tag:kimrobins.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=3Latest News2024-01-15T19:04:05-05:00Kim Robinsfalsetag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/73344942024-01-15T19:04:05-05:002024-01-19T14:52:06-05:00RIGHT ON TIME-Bluegrass Unlimited January 2024<div class="fl-module fl-module-fl-post-content fl-node-ci8z1juw5pl2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;caret-color:rgb(66, 66, 66);color:rgb(66, 66, 66);font-family:Merriweather, serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-node="ci8z1juw5pl2"><div class="fl-module-content fl-node-content" style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:20px;">
<h2><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>The Past</strong></span></h2>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Kim Robins—singer, songwriter, band leader, entrepreneur, nurse, mother, grandmother and all-around busy woman—produced her first recording in 2013. It is still available and titled <i>Forty Years Late</i>. “What’s the fuss” you might wonder? The buzz is that Kim was somewhat “late” in life in getting to the point where that CD was created but now is back in the bluegrass business with innovative ideas and projects that are underway.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Most of Kim’s background has already been documented on her own website, Facebook, streaming platforms, and sources for purchasing music. Herein you will find the highlights of Robins’s early days and perhaps a few morsels not previously reported, but the intent here is to cover her current and future endeavors.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">To date, Kim has three recordings: <i>Forty Years Late</i>, <i>Raining in Baltimore</i> (2017) and <i>Leave the Porch Light On</i> (2021). She wrote a holiday tune for Pinecastle Records (“You and Christmas Cookies”), released in 2020 with other artists.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Kim says she got the idea for the title <i>Forty Years Late </i>from her former spouse, Butch Robins, who had released an LP by that name. Kim grew up in a family band setting in Indiana with a father who had a country band and loved music. She remembers being on stage with her dad at age five and knew then she wanted to sing. She joined her dad by singing two songs on stage at age six. By the time she was eight she was one of the original and youngest members of the Little Nashville Opry in Brown County, Indiana, when it opened in 1973. (It has since been destroyed by fire.)</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">She took guitar lessons but did not play on stage. Kim got involved in softball and socializing with friends and did not make enough time for music growing up. She is currently taking the online Kenny Smith Guitar course. Singing came more naturally and her mom spent a lot of time with her to learn harmony. <i>Forty Years Late </i>came along when she was 45 years old.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">As a teenager, she got interested in the typical activities of growing up and learning about life. Music took a backseat. Robins gave birth to a child as a teenager and worked her way through college as a single mom, and she studied fashion merchandising for her first degree and later earned a second degree in nursing.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Fast forward to the year 2000 when she met and married Butch Robins. Butch was one of the longest tenured banjoists for Bill Monroe and The Blue Grass Boys, and bassist for the New Grass Revival, earning him the distinction of being “the one and only New Grass/Blue Grass Boy.” Butch served in the US Army in South Carolina and there met Snuffy Jenkins & Pappy Sherrill, which inspired him to dedicate his first solo album, <i>Forty Years Late</i>, to Snuffy.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Although Butch and Kim divorced in just a few short years, they remain friendly with each other. As a result, Butch was fully supportive of Kim’s request to use the name of his LP for her first CD. Kim says Butch encouraged her and played banjo on the project. As a special touch, Butch and Kim’s dad played the bonus track featuring instrumental versions of “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Shuckin’ the Corn.”</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Butch said Kim is “…one of the hardest working people I have met in my life. I was surprised when she pulled it off. When I heard it, it was really good. When she sets her mind to something, she will accomplish it admirably.”</span></p>
</div></div><p><span style="color:#000000;"><img src="https://bluegrassunlimited.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Screen-Shot-2023-12-28-at-9.42.03-AM-683x1024.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Photo by david johnson" height="1024" width="683" /></span></p><div class="fl-module fl-module-fl-post-content fl-node-ci8z1juw5pl2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;caret-color:rgb(66, 66, 66);color:rgb(66, 66, 66);font-family:Merriweather, serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-node="ci8z1juw5pl2"><div class="fl-module-content fl-node-content" style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:20px;">
<div class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 1em;"><figure><figcaption><span style="color:#000000;">Photo by david johnson</span></figcaption></figure></div>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Kim also recruited Michael Cleveland on fiddle, Jeff Guernsey (former fiddler for Vince Gill), Lynn Manzenberger (formerly with The Wildwood Valley Boys) on bass, and Nathan Livers on mandolin. Kim and Butch did not play together professionally, but she did come to some shows when Butch played with the Cumberland Highlanders with Joe Isaacs and Wayne Lewis (Blue Grass Boy).</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">In 2013 she made her first trip to the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass during its first year in Raleigh. Robins says “I did not know anyone. I introduced myself to folks based on reading their name tags.” That led to the Pinecastle Records contract, with Ron Stewart producing her second album. Members of the Boxcars played on the recording, along with Rickey Wasson and Shannon Slaughter.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Robins managed her life for 20 to 30 years as a single mom and eventually started a band (named, of course, 40 Years Late) and used local pickers from the Indiana area. They played a lot of fairs and small venues. </span></p>
<h2><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>The Present</strong></span></h2>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Robins met Mark Gines in 2006. They married in 2008. Mark, a photographer, did not know a lot about bluegrass at first, but now knows many people in the relatively small bluegrass community. His first exposure to bluegrass was through the Cherryholmes band. Mark said, “I thought they were amazing. There were lots of family bands that lived close to Bloomington and Bean Blossom, so I have a greater respect for it now. Now I know what it’s all about.” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Kim was writing many of the songs she performed, while keeping a busy life together. She travels a lot with her job in the nursing profession and looks for signs along the road that might be a hook for a song. Robins remarked, “I’ll think of a line and put it in my recorder and will develop it later. I go for many months without creativity.” She has done some co-writing with Jerry Salley and pitched songs to The Grascals, Shannon Slaughter and Donna Ulisse.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Donna reported, “Kim sure knows her way around songwriting. I enjoyed getting to collaborate with her while she was with us during a Little House Songwriting Workshop. After the second day of the workshop event, Rick and I always enjoy cooking a big Southern dinner and invite others to join us. When the moaning and groaning that comes from eating too much is done, we clear the room and sit to pick and sing. Well, when Kim opened her mouth and belted her song here among the crowd, the folks went crazy. She’s a songbird indeed!” A strong endorsement from Donna.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">In 2015 Robins announced she was calling it quits as reported in <i>Bluegrass Today</i>. John Lawless, primary author and editor of the online platform, reported in October 2015: “The rigors of touring while also maintaining a full-time, non-music career have taken their toll. Kim shared with her fans: ‘It is with much thought and consideration that I have decided to disband the 40 Years Late band. The constant struggle of running a band and keeping band members has proven to be more challenging than I had expected. My heart will remain in music, and I am still planning to finish a new album with Rickey Wasson and Ron Stewart producing. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">“My birthday show on November 7th will be my last show. Thank you to everyone who has helped me over the years. A special thanks to Spencer Sallee and Caleb Garrett for their continued loyalty. I wish them both success. Thank you to everyone who has booked my band over the last few years. I hope to see you all in some capacity down the road.’”</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Robins might have given up touring and performing but she stayed connected to bluegrass. She was accepted to fill a scarce seat in the annual IBMA Leadership Bluegrass class in 2018 but had a serious fall while ice skating with her granddaughter. She suffered a grade three concussion, the worst one could get but had no internal bleeding or skull fracture. IBMA agreed to reschedule her attendance for the 2019 class. (Mandolinist Scott Napier took the 2018 seat.) </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">In 2020 Robins established another working band and toured, looking for that year to be her best and getting on the festival circuit. She played Song of the Mountains, opened for Dale Ann Bradley at Meadowgreen Music Park in Kentucky and was booked at Bean Blossom, Sam Jam, and Bluegrass in the Hills when COVID hit, and her nursing career demanded more. Kim continues to play selected dates and is booking more in 2024.</span></p>
