More young people are picking and grinning because of the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program

December 1, 2011
The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation today presented a 1/4-size fiddle to young Miss Leise Johnson of Dallas, Texas through the Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program.  The Foundation also recently placed a new Recording King 000-size guitar with young Mr. Mark Harz of Amarillo Texas.  And Parker and Brody Genzel of Anna, Texas, along with their bandmate Jonathan Smith of Anna, have formed a new youth bluegrass band known as the Bluegrass Brothers - and all three are playing instruments loaned to them under the Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program!  We couldn't be more excited that so many young people are getting to grow and advance by playing bluegrass music.  We appreciate all who have generously supported Foundation so that these young people have the opportunity to learn to play.  Find out more about the program by clicking here.

Bluegrass Heritage Foundation' Bluegrass Star Award Presented to J. D. Crowe

October 15, 2011
GRAMMY- and multiple IBMA Award-winning banjo player and bandleader Mr. J. D. Crowe was honored with the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation's Bluegrass Star Award on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival in the Farmers Branch Historical Park in Farmers Branch, Texas. 

"The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation began a tradition in 2010 of honoring bluegrass artists who do an exemplary job of advancing the music while preserving its character and heritage," said Foundation President Alan Tompkins.  "Mr. Crowe deserves this award because of his incredible talent and long record of musical accomplishment.  Crowe's career spans more than 50 years of playing and recording with some of the most talented and influential musicians ever to play bluegrass music, including Jimmy Martin, Ricky Skaggs, Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, Keith Whitley, Doyle Lawson, the Bluegrass Album Band, and so many more.  We are excited to have J. D. Crowe as a recipient of our Bluegrass Star Award."

For more information about J. D. Crowe, visit JDCrowe.net.  A video of the Star Award Presentation is available on the Foundation home page, courtesy of David Seay Productions.  The photo above is courtesy of Mr. Derrick Birdsall.

Tony and Pamela Rice invite memorial donations to Bluegrass Heritage Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program 

September 9, 2011
After losing their son, John Christian Scott, in a mid-August accident, pioneering bluegrass guitarist Tony Rice and his wife, Pamela, have asked for memorial contributions to be made to a very special cause.

"We have designated the 'Play it Forward!' instrument lending program, developed by the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, as our choice for anyone wishing to make contributions in Chris' memory," said the Rices in a statement on August 28.  "We believe it is the best of all possible ways to plant the seeds necessary for bluegrass music to grow and thrive."

The Rices encourage friends and fans to support the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation by ordering a DVD of Fanning the Fire, a new short film that explores the uniquely American musical form of bluegrass and its broad appeal to beginning players and professionals alike.  The DVD is available for a minimum donation of $15 per copy to the Foundation and may be ordered at the Foundation's website, BluegrassHeritage.org. 

"To think about what Tony and Pamela must be going through is more than I can imagine," said Alan W. Tompkins, president of the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation.  "I was deeply moved to think that they would consider what the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation has done to be worthy of a memorial for their son."

Fanning the Fire follows Lucas White, a young Texas musician, from his early interest in flatpick guitar at age 12 to his live performances onstage three years later, and features interviews and performance clips from award-winning artists such as Dan Tyminski, J. D. Crowe, Rhonda Vincent, and Adam Steffey.  In June, the 20-minute film was screened at the Film Festival of Colorado, where it received an award as Best Documentary (Music/Culture Category).  The film also won the "Peoples Choice" award at the Glen Rose Neo-Relix Film Festival in Glen Rose, Texas in September 2011.

Play It Forward!, the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation's instrument lending program, promotes music literacy and performance skills by providing deserving youth with no-cost access to the primary bluegrass musical instruments such as mandolins, fiddles, banjos, and guitars.  The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity created to preserve and promote the heritage of bluegrass music in America, with a focus on promoting bluegrass in Texas.  The Rices hope it will serve as a role model for other states to follow.

"We so admire the Play It Forward! program, Fanning the Fire, and all that is being done by the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation to get instruments into the hands of kids who might not otherwise be given the opportunity, support, and motivation to learn to play them," said the Rices.  "Young Lucas White is dearer to us, especially in our time of loss, than we could ever express in mere words." 

