tag:krististanley.com,2005:/blogs/latest-newsLatest News2022-01-24T12:56:00-05:00Kristi Stanleyfalsetag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/68781862022-01-21T17:00:00-05:002023-10-16T10:50:09-04:00Heartbreak Hill – new single from Kristi Stanley Posted on January 21, 2022 By John Lawless<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/207324/8224482a2f35da86005a9d49fc7c00f016a48234/original/banner-kristi-krististanley-com-www-wilsonpickins-agency-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Having a famous last name can be tough in the music business. Sure, it can open a lot of doors at first, but comparisons can be difficult when listeners compare you against a legendary artist. In other words, it may get you noticed, but in the end you have to deliver on your own merit. </p>
<p>That hasn’t been a problem for Kristi Stanley, who shares one of the most iconic names in the history of bluegrass music. Married to Ralph Stanley II, she has had every opportunity to absorb the music and the culture at the root, and has established herself this past few years as a vocalist deserving of note in our business. </p>
<p>You can judge for yourself with Kristi’s latest release, Heartbreak Hill, available today from 615 Hideaway Records. Stanley is out front on the lead vocal, supported by Steve Wilson on banjo, Deanie Richardson on fiddle, Blake Young on mandolin, Andrew Crawford on guitar, Glen Crain on reso-guitar, and Michael Branch on bass. Shawn Lane and Gena Britt provide the harmony vocals. </p>
<p>The song has an eerie sound, perfect for a dark story like the one told by songwriters Billy Droze, Ervan Parker, and Eddie Wilson. It combines a number of themes we hear in traditional music – infidelity, untaxed whiskey, a remote mountain setting, and ultimately, love lost to a known rival. </p>
<p>Stanley says that this song seemed fated to come to her. </p>
<p>“When we were researching material, Melanie (Wilson) suggested asking Billy Droze if he had anything that may suit me. I admire him so much as a songwriter and artist and crossed my fingers! He was actually writing that day and turned around and sent her something within the hour. I fell in love with Heartbreak Hill immediately. The story, the gritty, fearless drive, and the dynamic of the vocal that intensifies as you listen. I’m more than pleased to present this song, with 615 Hideaway Records, as the lead single for my forthcoming self-titled album. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!”</p>
<p>Heartbreak Hill is available now from popular download and streaming sites online. Radio programmers can find the track at AirPlay Direct.</p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/58986252019-09-06T20:45:00-04:002023-12-10T12:02:54-05:00Raven Tresses video from Kristi Stanley Posted on September 6, 2019 By John Lawless<p><span class="font_large">Kristi Stanley has released a music video for Raven Tresses, one of the most-requested songs from her debut album, Heart Wide Open, released last year on Union House Records. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The song was written by Becky Buller, and Kristi says that she is very proud of how the video turned out. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">“I’m so excited to finally share the new video for Raven Tresses! We’ve been posting sneak peaks the last couple of weeks and the whole thing is finally ready to share. I hope you all love it as much as I do. This was my first time doing a music video and I couldn’t have had more fun. I really feel like we captured the feel of the song. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I look forward to seeing everyone at IBMA where I’ll be performing some brand new music from the upcoming project. Can’t wait for you guys to hear what I have up my sleeve!”</span></p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="YbkqM1Rc5q4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/YbkqM1Rc5q4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YbkqM1Rc5q4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="font_large">They shot the video at the Allison Deaver House Museum in Pisgah Forest, NC, directed and filmed by Corey Johnson Studios. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Kristi, who is married to Ralph Stanley II, is about to start work on her next project with Steve Wilson Music. Expect to hear more about that soon.</span></p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/64334842019-04-15T17:45:00-04:002021-11-30T04:10:19-05:00Kentucky singer Kristi Stanley learns to never say never - Jessica Blankenship - April 2019<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/207324/2095c4c88907ec8894e8703cd491fb209f9715a5/original/img-3939.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Upon listening to Kristi Stanley, you hear such sweet vocals that are genuine to the Appalachian sounds of eastern Kentucky. In talking with her, you learn of a great appreciation that she has of the music of Kentucky. Whether it is country or bluegrass music, Kristi Stanley’s talents shine through her lyrics and vocals. I recently spoke with Kristi on her music, as well as her performance at Hillbilly Days in her hometown of Pikeville. If you recognize that last name and bluegrass roots, you will realize that she is the daughter-in-law to the legendary Dr. Ralph Stanley. {Ironically my very first interview was with Ralph when I was doing research papers in college.} Kentucky Country Music featured Kristi Stanley in our Women of Kentucky Music series in March 2019. </p>
<p><strong>Growing up, you loved listening to Dolly Parton and singing her songs. What was it about Dolly that intrigued you as a child? </strong><br>I remember growing up watching that tv show years ago. She had a variety tv show and I just remember watching her and thinking, ‘my goodness she’s amazing in every way – acting, singing, she could do it all.’ I think that was the first thought that I ever had of wanting to be a singer. We all know she’s a flashy person by looking at her. She just looked like a superstar to me. She has such a big personality and my gosh, that voice. I don’t know her whole presence drawed me to me. I still stay today that I want to be her when I grow up. She just has a voice like no other. I grew up listening to Patty Loveless and Keith Whitley and all of those wonderful artists, but her voice had a haunting to it that just drew me in. I can’t put my finger on what it was and she still does today. </p>
<p><strong>Have you gotten to meet Dolly yet? </strong><br>I was at the Opry one time with Dr. Ralph [Stanley] was playing the Opry. She actually came into the dressing room to speak to him. She is one of those people that when she walks in a room, I don’t get star struck really, but she was one that I felt my jaw drop to the floor when she walked in. Even though she is a small person in stature, she has got a huge presence. I didn’t speak to her, but I was standing right beside her. She seems to be such a down to earth person. </p>
<p><strong>You mentioned Patty Loveless and Keith Whitley earlier. Who would be some other musical influences for you? </strong><br>Growing up, my uncle Larry Coleman, he first introduced me to bluegrass music. He has since passed on. He actually, when I was a young kid, brought to my attention who Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys was. Obviously they were a huge influence, along with Patty Loveless, Loretta Lynn, Keith Whitley, Dolly Parton, and George Jones. I’ve got so many musical heroes – Merle Haggard, and being from eastern Kentucky, that’s some big shoes to fill. There have been some wonderful female and male artists to come out of that area. It is an area that is rich in wonderful music. I’ve got a ton of people that I grew up listening to. We would be here all day trying to list them. </p>
