August 2024
I'm excited to share some amazing news with you- from a story in the biggest bluegrass magazine in the world, to an International Bluegrass Music Association award nomination- this summer has been packed with wonderful news!
Bluegrass Unlimited is the premier magazine for news in the bluegrass world. Check out this snapshot of the article or read the full one here. The authors, Dale and Darcy, have been following my bluegrass journey from day one- so they decided to dive deeper into my childhood influences and background pre-bluegrass- check it out!
I'm so grateful to Dale and Darcy for capturing the early influencers in my musical journey, including my high school band, choir, and orchestra teachers from my hometown of Wallingford, Connecticut.
International Bluegrass Music Association Award Nomination
Thank you International Bluegrass Music Association! I'm so grateful for the support and collaboration with this awesome organization. IBMA has helped me grow as a leader, bring bluegrass music to school systems, sustain and support the Connecticut Bluegrass Association, it's the reason that Rock Hearts are signed with a Nashville record label, and it's mission is so tightly connected with my own:
"To serve the bluegrass community in the northeast, helping musicians young and old find the resources they need to advance in their careers or find fellowship with others on a similar path"
Thanks to my mentors who in addition to guiding me on this great path, are always looking out for my mental well being- Jay Ungar, Christian Howes, and Pete Wernick
Here's a description of theIndustry Involvement Award:
"This award recognizes industry professionals that are new to bluegrass music and have shown, for the first time in their careers, outstanding contributions to their particular field during the eligibility period. Broadly defined, roles in industry involvement may include journalists, broadcasters (radio, TV, podcasts, internet/web, and other forms), historians/folklorists, photographers, graphic designers, luthiers, music producers, sound engineers, event promoters, publicists, agents, international organizers, association leaders, arts administrators, teachers/educators, and other innovators. Candidates are considered on the degree to which they have contributed to bluegrass music in general, or to a specific part of the industry, whether regionally, nationally, or worldwide. Any candidate who has reached the final ballot in any other IBMA Bluegrass Music Award category, or in a Momentum category more than twice in previous years, will no longer be eligible for this award."
April 2024
Fox 61 TV Interview: Professional fiddler shares passion for music with community- CT Creative Futures -
It was a huge honor to be interviewed on television last month and be given the opportunity to share how I got into playing fiddle, my experience teaching bluegrass music, my love of bluegrass festivals, and the future I see in the bluegrass and country music industry/community.
Austin Scelzo's love of music and community leads to recognition as 2023 Connectiut Arts Hero
I also wanted to share this press coverage from my beloved Alma Mater, Western Connecticut State University. My band, On the Trail, is made up of all WCSU grads. We had the honor of returning to perform for the music department last month and recieved personalized crystal plaques from the Alumni Association in honor of our representing the school in a unique way.
In other news, I wanted to share with you what I've been up to these past couple of months. My band, On the Trail, has been in the studio every week recording our first full length album - one that will feature three original songs of mine. My other band, the Rock Hearts just released our first single off of the new album: Listen to that here. We are also releasing another song to all streaming platforms this Friday! You can hear it today at our website.
March 2024
Connecticut Arts Hero Interview
December 2023
"2023 Connecticut Arts Hero!"
I'm honored and beyond excited to share the news that I've been selected for the 2023 Connecticut Arts Hero Award
The Connecticut Arts Hero Awards honor and celebrate Connecticut residents who are doing inspiring things in, for, or through the arts in Connecticut. Since 2016, the Connecticut Arts Hero Awards have introduced us to an array of remarkable individuals engaged in or supporting the arts - some publicly and some behind the scenes. The Connecticut Arts Hero Awards are presented at a special, open to all, free event. This evening event is designed to honor and celebrate these inspiring individuals and to reaffirm the significant role the arts play in Connecticut. All Connecticut Arts Heroes are presented with a framed print of the original art — Small State, Big Heart, Great Art —which was created by Hartford Prints! for the Connecticut Office of the Arts.
Many of you must know how much this means to me as a lifelong Connecticut resident. I grew up in Wallingford, went to school at Western Connecticut State, worked my first job in the Darien Public Schools, planted firmly in Danbury and resisted the urge to chase excitement in the music industry elsewhere.
