The Grascals Named Bluegrass Entertainers Of The Year

NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Rounder Records) - Rounder recording group The Grascals earned their second consecutive Entertainer of the Year award at the 18th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House last night.

'This is even sweeter the second time around, if that's possible,' said Grascals vocalist and guitarist Jamie Johnson. 'We're out here doing what we love every day. Thank you all very much.' Johnson also acknowledged each of the other nominees in the category�Cherryholmes, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Del McCoury Band and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage�as well as Ricky Skaggs and the Osborne Brothers. Several of The Grascals worked for the legendary duo, and Sonny Osborne presented the Entertainer of the Year award.

'We wouldn't be doing what we do if it weren't for the Osborne Brothers,' said Johnson.

The Grascals' two Rounder releases-their self-titled 2005 debut and the chart-topping Long List of Heartaches, released in 2006�were both nominated for a Grammy� for Best Bluegrass Album. The Grascals were named IBMA's Entertainer of the Year in 2006, one year after taking home Emerging Artist of the Year and Song of the Year honors. They also won Bluegrass Band of the Year and Instrumental Group of the Year at the SPBGMA Bluegrass Awards earlier this year. They have made guest appearances on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Opry Live and The John Boy & Billy Big Show, among others.
The Grascals have also just begun a partnership with Mayberry's Finest, a new brand featuring more than 36 Southern-seasoned food items inspired by The Andy Griffith Show and reminiscent of Aunt Bee's southern cooking. The Grascals have been spreading the word about Mayberry's Finest at tour dates and public appearances and will be featured in print, radio and television commercials for the food line, which is sponsoring The Grascals' tour. The band also wrote and recorded the Mayberry's Finest jingle.