, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and everyone who helped make this inaugural event a success. From the scenic Mississippi River overl
This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Josh and Tim welcome a very special guest, Dwight Whitley, brother of the legendary Keith Whitley. Dwight shares personal stories and memories of what it was like growing up alongside one of country music's most beloved voices. From their early days in Eastern Kentucky to Keith's rise through the bluegrass world and eventually to country music stardom, Dwight offers a unique firsthand perspective that fans won't hear anywhere else. The conversation also dives into Keith's deep love for bluegrass music, the instruments he treasured, and the story behind
This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim and Josh sit down with the newest member of legendary bluegrass group Balsam Range, Stephen Hudson. Stephen talks about joining one of bluegrass music’s most respected bands, stepping into the fiddle and vocal role, and what it’s been like becoming part of the Balsam Range family. The guys discuss Stephen’s musical roots, his love for traditional bluegrass music, and the excitement surrounding this new chapter in his career. Josh and Tim also dive into the future of Balsam Range, life on the road, favorite songs, and the importance of keeping tradi
This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim and Josh hit the road with special guest Ami Ricci, creator of BluegrassRoadtrip.com. Ami shares the story behind her website, how it helps bluegrass fans discover festivals, venues, and events across the country, and why the bluegrass community continues to thrive through travel and live music. Plus, Josh spins a great tune from Josh Turner that was written by our good buddy Shawn Camp. You’ll hear stories, laughs, and plenty of traditional bluegrass along the way.
In Episode #102, Tim sits down with Lindsay Bowles, Director of GRRO (The Great River Road Organization), for a conversation about history, tourism, community partnerships, and one of the region’s most exciting upcoming music events.
Episode #101 – The Hometown Bluegrass Show Featuring Kenny Smith with host Tim Batts and Josh Williams In Episode #101, Josh sits down with Kenny Smith for a conversation centered around the heart of bluegrass music—great songs, great guitars, and the stories behind both. Kenny shares memories of his early musical influences and the players who shaped his approach to guitar. From learning traditional rhythm techniques to developing his unmistakable lead style, he talks about the journey that helped define his sound in bluegrass music. Josh and Kenny also dive into one of Kenny’s biggest passio
Episode 100 is one we’ll never forget. We had the honor of recording this milestone episode live at the Grand Ole Opry during their historic 100th anniversary celebration. It was an unforgettable night filled with incredible music, special moments, and the kind of memories that only happen at a place as legendary as the Opry. Adding to the excitement, Josh took the stage playing guitar with Rhonda Vincent, making the evening even more meaningful. After the show, we had the chance to sit down with Rhonda for a special interview, where she shared stories, reflections, and what this night meant t
Welcome to Episode 99! Josh and Tim recorded this week’s episode on location at beautiful Columbus-Belmont State Park with a great view and plenty of bluegrass talk. In this episode, we discuss Batts Music & Media’s upcoming bluegrass festival, Bluegrass On The Bluff, happening June 6. We share details about the event, what attendees can expect, and why this festival is shaping up to be a special day for bluegrass fans, families, and the community. Topics covered in this episode: Recording on location at Columbus-Belmont State Park The vision behind Bluegrass On The Bluff Festival plans for Ju
In this heartfelt episode, Tim Batts and Josh Williams sit down with bluegrass legend Don Rigsby for a deeply personal conversation about music, legacy, and family. Don shares the story behind his latest single with his band Southern Legacy, titled “Bill from Isonville.” The song is a tribute to his late father, Bill Rigsby, and carries a powerful emotional weight that resonates far beyond the bluegrass world. Tim, Josh, and Don reflect on: The inspiration behind writing “Bill from Isonville” The influence of Don’s father on his life and musical journey How songs rooted in personal loss can co
This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, we’re taking a trip back to where it all began. Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Josh Williams’ debut album from 2001—a project that helped launch one of bluegrass music’s most respected voices and pickers. From those early studio sessions to the road miles that followed, we reflect on the music, the memories, and the moments that shaped Josh’s journey.
In this episode, we kick things off with a look back at Josh’s recent trip overseas as he shares stories from touring Ireland with Southern Legacy. From the warm welcome of bluegrass fans across the pond to the unforgettable moments on stage, Josh gives us a glimpse into what it’s like bringing traditional American music to an international audience. We also take time to reflect on the life and legacy of Ronnie Bowman—a true giant in bluegrass music. Known for his powerful voice, heartfelt songwriting, and influence on the genre, Ronnie left a lasting mark that continues to inspire artists and
Josh is still across the pond in Ireland performing with his band Southern Legacy, so Tim is holding things down this week with another great episode full of music and conversation. Tim kicks things off by sharing a couple more of his original songs, giving listeners a personal look at his songwriting and musical style. It’s always a treat to hear the stories and inspiration behind the music straight from the source. Then, we dive back into Part 2 of our interview with legendary mandolin player Wayne Benson of IIIrd Tyme Out. Wayne continues the conversation, reflecting on his career, musical
In this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim Batts takes the reins solo while co-host Josh Williams is overseas in Ireland, performing with Southern Legacy. Tim shares a bit about Josh’s travels and what it means to take bluegrass music across the pond. With a little extra room in the show, Tim opens things up personally—talking about his own musical journey and playing a couple of his original songs. It’s a special segment that gives listeners a deeper look into the heart behind the host and the music he loves. Later in the episode, Tim welcomes a true legend of bluegrass mandolin—Wayn
In Episode #93 of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim Batts and Josh Williams sit down with Grammy-winning bluegrass powerhouse Dan Tyminski just moments before he takes the stage at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky. Best known for his unmistakable voice with Alison Krauss & Union Station and for singing the iconic version of Man of Constant Sorrow from the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Dan reflects on his journey through bluegrass, the evolution of his solo career, and the music that continues to inspire him. From classic bluegrass roots to modern collaboration
Cindy shares the story of how she got her start in bluegrass broadcasting and how a love for traditional music led her to become one of the most recognized voices in the genre. From her early days discovering the music to building a nationally syndicated radio show, Cindy reflects on decades spent supporting artists, preserving tradition, and connecting fans with the heart of bluegrass. Tim and Cindy also talk about the importance of radio in keeping bluegrass alive, memorable moments from interviews with legendary performers, and the evolving future of the genre. Cindy offers insight into wha
We’re back with Part 2 of our unforgettable conversation with music icon Jerry Douglas. If you enjoyed Episode #90, you’re going to love where this conversation goes next. In this episode, Jerry opens up even more about his career, collaborations, and the future of acoustic music.