For years I watched with some envy as many of my friends moved to Nashville, Boston, NYC, and more. Friends often asked me what kept me in Connecticut, a state not particularly known for its thriving bluegrass and country scene.
I've remained in Connecticut because of my unwavering dedication to a vision. My biggest heroes and inspirations in life were community builders. They planted roots in a community and nurtured them until they blossomed into beautiful realities. I've set out to build something similar to the Ashokan Center, a place that has inspired me for years. I understand that creating something truly transformative often takes decades of patience, commitment, and dedication.
Right now I am in a stage of life where I'm devoted to building a reputation for my passion in education, music, and community. I know that through consistent delivery of quality music education and musical performance, I may one day have the influence to create transformative musical retreats like the ones that first lit the musical spark for me as a teenager!
See my blog post:
I Hope you will consider joining me in celebrating the acceptance of the 2023 Arts Hero Award at Infinity Hall, Hartford CT, on Wednesday January 24 at 6PM
In Other News: My Song "Second Fiddle Blues" Charts #1 on Bluegrass and Grassicana Chart!
" Exciting News from Bluegrass Planet Radio! " "The Top 15 Bluegrass Grassicana Chart for November 2023 has arrived, and we're over the moon to announce that Austin Scelzo has claimed the #1 spot with the soul-stirring "Second Fiddle Blues"! "
In just a few weeks, I'll be teaching at the Ashokan Center for New Years Weekend .It's a great place not only to learn music but also to listen, dance, hang out, and learn! Sing alongs, dance Classes, great food, jams and more! Sign up here
New Fiddlers Retreat in Pompano Beach, FL!
"Austin Scelzo hosts a wintertime retreat for fiddlers or fiddle music lovers that will include instruction on bluegrass, country, and roots styles. Instruction will include: How to back up a singer, How to play over chord changes, Grooving on the fiddle, Bluegrass solo transcriptions and more! The weekend will also include jamming with a focus on popular bluegrass, country and old time tunes."
March 22-24
I'm on the lookout for lodging in this area- let me know if you have any suggestions!
Check out my Bluegrass Retreat!
Jam-uary (Martin Luther King Day Weekend Jan 12-14) is designed to break up the cold New England winter with fun jamming, great food, and good people :) Read more here
Consider attending on of my upcoming bluegrass jam classes!
"All bluegrass instruments welcome. No jamming experience necessary. You will be jamming in the first class! Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching. Hands-on learning in large and small groups Gentle tempos! Mistakes expected! Music/tab reading not needed or used. Singing not required, but encouraged and taught. Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught. Do you qualify? It’s easier than you may think! If you play guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, or dobro… you can be part of a bluegrass jam. Only requirements - be able to: Tune your instrument and Change smoothly between G, C, D, and A (or the notes that work on bass and fiddle)"
Or check out these other classes before our shows:
Jan 12-14 (Martin Luther King Day Weekend)
Kids and Youth Opportunities
I'll be teaching at two school field trip retreats to the Ashokan Center! You can get your school to come on these same weeks or more! Check it out here: Fiddles in the ForestIf you have or know kids interested in learning acoustic music, please check out my blog post:
And finally, 'tis the season for gift giving! I wanted to share my blog post Gift Ideas for the Bluegrass Lover so that you can show that special someone in your life how much more they can love bluegrass music ;P The YouTube Video embedded in this post has snip its of my mini family Christmas albums over the years. Here's another snip it from that: Home for the Holidays
Phew, thats all for now. Thanks for your support!!
-Austin
October 2023
My First Single is Here!
I'm very excited to announce the pre-release of my new song "Second Fiddle Blues"
Co-written with my bandmate from Rock Hearts, Alexander R. MacLeod, Second Fiddle Blues was recorded as a duet with my good friend Vickie Vaughn (Della Mae, High Fidelity Bluegrass) in Nashville in Feb 2023. Vickie recommended Mike Drassler for pedal steel guitar which completed the classic country lonesome sound. The story is a heart-wrenching, classic melodrama that fits perfectly in the canon of great country music. I'd love to hear what you think.
Be among the first to hear it!