<p><strong>I know the feeling on trying to list them all. One of the big powerful things is the musical voices of Eastern Kentucky. It’s interesting because folks are just now realizing what a positive thing with music we have here. However, it has always been there. </strong><br>You definitely have to give props to Chris Stapleton as he has brought that positive aspect to that area. You’re right, it seems like they have painted that area to be such a bad thing; bare foot, uneducated area when it’s not. It’s so rich in so many different things, but especially in music. </p>
<p><strong>One of my earliest memories of you was when you performed “I’ll Never Grow Tired of You” on Dr. Ralph Stanley’s “Clinch Mountain Sweethearts” album. You sang this at his memorial tribute concert after his passing. Did you record the song before or after you met your now husband, Ralph Stanley II? </strong><br>We were actually dating at the time, but weren’t married. I think I was about 16 or 17 years old when I recorded “I’ll Never Grow Tired of You.” Actually, my mother-in-law, Ralph II’s mom, asked me to do it. She had heard me sing and she really liked my voice and she said that she wanted me on this project with Ralph. So she was the one that actually got me on it. She’s responsible for that and I’m very grateful to her for that. That’s one of my most cherished memories and most cherished things I’ve ever done. You can imagine as a young kid, 16-17 years old, how nervous I was. Dr. Ralph is another one that had a huge presence. He was the same way. He would walk in the room and he would command attention. At the time, when you’re young and Ralph II and I were dating, I actually didn’t know Dr. Ralph that well. He was wonderful to me, and sweet, kind, and patient. It is one of my most cherished things I got to do. </p>
<p><strong>All of Dr. Ralph Stanley’s bandmates were always so kind. I always had fond memories of James Alan Shelton, who passed away a few years ago. They were always reverend in their presence when around Ralph and were respected by fellow musicians. </strong><br>We miss James and Jack Cooke. He always had good band members and we sure do miss them all. </p>
<p><strong>You have got a full schedule coming up, which includes several performances in Kentucky. When was the last time you performed at Hillbilly Days? </strong><br>I guess when I had my own band years ago, we played Hillbilly Days. That’s been many years ago, but this will be the first time doing a show in my hometown. I look forward to playing the music off of my new album, like “Never Say Never.” I look so forward to seeing the response from people that did see me growing up and saw me perform in my country band at the time. It is the first time Ralph Stanley II and I are performing on the same stage in Pikeville. We have done years ago gotten up and done a duet together, just for fun. This is kind of been the first time that we’ve been billed performing together. </p>
<p><strong>Do you remember the first time you heard yourself on the radio? </strong><br>Yes I do. I have to rewind back when I was in high school. I had a country band and there was a show on the local radio station in Pikeville – 93.1 WDHR. They had a show called Homespun Country and the dj of that show was in my band. I had taken a tape that I had recorded at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg. I had gone down there and recorded a few songs for fun. I took it up there and he played it on that show. I’ll never forget sitting and listening to myself on there. As a kid, you’re thinking wow and that it is a funny feeling hearing yourself. That was on a small scale. Fast forward to now, the first time I heard myself on Sirius XM on Bluegrass Junction, I cried. I felt like that my hard work had paid off for one. Another thing, my mom has passed away 10 years now and I wanted her to hear it so bad. I thought to myself, she’s not here to hear this, but maybe she is. It was the proudest moment and even to this day when it comes on the radio, it takes my breath a little bit. It’s so surreal in a lot of ways. </p>
<p><strong>Hearing yourself being played on radio, makes you realized that someone else enjoys what you do. The person behind the control board pushed a button to play your song. </strong><br>That’s it and when I made “Heart Wide Open” record, I thought as an artist you hope people love it and they will want to play it. Getting it played on Bluegrass Junction is a huge deal. That’s where you want it to be played. When I handed it to Kyle Cantrell, I told him that I really hoped he enjoyed this and hoped he could find something to play. You keep your fingers crossed hoping that he will like something on it. Come to find out he did and like I said, it makes you feel like you’re doing something right. </p>
<p><strong>For bluegrass musicians, it is so hard to even get airplay unless it is on a special show on a country station, the Sirius XM Bluegrass Station, or WSM. </strong><br>It’s a hard business anyway and you’re right – it’s tough to get airplay. If you can get it with Kyle Cantrell, I believe you’re doing something right. </p>
<p><strong>Was anyone else in your family musically inclined? Did they sing or perform? </strong><br>On my grandmother’s side, they are very musical. There were a lot of bluegrass musicians and country musicians on that side. As far as my immediate family, I’ve got a brother and we all love music. I always say that I can look back on my childhood and there was always music in my home growing up. Saturdays for my mom would be her day to clean the house. I can remember she would crank the radio up. We always had country music playing through the house. When I was growing up, my dad was always singing to me. The one particular song he would sing to me was the “Wabash Cannonball.” Music was a huge part of my life so I really feel like it stayed with me all of these years. It grew into a huge love of mine. </p>
<p><strong>With both you and Ralph Stanley II being musicians and now parents, how have you been able to keep balance being a parent and a musician? </strong><br>It’s been tough, but I feel like our lifestyle is totally different to lots of people. When I Ralph and I first got married, obviously he was traveling first all the time. He was gone a lot, so I stayed home. I chose to be a mom at the time and I put my music on the back burner. I wanted to raise the kids and be here as much as possible. Now that my daughter is 17, she will be 18 in June, and our son is 13, I felt like, ‘you know what, it’s time for me to kind of step back into it and see what I can do.’ We homeschool the kids so that is really helpful. They did public school for a good while until they got older. We now homeschool that allows him to be gone and me to be gone. It really works out that way. </p>
<p><strong>What are some upcoming plans for the Dr. Ralph Stanley Hills of Home Bluegrass Festival this year? </strong><br>The festival is one that has been around for many years and Dr. Ralph handed it down to his son, Ralph II. It is the 49th year of doing the festival in McClure, VA and we want to invite everyone out to it. It’s a historical place and a historical event. It’s a great time for everybody that comes here. We have people that come from Japan, Italy, from all over the world. They always the remark that this is the most beautiful place that we’ve ever been to. Even though it is a bit of a hike to get to it, once you get there, it’s a gorgeous place. For more information, be sure to check out http://drralphstanleyfestival.com/. </p>
