Fall 1998

In this issue

1. Greetings!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy's opening note starts with positive thoughts about Rhonda Vincent's visibility before delivering a frustrated report on the drastic decline in women nominated for IBMA awards, framing it as a critical problem for the entire industry.
   IBMA Awards–Almost No Women Nominated by Murphy Hicks Henry This section shows that only four women were nominated across all categories—and argues that this lack of visibility is detrimental to bluegrass's growth and public perception, urging readers to raise awareness.
   Inside by Murphy Hicks Henry A brief preview of the issue's major articles highlighting the investigative piece on "sidewomen," personal narratives, and Hazel Dickens' honorary degree speech.
   Keynote Address by Murphy Hicks Henry An announcement from Murphy that she will be the first woman to give the keynote address at the upcoming IBMA World of Bluegrass business conference.
2. Where Are the Sidewomen
   by Claire Levine A comprehensive and journalistic article exploring the complex reasons—from tradition and vocal blend to economics and other women—why there are so few women in bluegrass bands as sidemen featuring interviews with many professional women musicians.
3. Circled Out of the Jam
   by MaryE Yeomans MaryE Yeomans account of being socially excluded and openly shunned in informal bluegrass jam sessions in the South, contrasting it with her more inclusive experiences in the Northeast.
4. Hazel Dickens Speaks
   by Hazel Dickens A transcription of Hazel Dickens' speech accepting an honorary doctorate, where she credits her mother's quiet strength and dignity as the inspiration for her songwriting and dedicates the degree to her family and departed friends.
5. Katie Laur Speaks
   “I Never Had Any Idea I Was Making a Statement Just by Enduring” by Katie Laur Katie Laur's reflection on her long, multifaceted career in bluegrass, radio, and writing, concluding that she never set out to be a pioneer but realized she was "making a statement just by enduring."
6. Fair of Face
   by Nancy Hicks Pate A personal story from Nancy Pate about the joys and challenges of playing music with her sisters, highlighted by receiving a humorous backhanded compliment of being called "a bunch of homely girls" by an audience member.
7. Ratifications
   by Casey Henry Casey Henry's column chronicles her summer adventures, from playing the Georgia Mountain Fair to interviewing banjo stars Jim Mills and Charlie Cushman in Nashville, and seeing a show at the Ryman.
8. WOMEN TO PERFORM AT IBMA
   by Murphy Hicks Henry A list of the participation of women in the upcoming IBMA World of Bluegrass conference, showing that about half of the showcase bands and one fourth of FanFest bands include female musicians.

Photos

• Kristin Scott Benson, page 2. Photo: Steven Daniels.
• Lynn Morris, page 3. Photographer unknown.
• Alice Gerrard, Hazel Dickens, page 8. Photographer unknown.
• Alice Gerrard, Hazel Dickens, page 8. Photographer unknown.
• Ginny Hawker, page 8. Photographer unknown.
• Unidentified, page 10. Photographer unknown.