"Second Fiddle Blues" is available on all streaming platforms and on my website!Click Here to Listen
Artist Spotlight: An Interview with Michelle Lee on Air
Michelle Lee interviewed each member of my band, the Rock Hearts... From my personal interview...
"Austin's business/life coach, Christian Howes(17), is also a jazz violinist and pedagogue. You can check out an interview between the two on Christian’s ‘Creative Strings Podcast’ on YouTube titled “Orchestra Classroom to Music Entrepreneur w/ Austin Scelzo”. Another inspirational person in Austin’s life is Pete Wernick(18). Pete encouraged and convinced Austin that he could “make a life in bluegrass music” and helped lead him through years of well timed “next steps”
...Read the full article here - Full interviews with each band member!
In just a few weeks, I'll be teaching at one of my favorite places - Fiddle Hell! It's a great place not only to learn music but also to listen! If you like fiddle music, there are concerts all day happening concurrently with classes for almost every instrument. I'll be teaching classes for all ages and ability levels on Fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and voice!
Rock Hearts Album is Available for Streaming!
This is my first full length album - I'm playing fiddle and singing on these tracks and I'd love to hear what you think! The Rock Hearts signed with 615 Hideaway Records about a year after I left public school teaching. I'm so excited to share this major work with the world. Two of our songs are regulars on Sirius XM Bluegrass Radio! Stream the Album
Check out my Bluegrass Retreat!
Jam-uary (Martin Luther King Day Weekend Jan 12-14) is designed to break up the cold New England winter with fun jamming, great food, and good people :) Read more here
Consider attending on of my upcoming bluegrass jam classes!
"All bluegrass instruments welcome. No jamming experience necessary. You will be jamming in the first class! Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching. Hands-on learning in large and small groups Gentle tempos! Mistakes expected! Music/tab reading not needed or used. Singing not required, but encouraged and taught. Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught. Do you qualify? It’s easier than you may think! If you play guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, or dobro… you can be part of a bluegrass jam. Only requirements - be able to: Tune your instrument and Change smoothly between G, C, D, and A (or the notes that work on bass and fiddle)"
Or check out these other classes before our shows:
Nov 11, 2023
Catholic Center at Rutgers, 84 Somerset St, New Brunswick NJ 08901
Saturday, 10am-4pm
Jan 12-14 (Martin Luther King Day Weekend)
Rock Hearts Shows:
Thanks for your support and encouragement!
-Austin
September 2023
Phew! Made it back from likely the most busy summer of my lifetime! I loved every moment of it, but I've also learned that next time I'll need to build in some time to decompress in between traveling from one place to the next.
I'll be spending the next couple of weeks learning to SLOW DOWN and gradually return to my regular schedule of practicing, blogging, and creating/sharing educational content on the weekdays, and performing on the weekends!
My dream for years has been to be like my mentors, Jay Ungar, Pete Wernick, and Christian Howes - all of whom are not only excellent musicians, networkers, teachers, and community creators, but are service minded, compassionate people.
It's for that reason that I am mostly taking a break from private teaching to work towards my long term goals
- Host or teach at successful, community centered music camps like this fun annual jam camp at my favorite place - The Ashokan Center!
Jam-uary (Martin Luther King Day Weekend Jan 12-14) is designed to break up the cold New England winter with fun jamming, great food, and good people :)
I'm also planning to host a Creative Strings retreat at my birthday weekend Feb 23-25 and I'll be returning to Asheville, NC next summer to teach at Christian Howe's camp. (Week of July 4) I'm also dreaming up a Bluegrass and Country Fiddlers retreat somewhere WARM in the winter :)
AND a Harmony Singing Retreat!
Other things I'm working on that I'm excited to share with the world soon
I'm writing four E-books that I plan to have in print at all my camps and classes, focused on tips and inspiration for fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and harmony Singing
Collaborating with a Software Engineer to create a harmony singing app that will help people learn to sing together!
I'm creating a Bluegrass and Country Fiddle Method - the "Roadmap to Country and Bluegrass Fiddle Mastery"
Getting my Music out into the world -I'll be sharing my First Single - "Second Fiddle Blues" in the next few weeks!
