Hometown Bluegrass Show

Hometown Bluegrass Show Podcast – Episode #109 This week on the Hometown Bluegrass Show Podcast, Tim and Josh are joined by one of the most respected musicians in bluegrass music, Andy Leftwich! Andy shares stories from his incredible career, discusses his musical journey, and gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at life as one of the most in-demand instrumentalists in acoustic music. As alway...

Hometown Bluegrass Show – Episode 108 After a short break, Tim and Josh are back behind the microphones and catching up on everything that's been happening! This week, Josh shares stories from Southern Legacy's recent Wild West Tour , including life on the road, the great audiences they met, and some memorable moments from the trip. The guys also have an exciting announcement— The Hometown Bluegra...

On this week's episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim Batts and Josh Williams welcome one of bluegrass music's most recognizable voices, Darren Nicholson. Darren joins us to talk about his career in bluegrass, his time with Balsam Range, his current projects, songwriting, touring, and what continues to inspire him as an artist. You'll also hear stories from the road and get Darren's perspecti...

Episode 106 – Bluegrass on the Bluff Recap & Nathan Lynn of The Wheelhouse Rousters On this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Tim flies solo behind the microphone and looks back on the incredible success of the very first Bluegrass on the Bluff Festival held at beautiful Columbus-Belmont State Park in Columbus, Kentucky. Tim shares stories from the day, highlights some of the outstandin...

This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Josh and Tim welcome a very special guest, Dwight Whitley , brother of the legendary Keith Whitley . Dwight shares personal stories and memories of what it was like growing up alongside one of country music's most beloved voices. From their early days in Eastern Kentucky to Keith's rise through the bluegrass world and eventually to country music stardom, D...

This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Tim and Josh sit down with the newest member of legendary bluegrass group Balsam Range, Stephen Hudson. Stephen talks about joining one of bluegrass music’s most respected bands, stepping into the fiddle and vocal role, and what it’s been like becoming part of the Balsam Range family. The guys discuss Stephen’s musical roots, his love for traditional blue...

This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Tim and Josh hit the road with special guest Ami Ricci, creator of BluegrassRoadtrip.com . Ami shares the stor y behind her website, how it helps bluegrass fans discover festivals, venues, and events across the country, and why the bluegrass community continues to thrive through travel and live music. Plus, Josh spins a great tune from Josh Turner that wa...

In Episode #102, Tim sits down with Lindsay Bowles , Director of GRRO (The Great River Road Organization) , for a conversation about history, tourism, community partnerships, and one of the region’s most exciting upcoming music events. Tim and Lindsay talk about the mission of GRRO and the important work being done to preserve, promote, and celebrate the communities and landmarks along the Great R...

Episode #101 – The Hometown Bluegrass Show Featuring Kenny Smith with host Tim Batts and Josh Williams In Episode #101, Josh sits down with Kenny Smith for a conversation centered around the heart of bluegrass music—great songs, great guitars, and the stories behind both. Kenny shares memories of his early musical influences and the players who shaped his approach to guitar. From learning traditio...

Episode 100 is one we’ll never forget. We had the honor of recording this milestone episode live at the Grand Ole Opry during their historic 100th anniversary celebration. It was an unforgettable night filled with incredible music, special moments, and the kind of memories that only happen at a place as legendary as the Opry. Adding to the excitement, Josh took the stage playing guitar with Rhonda...

Welcome to Episode 99! Josh and Tim recorded this week’s episode on location at beautiful Columbus-Belmont State Park with a great view and plenty of bluegrass talk. In this episode, we discuss Batts Music & Media’s upcoming bluegrass festival, Bluegrass On The Bluff , happening June 6 . We share details about the event, what attendees can expect, and why this festival is shaping up to be a sp...

In this heartfelt episode, Tim Batts and Josh Williams sit down with bluegrass legend Don Rigsby for a deeply personal conversation about music, legacy, and family. Don shares the story behind his latest single with his band Southern Legacy, titled “Bill from Isonville.” The song is a tribute to his late father, Bill Rigsby, and carries a powerful emotional weight that resonates far beyond the blu...