<h2><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>The Future</strong></span></h2>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Not one to let all these adventures get her down, Kim charges ahead. Her next venture is to build a coffee house and offer a place for live music, similar to Lorraine Jordan’s Coffee & Café in Garner, North Carolina, adjacent to Raleigh. Robins has met with Jordan a couple of times and has toured the coffee house. Robins found Jordan to be very helpful and picked up tips on using food trucks, machine placement, promotion and having adequate electric power. Lorraine said, “Kim is a hard worker for our music and has some great new events and venues she is working on. She and I chatted about Lorraine’s Coffee House, and I am so excited she is going to open a place similar to what we have here in Garner, seven miles east of Raleigh. In our talks I could tell she had a good business mind and some creative ideas. I’m excited for her!”</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Robins lives about an hour away from Bean Blossom, which needs more music venues. Kim says, “We’re in the middle of nowhere, but we have lots of folks around us. Evansville, Bloomington and Terre Haute are close by. Indianapolis is about one hour away.” She says if this dream works out, they would like to have a show every Saturday—maybe an acoustic Thursday, perhaps something on Fridays, with a bigger artist on Saturdays. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">As reported in <i>Bluegrass Today</i> regarding the new coffee house, “It will be a family thing, with shows over by 10:00 pm, and with no alcohol. In the beginning we will have food trucks come in, but we may eventually offer pastries and sandwiches, and local Amish food. And there will be picking in the parking lot.” The proposed venue will be called Blue Zebra for Kim’s love of bluegrass and zebra for her husband’s career as a basketball referee. It will be located in Greene County, Indiana.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;"> Kim has also become a promoter of the Red Bird Bluegrass Festival in Bloomington, Indiana, scheduled for July 2024. Featured will be the Grascals, the Lonesome River Band, the Clay Hess Band, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, Branded Bluegrass, Downriver Collective, and of course Kim Robins. Look at the Fowler Pumpkin Patch website for exact location (https://fowlerpumpkinpatch.com/)</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">With energy to spare, Robins indicated she has always wanted to own her own record label. Her parents and her brother all passed away within a brief span of time. She says her parents had always been conservative with their finances and she took over upon their passing. Kim wanted to honor them in some way. That led to a partnership with Melonie and Steve Wilson and the creation of Ram Cat Music, LLC. in 2022. Kim serves as CEO, while Melanie handles publicity and Steve works on the engineering pieces when he is not building banjos. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">They have signed their first band, Retro 78, consisting of friends across the Carolinas. The first recording was engineered and produced by Alan Bibey and mixed by Steve Wilson. The project is a five song, self-titled EP. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Robins is also currently collaborating with Dale Ann Bradley on a new recording. Dale Ann has picked out some songs that will be different for Kim, perhaps a little more contemporary. Kim says this will be a healing album after having lost her brother to lung cancer, her dad to old age, and her mom to a heart attack – all within one year. She sees this as a healing album for herself and is using <i>Broken</i> as a working title. She might include a train song. The songs are upbeat but have meaning and messages. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">As a traveling nurse, Kim saw the impact of COVID on many music careers. Lots of gigs were cancelled and she could not commit to festivals due to being on call. So, the new recording will be her response—somewhat like recovering from PTSD. As of this writing, Kim is singing a duet with Robert Hale, using Ethan Burkhardt on bass, Matt Leadbetter on Dobro, Scott Vestal on banjo, and Tony Wray on guitar. Michael Cleveland adds the fiddle breaks, and the mandolin part is still pending.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Dale Ann remarked, “I am looking forward to producing Kim Robins’s new album. Her voice has great tone and expression. Those things make her voice unique and one you recognize right away. I cannot wait to start recording.”</span></p>
<h2><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Epilogue</strong></span></h2>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Kim Robins calls her music traditional/contemporary with a country flare. She has learned a lot about the music business since her beginnings at age five and progressed to being an opening act for such artists as Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Barbara Mandrell and the Oak Ridge Boys.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Robins has experienced the bigoted aspects of some festivals that would not hire bands with a female lead. She says being a woman in bluegrass is hard. Notwithstanding these discouragements, she has kept pursuing her musical goals and many are now coming to fruition. We in the bluegrass community are all the better for her achievements in her own time. She is no longer forty years late, rather Kim is right on time. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">Bob Webster</span></p>
</div></div>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/73344702024-01-15T18:57:44-05:002024-01-15T19:06:10-05:00Red Bird Bluegrass festival coming to Bloomington, IN<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://redbirdbluegrassfest.com/"><strong>Red Bird Bluegrass</strong></a> is a new festival launching this summer in Bloomington, IN, starting out as a two-day event in 2024, with hopes of expanding if all goes well.</p><p>This new venture is a partnership between Perry and Renee Fowler, who own a large farm on the border between Greene and Monroe Counties, and bluegrass artist <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.kimrobins.com/"><strong>Kim Robins</strong></a>, whose plans to become more involved in show promotion <a class="no-pjax" href="https://bluegrasstoday.com/kim-robins-has-new-plans-for-her-bluegrass-career/"><strong>we highlighted</strong></a> a year ago.</p><p>The Fowlers’ property is already familiar to folks in and around Bloomington, as they host music there several times a year, and open up a <a class="no-pjax" href="https://fowlerpumpkinpatch.com/"><strong>pumpkin patch</strong></a> on site each fall, with a corn maze, hay rides, an animal barn, and the whole deal. Located just a few miles from the center of Bloomington, this spot is convenient for all of central Indiana.</p><p>Kim tells us that the Fowlers invited her out to talk about helping them plan a bluegrass festival, and she jumped at the chance.</p><p>“I went out and met with them, and the location was perfect to bring something new to the area.</p><p>We started planning and ended up deciding on a two day festival (July 12-13) starting with a <a class="no-pjax" href="https://redbirdbluegrassfest.com/band-contest"><strong>band contest</strong></a> on Friday, July 12. The entry fee is $20.00 and proceeds will go to a charity. Fans will vote on their favorite band with a cash vote (also going to charity), and the winning band will play the main stage on Saturday. Branded Bluegrass (a local favorite) and Lonesome River Band will play later that evening.</p><p>Saturday we will have the winning band from the night before, Downriver Collective (a 2023 IBMA showcase band that I loved), the Clay Hess Band, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, my band, and The Grascals.</p><p>We do have camping but no hookups. They plan to add hookups for next year if this year is successful, and we will have a beer garden and plenty of food trucks as well.”</p><p>Sounds like fun.</p><p>Dave Chichester with GBS Productions will be running sound and Michelle Lee will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the weekend. </p><p>Tickets for the inaugural Red Bird Bluegrass festival are <a class="no-pjax" href="https://fowler.simpletix.com/"><strong>available now online</strong></a>. Both days can be purchased for $65, and single day passes are also offered. Camping sites run from $60-$100.</p><p> </p><p>John Lawless-Bluegrass Today</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/68267942021-11-01T00:00:00-04:002023-10-16T10:50:42-04:00Album Review by Roots Music Report<p>Read full review at <a contents="Roots Music Report" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.rootsmusicreport.com/reviews/view/1346/album-review-of-leave-the-porch-light-on-by-kim-robins" target="_blank">Roots Music Report</a> or here.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/3a61f90fd78d49183786144bd50b8bb6576140b9/original/kr-porchlight-cdjacket.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>I recently caught bluegrass singer/songwriter/ guitarist Kim Robins (with her band, 40 Years Late) on a past episode of Tim White’s “Song of the Mountains” television show, and I was very pleased to hear her second album on the Pinecastle label, <em>Leave the Porch Light On</em>, shortly afterwards. To date, the album has climbed as high as #19 on the weekly Roots Music Report's Top 50 Contemporary Bluegrass Album Chart. </p>