As for "On the Trail", we just released a new single a couple of weeks ago! Have you heard it yet. We have a number of hometown coming up, including tonight in Bethel CT, and more in Southbury, Darien, Ridgefield, and Brooklyn NY. See all of our shows here - and join their email list/ follow us online!Latest Single From my group - "On the Trail"
And finally, the Rock Hearts are releasing our long awaiting album with 615 Records THIS FRIDAY!
Be sure to check the album out and let me know what you think :) I'm so excited to share with you my best fiddling to date!
This weekend, we are playing our last festival of the summer - "Bluegrass in Heaven" Sept 15-17. I'll even be teaching and playing with Grammy Award winning fiddler "Michael Cleveland" that weekend! Read more about that here
Consider attending on of my upcoming bluegrass jam classes!
"All bluegrass instruments welcome. No jamming experience necessary. You will be jamming in the first class! Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching. Hands-on learning in large and small groups Gentle tempos! Mistakes expected! Music/tab reading not needed or used. Singing not required, but encouraged and taught. Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught. Do you qualify? It’s easier than you may think! If you play guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, or dobro… you can be part of a bluegrass jam. Only requirements - be able to: Tune your instrument and Change smoothly between G, C, D, and A (or the notes that work on bass and fiddle)"
Or check out these other classes before our shows:
October 7, 2023
Brooklyn, NY 315 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
October 14, 2023
Hopewell Junction, NY at the Fishkill Farms Fall Harvest Festival
9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Nov 11, 2023
Catholic Center at Rutgers, 84 Somerset St, New Brunswick NJ 08901
Saturday, 10am-4pm
Jan 12-14 (Martin Luther King Day Weekend)
Thanks for your support and encouragement!
-Austin
August 2023
I can't believe it!
My bandmates, Alex and Rick tuned in to SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction today to hear the announcement of the International Bluegrass Music Association's nominees for the Momentum Mentor of the Year nominee.
Alex captured this moment of me absolutely LOSING it when my name was called on live satellite radio.
"This award recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact on the lives and careers of new bluegrass artists and industry professionals. Not limited to bluegrass professionals, candidates may include community musicians, private music teachers, band leaders, bluegrass youth organization coordinators, music producers, luthiers, and anyone who has shown dedication to up and coming bluegrass artists and industry professionals. Past and current IBMA Bluegrass Music Award nominees and recipients may be eligible for Mentor of the Year, unless they have already received this award in the past"
I'm grateful beyond words. What an enormous honor. I couldn't have fathomed earning this award when I first left my public school teaching job just two years ago to combine my heart for education with my love of bluegrass music.
Special thanks to Pete Wernick for mentoring me in my transition into bluegrass leadership. I still remember that phone call when he said "You could make a life in bluegrass music". That phone call changed my life- and it set me on this journey that has led me to this fateful day. Peter Wernick
I also want to thank Christian Howes who has been a life and music business coach for years. Chris helped me create a lifestyle that has allowed me to travel all over the country with my music and classes. He's believed in me and helped me grow immensely over the years.
I need to add my gratitude for the amazing woman who, behind the scenes, took the time to throw my name in the hat in the first place. She secretly filled out the nomination form and entered me in the list when I was buried in my work - too busy to even notice the application deadline... Alissa Wolf- my heart is full of gratitude for your encouragement, support, partnership, and belief in me and my work.
I also had a great time with On the Trail just a couple of weeks ago! Check it out... On the Trail Live at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival - "My oh My" Punch Brothers Cover
We'll be playing this weekend in New Milford CT!
We are excited to return toThomas Point Beach as 2022 Band Competition winners - I'll also be playing with Rock Hearts at this Festival!
I will be arriving early to teach a three day bluegrass jamming camp - please consider joining me - all levels welcome from beginner to advanced.