<p><strong>Finally, have you received any particular advice from another entertainer that you have valued? </strong><br>I have to say that my husband, Ralph II, has given me some of the best advice I could have ever received for free. I think there are times as a married couple that you don’t want to listen to your partner sometimes. You know how that goes. I have learned he knows what he’s talking about. He’s been around the block a time or two. He’s always told me to listen to the fans. Do what’s in your heart and do the kind of music that you feel can be relatable to the fans. If you’re not being authentic, they can tell it. That has really rung true. If you’re trying to get up there and sing something that you can’t relate to or they can’t relate to, they will spot it first. I try to be as authentic and relatable as I possibly can. I feel like that when I do a record, especially with this new record, I feel like every song tells a story about my life. Especially with “Never Say Never” – it is something that rings so true with my life. We’ve always heard that saying, never say never, and like I was saying, when I was raising the kids I thought that I would never do music again. I really did. I thought it is over and I was really down and out about it to be honest. I had chosen that and made that decision to put the kids first. I’ve learned that you most definitely never say never because the time arose when I had the opportunity to do a record. So that’s why you never say never in life. </p>
<p>Be sure to get the chance to listen to Kristi Stanley and Running Blind at a bluegrass music festival near you. Her complete schedule can be found at www.krististanley.com. Also, be sure to grab a copy of her album, “Heart Wide Open,” available on her website and at shows. It is one that perfectly showcases Kristi’s vocal capabilities and is full of beautiful sounds of east Kentucky.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="https://kentuckycountrymusic.com/2019/04/kristi-stanley-never-say-never.html?fbclid=IwAR1kF4_tuYoLMxEl4yUqdGm9-O2_PRld7KtmpzlmkGMPgVMYIE-28ghWulA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kentuckycountrymusic.com/2019/04/kristi-stanley-never-say-never.html?fbclid=IwAR1kF4_tuYoLMxEl4yUqdGm9-O2_PRld7KtmpzlmkGMPgVMYIE-28ghWulA" target="_blank">https://kentuckycountrymusic.com/2019/04/kristi-stanley-never-say-never.html?fbclid=IwAR1kF4_tuYoLMxEl4yUqdGm9-O2_PRld7KtmpzlmkGMPgVMYIE-28ghWulA</a></p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/58986582019-01-24T20:50:00-05:002019-09-19T20:50:48-04:00WELCOME HOME KRISTI!<p><span class="font_large">Wilson Pickins Promotions is pleased to share news of the “homecoming” of Americana/ Bluegrass artist, Kristi Stanley and her band Running Blind to their diverse roster of top notch Roots music talent for publicity and booking services. The team at Wilson Pickins worked with Kristi early on in her professional venture as she embarked on her branding and solo album recording with Union House Records, HEART WIDE OPEN. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">After playing some fantastic stages and conventions, Kristi Stanley has really found her foothold in the industry, gotten comfortable with a sound that she feels fits her, and has drawn back to refocus on the future of her music. When Kristi and Melanie first got back together to chat, Kristi indicated that her heart is in releasing a new album with a completely different direction and feel to it, and that she’s ready to get back into the studio as soon as possible. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">“I’m so excited to be working with Melanie Wilson and her amazing team once again! I guess I feel like I’m coming back home in a sense. This is where it all began! I’m anxious to get started on new music and don’t want to reveal too much but I guarantee you’ll love it! What I will say is that it is new, fresh and something you’ve never heard from me before. I hope that gets you as excited about the project as I am!” -Kristi Stanley </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Folks can grab ahold of Kristi’s current project, "Heart Wide Open," on her website at www.krististanley.com and most popular digital download distributors. Stay tuned for music plans and tour dates moving forward on Kristi's website and social media. Promoters can contact Melanie Wilson to book KRISTI STANLEY & RUNNING BLIND for their 2019-2020 seasons.</span></p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/54801362018-10-22T08:38:02-04:002022-03-16T07:13:43-04:00Bluegrass Unlimited: Kristi Stanley - Heart Wide Open<p>Source: http://bluegrassmusic.com/content/2018/reviews/kristi-stanley/</p>
<p>KRISTI STANLEY <br>HEART WIDE OPEN </p>
<p>Union House Records <br>UHR-0004 </p>
<p>This is Kristi Stanley’s debut release on Union House and she is joined on this project by a great collection of talent, including Austin Brown (guitar, bass), Nick Goad (mandolin), Rod Smith (banjo, resonator guitar), and Adam Haynes (fiddle). Guest artists include Travis Houck (resonator guitar), Mike Bentley (guitar), Jeff Brown (guitar), Wayne Taylor (vocals), Alecia Nugent (vocals), and Marty Raybon (vocals). Stanley is married to Ralph Stanley II, and it’s through that association she can tap into the Stanley legacy. But she also explores some of the newer material that contemporary writers have to offer. Her Stanley covers include Carter’s “Our Last Goodbye” and Ralph’s “I’m Lonesome Without You,” but she also has included songs from Rick Lang (“It’s Raining The Blues”) Becky Buller (“Raven Tresses”), Candace Randolph (“Never Say Never”), Dicky Minor (“Somebody Else Will”), and Vickie Austin (“Running Blind”). She also collaborated with Union House’s Jeff Brown to pen “My Best Friend,” and the title-cut “Heart Wide Open” comes from Alex Masters and Larissa Lundstrom. Kristi Stanley has a very nice voice that easily complements the material, and this project is a welcome outing for this new artist. (www.unionhouserecords.com)BF</p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/54595152018-10-08T10:40:00-04:002018-10-08T10:40:00-04:00Bluegrass at the Beach: Music, food trucks, family fun<p>By JAN WADDY</p>
<p>Read the full article here: http://www.newsherald.com/news/20180926/bluegrass-at-beach-music-food-trucks-family-fun</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Panama City Beach music festival raises money for Boys & Girls Clubs </p>
<p>PANAMA CITY BEACH — Bluegrass at the Beach is ready to grow this weekend at its new home at Aaron Bessant Park with two days of music, square dancing, food trucks and old-fashioned family fun. </p>
<p>“Trinity River Band is the headliner for Friday night, and Twin Kennedy from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada is the headliner for Saturday evening,” said Mike Burton, event promoter. “Billy Rader is emceeing the event both days. He’s going to do a little singing and tell jokes between sets; we’re excited about it.” </p>
<p>Bluegrass at the Beach is from 6-10 p.m. Friday, and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday. Musicians also include Jeff Brown & Still Lonesome, Frances Mooney & Fontanna Sunset, Judge Talford Band, Blue Holler, Kristi Stanley & Running Blind, The Wiseman Brothers, SwiftWater Band, and Melanie A. Davis. </p>
