Hometown Bluegrass Show

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...

The Hometown Bluegrass Show – Episode #84 Guest: Colton Baker (Authentic Unlimited) In this episode, Josh and Tim sit down for a fun and wide-ranging conversation with Colton Baker, lead singer of Authentic Unlimited. Colton shares stories from the road, insights into the band’s journey, and what it’s like helping shape the sound and direction of one of today’s most exciting bluegrass groups. Alon...

This week, Josh Williams didn’t just bring great music — he brought family. Hearing Josh sing alongside his two sons was a powerful reminder of what bluegrass is all about: passing songs, faith, and tradition from one generation to the next. There’s something truly moving about a father sharing the mic with his children, harmonies blending with love, respect, and a shared passion for the music. Th...

Episode #82 brings a special pre-Christmas feel to The Hometown Bluegrass Show . Josh shares a heartfelt performance of the Gordon Lightfoot classic “Song for a Winter’s Night,” perfectly capturing the season. We’re also joined by young bluegrass rising star Molly Clair , who talks about her musical journey and what’s ahead. A warm episode of great music and conversation just in time for Christmas...

On this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Josh sings a classic song from Keith Whitley, highlighting the roots of traditional bluegrass and its lasting influence. We also sit down for a fun and engaging conversation with veteran bluegrass sound engineer and IBMA Award Winner Steve Chandler , who shares stories from behind the soundboard and offers insight into what it takes to make bluegrass...

In Episode #80 of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Tim sits down with one of today’s most exciting voices and instrumentalists in modern bluegrass— Rick Faris . Known for his lightning-fast picking, unmistakable vocal style, and award-winning songwriting, Rick joins us for a lively and heartfelt conversation about music, family, faith, and life on the road. Rick shares stories from his early days pla...

Thanksgiving Special Edition In this heartfelt Thanksgiving episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Tim and Josh gather around the microphones with a spirit of gratitude, great stories, and the high lonesome sound your family loves. This week’s show is packed with reflections on the blessings of the past year, plus Josh pays tribute to the legendary Tony Rice with a beautiful rendition of “ Stree...

In Episode 78, Josh kicks off the show with a timeless Michael Martin Murphey classic, “Carolina in the Pines,” showcasing one of the most beloved cross-genre gems that found its way into the bluegrass world. We’re also joined by a special guest and true ambassador of bluegrass music, Austin Scelzo from Connecticut. Austin is a fiddle player, educator, and organizer who has been instrumental in gr...

Tim was out of town this week, so Josh took the controls—and he brought in a special co-host: his son, Wheldon! 👏 These two held down the studio with great music, fun stories, and plenty of laughs. It’s a father-son takeover you won’t want to miss! Tune in now to this week’s episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show and enjoy some great bluegrass straight from our family to yours. 💙🎻

In this week’s episode, Josh spins a little Keith Whitley for all you classic bluegrass and country fans, setting the perfect tone for a conversation with Shawn Camp — the acclaimed country and bluegrass artist known for his soulful voice, powerful songwriting, and deep roots in traditional music. Tim and Josh chat with Shawn about his career journey, his work with legends like Bill Monroe and the...

In this milestone 75th episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Tim and Josh celebrate traditional sounds and heartfelt storytelling. Josh kicks things off with a classic from Bill Anderson , setting the tone for a show filled with warmth, roots, and real bluegrass spirit. Then, Tim and Josh welcome special guests Heather Berry Mabe and Tony Mabe —two incredible artists known for their beautiful h...

🎙️ Episode 74 – A Tom T. Hall Classic & Catching Up with Former Special C Members In this week’s episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Josh takes us on a trip down memory lane with a Tom T. Hall classic — a songwriter who captured the heart and humor of everyday life like no other. Then, things get personal as Josh reconnects with two former Special Consensus bandmates — Jamie Clifton and T...

🎙️ The Hometown Bluegrass Show – Episode 73 Hosts: Tim Batts & Josh Williams Guest: Greg Cahill (Special Consensus) In this episode, Josh digs deep into bluegrass history with an old Stanley Brothers classic that reminds us why their sound still defines traditional bluegrass today. Then, we’re joined by one of the genre’s true legends — Greg Cahill , founder and banjo player of Special Consens...

🎙️ The Hometown Bluegrass Show – Episode #72 Hosted by: Josh Williams & Tim Batts Recorded live at: The River Folk Festival – Calvert City, KY This week, Josh and Tim take The Hometown Bluegrass Show on the road to the River Folk Festival in Calvert City, Kentucky! It’s a packed episode full of live energy, artist interviews, and stories from one of the region’s favorite music gatherings. They...

The Hometown Bluegrass Show – Episode #71 In this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Tim and Josh bring you a packed hour of music, news, and conversation straight from the heart of bluegrass. What’s Inside This Episode Bluegrass News Update – We kick things off with the latest happenings in the bluegrass world, covering festival announcements, artist highlights, and what’s new on the charts...

Episode 70 – IBMA Convention Highlights from Chattanooga In this special extended edition of The Hometown Bluegrass Show , Tim and Josh take you right into the heart of the IBMA Convention , held for the very first time in Chattanooga, Tennessee . 🎙️ Artist Interviews We sat down with several artists throughout the week to capture their stories, music, and reflections on this exciting new chapter...

Episode 69 – Back in the Saddle After a much-needed break, Tim Batts and Josh Williams are back behind the mics with another fresh installment of The Hometown Bluegrass Show ! The guys catch up after their time away, bringing listeners the same warm conversation and authentic bluegrass energy they’re known for. This week, Josh shares a powerful cut, “Moonlight Motor Inn,” giving the show a soulful...