"All bluegrass instruments welcome. No jamming experience necessary. You will be jamming in the first class! Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching. Hands-on learning in large and small groups Gentle tempos! Mistakes expected! Music/tab reading not needed or used. Singing not required, but encouraged and taught. Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught. Do you qualify? It’s easier than you may think! If you play guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, or dobro… you can be part of a bluegrass jam. Only requirements - be able to: Tune your instrument and Change smoothly between G, C, D, and A (or the notes that work on bass and fiddle)"
Or check out these other classes before our shows:
August 26, 2023
St. John’s Bluegrass Festival 129 Ledgehill Road, North Guilford CT
October 7, 2023
Brooklyn, NY 315 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
October 14, 2023
Hopewell Junction, NY at the Fishkill Farms Fall Harvest Festival
9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
As for the Rock Hearts, we are in the studio right now in Nashville TN - We are working on our second album with 615 Hideaway Records. Our first album releases in just a few weeks! - I'm so excited to share it with you!
If you haven't already, check out our latest singles:
And finally, here is the On the Trail Schedule - including my sweet new shirt from Apsara Clothing
June 2023
Thank you all for your wonderful support. Because of you, I'm able to pursue my dreams as a performer and teacher and serve New England in the way I do best- sharing the joy of music!
I'm very excited to share with you my summer tour schedule- I'll be on the road for three months. The camping mattress has just arrived and I'm ready to hit the road hard!
Austin Scelzo 2023 Summer Tour Dates:
A lot has happened since our last communication in March:
I gave a presentation on Bluegrass Music In the Schools through the International Bluegrass Music Association's "Leadership Bluegrass" initiative.
I subletted Boston and New York City to document the music scene and share my findings with my students and followers.
Check out my Blog Articles:
I got to spend two glorious weekends assisting at my favorite place on the planet- the Ashokan Center. Check out these fun photos from the Old Time Rollick and Scottish String Fling
I performed at the famed Emelin Theater, which holds the record for the longest-standing Bluegrass Music Series in New York. I also performed and taught (over 23 students!) at the Bearsville Bluegrass Festival - a festival project that my friend Bruno Bruzzese and I have dreamed into existence along with the wonderful people at Bearsville Theater in historic Woodstock NY.
My First Single Release - Coming Soon!
Thanks to all of those who have already made contributions to my solo project - I'll be sharing with you the second of my two recorded Nashville Duets soon.
I recorded my first single - an original song co-written with Alex Macleod. It's called Second Fiddle Blues and it has got some of that heart-wrenchingly sad Country Soul to it.
I would love your continued support and to invite you on this journey with me. If you believe in my music and want to support me along the way, please consider a small contribution to the project, or just sign up to hear more about it here
As a thank you for your support so far, I'd like to share with you this classic country duet I recorded with Vickie Vaughn (Bass player of Della Mae, High Fidelity Bluegrass)
Lots of exciting things going on in my personal life too :) Give me a call sometime to connect if we haven't spoken in a while.
As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a "reply" as well!
Austin Scelzo 2023 Summer Tour Dates:
6/11 Bluegrass Jam Ridgefield CT
6/14 On the Trail Roxbury CT
6/15-18 Rock Hearts - Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Fest Litchfield ME + Jam Class
6/23-25 Rock Hearts Jenny Brook Bluegrass Fest + Kids Academy (VT)
6/26-30 Ashokan Western and Swing Week (NY)
7/1 On the Trail Bristol CT
7/2-7 Creative Strings Workshop Asheville NC
7/9 On the Trail Ridgefield CT
7/10-17 On the Trail @ Grey Fox +
Bluegrass Camp and Kids Academy
7/17-19 Ashokan Northern Week
7/20 Rock Hearts Cumberland RI
7/21 On the Trail Southbury CT
7/22 On the Trail Sturbridge Village MA
7/23 On the Trail Candlelight Farms New Milford CT
7/26 Rock Hearts Providence RI
7/27-30 On the Trail Ossipee Valley Music Fest (ME)
7/31-8/4 Ashokan Bluegrass Camp (NY)
8/7-11 Rock Hearts Record in Nashville TN
8/12 On the Trail Candlelight Farms New Milford CT
8/13-19 Ashokan Southern Week (NY)
8/20-25 Silver Bay Bluegrass Camp
8/26 On the Trail @ St. Johns Bluegrass Fest Guilford CT
8/28-9/2 Rock Hearts + On the Trail @ Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Fest + pre-festival Camp
9/3 Rock Hearts @ Delaware Valley Music Fest
9/15-17 Rock Hearts @ Bluegrass in Heaven Fest (NY)
March 2023
Happy second day of Spring! Hello from sunny Cambridge, MA! The past month has been like a whirlwind- I'm so excited to share with you some of its highlights and thank you for your continued support :)
See below for a story about playing on one of the most famous bluegrass stages!
