Host Profile

Traditional Ties, 25 Years in 2010.

I first became attracted to Bluegrass music in the mid-seventies about the time drums were made country music’s lead instrument. I quickly started a collection of albums and started attending local festivals and picking parties. I was hooked!!!

Having no musical ability of my own, I began to search for ways to get more involved in the music, eventually starting to help with The Bluegrass Jam Session in January of 1985.

I started Traditional Ties in July of 1985 as a Tuesday evening show featuring Bluegrass and classic country music, while continuing to help with the Bluegrass Jam Session. Eventuality I began to realize that the new releases and current music from the bands of the day were under represented in the programing. At that time I dedicated my efforts to program the music of the current professional artists, both the well known and emerging acts.I programed national, regional and local groups, the only requirements were good bluegrass, and an active band.
Thus Traditional Ties became a new release show with features and occasional interviews, and continues that way to the present day.

I am a member if The International Bluegrass Music Association, I have been associated with various festivals over the years, and served as emcee at the Elizabeth PA, Moose Lodge Bluegrass shows.

Currently I emcee the “Circle of Friends” events both the January Ice Jam and Highway 40 Bluegrass. Funds raised at these events go to charity, including assisting in funding WYEP’s Bluegrass programing.
I also am a volunteer emcee at the Laural Highlands and Coleman Station Bluegrass festivals

In 1998, I was honored to win the magazine Bluegrass Now’s “DJ of the Year” award for the northeastern US region, this was a reader’s poll. The award ceremony was held in Nashville.

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