<p>“We have four new bands: Trinity River Band out of Northeast Florida, Melanie Davis from West Kentucky, The Judge Talford Band rockin’ bluegrass, and Kristi Stanley and Running Blind — she’s the relative of the famous Ralph Stanley,” Burton said. “All are members of the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association).” </p>
<p>Twin Kennedy, performing both nights, is a two-time Vancouver Island Music Awards winner for Country Recording and Song of the Year, John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize Winner (“Secondhand Gold”), 12 British Columbia County Music Association Award nominations and three-time Canadian Country Music Award (CCMA) nominee. Most recently, Twin Kennedy was nominated for the CCMA Roots Artist of the Year. The duo is comprised of sisters Carli Kennedy and Julie Kennedy, with Carli on vocals and guitar and Julie on vocals and violin. </p>
<p>“We are attracting tourists that would never come to Panama City because they are here for the beach. They had country music, rock and roll and jazz festivals on the beach, but they wanted to have bluegrass out there,” Burton said. “The TDC made a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs and helped with national promotion. It also benefits them with putting heads in beds. It’s going to open the door for more performers to want to come here.” </p>
<p>The 11th annual festival benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County. Formerly named Gulf Coast Bluegrass & Folk Music Festival, the event was moved from Under the Oaks in Parker to the larger beach venue this year in hopes of raising more money for the club. </p>
<p>Bluegrass at the Beach </p>
<p>What: Live bluegrass and folk music, square dancing, free train rides for children, food trucks and craft vendors; fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County </p>
<p>When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 </p>
<p>Where: Aaron Bessant Park, 600 S. Pier Park Drive, Panama City Beach </p>
<p>Tickets: $20 per day or $30 for weekend; free for ages 12 and younger; available at EventBrite, BluegrassAtTheBeach.org or at the gate (same price) </p>
<p>Bring: Chairs and blankets </p>
<p>Details: 850-763-2076 or BluegrassAtTheBeach.org </p>
<p>“That’s our main focus — to raise money for our kids and provide scholarships for those who couldn’t afford childcare,” said Hank Hill, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County. </p>
<p>Since the Boys & Girls Clubs came on board in 2015, the event has raised $41,000 for the local organization. </p>
<p>“We served over 3,300 kids last year through different programs — community programs and the summer food program,” Hill said. </p>
<p>The Boys & Girls Clubs’ junior staff members will be selling drink concessions on Saturday to raise money for their teen programs. Other food vendors will be set up Friday and Saturday, including the Filipino American Association of Bay County, Temperley’s British Eatery, Gary’s Oyster Shack, Dovalina’s Wood Fired Pizza, Culver’s, It’s Tamale Time, Smok n Butts BBQ, and Dixieland Funnel Cakes. </p>
<p>A 12-by-24 stage also will be set up for square dancing with Tommy Jackson and the Rocky Top Revue square dancing team of Nashville, where they have performed at the Grand Ole Opry. </p>
<p>“A good fun team that not only square dances and clogs, but get audience participation,” Burton said. “At last year’s (festival), they got Chief Hutto, police chief in Parker, and they worked him out pretty good.” </p>
<p>Craft vendors include Teresa’s Sparkling Sensations, Mumpower Farms, Terra Bella Soaps, SC Crafts, Tina Louise Boutique, Bling by the Bay 2, Tastefully Simple, Southern Glitter Girls, Grandma Di’s Kettle Corn, Why Knot Crafts & More, SunniRae’s Boutique, Bill’s Deals, Cottage Collages, Soap Tree Emporium, and Mermaids and Moonbeams. </p>
<p>Children also can get on board for free train rides during the festival. </p>
<p>“The train is all cleaned up, and everything moving and ready to go,” said Burton, who built the train (which holds up to 10 children) before the 2016 festival. “I enjoy it, don’t get paid or anything. I volunteer to do this just because I love music. I’ve been a musician all my life, and my dad was a musician. Anything to do with music and I can be a part of, I’m happy. I work on this thing six or seven months ahead of the event.” </p>
<p>While Burton booked all of the entertainment this year, he is able to step back from this year’s technical aspects — light and sound — which are being handling by Mike Frimet of HMX Productions. </p>
<p>“It will be nicer; the green room is air-conditioned with his and her dressing rooms,” said Burton, who admitted this is a big change from the RV performers had in Parker. “Chili’s, O’Charley’s, T.G.I. Friday’s, Texas Roadhouse and PoFolks this year are all donating food to feed the 100-plus band members and their stage crew.” </p>
<p>By the Sea Resorts is providing hotel rooms for the bands this year. </p>
<p>BAND SCHEDULE </p>
<p>Friday, Sept. 28 </p>
<p>6-6:30 p.m.: Tommy Jackson & Rocky Top Revue (square dance team) </p>
<p>6:30-7:15 p.m.: SwiftWater Band (bluegrass music) </p>
<p>7:30-8:15 p.m.: Twin Kennedy (bluegrass/country music) </p>
<p>8:30-9:30 p.m.: Trinity River Band (bluegrass/Gospel music) </p>
<p>Saturday, Sept. 29 </p>
<p>Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Tommy Jackson & Rocky Top Revue (square dance team) </p>
<p>12:30-1:15 p.m.: Melanie A. Davis (folk music) </p>
<p>1:30-2:15 p.m.: The Wiseman Brothers (bluegrass music) </p>
<p>2:30-3:15 p.m.: The Blue Holler (bluegrass music) </p>
<p>3:30-4:15 p.m.: Frances Mooney & Fontanna Sunset (bluegrass music) </p>
<p>4:15-5 p.m.: Tommy Jackson & Rocky Top Revue (bluegrass music) </p>
<p>5-5:45 p.m.: Judge Talford Band (bluegrass music) </p>
<p>6-6:45 p.m.: Kristi Stanley & Running Blind (bluegrass music) </p>
<p>7-7:45 p.m.: Jeff Brown & Still Lonesome (bluegrass music) </p>
<p>8-9 p.m.: Twin Kennedy (bluegrass/country music)</p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/54595142018-10-08T10:31:02-04:002018-10-08T10:31:02-04:00Bluegrass at the Beach Concert Held in Panama City Beach for 3rd Year in a Row<p>By: Megan Myers</p>
<p>Source: https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/bluegrass-at-the-beach-concert-held-in-panama-city-beach-for-3rd-year-in-a-row/1486224382</p>
<p>Panama City BEACH, Fla. - Saturday marked the third year for the Bluegrass at the Beach Concert in Panama City Beach. Festivities kicked off Friday and included several live performances, square dancing, and food vendors. Bluegrass headliners included Twin Kennedy, Trinity River Band, Kristi Stanley and Running Blind. The event not only provides a fun time for attendees but also supports a good cause. </p>
<p>"All of the proceeds benefit the boys and girls club, we serve over 3,000 kids a year at our clubs and everything goes into our programs. the programs that we do at the club are academic assistance, healthy lifestyle programs, and character and civic engagement," said Hank Hill, Boys and Girls Club CEO. <br>Tickets were $20 per day and kids under 12 received free admission. The event wrapped up around 9 p.m.</p>
<p> </p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/53516182018-07-18T07:34:53-04:002018-08-20T09:26:31-04:00Bluegrass Today: Heart Wide Open - Kristi Stanley<p>https://bluegrasstoday.com/heart-wide-open-kristi-stanley/</p>
<p>Heart Wide Open – Kristi Stanley </p>
