What a year...

Reflecting back on a marvelous year, the Detouristas have a lot to be thankful for. Our latest CD enjoys healthy sales, hit the charts with a bang, and stayed right there. Two of its tunes have been getting constant exposure on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction, out on the internet, at radio stations across the world. We ventured away from home base to play the marvelous Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, making many new friends. Then there was the meeting of minds that brought us together with the indefatigable Jim Roe, of Roe Entertainment. And what a trip to Nashville for a week’s schmooze and music: showcasing at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s annual conference, meetings with record companies and publicists, live radio shows on WAMU’s Bluegrasscountry.org and at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, and interviews with our good friends at bluegrasstoday.com.  Heartfelt thanks to Jim Roe, Penni McDaniel, Kimberly and Blake Williams, Kyle Cantrell, Chris Jones, Chris Teskey, Greg Cahill, Terry Herd, Leigh Gibson, Mark Sahlgren, Martha Moore, Gene Skinner, Mike Kear, Donna Ulisse & Hadley Music Group, Mark Hodges, Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, Mike Sumner, Lee & Elaine Roy, David Morris, Marty Raybon, Brooke and Darin Aldridge, Wayne Taylor, Keith & Terri Grannis, Prescription Bluegrass, and legions of DJs and friends who have spread the word about our music and welcomed us into their musical worlds.  Perhaps the greatest highlight of all was our opportunity to present the first check of $1000 from sales of "Homeless of the Brave" to the great people at Northern Michigan Goodwill Industries to support Patriot Place, a transitional community for homeless veterans.  You could do us and them no greater honor than to give generously to this compassionate and generous organization.

And of course, we are blessed with such a loyal, dedicated, and enthusiastic crowd of families and fans who encourage our creative spirit and fortify our love of a great musical tradition. Here’s lookin’ to an even greater 2013, from Team Detour -- Jeff, Jack, Scott, Missy, Peter, Kevin, Jimmy.