This discussion series is part of a project by the Blue Ridge Music Center that began in 2020, honoring the one hundredth anniversary of women being granted the right to vote.
North Carolina singer-songwriter Laurelyn Dossett speaks with female musicians, and women involved in music management and promotion, to share their stories, talk about their experiences, and express their hopes for the future. Their individual stories highlight the collective strength and future possibilities for women in bluegrass and American roots music.
The recording of the “A Place in the Band: Women in Bluegrass and American Roots Music” virtual conference held on February 26, 2021, is now available on YouTube.
This conference brought together several prominent women at the forefront of bluegrass and American roots music, both musicians and others involved behind the scenes in the music industry.
The conference included a keynote address from Alison Brown, concert sets from the Alison Brown Quartet and the First Ladies of Bluegrass, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Annie Staninec & John Kael, Leyla McCalla, and Missy Raines & Ben Surratt.
Three panel discussions were held on issues related to woman in the music industry, musicians, and next steps & actions. Panel members and discussion facilitators included Claire Armbruster, Jamie Katz Court, Laurelyn Dossett, Cathy Fink, Kimberly Glick, Leyla McCalla, Missy Raines, Lisa Schwartz, Annie Staninec, and Trisha Tubbs.
