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 music sound its best on stage and in the studio.

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 playing with his family band, his years touring with Special Consensus, and the creative journey behind his custom guitar building. We dig into his songwriting process, influences, and what continues to inspire him as he pushes the boundaries of traditional and contemporary bluegrass.

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 “Streets of London,” capturing the tone and soul that made Tony’s version unforgettable. As we wrap up this Thanksgiving special, we want to extend our appreciation to every listener who tunes in, shares the show, or supports bluegrass music in your hometown. From our family to yours—thank you. May your holiday be filled with good food, good company, and good music.

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 growing the Northeastern bluegrass community. We talk about his work with the Bluegrass Academy, his passion for teaching, and how he keeps traditional music thriving in a region not always associated with bluegrass.

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 Osborne Brothers, and how he bridges the worlds of bluegrass and country with authenticity and heart. You’ll hear stories from the road, songwriting insights, and a few laughs along the way.

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.