The first thing I'd like to share with is a report from my Nashville trip
Nashville 2023
So much has happened since our last communication!
My band, On the Trail, recorded a single, an original of Tom Polizzi's - It should be mixed, mastered, and ready to share in just a few weeks! We'll be sharing snip-its of this song through our email newsletter sometime this week - make sure to sign up for that here - We also recorded a couple of videos there that we are so excited to share with you! Please come see us and talk to us about at one of our next shows! (Two in CT next week - April 1st in Ridgefield CT and April 5th in Bethel CT)
I recorded several duets with friends of mine - be on the lookout for these video releases in the next few months. My two special guests were Vickie Vaughn and Charlie Fuertsch!
I recorded my first single - an original song co-written with Alex Macleod. It's called Second Fiddle Blues and it has got some of that heart-wrenchingly sad Country Soul to it. More to come on this one - I should receive the final mix shortly. I want to share behind-the-scenes videos, pre-released clips, stories, and more about this song - I would love your support and to invite you on this journey with me. If you believe in my music and want to support me along the way, please consider a small contribution to the project, or just sign up to hear more about it here
One of my other dreams came true on this last trip- just a day after my birthday, and my last email to you, I had the opportunity to play at the world. famous Station Inn!
The Station Inn is quite possibly one of the most revered and well-respected bluegrass venues in the world.
Performing at the World Famous Station Inn
"A dream came true last night - and these guys made it happen. I can't thank them enough- Special Consensus
Every bluegrass musician's dream is to play on the stage of this legendary venue in Nashville TN. It's been graced by the greatest musicians of the genre from generation to generation. There is a weight to stepping on that stage that's hard to describe.
Never in a million years could I have imagined, just two years ago when I was a middle school orchestra teacher - that a pipe dream like this would come true.
It's testament to the value of taking risks and pursuing dreams, yes- but moreso of the invaluable nature of friendships, family, and mentorship. Without such an encouraging and compassionate community, I'd never have had the strength and courage to be here today.
Thanks to all those who've poured love and encouragement to me these past few years.
YOU make dreams come true!!"
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In my final weeks in Nashville, I attended an international conference: Leadership Bluegrass - see some pictures and reflections on my blog - I'd love to talk to anyone interested and can't recommend the program more highly.
While there, I hosted a panel on Attracting New Audiences to Bluegrass Music and put together this blog post in hopes of supporting and encouraging bluegrass festivals, venues, and artists to preserve the music for generations to come!
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In other great news, my band, On the Trail was selected to perform at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival! This was my first ever bluegrass festival and its such an honor to come back full circle and be playing on the same stage that lit the bluegrass spark for me!! (A reminder to come see us in CT this month!)
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Rock Hearts Updates
My other band, the Rock Hearts, has been keeping busy too!
We just released a new single! Give it a listen on Facebook or YouTube or your favorite streaming service
Not only that, but after almost a year since my first recording session with them, the CDs are finally here!!!! This is my first full-length project and I'm so excited to share it with you!!
The albums will go out first to our crowdfunding supporters, then we will sell physical CDs at all of our live shows - It won't be available for streaming for a while, so grab your chance to hear it now!
I'll be performing with them this weekend at a sold-out show in RI! Get tickets to these other shows while they last- including our most recently announced Hamden CT show on May 5
Phew, that's all for now- check out my full Teaching and Performing Calendar for more dates from me! Now off to prep for this weekend's bluegrass Jam class in Cambridge!
-Austin
February 2023
Today I turn 28 - and I’m spending my birthday doing what I love, hanging out and recording music in Nashville Tennesse with some of my best friends and bandmates in On the Trail.
(From left to right: Me, Matt Curley, Charlie Widmer, Tom Polizzi)
The band will be here for 5 days, working by day and enjoying the excitement of the city by night.
I’ve really fallen in love with the city of Nashville - It has been so easy to make new friends, hear amazing music, and be around some of my biggest heroes in the industry!