<p>Posted on June 27, 2018 By Lee Zimmerman</p>
<p>It’s not often that a stomach virus can help inspire a song. In Kristi Stanley’s case, it was a bug that forced her to take to her bed while offering the opportunity to meditate on her mother’s memory. She drifted off to sleep and it was then that she says a melody suddenly came to her and woke her from her slumber. She jotted down the notes and all at once the feelings she had hoped to express came with a clarity she hadn’t experienced before. </p>
<p>Presumably, that’s what led her to record her stellar debut, the aptly named Heart Wide Open. She had garnered plenty of experience beforehand; born and raised in Kentucky, the sound of bluegrass was always near. She grew up admiring Dolly Parton, and after she made her professional debut on a live radio show called Home Spun Country at the age of 15, she formed her first band with the show’s deejay. Calling the group Sandy River, the two soon found themselves opening for the likes of Kenny Chesney, Billy Ray Cyrus and other stars of the country circuit. Steadily gigging throughout her high school years, she got her big break when the late Dr. Ralph Stanley tapped her to perform on his album Clinch Mountain Sweethearts, where she sang alongside Dolly Parton, Pam Tillis, Sara Evans and Chely Wright. At age 18, she was well on her way. </p>
<p>Dr. Stanley gave her another gift as well. She married his son Ralph Stanley II a little over two years ago. </p>
<p>Still, inspiration aside, it wouldn’t do Stanley justice to attribute the success of Heart Wide Open to her family ties alone. Aided and abetted by a solid cast of support players, she creates a sound as solid and seasoned as that of any longtime veteran. She exudes a clarity and confidence that provides songs such Miner’s Wife, It’s Raining the Blues andRaven Tresses with an assertive sound that rings with drive and determination. Likewise, the wistful ramble of My Heart, the blissful balladry of You’ll Have to Talk to My Heartand the breezy lilt of Never Say Never shows her ability to express emotion in ways that are both palatable and sincere. Although she writes only two of the dozen songs in the set — the exuberant opener, Running Blind, and the comforting closer, My Best Friend — she connects in a way that belies that fact she can’t claim each as her own. </p>
<p>Stanley has made her mom proud, and, we would expect, the rest of her clan as well. Heart Wide Open will likely open quite a few doors for when it comes to her ongoing efforts.</p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/52537242018-05-23T19:39:31-04:002018-09-13T09:52:45-04:00Hills of Home Festival keeps Stanley Brothers legacy, family tradition alive <p>Excerpt from Bristol Herald Courier </p>
<p><a contents="http://www.heraldcourier.com/community/hills-of-home-festival-keeps-stanley-brothers-legacy-family-tradition/article_9257c8e8-5af7-11e8-920c-f7375a981937.html" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.heraldcourier.com/community/hills-of-home-festival-keeps-stanley-brothers-legacy-family-tradition/article_9257c8e8-5af7-11e8-920c-f7375a981937.html" target="_blank">http://www.heraldcourier.com/community/hills-of-home-festival-keeps-stanley-brothers-legacy-family-tradition/article_9257c8e8-5af7-11e8-920c-f7375a981937.html</a></p>
<p>TOM NETHERLAND | SPECIAL TO THE HERALD COURIER </p>
<p>May 19, 2018 Updated May 20, 2018 </p>
<p>On stage with three generations of Stanleys: Ralph Stanley, II, 39, Jimmie Stanley, 78, and Ralph Stanley III, 12. </p>
<p>TOM NETHERLAND | Special to the Herald Courier </p>
<p>"When I sing," said Ralph Stanley II, standing at his father’s grave, "I feel it." </p>
<p>COEBURN, Va. — “This is where Ralph and Carter played when they were little boys,” Jimmie Stanley said. </p>
<p>Ralph Stanley’s widow stood on an expanse of land high atop Smith Ridge whereupon will stage Dr. Ralph Stanley’s 48th Annual Hills of Home Festival. </p>
<p>As the wind gently wove through her hair, she cast her eyes all about as if taking in the scene for the first time. </p>
<p>“They grew up here,” Stanley, 78, who married the late bluegrass legend in 1968, said. “It’s a special place.” </p>
<p>Hills of Home, long one of bluegrass’ marquee festivals, resumes its history on May 24 and runs through May 26. Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys play each day and night. His wife, Kristi Stanley, and her Running Blind band appear Thursday. </p>
<p>“It’s so exciting,” said Kristi Stanley, 36. “There’s a lot of history here.” </p>
<p>Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers headline Thursday night. Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out lead Friday while Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers helm Saturday’s lineup. </p>
<p>“I’m trying to keep it in the tradition,” said Stanley II. “The way dad did.” </p>
<p>Two years after Stanley’s death, and three since he last sang at the event, his son runs the festival. He’s done so since 2012’s installment. </p>
<p>“Dad gave me a call after the 41st annual festival,” Stanley II, 39, said while seated under a pavilion that, come Thursday, will house the bulk of the festival’s attendees. “He said, ‘Two, come over to the house. There’s something I want to talk to you about.’” </p>
<p>Already past the age of 80, the elder Stanley made his wishes known. He wanted to slow down. He offered the reins of the festival to his son. </p>
<p>“He said, ‘If you don’t do it, I’m shutting it down,’” Stanley II said. “I said, ‘Being that’s the case, I’ll do it.’ I was nervous when I walked out of his house.” </p>
<p>Improvements afoot, longtime patrons of the festival will take notice. New coats of blue and white paint adorn the stage and the site’s numerous structures. </p>
<p>“This will be my seventh year,” Stanley II, who inherited his father’s Clinch Mountain Boys band, said. “It’s rewarding to see people come in here, singing Ralph Stanley songs. When I get on stage, it’s full.” </p>
<p>Stanley II sings bluegrass. Vocally, he’s far closer in tone and style to that of his late uncle Carter’s than to his father’s voice of the Appalachians. </p>
<p>“When I sing, I feel it,” Stanley II said. “I try to sing from the heart. I try to stay true to dad and Carter’s music, but I’ve got to be myself.” </p>
<p>Larry Sparks headlines. A longtime devotee of the Stanley Brothers, in addition to his status as a bona fide bluegrass legend, Sparks maintains a rare distinction. </p>
<p>“He’s been to every single one of these festivals,” Stanley II said. “This will be his 48th.” </p>
<p>Sparks’ history with the Stanley Brothers began before the festival’s inception. He played in their Clinch Mountain Boys band as a teenager. </p>
<p>“I worked part-time with them for a while, fall of ‘64. We did some dates in Ohio, Michigan, Virginia,” said Sparks, 70. “That first show was in Hamilton, Ohio. I’ll never forget it. Carter told me to kick off ‘Rank Stranger.’ I kicked off too fast. He said, ‘oh, boy, you kicked that off too fast.’” </p>
<p>Carter Stanley died in 1966. After a short hiatus, Ralph continued. Sparks joined the Clinch Mountain Boys as the band’s guitarist and voice in place of Carter’s. </p>
<p>“Boy,” Sparks said, “Carter sure had soul and heart.” </p>
<p>A large black and white photograph of Carter and Ralph Stanley, affixed to the top end of the pavilion, now faces all who stride on stage at the festival. Performers can’t miss it or the brothers’ monumental presence. </p>
<p>“Maybe it’ll inspire them when they perform on stage,” Stanley II said. </p>