<p>From Bloomington, Indiana, Kim Robins began singing at an early age, and her musical influences are Connie Smith, Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens, Ray Price, Bill Monroe, and Barbara Mandrell. Robins postponed her music career for 40 years while she worked as a medical sales rep and raised her family. Rekindling a love of bluegrass, she self-released her 40 Years Late album in 2013 and began touring with her own band. In 2017, her first album on the Pinecastle label, Raining in Baltimore, helped her receive a second nomination for International Bluegrass Association's Momentum Female Vocalist of the Year Award. Robins’ vocalizing has both emotional energy and sweetness of tone that makes it rather unique. </p>
<p>For this project, co-produced by Clay Hess (who also plays guitar and banjo), Kim Robins surrounds herself with first-rate musicians Tim Crouch (fiddle), Duane Estep (mandolin), Brennan Hess (bass), and Josh Woods (banjo on one track). Songs come from the pens of songwriters like Mark “Brink” Brinkman, Paula Breedlove, Daniel Salyer, Rick Lang, Alan Johnston, Greg Preece and others. Standouts include “Hurricane,” “Bourbon and Beer,” “Leave the Porch Light On” and “I'll Always Be a Gambler.” </p>
<p>With a more understated, relaxed delivery, Kyle Estep’s lead vocals are featured on four tracks, including “Can’t Be Anything But Love” and “I’ll Always Be a Gambler,” and Clay Hess sings lead on “Wind in the Valley.” Throughout, and whether singing lead or harmony, heart-tugging warmth is found in Kim Robins’ sturdy vocals as she presents contemporary material with a throwback approach to catch up on the last four decades, as well as provide hope and optimism for the years ahead. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/68267362021-09-03T13:00:00-04:002022-01-28T11:43:53-05:00Kim Robins Releases New Album ‘Leave The Porch Light On’<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/3a61f90fd78d49183786144bd50b8bb6576140b9/original/kr-porchlight-cdjacket.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Nashville, Tenn. (September 3, 2021) - The wait is finally over, as Kim Robins releases her long awaited album <em>Leave The Porch Light On.</em> Available today, the project includes 13 new recordings, all centered around the Indiana native’s one-of-a-kind voice. The collection also consists of a star-studded lineup of guests including Clay Hess, Tim Crouch, Kyle Estep, Josh Woods, Duane Estep and Brennan Hess. Fans can download and/or stream the full record HERE.</p>
<p>“I have so many emotions ahead of this CD release. The last couple of years have been rough on us all,” says Kim Robins. “I’m thrilled, relieved and sad at the same time. It will be the first project my parents and brother didn’t get to hear. I hope and pray you all will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it. Thank you to Clay Hess and Pinecastle Records for giving me the opportunity to live my dream!”</p>
<p>Bluegrass enthusiasts were treated to the latest single in the form of “Hurricane,” which was released in early August. The song was written by Alan Johnston and features Clay Hess and Tim Crouch. It’s an upbeat Bluegrass anthem that is filled with creative lyrics and metaphors. Robins’ powerful vocals on the track are a quick reminder of why the singer/songwriter was nominated on two different occasions for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) “Momentum Vocalist of the Year” award.</p>
<p>Recorded during the COVID era, <em>Leave The Porch Light On</em> took a slight turn. Originally it was slated to be much different, but by adapting to the times, Robins was able to pull together several big names to accompany her on the album. It’s very obvious when listening through the record, listeners can hear various influences that stay true to the Hoosier’s unique sound. There’s also no shortage of hit songwriters on the collection, including tracks penned by Paula Breedlove, Mark Brinkman, Rick Lang, Alan Johnston, and more (full track listing below). Also on display are the musicians from Robins’ band 40 Years Late, including Kyle Estep, Duane Estep,and Josh Woods.</p>
<p>Other standout cuts on the project include the must-hear ballad “Memories of an Angel,” which tells a full-circle story about growing old and losing loved ones, plus the upbeat title track. Another highlight is the edgy “Seven Devils Ridge,” which describes a tragic story about forbidden love with a twist. The album concludes with the touching Gospel recording “I Won’t Have a Prayer.” To learn more about Kim Robins, check latest news stories, purchase music and more, visit www.kimrobins.com.</p>
<p><em><strong>Leave The Porch Light On</strong></em><strong> Track Listing</strong>:</p>
<p>1. Johnny Clay (written by Daniel Salyer)</p>
<p>2. I’ll Always Be A Gambler (written by Joshua Woods)</p>
<p>3. Bourbon And Beer (written by Kim Robins, David Morris and Dawn Kenney)</p>
<p>4. Leave The Porch Light On (written by Kim Robins and Dawn Kenney)</p>
<p>5. Memories Of An Angel (written by Daniel Salyer)</p>
<p>6. Annalisa (written by Marc Rossi and Jeff Walter)</p>
<p>7. Seven Devils Ridge (written by Brad Davis and Paula Breedlove)</p>
<p>8. You’re In The Lord’s Hands Now (written by Marc Rossi and Jeff Walter)</p>
<p>9. Hurricane (written by Alan Johnston)</p>
<p>10. I’m Not To Blame (written by Terry Foust and Michael Bentley)</p>
<p>11. Can’t Be Anything But Love (written by Mark Brinkman)</p>
<p>12. Wind In The Valley (written by Rich Schleckser and Rick Lang)</p>
<p>13. I Won’t Have A Prayer (written by Greg Preece)</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/67214462021-08-19T13:57:53-04:002021-12-01T13:35:48-05:00Hurricane - New Single from Kim Robins<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/6b74e2048382566a25e8f8e6eb4ec78919343630/original/img-2119.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" />Pinecastle Records has released a new single for Kim Robins, the lead-off track for her upcoming album with the label, <em>Leave The Porch Light On. </em></p>
<p>It’s one called Hurricane – a perfect song for this time of year – written by Alan Johnson, and recorded with assistance from Duane Estep on mandolin, Clay Hess on guitar and banjo, Brennan Hess on bass, and Tim Crouch on fiddle. They give a punchy, mid-tempo bluegrass feel to this song about how a false-hearted lover can make you feel like you are living inside that titular storm. </p>
<p>Robins says that she was drawn to Hurricane right from the start. </p>
<p>“I loved the song from the first time I heard it and thought it would be a great addition to the project. I know many of us have been through what seems to be a hurricane the last several months, so you might find this song very relatable. I hope you all enjoy it.” </p>
<p>Kim knows of which she speaks, having lost both of her parents and her brother in the past year.</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/66674572021-06-22T20:30:59-04:002021-12-01T13:22:33-05:00You and Christmas Cookies from Kim Robins<iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/3YT24DFBhgUrpGVRqjiWAP?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="80" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture"></iframe>
<p> </p>
<p>Pinecastle Records has a new release from Kim Robins, her first ever Christmas single. It’s one she wrote called You and Christmas Cookies, which takes a bluesy bluegrass look at the annual baking tradition. Think a modern Jingle Bell Rock with some hot fiddle and banjo pickin’. </p>
<p>She cut the track at Clay Hess’ studio, with him on guitar, bass, and mandolin. Ron Block played banjo with Tim Crouch adding the fiddle. </p>
<p>Kim says that the song came from her wanting to put a happier face on some trying times. </p>
<p>“I’ve been working the COVID nursing homes as an RN, and had the desire to write a fun song that would inspire people to get up and dance a little and, to think about the things they loved at Christmas. For me that was cookies and my husband.” </p>
<p>It will definitely get those feet to moving! </p>
<p>You and Christmas Cookies is available now wherever you stream or download music online. Radio programmers can find the track at AirPlay Direct.</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/57988252019-06-20T22:07:32-04:002019-06-20T22:07:32-04:00Salt River Bluegrass Festival is resurrected for 2019 and beyond<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/eacff9ac6ba5e7c0678e3c4434bc8c57590b3aa9/original/saltriver-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Last year was a sad one for fans of the long-running Salt River Bluegrass Festival in Midland, MI. The event was a dream fulfilled for promoter George Carr, who had run it on his property the past 40 years. </p>
<p>But shortly before the July festival in 2018, Carr was suddenly taken ill and he barely made it long enough to attend his last one. His wife Kris, who had assisted with the festival since it began, announced beforehand that it would be the last for everyone, as she couldn’t imagine continuing without him. </p>
<p>George was able to attend last July, but only lived a short time after. Many friends and bluegrass lovers in central Michigan came to say their goodbyes to the festival, and the man who had made it happen. </p>
<p>And it truly was George Carr who created the festival. He had loved bluegrass music, and longed to put on shows where he could hear, and play, the music he loved. So he bought a 40 acre tract near Oil City, cleared it, built a stage and a shower house, and before long folks were coming with tents and campers to enjoy the pickin’. The first festival was held there in 1978, at what the Carrs called Salt River Acres, and each July since there has been a festival featuring primarily Michigan bands. </p>
<p>Kris didn’t start reflecting on the possibility of continuing until early this year, but once the idea took hold, she was determined to keep it going in George’s honor. After all, she owned the property, so there was no cost to rent a facility, and many people had offered to help if she deduced to do so. </p>