I’ve been here a few times, and put together a blog post that includes my recommended Places to Visit in Nashville as well as an exclusive peek into the jamming sensation that is the "SPBGMA" - (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) national bluegrass conference.
Check that out here:
When the band leaves, I am arranging to record some solo work with friends of mine in the city - be on the lookout for some fun duets and trios with Nashville musician friends of mine.
After that, I’ll be attending Leadership Bluegrass - an "intensive three-day program of advanced-level interactive learning experiences designed to build commitment, motivate talents, and instill enthusiasm for addressing the future of the bluegrass music industry."
CD Release Rock Hearts
After recording my first album with the Rock Hearts in April 2022 we are in the final stages of printing the record! We should receive them in the mail and be able to send them out to our crowdfunding supporters by next month! We also have a series of Album release shows where we will have them for sale. You can see more details about that below...
Updates from Rock Hearts <--Click here to see our latest newsletter
New Music Video!
Rock Hearts - Tour Dates
On the Trail Local Shows
Saturday, April 1
6:30pm On the Trail at Nod Hill Brewery
Wednesday, April 5
7:00pm On the trail at La Zingara
On the Trail Festivals:
Friday, July 28, 2023
On the Trail @ Ossipee Valley
Saturday, July 29, 2023
On the Trail @ Ossipee Valley
Saturday, August 26, 2023
St. John's Festival Guilford CT
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Thomas Point Beach
Friday, September 1, 2023
Thomas Point Beach
We’re crossing out fingers, waiting to hear back from Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival as well! We applied as an emerging artist.
Finally, check out my New and Improved Teaching and Performing Calendar which lists all of my upcoming classes and performances. Tons of new classes:
December 2022
Greetings from Nashville Tennessee!
I'm having a blast here in Nashville! Looking forward to attending my first SPGBMA Bluegrass Convention and for the prestigious Leadership Bluegrass Conference.
I just wanted to take a moment this afternoon to thank all of you for your unwavering support of my new career as a self-employed musician and teacher. I'd love to update you on what I've been up to as well as share some upcoming shows of mine!
One of the things I'm most proud of... - Hosting my first Bluegrass Camp!
I wouldn't have wanted to have it anywhere else - The Ashokan Center is my favorite place on the planet
Thanks to Pete Wernick and Wernick Method Jam Classes/Camps for the support and encouragement.
Just under two years ago, as I was discussing my move out of public school teaching with Pete, he told me that with my skillset as a teacher and a musician, "I could make a living in bluegrass music".
Sounds like the start to one of those bad jokes:
"How do you get a million dollars playing banjo?....
....
"Start with two million" xD
Haha - but in all seriousness, the world of folk music NEEDs dedicated, professional, trained EDUCATORS - I'm so happy that I'm able to marry my love of bluegrass music with my background in Education in a fun, unique, and exciting way.
One person said:
"This camp changed my life. Whenever I talk to my friends about music camps, they always say "it's a good hang and will be fun, but its not the best place to really learn something"...
This one changed my mind for good. I could tell you are all fantastic teachers" Read more about that weekend here.
It's very likely that this will become an ANNUAL event on or around Martin Luther King day weekend
^^Another fun mini-camp I put on in Cambridge MA^^
On the Trail will be at several bluegrass festivals this summer- we can't wait to share which ones sometime in the next couple of months :)
We're really excited for our upcoming show in Southbury, CT at the Heritage Hotel and Conference Center. Feb 5 at 4PM - Make sure to grab tickets for this one!
As for the Rock Hearts, we have a fantastic 2023 touring schedule that we have just released!
We will also be dropping a new single soon and plan to release our full record in March!
Join us for the album release show on 4/15 in Cambridge, MA at Lilly P's!
All of this is made possible by the amazing support of my family and friends- Check out this video/recording I made to accompany some pictures from Winter break. (It has one of the tracks from my annual Christmas Album that I make for my family.
