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 harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and deep connection to traditional bluegrass. The husband-and-wife duo share stories about their musical journey, their time performing with Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice, and the creative spark behind their new project, Red Camel Collective.

🎙️ 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 Tim Dishman. Together they share stories from their days on the road, the lessons learned from the bluegrass circuit, and what they’ve been up to since their time with Special C. Expect laughter, great music, and behind-the-scenes insight into one of bluegrass music’s most respected touring bands.

🪕 Featured Segments:

• Tom T. Hall Spotlight: A look at the song that shaped generations of country and bluegrass storytellers.

• Interview with Jamie Clifton & Tim Dishman: Old friends reunite to talk harmony singing, road stories, and the enduring brotherhood of bluegrass.

• Listener Requests & Local Picks: A few favorites from the Hometown Bluegrass family.

🎧 Tune In:

Catch The Hometown Bluegrass Show every week with hosts Josh Williams and Tim Batts, where tradition meets today’s bluegrass sound.

🎙️ 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 Consensus.

Greg reflects on the band’s incredible 50-year journey, from their beginnings in Chicago’s bluegrass scene to touring the world and earning GRAMMY nominations. We talk about the group’s evolution, how they’ve stayed true to their roots, and what’s next for this long-running bluegrass institution.

🎙️ 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 catch up with some of the outstanding artists who graced the festival stage, including:

• Creekwater Collective – sharing their high-energy blend of traditional and modern bluegrass.

• Ashleigh Graham – talking about her musical roots and passion for storytelling through song.

• Glen Harrell of Volume Five – discussing the band’s sound, success, and the heart behind their music.

From behind-the-scenes moments to heartfelt performances, this episode captures the spirit of community, family, and authentic bluegrass that makes River Folk Festival so special.

🎧 Tune in for great conversation, laughter, and plenty of picking and grinning!

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.

• A Blast From the Past – Josh digs into his archives and shares one of his old recordings, giving listeners a rare chance to hear some of his early music.

• Special Guest: Ron Block – We sit down with the legendary Ron Block, celebrated for his work with Alison Krauss & Union Station, as well as his solo projects. Ron shares stories from his career, insights into his music, and what continues to inspire him today.

Why Listen

This episode blends fresh bluegrass news, a nostalgic musical moment, and a conversation with one of the genre’s most respected figures. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to bluegrass, there’s something here to inspire, entertain, and connect you to the music.

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 for the IBMA gathering. You’ll hear firsthand from performers and industry voices about the energy and community spirit that made this year’s convention one to remember.

🎶 Classic Bluegrass Spotlight
Josh dusts off a gem from the golden era—an old Flatt and Scruggs classic—reminding us all why this music continues to inspire generations.

📻 A Packed Episode
This is one of our longer shows, but it’s loaded with can’t-miss content. Whether you’re here for the interviews, the timeless music, or just the good company, Episode 70 has plenty for every bluegrass fan.

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 spark and reminding us all why bluegrass storytelling runs so deep.

Whether you’re tuning in for the music, the laughs, or just the company of two friends who live and breathe bluegrass, this episode marks a strong return.

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 kids 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!

🎙 Episode 60 – Name That Tune, Tony Rice Tribute, and Amanda Cook Joins the Show!

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 inspiring 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.

This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, we’re bringing the family, fun and the fiddles!

We kick things off with a lively round of Name That Tune—can you guess the song before we do?

Josh dusts off a true classic with a soulful performance of "Colleen Malone" by Hot Rize.

Then, we sit down for a warm and entertaining conversation with the talented Burnett Sisters Band. They share stories from the road, their musical roots, and what it’s like blending sibling harmonies with old-time and bluegrass traditions.

It’s a full hour of laughs, pickin’, and heartfelt harmony you won’t want to miss!

This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Josh picks a classic with a heartfelt solo performance of “Bury Me Beneath the Willow,” showcasing the deep roots and emotion that define traditional bluegrass. Then, we sit down for a conversation with Kentucky native and seasoned country/bluegrass artist Kevin Denney.

Kevin shares stories from his musical journey—from his early days in Kentucky to charting on the country music scene and keeping his bluegrass heritage alive. We talk influences, songwriting, and what’s next in his career. If you love traditional sounds and genuine storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode 56: Bullshootin’, Tony Rice Pickin’, and Backline’s Katelyn Ingardia

In this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, we cut loose and had a good ol’ time shootin’ the bull about everything from banjos to biscuits. Josh treated us to a fantastic Tony Rice tune that’s sure to make every flatpicker grin, and we had the pleasure of chatting with the always delightful Katelyn Ingardia from the Backline Bluegrass Band.

Katelyn shared some behind-the-scenes stories from the road, her musical inspirations, and what’s next for Backline. If you’re a fan of powerhouse vocals and strong traditional-meets-progressive bluegrass, you won’t want to miss this one.