<p>So plans are now set, and a 41st annual Salt River Bluegrass Festival is scheduled to run July 25-27, with camping available on site all week leading up to music on the weekend. </p>
<p>She told The Midland Times that it feels a bit odd getting ready for festival week without George. </p>
<p>“That’s going to be a big, big void to fill,” she said of a bluegrass festival without her husband. “George was the ambassador. He was out in the crowd, talking to people, greeting people, giving little gifts away. He loved it. I’m not sure I’m going to fill those big shoes, but I’m going to try.” </p>
<p>The main change from how things have always been done is that Kris has invited a couple of more progressive bluegrass bands to perform this year. George had been a stickler for only featuring traditional music at Salt River, and that will still remain the largest part of the entertainment offerings next month. Also new this year is a band scramble where pickers are invited to sign up, and then be randomly placed into groups who will have just a few hours to rehearse before going on stage together. </p>
<p>Many of the groups who have been regulars at Salt River will be back this year, like Charlie Lawson & Oak Hill and Bluegrass 101. Kim Robins & 40 Years Late and Branded Bluegrass are also on the bill. </p>
<p>Tickets are available online for the resurrected Salt River Bluegrass Festival. </p>
<p>Best wishes to Kris Carr running the festival. Long may she reign!</p>
<p>John Lawless-Bluegrass Today</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/57988242019-06-20T22:01:29-04:002019-06-20T22:01:29-04:00I'll Always Be A Gambler from Kim Robins & 40 Years Late<p>When Indiana bluegrass singer and songwriter Kim Robins reformed her band not long ago, she was at pains to insist that it would be a band effort and not just a backup group for her as a leader. </p>
<p>And she has proved that point with today’s release of the first new single from Kim Robins & 40 Years Late, entitled I’ll Always Be A Gambler. The song features the lead vocals of guitarist Kyle Estep, who Robins says she is delighted to highlight right out of the gate. </p>
<p>“Having the opportunity to release a single as a band has been a goal of mine for many years. I am so proud of the work the guys have down in order to make this song and upcoming album a success. I am thrilled to spotlight Kyle Estep on this first single. He is one of the smoothest singers in bluegrass music and I love singing back up to him. 40 Years Late banjo player, Josh Woods shows off his songwriting skills in fine fashion as well. We hope you will enjoy this song and will be on the lookout for our upcoming album release on Pinecastle Records, coming this fall.” </p>
<p>It’s a very pleasant number that should find a home on bluegrass radio.</p>
<p>Along with Robins, Estep, and Woods, 40 Years Late is Chris Martin on bass and Duane Estep (Kyle’s dad) on mandolin. </p>
<p>I’ll Always Be A Gambler is available now from all the popular streaming and download sites, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.</p>
<p>John Lawless-Bluegrass Today</p>
<p> </p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/56561472019-02-23T01:11:59-05:002019-02-23T01:11:59-05:00Duane Estep to Kim Robins and 40 Years Late<p>Kim Robins has announced the newest addition to her touring band, 40 Years Late. Duane Estep has joined the group on mandolin and vocals, stepping in for Dewayne Guffey who left the band last month. </p>
<p>Duane has been a popular bluegrass picker in the Detroit area for some time, where he performed with regional acts like Livingston County Grass, Detroit Bluegrass Band, and New Country Grass. The latter is one he formed with his two sons, Kyle and Brent, making joining up with Kim into a homecoming of sorts for Estep, as his son Kyle is the guitar player in the show. </p>
<p>Robins is delighted to welcome him into her musical family. </p>
<p>“Duane Estep is a top-notch musician and singer and will be a wonderful addition to 40 Years Late. His style and expertise will allow us to grow as a band and we will have more to offer our audiences. We couldn’t be happier to have Duane on board.” </p>
<p>Duane plans to continue in his role with New County Grass as well. </p>
<p>40 Years Late features Kim on guitar and lead vocals, with Chris Martin on bass, Josh Woods on banjo, and Kyle Estep on guitar, with Duane on mandolin. They working in the studio now completing their first band project for Pinecastle Records, which should be released sometime this spring.</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/56049752019-01-20T22:54:23-05:002019-01-20T22:54:23-05:00Kim Robins featured in the January 2019 "Women In Bluegrass" edition of The Bluegrass Standard<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/8b1c8cfd66e2977bd105f77e367f78fbf9944dbf/original/49900581-2239021636122636-3747674401043120128-n.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/8c4b015415589f8c134224e642ebdfbd95bd6900/original/49686399-2239021646122635-1879601465392103424-n.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/4ddb52b7e0def520f1b5bd30089c252003e86b14/original/49900403-2239021592789307-6009662547169378304-n.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/55932402019-01-12T17:37:49-05:002019-01-12T17:42:38-05:00Kim Robins chosen for IBMA Leadership Bluegrass 2019<p>The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced their 2019 class for Leadership Bluegrass, an annual, three-day academy intended to generate future pacesetters in the bluegrass industry. Attendees are selected in a competitive process through an application process, and those selected are invited to Nashville for what the organization describes as “advanced-level interactive learning experiences designed to build commitment, motivate talents, and instill enthusiasm for addressing the future of the bluegrass music industry.” </p>
<p>Next year’s class will be the 20th in this annual tradition, which has seen more than 400 graduates since 2000. </p>
<p>Paul Schiminger, Executive Director of the IBMA, says that this group will be a credit to the program. </p>
<p>“Leadership Bluegrass has become one of the most impactful programs in the bluegrass music industry to connect and develop professionals who have made a strong commitment to advance both their careers and the ongoing efforts of the IBMA. This year’s class has an impressive collective resumé and demonstrated ability to lead across a broad cross-section of our music. Congratulations to the Class of 2019 for being selected out of such a strong group of candidates!” </p>
<p>Chosen as members of the 2019 Leadership Bluegrass class are: </p>
<p>Anni Beach – Jam Pak Blues ‘N’ Grass Neighborhood Band Chandler, AZ <br>David Benedict – Mile Twelve Cambridge, MA <br>Andrea Berman – Pacific Pickin’, CiTR (101.9 FM) West Vancouver, BC <br>Sam Blumenthal – Charlotte, NC <br>Philip Chorney – Charm City Bluegrass / Baltimore Management Agency Rosedale, MD <br>Michelle Conceison – Market Monkeys Nashville, TN <br>Deborah Fillman – Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum Owensboro, KY <br>Sophie Galep – Minnesota Bluegrass Elizabethton, TN <br>Michele Gourley – Durham, NC <br>Philip Graham – Ear Trumpet Labs Portland, OR <br>Rick Greene – SamJam Bluegrass Festival Waverly, OH <br>Katie Hogue – John Hartford Enterprises Nashville, TN <br>John Lowell – John Lowell Music Livingston, MT <br>Alex Mallett – Folk Alliance International Kansas City, MO <br>Mary Beth Martin – Earl Scruggs Center Shelby, NC <br>Jana Mougin – Dark Shadow Recording Goodlettsville, TN <br>Kali Nowakowski – Straight Up Strings Atascadero, CA <br>Forrest O’Connor – The O’Connor Band / Kate Lee & Forrest O’Connor Nashville, TN <br>Thomas Pritchard – Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance East Greenwich, RI <br>Gregory Reish – MTSU Center for Popular Music Murfreesboro, TN <br>Kim Robins – Kim Robins and 40 Years Late Worthington, IN <br>Matt Royles – Man About a Horse / Philly Bluegrass Philadelphia, PA <br>John Strohm – Rounder Records Nashville, TN <br>Maria Wallace – True North Music Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK <br>Melanie Wilson – Wilson Pickins Promotions Westminster, SC </p>
<p>All attendees cover their own transportation and accommodation costs, and pay a fee to the IBMA, though fees can be waived in cases of financial need. </p>
<p>Congratulations to the 2019 class!</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/54543092018-10-03T20:36:34-04:002018-10-08T16:40:50-04:00Josh Woods returns to Kim Robins & 40 Years Late<p>Kim Robins is proud to announce the return of banjo picker Josh Woods to her touring band, 40 Years Late. Josh had been her original banjo man when the band was formed back in 2013, but day job commitments made it impractical for him to stay out on the road with the group, and the Indianapolis native stepped aside in 2014. </p>
<p>But things have apparently changed, as Woods is back and rarin’ to go. </p>
<p>“I am very excited to be a part of Kim Robins and 40 Years Late once again. I am proud of Kim and I look forward to the future of the band as we grow and learn new material.” </p>
<p>Robins will be taking the band into the studio shortly to begin work on a new album for Pinecastle Records. </p>
<p>Joining her as 40 Years Late are Kyle Estep on guitar, Chris Martin on bass, DeWayne Duffey on mandolin, and Woods on banjo. All four guys assist Kim with harmony vocals. </p>
<p>Look for more details on that next project sometime next year.</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/53111472018-06-22T12:20:33-04:002018-06-22T12:20:33-04:00Kim Robins and 40 Years Late chosen as an official IBMA Showcase Band in 2018 The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced today the artists invited to the 2018 World of Bluegrass convention to showcase during the event’s Bluegrass Ramble. Each invited act will have at least two opportunities to perform during World of Bluegrass (September 25-27), which attracts decision makers and taste influencers from all over the world.