Sadly, the Rices lost their youngest son, Roman, in 2001.  "Both our sons loved bluegrass music with all their hearts, and both played guitar," commented Tony Rice.  "If Roman and Chris could have made a choice ahead of time, as a way to be remembered, we believe they would have asked us to do it this way so they could help provide kids with the same opportunities they had while they were growing up.  I hope that any of my fans who can afford to purchase this video will do so, in their memory."

Donations to the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation may be made, and copies of Fanning the Fire on DVD may be obtained, through the Foundation's online store. 

BluegrassBlog.com | CyberGrass.com 

Bluegrass Heritage Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program Presents More Instruments to Young People in Texas

August 7, 2011
The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation today presented a guitar, banjo, and mandolin to three young men in north Texas through the Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program.  Alan Tompkins, President of the Foundation, said "we are happy to help these young men get started on their musical path.  No pressure at all, but we hope that Parker Genzel, Brody Genzel, and Jonathan Smith will practice hard and become the core of a new young bluegrass band in the near future."  Tompkins added that "we are pleased to report that the Foundation has placed a total of 25 new and donated instruments under the Play It Forward! program. We appreciate Pizza Hut and everyone else who has generously donated to the Foundation so that young people can have an opportunity to learn to play.”  Find out more about the program by clicking here.

Play It Forward! Program Presents Banjo to Josie Taylor of Flint, Texas

November 18, 2010
Bluegrass Heritage Foundation President Alan Tompkins and board member Charlie Seraphin presented Josie Taylor of Flint, Texas with a Fender five-string banjo today as part of the Foundation's Play It Forward! bluegrass music Instrument Lending Program.  Josie has already started banjo lessons and is excited about learning to play bluegrass music.  The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program is generously supported by Pizza Hut, Inc. Learn more about the program by clicking here.

Inaugural Bluegrass Heritage Foundation Star Award Presented to Rhonda Vincent

October 16, 2010
Rhonda Vincent, the woman who was named the "new queen of bluegrass music" by the Wall Street Journal, was honored with the first-ever Bluegrass Heritage Foundation Star Award on Saturday, October 16, at the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival in the Farmers Branch Historical Park, Farmers Branch, Texas. 

"The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation wanted to begin a tradition of honoring bluegrass artists who do an exemplary job of advancing the music while preserving its character and heritage," said Foundation President Alan Tompkins.  "We believe that Rhonda Vincent is the perfect recipient for this inaugural award because of her incredible talent and record of accomplishments.  Rhonda followed her parents' tradition of performing bluegrass music all the way to the Grammy stage, and now her daughters are blazing a trail with their own new bluegrass band.  We are happy to have Rhonda as our inaugural Star Award recipient."

As the leader of the most-awarded band in bluegrass music (Rhonda Vincent & The Rage), with more than 70 awards, and as the only artist to win seven consecutive IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year titles, Rhonda is at the top of her game.  She was also recently at the top of the Empire State Building where she debuted the first single, "Sweet Summertime," from her new CD "Taken."  For more information about Rhonda, visit RhondaVincent.com.   

A video of the Star Award Presentation is available on the Foundation home page, courtesy of David Seay Productions.  The photo above is courtesy of Bob Compere.  More coverage about Rhonda's receipt of the Star Award can be found at the sources below:

BluegrassJournal.com | TheBluegrassBlog.com | Cybergrass.com | AllAccess.com | CMRNashville.com 

Play It Forward! Program Presents Fiddle to Reagan Hunter of Plano, Texas

September 5, 2010
Bluegrass Heritage Foundation President Alan Tompkins presented Reagan Hunter of Plano, Texas, with a new fiddle today as part of the Foundation's Play It Forward! bluegrass music Instrument Lending Program.  Reagan plans to begin fiddle lessons very soon and is excited about learning to play bluegrass music.  Foundation President Alan Tompkins commented that "we are always happy to share the joy of bluegrass music with another young person."  The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program is generously supported by Pizza Hut, Inc. Learn more about the program by clicking here.

Bluegrass Heritage Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program Presents More Instruments to Young People in Texas


May 2, 2010
Bluegrass Heritage Foundation President Alan Tompkins and board members Gerald Jones and Charlie Seraphin today presented an assortment of guitars, banjos, and mandolins to young people in north Texas through the Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program. “We are always excited that more young people will have the opportunity to play acoustic music," said Tompkins. "We're also pleased to report that we have now placed a total of 20 new and donated instruments under the program.  We offer our sincere thanks to Pizza Hut and those who have donated to the Foundation so that these young people have the opportunity to experience the joy of music.”  The Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program is generously supported by Pizza Hut, Inc. Learn more about the program by clicking here.

