Summer 2021 has come and gone, and as we take stock of memories of that precious season of renewal and relative freedom, few among us will have better stories than Nashville’s Lindsay Lou. In late July, work, play and worship became indistinguishable when the singer and songwriter was part of the exclusive talent lineup for RiverWonderGrass, multi-day excursions down ancient and wild western rivers with little but life’s essentials - food, shelter and live acoustic music.

AmericanaFest returned to Nashville with a slimmer but spirited 2021 edition. Those able to come found community, diversity and great performances. I caught up with five showcasing artists to check in on their new projects and their take on today's roots scene. Included: blues veteran Sue Foley, LA protest folk artist Chris Pierce, Colorado songwriter Emily Scott Robinson, new Austinite roots rocker Suzanne Santo and folk duo Golden Shoals.

A five-year effort by scholars and musicians reveals the unknown story of how a migration of Appalachian workers helped the modern bluegrass industry flower in southwestern Ohio after World War II. The album, featuring 16 new recordings of historically important songs, was named IBMA Album of the Year last week.

After a series of challenges, not to mention a tornado and pandemic, The Grahams emerge with Sha La La, a new ep out today.

Sometimes when musical opposites attract, the strength in the differences can lead to a fresh new sound.

Federal prosecutors have accused a U.S. Capitol Police officer of obstruction of justice for allegedly encouraging a suspect in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot to hide evidence of their participation.

The climate pattern known as La Niña generally brings winters that are drier and warmer than usual across the southern U.S. and cooler and wetter in the northern part of the country.

"It is HIGHLY unlikely that we will find any legal sprinkles that we will use as a replacement," says Rich Myers, owner of the Get Baked bakery in Leeds. "I am extremely passionate about sprinkles."