Blue Blaze Award is given to artists who continue the tradition and promote bluegrass music
Smithville – The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival (Jamboree) has awarded East Nash Grass the Blue Blaze Award for the 52nd annual event.
The Blue Blaze Award is given to artists who continue the tradition and promote bluegrass music.
East Nash Grass is considered “Nashville’s newest bluegrass ambassadors,” according to a release by the Jamboree. “Featuring a who’s-who of Nashville’s hottest young pickers, the joy and passion these musicians feel toward the genre is infused in every note they play and every word they sing.”
Jamboree President Kim Driver Luton says she is thrilled about the choice.
“We are thrilled to give this year’s award to East Nash Gras,” according to the Jamboree. “Guitarist and vocalist James Kee has been playing at the jamboree for many years. You could often find him with the shade tree pickers. Kee is also the leader of the Jamboree House Band. Maddy Denton, the groups fiddle player, a grandmaster fiddle player and jamboree favorite, started competing in fiddle contests very young and has won many of the Fiddlers’ Jamboree awards,” said Jamboree President Kim Driver Luton.
Kee has won the National Beginner Fiddler award, junior fiddler award and Grand Champion fiddler award. Other notable members of the band include Gaven Largent (dobro), Jeff Picker (bass) and two IBMA Momentum Award winners for best Instrumentalist, Cory Walker(banjo) and Harry Clark (Mandolin).
The award will be presented Saturday, July 1 at 5 p.m. followed by a performance by East Nash Grass. The Jamboree is free to the public.
For more information visit East Nash Grass — Crossover Touring or smithvillejamboree.com. The Jamboree will be held Friday, June 30to Saturday, July 1.
Photo courtesy of the Jamboree.