Bluegrass Heritage Foundation recognized by Texas Governor Rick Perry for its efforts to preserve bluegrass music in the Lone Star State

February 23, 2010
Texas Governor Rick Perry congratulated the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation on its efforts to preserve bluegrass music in Texas by issuing a written certificate of recognition to Foundation President Alan Tompkins.  Governor Perry wrote that "music is a vital part of our culture that has enriched our great state's heritage, adding to the diversity and vibrancy that uniquely defines Texas.  Bluegrass Heritage Foundation is doing a great deal to promote bluegrass music in Texas, and I'm sure it will continue to do so under your leadership.  First Lady Anita Perry joins me in wishing you continued success."  Tompkins accepted the certificate on behalf of the Foundation and said "I am proud that the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, board, and the true bluegrass fans here in Texas has been recognized by Governor and First Lady Anita Perry.  We plan to keep the great bluegrass music going here in Texas for many years to come.  Maybe the Governor and First Lady will grab a fiddle and guitar and join in with us one day!"

Bluegrass Heritage Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program Presents Additional Instruments to Musical Heritage Center


October 3, 2009
Bluegrass Heritage Foundation President Alan Tompkins and Foundation board member Gerald Jones presented the Fiddle & Pick Musical Heritage Center of Middle Tennessee with an assortment of fiddles through the Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program. “We love what the Center is doing to help kids learn to play acoustic music," said Tompkins. "We're thrilled to have the opportunity, with the generous support of Pizza Hut, to work with Fiddle & Pick to help these young people learn to play this incredible music.”

Both the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation and the Musical Heritage Center work to share the joy of traditional acoustic music, such as bluegrass, with the public.  The Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program is generously supported by Pizza Hut, Inc. Learn more about the program by clicking here.

Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program Presents Fiddle and Mandolin to the Benedict Family of Dallas



September 26, 2009
Bluegrass Heritage Foundation President Alan Tompkins presented the Benedict family of Dallas, Texas, with a new fiddle and mandolin today under the Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program. The girls are taking lessons and are very interested in learning to play bluegrass.  Their father, Keith Benedict, is a native of eastern Tennessee, is a longtime fan of bluegrass music, and is excited that his girls want to learn to play the music.  Foundation President Alan Tompkins commented that "we are thrilled that the girls have shown so much interest in the music, and I hope we all get to pick together sometime soon!"  The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program is generously supported by Pizza Hut, Inc. Learn more about the program by clicking here.

Bluegrass Heritage Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program Presents Instruments to Fiddle & Pick Musical Heritage Center

June 19, 2009
Bluegrass Heritage Foundation President Alan Tompkins and former Foundation board member Cliff Fitch today presented Gretchen Priest-May and her husband, renowned guitarist Tim May, the co-founders of the Fiddle & Pick Musical Heritage Center of Middle Tennessee, with several instruments through the Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program. “We were very impressed to learn about the Musical Heritage Center and the broad range of traditional music instructional programs offered there," said Tompkins. "The talent, dedication, and commitment of the artists and teachers involved with the Center is outstanding, and we are excited to have the chance, through the support of Pizza Hut, to help young people start their musical journey through life.”

The placement is a perfect partnership for both organizations, whose missions are both built on the goal of sharing and promoting traditional music, like bluegrass, to the masses. The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation is interested in receiving inquiries from young people in the Dallas/Fort Worth area who are interested in learning to play the mandolin, banjo, guitar, or other instruments traditionally used to create bluegrass music. The Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program is generously supported by Pizza Hut, Inc. Learn more about the program by clicking here.

Bluegrass Heritage Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program Presents Banjo to Ryan McKillip



June 4, 2009
Bluegrass Heritage Foundation President Alan Tompkins presented Ryan McKillip, age 14, of Carrollton, Texas, with a new banjo today under the Foundation's Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program. Ryan started playing guitar shortly before the 2008 Bluegrass Heritage Festival, and became very interested in playing more bluegrass after attending the Festival and its workshops. Ryan expressed his interest in learning to play banjo to his father, Ross McKillip, who approached the Foundation to find out more about the Play It Forward! program. Alan Tompkins commented that "we are pleased and excited to get this banjo into the hands of a young man who is so excited to play and learn more about bluegass music." The Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program is generously supported by Pizza Hut, Inc. Learn more about the program by clicking here.