Hometown Bluegrass Show

Episode #68 – Danny Burns & a Gordon Lightfoot Classic

This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Josh kicks things off with a heartfelt rendition of a Gordon Lightfoot classic, setting the tone for an episode full of rich storytelling and stellar picking.

We’re joined by Irish-born, now American bluegrass artist Danny Burns, who gives us the inside scoop on his upcoming album. Danny talks about the journey from his roots in Ireland to his current place in the American bluegrass scene, and shares details about the incredible lineup of big-name musicians featured on the new project.

It’s an episode filled with great music, behind-the-scenes album talk, and the kind of down-to-earth conversation that makes you feel right at home.

This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Josh and Tim kick things off with a soulful duet of the Ronnie Bowman classic, Cold Virginia Night. It’s a heartfelt tribute to one of bluegrass music’s greats and a perfect start to a show full of stories, laughter, and world-class talent.

We’re also thrilled to welcome our special guest: 2023 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year and Special Consensus powerhouse Greg Blake. Greg joins us for a fun and wide-ranging conversation about life on the road, the heart of bluegrass gospel, and what it’s like to sing with one of the genre’s most beloved bands. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn—and you’ll hear some unforgettable insight from one of the finest voices in the business.

Whether you're tuning in from the holler or the highway, this episode delivers the warmth, talent, and down-home spirit you love from The Hometown Bluegrass Show.

🎙️ Episode #66 – "Mordecai, Church Street Blues, and Mike Anglin Mayhem"

Get ready for an unforgettable ride on this week’s episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show!

Tim and Josh are back with more laughs than the law allows – especially when Josh allegedly bites the head off a bird named Mordecai (don't worry, no birds were harmed in the recording of this episode… we think).

Josh picks up the guitar and delivers a killer version of “Church Street Blues”, and it only gets better from there.

We’re also joined by the always hilarious Mike Anglin, bass player for Southern Legacy, and let’s just say—this one had us laughing until it hurt. Mike talks music, road stories, and gives us the inside scoop on their brand-new single, “Hills of Carter County”, which just dropped.

🎵 Tune in for:

Bluegrass pickin’ and singin’

Behind-the-scenes band banter

A whole lot of nonsense

And a great new track you won’t want to miss

Don’t forget to like, follow, and share the show with your fellow bluegrass lovers! Thanks for keeping it Hometown.

🎙️ Episode #65 – Special Guests, Classic Songs, and Ashby Frank!

This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, we’ve got a full studio and a full heart! Josh's two kids, Wheldon and Whitley, join us in the studio, bringing a little extra joy and fun to the episode.

Josh treats us to a heartfelt performance of the John Denver classic, "Darcy Farrow," and we dive into some great conversation and stories.

Our featured guest this week is the incredibly talented Ashby Frank — singer, songwriter, and musician out of Nashville. From touring with top acts to writing some of your favorite bluegrass hits, Ashby shares insight into his musical journey, creative process, and what’s coming up next.

Don't miss this blend of family, music, and conversation that celebrates everything we love about bluegrass.

Featured in This Episode:

🎵 Live Performance: "Another Town"
Josh kicks off the show with a heartfelt performance of "Another Town," a standout track from his Modern Day Man album. With his signature vocals and picking style, this song captures the lonesome beauty of life on the road.

🎻 Special Guest: Steve Thomas
We sit down for a lively conversation with none other than fiddle legend Steve Thomas! From touring with some of the biggest names in bluegrass and country to his work as a producer and multi-instrumentalist, Steve shares stories, laughs, and insights from his incredible career. You won't want to miss this one!

🎧 Tune in and tap your toes—The Hometown Bluegrass Show is where tradition lives and legends speak.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more great music and interviews straight from the heart of bluegrass country.

In this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, things get real traditional—and real good. Josh kicks things off with a heartfelt tribute to one of his biggest musical influences, singing a Keith Whitley classic that’ll take you right back to the golden era of bluegrass and country music.

Then we sit down for a great conversation with David Carroll of the Hammertowne Band, one of the most respected names in modern bluegrass. David shares stories from the road, insights into the band’s creative process, and what’s next for Hammertowne. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering their music, you won't want to miss this one.

The Hometown Bluegrass Show — Episode #62
“Family Harmonies & Bluegrass Stories”

In this heartwarming episode, Josh kicks things off by singing a Merle Haggard classic with his youngest son — a special father-son duet you won’t want to miss! Then we sit down for a fun and insightful conversation with longtime bluegrass musician and storyteller, Uncle Joe Clark. From festival memories to behind-the-scenes tales, Uncle Joe brings decades of tradition and laughter to the mic.

🎶 Highlights include:

A touching rendition of Merle Haggard’s “Silver Wings”

Josh’s reflections on passing music down to the next generation

Uncle Joe’s stories from the road and thoughts on how bluegrass has changed over the years

Plenty of laughs, pickin’, and good ol’ fashioned fellowship

Subscribe, leave a review, and don’t forget to share with your fellow bluegrass fans!

In this uplifting episode, we mix the spiritual, the traditional, and the future of bluegrass music!

⛪ Tim and Josh open up with a conversation about church – sharing personal stories, community reflections, and the role gospel music has played in shaping their musical roots.

🎶 Josh digs deep into the archives to play a classic Ronnie Bowman tune, sparking some great discussion about Bowman’s impact on modern bluegrass and songwriting.

🎤 Then we sit down for a fresh interview:

Dear Maribella& The Pig Kickers – A talented young sibling band with tight harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and a clear love for the genre. A high-energy group bringing a fun, rowdy edge to traditional bluegrass. Don’t let the name fool you—these folks can pick!

Whether you're here for the faith, the fiddle, or just a good time, there's something for you in Episode 61.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!

Welcome to Episode 60 of The Hometown Bluegrass Show with your hosts Tim Batts and Josh Williams!

In this lively and entertaining episode:

🎵 Name That Tune Challenge
Tim puts Josh to the test in a special edition of Name That Tune! Can Josh identify some classic bluegrass tracks from just a few notes? Tune in and play along — you might be surprised at what he gets right (and wrong!).

🎸 Live Performance: "Pride of Man"
Josh performs a heartfelt rendition of the Tony Rice classic, Pride of Man. It's a powerful tribute to one of bluegrass music's most iconic guitarists.

💬 Featured Interview: Amanda Cook
We’re thrilled to be joined by Amanda Cook of the Amanda Cook Band! She chats with us about her musical journey, the stories behind her songs, life on the road, and what's next for her powerhouse group. It’s a fun and entertaining conversation you won’t want to miss!

Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, Episode 60 is packed with music, laughs, and great bluegrass conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with your friends, and leave us a review!

In this special on-the-road episode, The Hometown Bluegrass Show heads to the heart of bluegrass country—Rosine, Kentucky—for a night of music, memories, and tradition at the legendary Rosine Barn Bluegrass Jamboree!

Join Tim as he soaks in the atmosphere of one of the most iconic bluegrass gatherings in the world. You’ll hear:

🎻 Live performances straight from the barn
🎤 Interviews with pickers, fans, and local legends
📜 A look at Rosine’s deep connection to Bill Monroe and the birth of bluegrass
👣 The community spirit that keeps the music alive every Friday night

Whether you’ve visited Rosine before or it's on your bucket list, this episode captures the soul of small-town Kentucky and the front porch sound that started it all.