Bluegrass Ramble artists are chosen with an eye towards selecting those who are ready for major career advancement, and more established artists who have recently changed direction. They are selected by a committee of industry professionals assembled for this purpose, and will play in a variety of setting in and near the Convention Center in Raleigh, NC where World of Bluegrass will be hosted.
Among these are arch-traditionalists, more contemporary bluegrass acts, old time artists, and groups that perform music influenced by bluegrass traditions.
Chosen to showcase for 2018 are:
Amanda Cook – Jay, Florida
Appalachian Road Show – Ellijay, Georgia
Ashleigh Caudill – Nashville, Tennessee
Bill and the Belles – Johnson City, Tennessee
Cedar Hill – Hillsboro, Missouri
Charm City Junction – Baltimore, Maryland
Circus No. 9 – Johnson City, Tennessee
Colebrook Road – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
David Davis & The Warrior River Boys – Cullman, Alabama
Davidson Brothers – Bendigo, Victoria (Australia)
Flats and Sharps – Brighton, Cornwall (United Kingdom)
Hawktail – Nashville, Tennessee
Jeff Scroggins & Colorado – Parker, Colorado
JigJam – Fermoy, Cork (Ireland)
John Reischman and the Jaybirds – New Westminster, British Columbia (Canada)
Kim Robins and 40 Years Late – Bloomington, Indiana
Kristi Stanley & Running Blind – Coeburn, VA
Lonesome Ace Stringband – Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Man About a Horse – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Missy Raines – Nashville, Tennessee
Rebekah Long – Nashville, Tennessee
Special Consensus – Oak Lawn, Illinois
The Band of Kelleys – Spring Hill, Tennessee
The Barefoot Movement – Hendersonville, Tennessee
The Honey Dewdrops – Baltimore, Maryland
The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers – Stockdale, Pennsylvania
The Plate Scrapers – Hagerstown, Maryland
The Trailblazers – Mount Ulla, North Carolina
The Wooks – Lexington, Kentucky
Wood & Wire – Dripping Springs, Texas
IBMA Executive Director Paul Schiminger, commenting on this year’s choices, sees a good mix of music that people generally associate with bluegrass.
“Each year, there is a great deal of anticipation to learn who was selected as Official Showcase Bands for the upcoming World of Bluegrass out of an incredibly competitive field. Once again, the Showcase Selection Committee faced difficult decisions but did a terrific job. It is fun to see a mixture of well-established bands with new material along with bands who are achieving success in the earlier stages of their careers. There is no better opportunity for talent buyers and other industry professionals to connect with new music and new talent than the showcases at IBMA’s Business Conference and Bluegrass Ramble!”
Full details on World Of Bluegrass, including ticketing information and accommodations in Raleigh, NC, can be found online.Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/51494212018-03-26T23:24:06-04:002018-03-26T23:24:07-04:00Kim Robins named as the newest member of the IBMA Songwriting Committee<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/87cd845e66f9c23157999ad5d04f6aefa25f7c7e/original/ibma.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Kim Robins has been named the newest member of the IBMA Songwriting Committee. The Songwriting Committee helps facilitate events for fellow songwriters both during the World of Bluegrass week and throughout the year. Their goal, according to the IBMA website (IBMA.org), is to “enhance and grow our creative community, adding value to your IBMA membership.” Rick Lang, IBMA Songwriter Committee- Chair, had this to say, “Kim is a dedicated IBMA member, songwriter, recording artist who expressed an interest in our committee when we met in Raleigh last fall. Kim brings a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to the table and will surely be a great asset to our committee! </p>
<p>Born into a musical family and singing from the age of five in church and in her father’s band, Robins was influenced largely by the music of Connie Smith, Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens, Ray Price, Bill Monroe, and Barbara Mandrell. She was an original member, and the youngest, of the Little Nashville Opry in Nashville, Indiana. Her mother’s encouragement that she practice daily and sing loud paid off as she traveled all over the country, opening for legends such as Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Barbara Mandrell and The Oak Ridge Boys. </p>
<p>Robins grew up with music in her veins but, at age 19, gave her first love a backseat to a new love – her baby girl. After earning two college degrees, singlehandedly raising her daughter and establishing a career, Robins met and married renowned banjo player Butch Robins – and her dream of performing music was reignited. With Butch’s encouragement, she started writing music and finding venues to showcase her powerful vocals. Since then, Robins has gained attention with her high-energy, contemporary sound, performing with her band, 40 Years Late, at many venues and festivals including, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA), The Folk Alliance in Memphis, Merlefest, and opening for notable bluegrass artists such as Ralph Stanley, Bobby Osborne and Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice. </p>
<p>In 2017 and 2015, Robins was nominated for an IBMA Momentum Vocalist award and in 2016, Kim signed with Pinecastle Records for the release of her sophomore CD, titled “Raining in Baltimore.” Robins is enjoying the success of Raining in Baltimore on radio stations across the globe including being listed as one of the top artists played on Sirius XM Bluegrass Junction in 2017. </p>
<p>Now married to businessman and college basketball official Mark Gines, Robins resides in her hometown of Bloomington, Indiana, balancing her career as a Nurse Investigator with time enjoyed with her husband, daughter, two stepsons, and three grandchildren.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/53111672018-03-06T12:35:00-05:002019-06-20T22:10:07-04:00Kim Robins - Make Heart Healthy ChoicesKim Robins, bluegrass singer, songwriter, and bandleader, has agreed to contribute an occasional column about staying healthy for touring artists. As a nurse, and a traveling musician, Kim has a keen awareness of the pitfalls of the lifestyle. Here is her first entry, about heart healthy lifestyle choices.
As a nurse for over 25 years, I’ve dealt with my share of heartbreak over the loss of a patient or loved one. I wouldn’t say I’m not affected by death, but I have come to accept it as a part of life. What bothers me most is looking at pictures on the wall in a patient’s room of when they were young and vibrant and realizing life is just way too short.
The music industry has had its share of losses the past couple of years. Most recently, the death of Daryle Singletary has hit me hard. Perhaps it’s because he was so young and had a beautiful family or perhaps it’s because his music has been an integral part of my life for years. How many times as one said, “I’m just having too much fun” only to think of that classic Daryle Singletary song? Although the official cause of death hasn’t been released, it is rumored Daryle suffered a possible blot clot that led to a heart attack. That got me to thinking about how I could use my nursing experience to help educate the bluegrass community just as I have educated my patients over the years.
