As 2024 comes to a close, Tim Batts and Josh Williams take a heartfelt look back at an incredible year on The Hometown Bluegrass Show. Join us as we revisit standout moments, unforgettable interviews, and the best in bluegrass music from the past year.

From legendary guest appearances to rising stars making waves, we highlight the stories and songs that made this year special. Tim and Josh also share behind-the-scenes insights, listener favorites, and personal reflections from a year filled with music, community, and unforgettable memories.

Thank you for tuning in and supporting The Hometown Bluegrass Show—we can’t wait to bring you even more great bluegrass in the year ahead!

On this episode Tim and Josh discuss the fundraiser event at the Kentucky Opry to raise money for Hurricane Helene victims. Colton Baker and friends and Southern Legacy performed. With guests Ron Stewart and Jake Vanover.

Josh performs and discusses a Tony Rice song called Any Old Time and they have a fun conversation with former Doyle Lawson and Jimmy Fortune guitar player, Jake Vanover from Berea, KY.

This week Tim and Josh sit down and talk with Ernie Evans. Ernie owns Evans Media Source which is a bluegrass media and promotions company that owns and runs many of the popular bluegrass festivals and shows through the year! Ernie has done so much to promote bluegrass music in his 40 plus years in the business!

Josh also performs a heartfelt version of his great song “Let It Go” which was featured on his very popular Modern Day Man Album in 2016.

In this special episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim Batts and Josh Williams take you behind the scenes of the Hurricane Helene Relief Fundraiser at the iconic Mountain Arts Center. Join us as we share heartfelt stories, memorable performances, and the incredible community spirit that made this event unforgettable.

We highlight how the power of bluegrass music brought people together to support those affected by the hurricane. From the moving opening acts to the grand finale, you'll feel like you were right there with us.

Thank you to all who donated, performed, and participated in making a difference through music. Tune in for a celebration of resilience, generosity, and the ties that bind us in the bluegrass community.

Josh’s son Weldon also joins us again on this episode and he and Josh share a father/son performance.

On this episode Tim and Josh talk about 2 fund raiser music events for the Hurricane Helene victims, Josh talks about playing at The Grand Ole Opry with Rhonda Vincent and he plays a song and dedicates it to an avid listener and Veteran of the USA Military!

We then have fun chat with Andrea Roberts! Andrea runs Andrea Roberts Agency and is a staple in the bluegrass music scene! Andrea Roberts Agency is the culmination of Andrea’s years of experience in varied facets of the industry, which provides her with a well-informed and understanding perspective that only someone with practical knowledge can possess. As a professional touring artist, Andrea performed with artists such as Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Ralph Stanley, Larry Sparks, Mac Wiseman and Special Consensus. And many more!

On this episode Tim & Josh talk to 6 time IBMA Male Vocalist of The Year, Russell Moore. Josh plays an old song, Old Brown Suitcase and lots of other shenanigans.

Tim and Josh have a fun conversation with Country and Bluegrass music star Marty Raybon. Marty is the front man for the well known country band Shenandoah. Josh also gives a guitar tip on chords and we play one of Marty’s bluegrass songs.

In this episode, Tim and Josh chat with the always enthusiastic Jeff Parker. Jeff has exciting news about his musical future and you can check it out at https://www.jeffparkerandcompany.com/

Also in this episode, Josh Williams takes a request from a listener, "Moonlight Motor Inn." He recorded that on his debut album back in 2001, and he performs it right here for you.

We also give away a Paige Capo every episode. Thank you, https://paigecapo.com/. Also thanks to Banjo Ben Clark who’s a big supporter of the podcast. If you're in need of some Banjo accessories, visit them at https://store.banjobenclark.com/ and save 10% on your purchase.

On this episode Tim and Josh have a fun conversation with lead singer for Authentic Unlimited. This hot bluegrass band just won 2024 IBMA Vocal Group of The Year, Song of the Year, Video of the Year and Mandolin Player of the Year. John is one of the purest voices in all of bluegrass music and an amazing song writer.

Josh also teaches how to play and sing the Lester Flatt classic song, Your Love is Like a Flower.

On this episode Josh has his 13 year old son Weldon join us and they even sing a song together. A Doyle Lawson classic goepl song called “God Can”.

We then have a fun chat with bluegrass legend Kevin Prater. In 1998, Kevin was asked to audition as mandolin player and vocalist for The James King Band.  That audition led to a 12 career that would take him around the world, entertaining in 24 Countries and 49 States.  They recorded two, "Album of the Year" a "Song of the Year" and a "Recorded Event Of The Year" award winning projects.   Kevin has played the Grand Ole Opry many times with  James King Band and Melvin Goins and Wendy Mountain.   Upon leaving The James King Band Kevin toured with Mark Phillips and Third Generation, and spent three years with The Bluegrass Brothers, during which he earned a nomination for "Banjo Player of the Year".