Johnathon surprised with the award during a recent taping of WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Folksinger and roots musician Michael Johnathon recently became the latest recipient of the Mentor Award, presented by Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars, a non-profit organization which supports young, aspiring bluegrass musicians through encouragement, excitement, promotion and awareness for them to preserve yesterday’s bluegrass music for tomorrow. The organization’s President, Larry Smith, surprised Johnathon and his crew during a recent broadcast taping of WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour on Monday, November 29 at Lexington’s Lyric Theater, which featured an entire lineup of young, aspiring musicians and performers.
The Mentor Award is presented annually to individuals as appreciation for outstanding support and encouragement of young Bluegrass Musicians. Johnathon became the second recipient of the award, with Ralph Stanley II who became the first recipient of the award.
“Michael has been a staunch supporter for young folks for many years,” said Larry Smith, President of Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars. “We felt he deserved this award for his WoodSongs Kids segment, which has been such an honor for those kids who were invited to be on the show.”
About Michael Johnathon:
Folksinger Michael Johnathon recently won the prestigious Milner Award of the Arts in 2020. He is the screenwriter for the upcoming Caney Creek motion picture, a touring songwriter, author of five published books, playwright of the Walden Play performed in 42 countries, composer of the opera, Woody: For the People, organizer of the national association of front porch musicians called SongFarmers, the full symphony performances of SONGS OF RURAL AMERICA and as the creator and host of the live audience broadcast of the WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour with a radio audience of over two million listeners each week on 500 public radio stations, public television coast-to-coast, American Forces Radio Network in 177 nations and the RFD-TV Network nationwide. His latest book, WoodSongs 5, is being released January 2022 along with his 18th studio album, Cosmic Banjo.
“Take the inventiveness of Bob Dylan, the melodic voice of John Denver, add the showmanship of Garrison Keillor … and that’s Michael Johnathon.” – Bob Spear, Heartland Review
About Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars:
Mission Statement: To support young, aspiring bluegrass musicians through encouragement, excitement, promotion and awareness for them to preserve “yesterday’s” bluegrass music for “tomorrow”.
Purpose Statement: To establish a group that supports and encourages young bluegrass musicians through embracing them, their families and their bands and promoting opportunities for these musicians within the bluegrass community through exposure, interaction, education, showcasing talent, mentoring, networking, resources, connections and events.
Vision Statement: To experience a bluegrass environment where the young musicians are discovered and valued for their musical abilities, investment in bluegrass music and most especially for being the future of bluegrass music through receiving opportunities and the legacy of bluegrass music to share with the current generation and to pass on to future generations.
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[Photo: WoodSongs/Larry Neuzel | (L-R) TBS’ Larry Smith, Michael Johnathon, Makayla Johnathon, Caleb Johnathon | Download PNG]
[Photo: WoodSongs/Larry Neuzel | WoodSongs Kids Show #1027 Cast Photo | Download PNG]
[Photo: Courtesy WoodSongs/Larry Neuzel | Download PNG]