It’s no secret that many bluegrass musicians eat poorly. Quite often my band and I have left a show starving after just playing only to stop and grab fast food. I’m sure not many people are working out or running laps at a bluegrass festival and many musicians are smokers or have that occasional alcoholic drink. I have struggled with weight for the last few years and have done my best to modify my diet. I work out with a trainer and try to eat a vegetarian diet, but no one loves a good cheeseburger more than me, so I am not perfect by any means. I do want to be around to watch my granddaughter grow up and to make more music with my band, however.
Not all heart disease is preventable. Many people suffer from hereditary conditions or in the case of my father, from an unavoidable condition or virus that was acquired early in life. Age and gender (men have a greater risk of heart attack than women) can also be a risk factor. For the majority though, heart disease is a product of our environment and how we live our life.
According to the American Heart Association Website (www.heart.org), below are Major risk factors that can be modified, treated or controlled.
Tobacco smoke
Smokers’ risk of developing coronary heart disease is much higher than that of nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking is a powerful independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death in patients with coronary heart disease. Cigarette smoking also acts with other risk factors to greatly increase the risk for coronary heart disease. Exposure to other people’s smoke increases the risk of heart disease even for nonsmokers.
High blood cholesterol/Triglycerides/High Blood Pressure
Know your numbers for cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. If any of these numbers are high, it raises your chance of heart disease.
Physical inactivity
Stay physically active. For the maximum benefit, do 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week.
Obesity and overweight
People who have excess body fat — especially if a lot of it is at the waist — are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors. Overweight and obese adults with risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar can make lifestyle changes to lose weight.
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Even when glucose levels are under control, diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, but the risks are even greater if blood sugar is not well controlled. At least 68% of people >65 years of age with diabetes die of some form of heart disease and 16% die of stroke. If you have diabetes, it’s extremely important to work with your healthcare provider to manage it and control any other risk factors you can. Persons with diabetes who are obese or overweight should make lifestyle changes (e.g., eat better, get regular physical activity, lose weight) to help manage blood sugar.
Preventing Heart Attacks
A heart attack can occur at any age. You’re never too young to start heart-healthy living. If you are over 40, or if you have multiple risk factors, work especially closely with your doctor to address your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Heart attack prevention should begin early in life. Start with an assessment of your risk factors and a plan you can follow to keep your heart attack risk low. Prevention is critical because many first-ever heart attacks are fatal or disabling.
If you smoke, stop. The American Heart Association has tools to help you quit.
Work with your physician to manage your risk factors. These might include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
An active lifestyle and good nutrition have also been shown to be helpful in preventing a heart attack. See more lifestyle tips for heart attack prevention.
Conclusion
Remember that you have family, friends and an entire bluegrass community that wants you to be the healthiest you can possibly be, so please, take care of yourselves and live the life you were meant to lead.Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/53111682018-02-27T12:40:00-05:002018-06-22T12:36:13-04:00Kim Robins takes a spill on the iceShe wasn’t on the rink in PyeongChang, but bluegrass singer, songwriter, and bandleader Kim Robins took a fall on the ice Saturday evening, and suffered a serious concussion when her head hit the ground. Kim says that the way she tumbled, her head took the full force of the blow, and she spent the night in the hospital near her home in Bloomington, IN.
As you can see, Kim looks much happier in the photo above right than she does in the hospital wearing a neck brace.
When we spoke with her this afternoon, Robins was back home recuperating, and said that she was feeling a bit better, but was still too dizzy to walk unassisted.
She walked us through her whole ordeal…
“My granddaughter had just moved back to Indiana from Texas, and we had talked all last week about going skating on Saturday. I’m not much of an ice skater, but I have been many times and know my way around. But I was staying close to the rail going around the rink.
When I went to skate around this one girl who was holding on to the rail, my legs went out for under me and I went straight back and landed on my head. I was awake for a moment or so after the fall, but then I passed out. When I came to, my husband was trying to revive me with some ice to my face.
Where I fell was on the far side of the rink, and the emergency crew took almost 45 minutes to get me in the ambulance. I had to lay there on that cold ice the whole time!
At the hospital they did a CT scan, and neck and shoulder x-rays. They released me with a diagnosis of a grade 3 concussion, the worst you can get, but without any internal bleeding or skull fracture.
The doctors say I will need at least two weeks before I can expect to be back to normal.”
Though she works now as an inspector, Kim is also a registered nurse, so she knew right away that she had been seriously injured when she fell. And she says that a last minute decision may have saved her life.
“Just as I was heading out, I grabbed a knit hat since it was getting colder. It was one that the dog had chewed up, but I took it anyway and sort of scrunched the weave back together so I could wear it. The doctor told me that if I hadn’t had that to cushion the blow, I would have surely cracked my skull, and could have died right there on the ice.
My husband only came at the last minute as well. He works as a college basketball referee, and had just gotten home before we left. His face when I woke up showed how concerned he was. I knew it was bad.”
While it doesn’t look like Kim will have to cancel any band shows, she will have to miss Leadership Bluegrass next week in Nashville.
“I was so looking forward to going, but there’s no way I could drive down there next week. Fortunately, I spoke with Alan Tompkins at IBMA and they agreed to let me postpone my attendance until 2019.
I’ve been in car accidents before, and this is still the worst thing I have ever experienced.”
Kim has no shows booked until March 21, and she is planning on being in good shape next month.
“I just hope I can remember lyrics by then!”
Get well soon, Kim Robins!Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/50564482018-02-01T17:05:09-05:002018-03-26T23:29:53-04:00Kim Robins debuts on the Bluegrass Today Charts at #11<p>Kim Robins song, <em>"Raining in Baltimore," </em>appeared the 2nd week of January 2018 at #11 on the Bluegrass Today Charts. Raining in Baltimore is a song Robins wrote after visiting Baltimore for a business trip in March of 2015. Robins says, "I was missing my family and I realized being a small town girl that I had no idea how to maneuver around the city. It started to rain one night while me and a coworker ventured out and I joked I was going to write a song about raining in Baltimore. The song virtually wrote itself after returning home the following week."</p>
<p>Robins signed with Pinecastle Records in December 2016 for the release of her sophomore album, Raining in Baltimore. The album has garnered much radio airplay including Sirius XM/Bluegrass Junction. </p>
<p>Visit Kim and her band at www.kimrobins.com to catch up on all the latest news and tour information. </p>
<p> </p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/50563942018-02-01T16:55:58-05:002018-03-26T23:29:35-04:00Kyle Estep to Kim Robins<p>Posted on January 17, 2018 By John Lawless</p>
<p>Kim Robins has announced an addition to her touring band, 40 Years Late. Kyle Estep has joined the group on guitar, taking the spot previously occupied by Kim’s bandleader, Chris Martin, who has moved to bass following the departure of Jade Bacon. </p>
<p>Kyle had been performing with his brother and their father in Michigan’s New County Grass. For the time being, he plans to work shows with both bands, as Kim says that their schedules do not conflict at this point. </p>
<p>Estep grew up around Flint, MI, where he and his older brother Duane were steeped in the bluegrass their father, Brent, played as a member of the Detroit Bluegrass Band and Metro Grass. By 2009 the three were performing together as New Country Grass. </p>
<p>He joins Dewayne Guffey on mandolin and Jeremy Morris on banjo, along with Robins and Martin in 40 Years Late. Kim says that, “we couldn’t be happier to have a musician as talented as Kyle on board.” </p>