In the summer, I'm psyched to announce that I'll be co-teaching with Justin Branum and Christian Howes in Asheville, NC - Creative Strings Workshop Asheville, North Carolina July 2-7
That's it for now! Thanks again :)
-Austin
Upcoming Classes
P.S. If you're in the Northeast, there is a Bluegrass Jam class on the horizon:
Feb 4 NJ Day class:
September 2022
Friends, Family,
Tomorrow, I'll set out for the International Bluegrass Music Association's "World of Bluegrass" in Raleigh, NC.
This marks one year today from my first big foray into the great unknown - my trip to Raleigh in 2021 was a big reason for steering my career in a new direction.
I have nothing but gratitude for my close friends and family for supporting this big decision to pursue my passion. I wanted to share some exciting news that has happened these past few months:
I'm taking a breath of fresh air after the most eventful, action-packed summer of my life - Find pictures, video, and my reflections here on my latest post
I'm tremendously honored to have been selected for Leadership Bluegrass: an "intensive three-day program of advanced-level interactive learning experiences designed to build commitment, motivate talents, and instill enthusiasm for addressing the future of the bluegrass music industry."
First Single release under 615 Hideaway Records - Twin Fiddling with Grammy Award Winning Fiddler Micheal Cleveland Couldn't be more excited to share the first fruits of a year's worth of dreaming, sacrifice, and hard work. Read about it above Or listen directly here
Two Other Rock Hearts Videos
Classic Country - Merle Haggard Cover "Today I Started Loving You Again"
Hard Hitting Bluegrass Number: 99 Years
"This really meant a lot to us, to be validated for who we are and what we bring to the table. Thank you one more time to Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival for having us this year, and a special congratulations to all the bands that competed."
Here's my schedule for the next month or so!
August 2022
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support, encouragement, and love over these years.
As of July 28, 2022, my band, the Rock Hearts, has signed a multi-album record deal with 615 Hideaway Records out of Nashville Tennessee.
When I was thinking about "going for it" I told my middle schoolers to "dream big... When you're young, you have so much opportunity ahead of you! I told them to vividly imagine where they wanted to see themselves when they grew up. Think of what it will feel like, what it will look like, sound like.... I wasn't shy about leading by example with them- I would share how I loved bluegrass music and that one day I want to take my fiddle all over the world. I want music to be my ticket to see and explore new and exciting places. I'd like to play on big stages and share this huge love with more and more people. Well, now another part of that dream is coming true! I could have never expected that just one year later I would be working with a record label. This means we will be working together to share our music with bigger audiences through video, social media, and radio play. Wish I could share with all of my previous students -"This orchestra teacher from Connecticut did it and you can too!!" Keep on dreaming big and go for it Thanks to all those who have encouraged me in this next chapter. I'm grateful to have been surrounded by that and I know it's not the norm that family and friends are this supportive of a big risk- leaving a fantastic job for something even more exciting. Cheers to you all!
September 2022
Friends and Family- Wanted to share this exciting news with you! Thanks for your support :)
Couldn't be more excited to share the first fruits of a year's worth of dreaming, sacrifice, and hard work.
A year ago I couldn't have imagined I would be playing with such an established group of talented musicians- let alone be working with a record label that's helping us get our music out into the world. Thanks to The 615 Hideaway Records for working with us!
In April, we made the trek to Nashville to record my first full-length album with the Rock Hearts.
On Friday, the first single was released and is available for streaming on all platforms! Even better- this one features some killer twin fiddling with none other than Michael Cleveland himself! Let me know what you think
We are so excited for the release of our Debut Single on 615 Hideaway Records.
Listen to "Wanderlust on your favorite Steaming Platform.
“Wanderlust” is written by band member Alexander R. MacLeod IV and produced by Ned Luberecki which features a collaborative performance with special guest Michael Cleveland. Click Here to stream the new single on your favorite streaming PlatformListen Now!Stream the new Single on Youtube! Check out our latest Music Video! Alex describes the debut single as a song that explores the yearning to constantly move and not remain static. A phenomenon that occurs with many “adult military brats” who moved frequently as children. It’s a song that I would dedicate to every adult “military brat,” who by simply being born into a military family, had to move frequently, often leaving friends and loved ones behind, always being the “new kid” and trying to make sense of it all, never knowing where “they’re from.” Not so much the story, but the genesis of the story. Wanderlust
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