I keep starting to read this article. It's well written and I'm in agreement with most of what I've read so far, but it's just too long! I've got festivals to go to and jams to play in and even gigs, and just can't find the time to sit that long reading about someone else playing bluegrass. . .

There are people who stop by our jams to check out the woman singer/guitar player (me) who also fills in on bass when necessary and can do some fiddle if desperate for fiddle. I'm a novelty in some places, but then these "good ole boys" get over it and get back to the music. Women are definitely in the minority on stage and in the fields, but it's never bothered me (I've always enjoyed being surrounded by men...)

Of course, I'm not young and gorgeous, so it's easier to ignore the woman in bluegrass issues with someone like me. Young, good-looking girls who are good musicians are quickly surrounded by fans, some of it because of the novelty, some of it because of the testosterone in the audience, and gradually, some of it because of the appreciation for the music.