Pickin' and Grinnin' at the Chevy Stage!

Thursday was Bluegrass Day at the Chevy Stage at the Sommet Center in Downtown Nashville. The LIVE broadcast started with the SteelDrivers. Kyle Cantrell from XM-14 Bluegrass Junction was there introducing the artists and even catching a few for an interview. 16-year-old mandolin prodigy Sierra Hull joined Kyle under the XM tent to talk about her new album "Secrets" out on Rounder Records.

Next on stage was Mountain Heart which delivered steller performances from recent projects plus an amazing cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man." Fiddler Jim Van Cleve and lead vocalist Josh Shilling came over after the performance for an interview with Kyle. Dan Tyminski took the stage next with highlights from his latest album "Wheels" set for release in July on Rounder Records. The new band consists of the former bass player for Alison Krauss, Barry Bales, Adam Steffey on mandolin, Ron Stewart on banjo, and Justin Moses on fiddle. The crowd exploded when the band started into Dan's famous "Man of Constant Sorrow." Dan joined Kyle for a short interview before he had to hit the road for another performance.

The last to perform was Sierra Hull with her band Highway 111. Former banjo and guitar player for Alison Krauss Ron Block joined Sierra for the performance. Ron also produced Sierra's record "Secrets." I hope you were able to enjoy a little pickin' and grinnin' at the 2008 CMAs. I know I did! Friday things go back to mainstream country with performances by Julie Roberts, Michelle Wright and Hot Apple Pie. Join Jay Thomas LIVE on Highway 16 starting at Noon Eastern!