<p>Take the drive to Hills of Home. Located on Smith Ridge along Carter Stanley Highway, which veers off Doctor Ralph Stanley Highway, the site bears a Coeburn address. However, it’s miles and seemingly endless curves up, up and away from the town. </p>
<p>Perhaps they should call it Heaven. Fog often intermingles with emerald green grass and wafting tree tops along the rolling mountaintop. </p>
<p>Carter in 1925 and Ralph Stanley in 1927 were born about three miles down the mountain on Big Spraddle Creek to mother Lucy and father Lee Stanley. Born a Smith, Lucy grew up on Smith Ridge, which was where she moved her boys in 1932. </p>
<p>“They romped all over these hills,” Jimmie Stanley said. “I think of Ralph and Carter romping around here. This is their old home place.” </p>
<p>She stood in the family’s cemetery, a few steps from the brothers’ final resting place. </p>
<p>“Years ago before dad died, Bob Dylan flew in and visited Carter’s grave,” Stanley II said. “You can visit dad and Carter’s graves. We’ll have Stanley Brothers music playing in the cemetery during the festival.” </p>
<p>Two years ago and down the hill, Stanley’s casket rested on stage during his funeral. Now he’s interred where he frolicked as a child and learned to play clawhammer banjo from his mother. </p>
<p>Two years dead though far from gone, all who knew him say Ralph Stanley made it home. </p>
<p>“I miss him,” Jimmie Stanley said. “I feel lost without him.” </p>
<p>Whereas the festival began as a way to memorialize Carter Stanley, it’s morphed into a legacy event. It honors Ralph Stanley, voice of Southwest Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. </p>
<p>“It’s special,” Stanley II said. </p>
<p>If the mountains that bore him could sing, they’d sound like Ralph Stanley. It’s to that monumental force of life and now in death that the festival stands upon, thrives from and carries with onward into the future. </p>
<p>“This is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see in your life,” Stanley II said. “It’s like you can reach up and touch the sky. You’re almost to heaven.” </p>
<p>Tom Netherland is a freelance writer. He may be reached at features@bristolnews.com.</p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/52536752018-05-23T19:22:32-04:002023-12-10T13:04:51-05:00Kristi Stanley Releases Debut Album 'Heart Wide Open' (Broadway World)<p><a contents="https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Kristi-Stanley-Releases-Debut-Album-Heart-Wide-Open-20180519" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Kristi-Stanley-Releases-Debut-Album-Heart-Wide-Open-20180519" target="_blank">https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Kristi-Stanley-Releases-Debut-Album-Heart-Wide-Open-20180519</a></p>
<p>Broadway World, Music News Desk May. 19, 2018 </p>
<p>Kristi Stanley is part of a world-famous family long associated with traditional bluegrass music, but her debut album, "Heart Wide Open" (Union House Records), has an unmistakable country flavor. That should come as no surprise, considering the artist's upbringing in Pikeville, Kentucky, an area rich in both musical genres, and just a few miles from Clinch Mountain, Virginia, where the Stanley Brothers and her future husband, Ralph Stanley II, resided. </p>
<p>"Heart Wide Open" is comprised of 12 tracks, sweetly sung by Stanley, backed by her band, Running Blind. The musicians are first-rate: Austin Brown on acoustic bass, rhythm and lead guitar; Nick Goad on mandolin; Rod Smith on banjo and resonator guitar; Adam Haynes on fiddle; Travis Houck on resonator guitar; Jeff Brown on rhythm guitar; and Mike Bentley on rhythm guitar. Guest vocalists on the album include Grammy-winner Marty Raybon (Shenandoah), Wayne Taylor (Blue Highway), Rod Smith (Kevin Prater Band) and IBMA Award-nominee Alecia Nugent. </p>
<p>"I really enjoyed being a part of this project with Kristi," Nugent said. "What a great singer, and a great choice of songs too. Always an honor to be a part of something so good." </p>
<p>Born Kristi Ison, she spent hours as a young girl singing along to Dolly Parton records and dreaming of following in her idol's footsteps. At age 15, she performed on a radio show called "Home Spun Country," where the host, musician Tim Michaels, was so impressed that he formed a band with her, called Sandy River, later opening for several national acts including Kenny Chesney, Billy Ray Cyrus and Ricochet. </p>
<p>It was during a vacation with her family to Nashville that Kristi met Ralph Stanley II, while he was performing with his father, the late Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. Two years later, Kristi married the younger Stanley and put her musical career on hold to raise the couple's two children, Taylor and Ralph Stanley III. </p>
<p>Now that the children have grown older, Kristi felt the time had come to begin performing again. She formed Running Blind, and for the past year has been attracting attention in the industry. </p>
<p>"In the music business, as in life, you never know what may happen, but as long as I can continue doing what I love, I will be happy," she said. "Hopefully, I will be given the opportunity to show that it is possible to love and take care of your family as a first priority, and pursue a career in the music with integrity, dignity and class at the same time." </p>
<p>Kristi Stanley will celebrate the release of her album "Heart Wide Open" at The Pickin' Porch Show at the Mountain Music Museum, 316 Broad Street, Kingsport, Tennessee, on Saturday, June 2, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at https://squareup.com/store/pickinporchshow. </p>
<p>The music of Kristi Stanley and Running Blind is available on iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon. Radio distribution is through AirPlay Direct. More information is available at www.KristiStanley.com.</p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/52285742018-05-11T09:11:19-04:002018-10-22T08:19:04-04:00New Release from Union House Records<p>Debut Album from Kristi Stanley, “Heart Wide Open” </p>
<p>The long-awaited album release from Kristi Stanley is available from Union House Records! You can purchase the CD on https://www.krististanley.com/music-store, iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon. The official release date is set for May 11, 2018. </p>
<p>Kristi Stanley grew up in Pikeville Kentucky and is the wife of Ralph Stanley II. As a young girl, she recalls spending hours singing along with the legendary Dolly Parton and dreaming of becoming a big star. She recorded her own renditions of Dolly’s songs, singing them over and over again until every note was perfect. She met Ralph II while she and her family were vacationing in Nashville sitting in on a taping of Prime Time Country. Ralph II was performing with his father, The Late Legendary Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. Two years later, the couple was married and has two beautiful children Taylor and Ralph Stanley III. As the children have grown older, she felt it was time to start performing again which is what she has been doing for the past year with her band, Running Blind and turning many heads in the industry. </p>
<p>“In the music business, as in life, you never know what may happen, but as long as I can continue doing what I love, I will be happy. Hopefully, I will be given the opportunity to showcase, as many others before me that it is possible to love and take care of your family as a first priority, and pursue a career in the music with integrity, dignity and class at the same time.” ~ Kristi </p>