<p>Robins and the boys are getting ready to leave for Barbie’s Musical Adventure Caribbean Cruise, and will be on hand in Nashville for the SPBGMA National Convention next month. </p>
<p>You can follow their tour schedule online.</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/53111382017-11-01T12:30:00-04:002018-06-22T12:27:33-04:00Kim Robins - Raining In Baltimore CD Review<p>KIM ROBINS RAINING IN BALTIMORE Pinecastle Records PRC 1205 It was beginning to look like another forty years wait for Kim Robins’ second release. Her first, titled 40 Years Late, was self-released in 2013. Then came another gap. Now this new one finally arrives, and it seems to have been worth the delay. Not only is she with a label (Pinecastle Records), but her delivery, her support, and her song choices sound much more convincing. Having three/fifths of The Boxcars (banjoist and fiddler Ron Stewart, mandolinist Adam Steffey, and bassist Harold Nixon) matched with Ricky Wasson makes for a unified sound with plenty of pop. Robins includes three originals and no standards, opting instead for strong, recently written tunes from the likes of Mike Evans, Bill Castle, and Donna Hughes. The closest to a warhorse is Asleep At The Wheel’s “My Baby Thinks He’s A Train.” That stands among the modal tale of revenge titled “Eye For An Eye,” the bluesy stomp of “I’ll Be Loving You,” Jay Don Johnson’s “Stone Cold Blue,” and the sliding country of “Blue Yesterdays.” Robins’ three originals fit well beside them. Her best is the title tune, taken slow and watery with a touch of autobiography. Although her “She’s Just Like You,” fast and with an extremely catchy chorus, is not far off. Finally, note the strengthening of Robins’ voice. She is definitely more confident now and more consistent. She’s sliding into notes, bending them and twisting, and reaching up higher. It’s all so impressive—the band, the songs, the voice—and worth the wait. (Pinecastle Records, 2514 River Rd., Ste. 105, Piedmont, SC 29673, www.pinecastlemusic.com.)BW</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/47999432017-08-02T08:25:47-04:002020-11-22T22:05:29-05:00Kim Robins on the prowl for a fiddle player<p>Posted on August 1, 2017 By John Lawless</p>
<p>Kim Robins, recently signed with Pinecastle Records and boasting of a new album, Raining In Baltimore, just released, is now on the hunt for a full-time fiddler for her touring band, 40 Years Late. </p>
<p>2017 has been a good year so far for Kim, and she says that she is ready to commit to a new band member, as opposed to using fill-in fiddlers as she has been doing so far. </p>
<p>“I feel like the material is creative and fun to play and will challenge a fiddle player, giving them music they will feel proud to leave on the stage.” </p>
<p>Currently working on the road with Robins are Chris Martin on guitar, Dewayne Guffey on mandolin, Jeremy Morris on banjo, and Jade Bacon on bass. </p>
<p>Anyone interested in auditioning for the fiddle position is asked to contact Kim directly through Facebook. They can sample her material online.</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/47869522017-07-20T21:27:57-04:002018-03-26T23:29:08-04:00Kim Robins Debuts on Pinecastle with “Raining in Baltimore”<p>Pinecastle Records is excited to announce Kim Robins’s label debut recording Raining in Baltimore. The album will be available this Friday July 21st, 2017. Robins shows off her songwriting on the album with three out of the twelve tracks to her credit including the title track. She will be a featured songwriter at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass this fall. Robins enlisted some big time help on Raining in Baltimore with Ron Stewart and Rickey Wasson co-producing and performing on the album. Other personnel on the album include Adam Steffey, Harold Nixon, Alicia Wasson, and Shannon Slaughter. </p>
<p>John Lawless from Bluegrass Today said, “Raining In Baltimore is a strong statement that Kim Robins deserves to be taken seriously as a vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader in bluegrass music.”</p>
<p>Shannon Slaughter remarked on his involvement with the project saying, “Kim has really delivered the goods with her latest project! I’m so proud to be a part of it. A-plus singing and A-list picking make this a record you’ll want to add to your collection for 2017. It’ll definitely be in mine!” </p>
<p>Robins started performing at an early age and was an original member of the Little Nashville Opry in Nashville, IN. At 19 her musical career took a backseat to raising her daughter and earning two college degrees. However, her love for music never left her and decades later she restarted her musical career with the release of 40 Years Late. The album got the attention of many in the bluegrass genre, even garnering her a nomination for the IBMA Momentum Vocalist award. </p>
<p>In June, IBMA announced its selections for the 2017 Songwriter Showcase, to be held at this year’s World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, North Carolina. Kim Robins was selected this year from 115 submissions to showcase the title track “Raining In Baltimore” at the Raleigh Convention Center’s Master Workshop Stage at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2017. </p>
<p>Click here for a video of Kim Robins talking about the inspiration behind the title track “Raining in Baltimore”</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vimeo.com/225598474" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/94c1cffea661566877f1fec3d2b4175ae9eb0b01/original/vid-pic-2.png?1500600354" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/47777442017-07-13T12:20:23-04:002018-06-22T12:25:56-04:00Raining In Baltimore – Kim Robins Posted on July 12, 2017 By John Lawless<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/0f4036fdd4c166f1146e7de18fee4384976facaf/medium/bg-today.jpg?1474328062" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>One is given to wonder what or who is responsible when an artist on the rise makes a huge leap forward from one recording to the next, such as we see on Raining In Baltimore from Kim Robins, set for release next week on Pinecastle Records. </p>
<p>Robins’ debut album, 40 Years Late, hit in 2013 and showed great promise from an artist who had been away from performing and recording for many years. But what explains the dramatic improvement on this new project, in her singing, song selection, and overall production quality? It could be working with a label, as Pinecastle has been responsible for many a fine bluegrass record in recent years. Or perhaps it was the production team; Rickey Wasson and Ron Stewart have likewise overseen some top flight releases in their careers. </p>
<p>Or it could just be that four years on the road singing bluegrass have honed Kim’s vision for her music, and refined her perception of what works for her. In any event, Raining In Baltimore is a strong statement that Kim Robins deserves to be taken seriously as a vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader in bluegrass music. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/2fc6175a767132c401fd45b81fa55fcb73cc6fa6/medium/c21d153724615d269503e81e6842fd01.jpg?1498686667" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Some of the tracks here will be familiar to folks who have followed bluegrass and country radio for some time. My Baby Thinks He’s A Train was a hit for Rosanne Cash back in 1981, and Kim gives it a funky feel provided by a crack band of Stewart and Wasson, with Adam Steffey on mandolin and Harold Nixon on bass. Blue Yesterdays, an old time country song, was previously recorded by Rarely Herd in 1995. Robins gives it an acoustic country vibe, with a nice twin fiddle intro. Ronnie Bowman inserted Stone Cold Blue into the bluegrass canon on his Starting Over record in 2002, and it’s reprised here with a similar treatment. Fun fact: Ron Stewart played banjo on Ronnie’s cut of it as well. </p>
<p>The album opens with Eye For An Eye, which had been released as the first single back in January when Robins signed with Pinecastle. It’s a spooky-sounding revenge-based killing song, written by Kim Fox, that really sets the tone for the record. Rickey’s daughter, Alicia Wasson, adds a strong harmony vocal, as she does on most of the tracks. </p>
<p>I’ll Be Loving You is a strong, mash-style number from Mike Evans that shows Kim’s voice to good advantage, as does Donna Hughes’ A Dream, a slower, guitar-driven ballad. Heartbreak gets its due on The Love That We’d Once Known, written by Hammertowne’s Dave Carroll, another jaunty, mid-tempo grasser. </p>
<p>Three that Kim wrote are featured on the album. The title track tells the familiar story of someone from the country feeling lost in the big city, far from the one they love. She’s Just Like You warns an ex that they are headed for a heartache with their new love in a fast bluegrass romp, and Bitter Game tells a former lover that she is finally over him. Bluegrass has long been full of songs of this type, and it’s nice to be hearing more of them from the female perspective. </p>
<p>The album ends with Sacred Memories from Dolly Parton, which works a handful of Gospel favorites into the choruses, including Can’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore, If We Never Meet Again This Side Of Heaven, and Power In The Blood. </p>