This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show , we’re taking a trip back to where it all began. Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Josh Williams’ debut album from 2001 —a project that helped launch one of bluegrass music’s most respected voices and pickers. From those early studio sessions to the road miles that followed, we reflect on the music, the memories, and the moments that shaped J...

In this episode, we kick things off with a look back at Josh’s recent trip overseas as he shares stories from touring Ireland with Southern Legacy. From the warm welcome of bluegrass fans across the pond to the unforgettable moments on stage, Josh gives us a glimpse into what it’s like bringing traditional American music to an international audience. We also take time to reflect on the life and le...

Josh is still across the pond in Ireland performing with his band Southern Legacy , so Tim is holding things down this week with another great episode full of music and conversation. Tim kicks things off by sharing a couple more of his original songs , giving listeners a personal look at his songwriting and musical style. It’s always a treat to hear the stories and inspiration behind the music str...

In this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Tim Batts takes the reins solo while co-host Josh Williams is overseas in Ireland, performing with Southern Legacy. Tim shares a bit about Josh’s travels and what it means to take bluegrass music across the pond. With a little extra room in the show, Tim opens things up personally—talking about his own musical journey and playing a couple of his ori...

In Episode #93 of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Tim Batts and Josh Williams sit down with Grammy-winning bluegrass powerhouse Dan Tyminski just moments before he takes the stage at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky. Best known for his unmistakable voice with Alison Krauss & Union Station and for singing the iconic version of Man of Constant Sorrow from the fi...

Cindy shares the story of how she got her start in bluegrass broadcasting and how a love for traditional music led her to become one of the most recognized voices in the genre. From her early days discovering the music to building a nationally syndicated radio show, Cindy reflects on decades spent supporting artists, preserving tradition, and connecting fans with the heart of bluegrass. Tim and Ci...

We’re back with Part 2 of our unforgettable conversation with music icon Jerry Douglas . If you enjoyed Episode #90, you’re going to love where this conversation goes next. In this episode, Jerry opens up even more about his career, collaborations, and the future of acoustic music.

In this milestone episode, we sit down with one of the most influential musicians in modern acoustic music history — Jerry Douglas . This is Part 1 of a special two-part conversation , and it’s packed with stories, wisdom, and behind-the-scenes moments from a career that has shaped bluegrass and beyond. Jerry Douglas didn’t just play the dobro — he transformed it. His creativity helped elevate the...

In Episode #89, Tim and Josh dive into one of the most debated topics in bluegrass music — guitar picks . From thickness and tone to grip and durability, the guys break down what makes a great pick for flatpicking and rhythm guitar. Whether you’re a beginner trying to find your sound or a seasoned picker chasing that perfect tone, this conversation is packed with practical insight and plenty of pi...

On this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Josh spins a timeless classic with “Gentle on My Mind,” setting the tone for another laid-back, roots-filled hour of bluegrass goodness. We’re also joined by fellow podcaster Rick Dollar for a great conversation about podcasting, bluegrass, and keeping the music alive through new media. It’s always fun talking shop with someone who shares the same p...

This week’s episode is a special family edition of The Hometown Bluegrass Show as Josh is joined by his son, Wheldon , behind the mic. The two share conversation, laughs, and a deep love for traditional bluegrass that runs generations deep. Josh delivers a heartfelt performance of the timeless classic “Wayfaring Stranger,” reminding us why these old songs still speak so powerfully today. We’re als...

In Episode 86 of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Tim and Josh talk about upcoming bluegrass festivals and events you won’t want to miss. Josh plays the Tony Rice classic “Old Train” , and the guys discuss its lasting influence. Plus, we’re joined by special guest Aaron McDaris , who shares stories from his time playing alongside Josh and with Rhonda Vincent .

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , hosts Tim Batts and Josh Williams sit down with Jamie Johnson of The Grascals for an honest conversation that goes far beyond the music. Jamie and Josh Williams open up about their personal journeys through addiction, recovery, and redemption. With transparency and humility, they discuss the struggles they faced, the turning p...