<p>Kristi is joined by an array of talent on this project. Vocally; she is joined by Marty Raybon, Wayne Taylor, Alecia Nugent and Rod Smith. Musicians include: Austin Brown on acoustic bass, rhythm and lead guitar; Nick Goad – Mandolin; Rod Smith – banjo and resonator guitar; Adam Haynes – fiddle; Travis Houck – resonator guitar; Jeff Brown – rhythm guitar; Mike Bentley – rhythm guitar. </p>
<p>“After being in this business for a quarter of a century I am always honored to be asked to be a part of anyone's recording, especially one as good as this. Kristi is a truly gifted singer and her choice of material for this record is amazing. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it." - Wayne Taylor </p>
<p>"I really enjoyed being a part of this project with Kristi...what a great singer...and a great choice of songs too. Always an honor to be a part of something so good." - Alecia Nugent </p>
<p>Union House Records, Co-Owner Jeff Brown states “I want to say I’ve enjoyed working with Kristi on her brand new debut album! I believe listeners will enjoy the diversity in this project. You’ll hear a lot of original material but we’ve added a couple standards of course from the Stanley archives. So from Union House Records and myself, Jeff Brown, buckle up, sit back and enjoy as we bring to you Kristi Stanley!” </p>
<p>Available to Radio DJ's on Airplay Direct. Download Today! <a contents="http://www.airplaydirect.com/music/krististanley/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.airplaydirect.com/music/krististanley/" target="_blank">http://www.airplaydirect.com/music/krististanley/</a></p>
<p>Order Your Autographed Copy of Kristi Stanley's debut release "Heart Wide Open" Today! </p>
<p><a contents="https://www.krististanley.com/music-store" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.krististanley.com/music-store" target="_blank">https://www.krististanley.com/music-store</a></p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/51736992018-04-10T07:29:13-04:002019-01-02T09:33:04-05:00Dan Carty benefit in Bristol this weekend<p>Excerpt from <a contents="Bluegrass Today" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bluegrasstoday.com/dan-carty-benefit-in-bristol-this-weekend/" target="_blank">Bluegrass Today</a> Posted on April 6, 2018 By John Curtis Goad </p>
<p>The bluegrass community is coming together once again to help one of its own. Last fall, Dan Carty, a regionally-performing bluegrass musician who hails from the Bristol, TN/VA area, was diagnosed with malignant squamous cell cancer in his head and neck. Several surgeries, biopsies, scans, and daily treatments several hours from home in Knoxville, TN have left him with significant medical bills. To raise funds to support him throughout his treatments, a group of friends, organized by Vickie Austin, have planned a benefit concert this Saturday, April 7 at 6:00 p.m. </p>
<p>The concert, which will be held at Cold Spring Church in Bristol, TN, will feature a number of bands with roots in the east Tennessee/southwest Virginia area, including Linda Lay & Springfield Exit, Jeff Brown, Duty Free, Troublesome Hollow, Kristi Stanley & Running Blind, and a special appearance by Ralph Stanley II. Popular broadcaster Tim White will emcee the event. </p>
<p>A local mandolin builder is also raffling off a handcrafted F-style mandolin to support Carty, which will include a case and 10 sets of strings donated by Doyle Lawson. Tickets for the raffle are $5 and can be purchased by calling (423) 408-9222. </p>
<p>For more information on the benefit, call the church at (423) 878-2446 or event organizer Ashley Davis at (423) 276-9309. Carty’s friends have also set up a GoFundMe page to help with Carty’s medical expenses. </p>
<p>Donations are accepted at any time at <a contents="https://www.gofundme.com/Stand-withDanCarty" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.gofundme.com/Stand-withDanCarty" target="_self">https://www.gofundme.com/Stand-withDanCarty</a>.</p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/51657932018-04-05T10:29:46-04:002018-08-20T09:22:27-04:00Kristi Stanley and her bluegrass band appear at Down Home<p>Excerpt from <a contents="Bristol Herald Courier" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.heraldcourier.com/community/columnists/netherland/kristi-stanley-and-her-bluegrass-band-appear-at-down-home/article_cc37a276-3384-11e8-9ffc-137a255c0024.html" target="_self">Bristol Herald Courier</a> BY TOM NETHERLAND SPECIAL TO THE HERALD COURIER Mar 30, 2018</p>
<p>Dolly Parton crawled into the ear of a young Kristi Stanley. </p>
<p>Out came her will to sing. </p>
<p>En route to a dream, Stanley leads her contemporary-edged bluegrass band Running Blind to Johnson City’s Down Home on Friday, March 30. New songs swathed in a new sound grace this singer with an old and hallowed name. </p>
<p>“Starting out – and I’m just starting out with this, it’s tough being a woman in bluegrass,” said Stanley by phone from her home near Coeburn. “Plus, the Stanley’s have a big name.” </p>
<p>She’s married to Ralph Stanley II, the late bluegrass legend’s son. Her husband’s uncle, the late Carter Stanley, ranks among the greatest lead singers in bluegrass history. Nah, no pressure. </p>
<p>“They’re big shoes to fill,” Stanley said. </p>
<p>First came Dolly. </p>
<p>“Some of my fondest memories came when I was 7, 8, 9 years old,” Stanley, 36, said. “Had an old guitar. Put a cassette on. I’d go into my bedroom and pretend to be Dolly Parton. I thought I was Dolly Parton, and I’d sing along with her.” </p>
<p>Hints of Parton’s shimmering Appalachian soprano chime within Stanley’s crystalline Kentuckian twang. Evidence ripples gently in her new single, “Never Say Never.” </p>
<p>“I hear a pure voice,” said Ashley Davis, 29, Stanley’s fiddler. “Even when she’s talking, you can tell she’s genuine and pure.” </p>
<p>Then came Ralph Stanley II. On a family trip as a teenager, Kristi happened to attend a taping of now-defunct primetime cable music show, “Prime Time Country.” </p>
<p>“Dr. Ralph was on the show that night, and Ralph II was in the band,” Stanley said. “I noticed how he (Ralph II) kept looking into the audience. After the show, we went backstage and my uncle introduced us.” </p>
<p>They married in 2000. </p>
<p>“Two kids later,” she said, “here we are.” </p>
<p>While her husband toured solo and as a member of his father’s Clinch Mountain Boys band, Stanley shelved her dream to sing. She tended home and their kids. </p>
<p>“I thought, ‘gosh, I’ll never get to sing again,” Stanley said. “But if you’re a singer, you can’t just leave your music. As the kids got older, I thought, ‘why not?’” </p>
<p>So less than a year ago, she formed Running Blind. Her group includes Appalachian Trail members Vickie and Tommy Austin as well as Ashley Davis. Together, they recorded an album, which will debut later this year. </p>
<p>“I heard it before it was mixed and mastered,” Davis said. “It’s awesome.” </p>
<p>Stanley said she may perform about half of the album at the Down Home. Approach-wise, she’s not as traditional as her husband or late father in law. </p>
<p>“When people hear it they say my music sounds totally different,” she said. “It’s bluegrass-style yet with a country flavor.” </p>
<p>It fits. Before marriage, Stanley fielded a country band back home in East Kentucky. </p>
<p>“Country music today isn’t what it was,” she said, “and people are starving for the real thing.” </p>