<p>Raining In Baltimore is a rousing success for Kim Robbins, and should see several tracks other than Eye For An Eye make it on to bluegrass radio. She isn’t possessed of the sort of powerhouse voice that some of her fellow female vocalists boast of, but she knows what suits her style and her abilities, and can muster up the emotion to convey the message in most any type of song. </p>
<p>Pre-orders may be placed from her web site with delivery on July 21.</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/47766392017-07-12T15:16:56-04:002018-07-18T20:27:21-04:00RAINING IN BALTIMORE Makes It's Chart Debut!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/ce339f177afb77047d1ef47210438caa11fad416/large/download.png?1499886710" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The latest release from bluegrass songstress, Kim Robins, on Pinecastle Records, cracks the charts this week, with the album debuting on the Top 50 Contemporary Bluegrass Chart at #30, and the track <em>Stone Cold Blue, </em>making an impressive first showing in at #12.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Kim said the news <em>"made my day and Stone Cold Blue is one of my favorite songs and one I've done in the band for <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/2fc6175a767132c401fd45b81fa55fcb73cc6fa6/medium/c21d153724615d269503e81e6842fd01.jpg?1498686667" class="size_m justify_right border_" />years."</em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We're all very excited to see this fantastic album getting the recognition it deserves, it's sure to be one of your top listens of the year. Our appreciation goes out to all of the DJ's and radio programmers for your support and the fans for your requests!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Congratulations Kim!</span></p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/47605272017-06-28T17:56:11-04:002018-06-22T12:25:06-04:002017 IBMA’s Songwriter Showcase participants announced <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/99974d1d1f0971c14d1867fcab21f214cdd393f9/medium/ibmalogo-new.jpg?1474330424" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<p>Posted on June 2, 2017 By John Curtis Goad - <a contents="BLUEGRASS TODAY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bluegrasstoday.com/92229-2/" target="_blank">BLUEGRASS TODAY</a></p>
<p>The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced its selections for the 2017 Songwriter Showcase, to be held at this year’s World of Bluegrass in Raleigh. Participants in the showcase are chosen by the IBMA’s Songwriter Showcase Committee from material submitted by the writers themselves. Eleven writers and writing teams were selected this year from 115 submissions. </p>
<p>Songwriters who will be participating in the showcase include: </p>
<p>Dawn Kenney and David Morris <br>Eben Salter <br>Kim Robins <br>Mike Swartzentruber <br>Corrina Rose Logston <br>Vickie Vaughn <br>Steve Bonafel <br>Gary Alan Ferguson and G.K. Young <br>Madeleine Kelson <br>Mike Finders <br>Aaron Bibelhauser </p>
<p>The Songwriter Showcase will be held at the Raleigh Convention Center’s Master Workshop Stage at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 28. The IBMA encourages fellow songwriters, artists, and anyone who loves a good song to attend. </p>
<p>Congratulations, writers!</p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/47605262017-06-28T17:52:00-04:002018-10-03T20:33:37-04:00ON KIM ROBINS "....A CAREER BLUEGRASS FANS WILL WANT TO FOLLOW."<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.rambles.net/raven17_robins17.html" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/7c92f78533892990cf58c28442cc001adeefffdb/medium/capture.png?1498686633" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/2fc6175a767132c401fd45b81fa55fcb73cc6fa6/small/c21d153724615d269503e81e6842fd01.jpg?1498686667" class="size_s justify_left border_" />Kim Robins, <br>Raining in Baltimore <br>(Pinecastle, 2017) </p>
<p>Kim Robins' debut Raining in Baltimore opens promisingly with an ominous folk-bluegrass ballad, Kim Fox's "Eye for an Eye." To my hearing it remains the strongest cut, but if what follow are more standard 'grass flavors, they're tasty ones. Robins' approach incorporates both traditional and contemporary. Naturally, my preference is for the former, and so I am pleased there's more of the former than of the latter. </p>
<p>Even so, her country alto is distinctive and smartly employed even on otherwise slight pop fare (e.g., Donna Hughes's "A Dream"). At another high point Robins and bandmates turn in a deliriously swinging arrangement of Leroy Preston's often-covered "My Baby Thinks He's a Train." Her handling of Dolly Parton's "Sacred Memories" touches on gospel perfection. A big plus is the accompanying bluegrass supergroup, counting the likes of Ron Stewart, Adam Steffey, and Rickey Wasson. Stewart and Wasson also produce. </p>
<p>Though starting late as new artists go (she's old enough to mention a granddaughter), Robins uses her adult perspective to full advantage on this, her first Pinecastle release. With her abundant talent and grown-up outlook, hers gives every indication of being a career bluegrass fans will want to follow.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/19d95c0c72297de9376e6ac0d7fff7d95d09a2a6/medium/pinecastle-logo-horizontal1.jpg?1485815413" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/47604872017-06-28T17:46:17-04:002017-06-28T17:46:35-04:00CRUISE WITH KIM IN 2018!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/222291/befc5cceb7c4f4b6a0f27d99e6557f253c4532ee/medium/cruise-carnival-2018-june-kim.png?1498686321" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_regular">Another exciting addition to "Barbie's Musical Adventures" Caribbean Country Classic & Bluegrass Cruise in January 2018 has just been announced! You now have the opportunity to cruise with Kim Robins, a late addition to the lineup. Kim has deep roots in country music, opening for legends such as Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Barbara Mandrell and The Oak Ridge Boys. She spent much of her youth meeting and greeting with her classic country idols due in part to her Father's interest and involvement in the music industry. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Kim is thrilled to join the cruise, to have the opportunity to perform some of the classic country music she so deeply loves and looks forward to spending time with so many talented artists and guests on the trip. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Please reach out to Kim on Facebook or through her website to get details on booking your cabin to cruise the Caribbean in January!</span></p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/45704292017-01-31T11:37:17-05:002017-01-31T11:37:17-05:00NEW SINGLE FROM PINECASTLE RECORDING ARTIST KIM ROBINS<p>Pinecastle Records is pleased to announce the signing of bluegrass artist, Kim Robins to the label, and is releasing to radio the first single “Eye For An Eye”, from her upcoming album RAINING IN BALTIMORE. Kim Robins couldn’t be more proud than to have joined forces with Pinecastle, or excited about her first release with her new album. </p>
<p>“I am grateful to Pinecastle Records for giving me the opportunity to finally live out my dream. It is such an honor to be on an outstanding label with such amazing artists. I am so humbled by everyone who has helped me achieve this goal. I hope you all enjoy this project as much as I have enjoyed making it. When I first heard “Eye For An Eye”, I knew it was a song I wanted to record. I loved the melody and it gave me the ability to show off my vocal range. <br>I tend to gravitate toward songs with a darker subject and this song was right up my alley.” <br>-Kim Robins</p>
<p><a contents="Read MORE HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wilsonpickins.com/2017/01/31/new-single-from-pinecastle-recording-artist-kim-robins/" target="_blank">https://wilsonpickins.com/2017/01/31/new-single-from-pinecastle-recording-artist-kim-robins/</a></p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/44123052016-10-10T12:12:13-04:002016-10-10T12:14:53-04:00Already making plans for next year. #IBMA2017<p>This by far has been the best IBMA to date. I had such a good time hanging out with my Wilson Pickins team members. We laughed so much and just had a wonderful time. Melanie Wilson has brought us all together and is giving us all an opportunity to do what we love. I'm not sure what the future holds, but I'm looking forward to the ride. Special thanks once again to Dawn Kenney and David Morris for helping me write "Bourbon and Beer." I've already had someone tell me that song should be on country radio. What an honor that is for sure.<br><br><br> </p>Kim Robinstag:kimrobins.com,2005:Post/43610682016-09-07T15:35:41-04:002016-09-07T15:35:41-04:00KIM ROBINS JOINS WILSON PICKINS LINEUP <p>Truegrass Entertainment artist, Kim Robins has signed on with Wilson Pickins Promotions as she gears up for her highly anticipated second album release this Fall. </p>
<p>Kim’s strong, bluesy vocal chops will be familiar to the bluegrass community coming off her very popular 2013 self released record, 40 YEARS LATE. The release garnered high praise from bluegrass radio and earned her a nomination for an IBMA Momentum Vocalist Award as well, in 2015.<br><br><a contents="READ FULL ARTICLE HERE..." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wilsonpickins.com/2016/06/29/kim-robins-joins-wilson-pickins-lineup/" target="_blank">READ FULL ARTICLE HERE...</a></p>Kim Robins