Meet Your Heroes: The Maestro Peter Rowan

What an honor it was to fill-in for my hero, mentor, and friend,  Christopher Henry, in the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Convention! When I first started learning mandolin online from Christopher in 2020, during the height of the shutdown, I could have never dreamed of this experience. Only two short years ago, I had to place a post-it note on my laptop that served as a reminder from Christopher to “breathe” when I would perform for our small, online workshop family.
The experience of playing with Peter Rowan for his Bluegrass Hall of Fame Induction at the IBMA Awards Show (in front of the world of bluegrass) last week was purely magical. I played Peter’s new song, “From My Mountain,” which featured Molly Tuttle on guitar and vocals. Then, I got to kick off the iconic song that Rowan penned with Bill Monroe, “Walls of Time.” If you know anything about bluegrass mandolin and the significance of Bill Monroe, then you know the importance of this moment. The night before, I also played and sang with the bluegrass legend during his Rebel Records’ Showcase. I was so excited when Peter invited me back to play a mandolin duet with my teacher Christopher Henry at their big show on Friday night! We played Bill Monroe’s tune “Frog on the Lilly Pad” at what felt like the fastest tempo that it’s ever been played! Christopher, who is one of the greatest Monroe-style mandolin players, is featured on this hoppin’ tune on Peter’s new album. You should definitely go listen to that entire album now!
I’ve always loved Peter’s music, his special voice, but after being around him for just a few days I now know what a special spirit he has too. He is someone you just want to be around and soak up all of the good #vibes. His family is an extension of his legacy. Beacons of kindness and creativity while being legendary at what they each do.
Thank you to my mentor Christopher Henry for believing in me. Thank you to Peter and family for not doubting that a 13-year-old #mandolin picker could play along side the legend that is Peter Rowan, it has changed my life. 

Meet Your Heroes: The Maestro Peter Rowan

What an honor it was to fill-in for my hero, mentor, and friend,  Christopher Henry, in the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Convention! When I first started learning mandolin online from Christopher in 2020, during the height of the shutdown, I could have never dreamed of this experience. Only two short years ago, I had to place a post-it note on my laptop that served as a reminder from Christopher to “breathe” when I would perform for our small, online workshop family.
The experience of playing with Peter Rowan for his Bluegrass Hall of Fame Induction at the IBMA Awards Show (in front of the world of bluegrass) last week was purely magical. I played Peter’s new song, “From My Mountain,” which featured Molly Tuttle on guitar and vocals. Then, I got to kick off the iconic song that Rowan penned with Bill Monroe, “Walls of Time.” If you know anything about bluegrass mandolin and the significance of Bill Monroe, then you know the importance of this moment. The night before, I also played and sang with the bluegrass legend during his Rebel Records’ Showcase. I was so excited when Peter invited me back to play a mandolin duet with my teacher Christopher Henry at their big show on Friday night! We played Bill Monroe’s tune “Frog on the Lilly Pad” at what felt like the fastest tempo that it’s ever been played! Christopher, who is one of the greatest Monroe-style mandolin players, is featured on this hoppin’ tune on Peter’s new album. You should definitely go listen to that entire album now!
I’ve always loved Peter’s music, his special voice, but after being around him for just a few days I now know what a special spirit he has too. He is someone you just want to be around and soak up all of the good #vibes. His family is an extension of his legacy. Beacons of kindness and creativity while being legendary at what they each do.
Thank you to my mentor Christopher Henry for believing in me. Thank you to Peter and family for not doubting that a 13-year-old #mandolin picker could play along side the legend that is Peter Rowan, it has changed my life. 

Photo: Jay Strausser

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