<p>Meanwhile Stanley’s country-inflected first single, “Never Say Never,” strikes an apropos chord. Part rallying cry and part triumphant declaration, the song underscores Stanley’s will and want to stand on her own as a singer. </p>
<p>“To me, it speaks volumes,” Stanley said. “Never say never.” </p>
<p>Tom Netherland is a freelance writer. He may be reached at features@bristolnews.com. </p>
<p>If You Go </p>
<p>Who: Kristi Stanley & Running Blind </p>
<p>When: Friday, March 30 at 8 p.m. </p>
<p>Where: Down Home, 300 W. Main St., Johnson City </p>
<p>Admission: $15 </p>
<p>Info: 423-929-9822 </p>
<p>Web, audio and video: www.krististanley.com</p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/51438182018-03-23T08:35:46-04:002018-08-20T09:24:10-04:00Never Say Never from Kristi Stanley <p><a contents="Excerpt from Bluegrass Today:&nbsp; Posted on&nbsp;March 20, 2018&nbsp;By&nbsp;John Lawless&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bluegrasstoday.com/never-say-never-from-krtisti-stanley/" target="_blank">Excerpt from Bluegrass Today: Posted on March 20, 2018 By John Lawless </a></p>
<p>The long-awaited Kristi Stanley album is almost here. She has been teasing us about her bluegrass debut project for quite some time, and while the full record isn’t here yet, at least we get to hear the first single,Never Say Never. </p>
<p>It’s a new song from Candace Randolph about not closing your eyes to new possibilities. Kristi was joined in the studio by Alecia Nugent and Wayne Taylor with harmony vocals. The track carries a comfortable acoustic country feel, like much of the material in her live show. </p>
<p>Stanley made her start singing country music as a girl, but has made the switch to bluegrass in tandem with her marriage to Ralph Stanley II. Now that their children are older, it’s Kristi’s time to shine, and that’s what this new recording is about. </p>
<p>Look for the new album, Heart Wide Open, on Union House Records next month. </p>
<p>Label co-owner Jeff Brown says that this new music has been worth the wait. </p>
<p>“I want to say I’ve enjoyed working with Kristi on her brand new debut album! I believe listeners will enjoy the diversity in this project. You’ll hear a lot of original material but we’ve added a couple standards of course from the Stanley archives. A release date is set for April 2018. You can purchase the single from www.krististanley.com and all the digital outlets. So from Union House Records and myself, Jeff Brown, buckle up, sit back and enjoy as we bring to you Kristi Stanley!” </p>
<p>Radio programmers can download Never Say Never now from <a contents="AirPlay Direct." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://airplaydirect.com/krististanley" target="_blank">AirPlay Direct.</a></p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/50829862018-02-16T08:17:36-05:002022-03-26T06:52:22-04:00Bluegrass Today: Kristi Stanley & Running Blind to Still Blue Entertainment<p>Posted on February 12, 2018 By John Lawless</p>
<p>Kristi Stanley & Running Blind have announced their signing with Still Blue Entertainment for both publicity services and booking representation. </p>
<p>Kristi, married to Ralph Stanley II, has been singing country and bluegrass music since she was in her teens. She sang with Dr. Ralph Stanley on his Clinch Mountain Sweethearts album when she was 18, but didn’t meet Ralph II until later when he was performing with his dad in Nashville. II saw her in the audience at a show in Nashville, and they met later at an after party. Two years later they were married. </p>
<p>Now out fronting her own bluegrass group, Stanley says that she believes in what the ladies at Still Blue can do for her. </p>
<p>“I’ve had the opportunity in the last year or so (by way of music) of coming in contact with some amazing people. Some of those people have become friends and some have become business partners. I’d like to welcome Ashley Davis and Sherry Brown. Not only is Ashley an amazing fiddler for our band, she is a marketing genius. Sherry wears many hats as well and juggles them all beautifully. I’m so excited to be working with this great team. They will be working hard to bring our brand of music to a venue near you.” </p>
<p>Brown formed the agency a few years ago primarily to represent her husband, Jeff Brown, and his group, Still Lonesome. She says that now felt like the time to expand with Kristi. </p>
<p>“Consideration has been given many times to growing the agency, but I felt that it had to be the right situation and benefit everyone involved. We had a very close relationship many years with the late legendary Dr. Ralph Stanley and his family. Therefore, we are very excited to be representing upcoming artist Kristi Stanley & Running Blind. This couldn’t happen at a better time with the band turning heads already, and just in time for their upcoming release on Union House Records that should hit the market this Spring. “ </p>
<p>Running Blind consists of Randy Blevins on guitar, Vickie Austin on bass, Tommy Austin on mandolin, Ashley Davis on fiddle, Travis Houck on reso-guitar, and Chad Love on banjo.</p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/46436202017-03-23T22:36:41-04:002018-08-20T09:25:02-04:00NEW BAND FOR KRISTI STANLEY<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/207324/d2a32df4884dae88b384c40cf5fc16be109f2b36/medium/dsc-0260.jpg?1490323125" class="size_m justify_left border_" />On the brink of releasing her debut album with Union House Records, Kristi Stanley is proud to introduce the new band, RUNNING BLIND, that will be backing her on tour. Compiled from years of experience, high skill levels, and polished stage presence, there is no doubt that this group will do a fine job supporting Kristi’s powerful vocals.<br><br>Guitarist, as well as Kristi’s band-leader, Randy Blevins of Kingsport, TN is a self- taught musician, coming from a musical family learning to play bass and guitar at an early age, he performed with his family in church and with several local bands. Randy is no stranger to the bluegrass circle, he has received awards in NC, VA, and TN, individually as a guitarist and in band competitions.<br><br><a contents="READ MORE HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wilsonpickins.com/2017/03/24/new-band-for-kristi-stanley/" target="_blank"><strong>READ MORE HERE</strong></a></p>Kristi Stanleytag:krististanley.com,2005:Post/42957362016-07-26T16:22:51-04:002018-08-20T09:25:42-04:00UNION HOUSE RECORDS SIGNS KRISTI STANLEY<p>We are proud to announce that Kristi Stanley has been signed to Union House Records as their newest bluegrass recording artist. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/207324/da39bd4caa5faf1051daacc3eeb22f0864996d61/small/picture-020.jpg?1463506887" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><br><span style="color:#0000CD;"><em>“I’m very excited to be a part of Union House Records and all of the people involved with my project have been extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and open minded to my production ideas and arrangements. The recording process has been an inspiration to me and offered a lot of insight to my own artistry, as well as growing my anticipation about the future and promoting these tracks on the road. I am really looking forward to a great relationship with this label and to releasing the album and getting out on tour.” <br>-Kristi Stanley<br><br><a contents="READ MORE HERE......" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wilsonpickins.com/2016/07/26/union-house-records-signs-kristi-stanley/" target="_blank">READ MORE HERE......</a></em></span></p>Kristi Stanley