Notice Re: MLB Music Agency, Michelle Lee Bayus 03/29/2010 Notice Re: MLB Agency Due to a court resolution in Bedford County, TN District Court, Valerie Smith Touring and Buckle Down Bookings can have no contact (directly or indirectly) with any representative or client of the MLB Agency (DBA Michelle Lee Bayus)  See details of public records below (available from Bedford County district court docket): Excerpt from Shelbyville Times Gazette (Shelbyville, TN)  June 6, 2009 The following were arrested since Monday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force or Tennessee Highway Patrol&. * * Michelle Lee Bayus, 31, Cemetery Road, Bell Buckle; forgery, theft of property; held, $75,000 bond Case was resolved in Bedford County circuit court. In a plea agreement, charges were reduced from 31 counts of forgery and three counts of theft. The defendant (Michelle Lee Bayus) represented by public counsel plead guilty to three counts of theft on condition of three years probation and restitution to the plaintiff (Valerie Smith) represented by the Bedford County District Attorney. The court alsobarred Michelle Lee Bayus from any further contactwith Valerie Smith.

Hangin' out in Bell Buckle for a couple of weeks! 03/18/2010 I am home for a couple of weeks, but that doesn't mean that I get to rest in sleepy historical Bell Buckle, TN! Getting ready to launch the new webpage, new cd, "Blame It On The Bluegrass" and beefing up news about our "Bell Buckle Music Cruise". Keep checking my page out for updated information.

Blame It On The Bluegrass! 02/20/2009 Valerie and her band are working as a group effort to produce a bluegrass album that was inspired during their "Bluegrass In The Schools" while being in Owensboro, KY. The project was recorded in the International Bluegrass Museum and will be finished this Spring 2010.

Val & Becky Become Bluegrass DJs! 10/29/2009 Val and Becky are now co-hosts of WMSR 1320 AMs "Bluegrass Crossroads Show," which airs every Saturday and Sunday morning from 7-8 am CST in Manchester, Tenn. Folks can also listen online or download past shows at Thunder1320.com . The gals join current hosts Max Northcutt, Dennis Flatt, Jeff Haley, and Kraig Smith. Give em a listen!

"Here's A Little Song" review in the latest BBN 10/29/2009 Thanks to Richard Thompson for the wonderful review of Heres A Little Song in the British Bluegrass News. You can read it by clicking here .

Who Shot Lester Monroe 10/02/2009 Home Grown music will present the new movie, "Who Shot Lester Monroe" at IBMA, Valerie Smith and Becky Buller are staring in this release! Music City Ballroom, 1:00-3:00pm

Fan Feast 10/02/2009 Valerie Smith and Becky Buller will be attending FAN FEAST for the Daughters of Bluegrass! The event is at 8:30 am

Good Home Grown Music Showcase 09/30/2009 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike will be showcasing at the Godd Homegrown suite celebrating the release of the "Daughters of Bluegrass". at 12:15 am.

IBMA Mentor Sessions 09/30/2009 Valerie Smith has mentor sessions at IBMA with Dr. Cleveland from the Vanderbilt Vocal clinic at 9:30-11:00 am. She will also be attending the Leadership Bluegrass sessions and being a part of the session.

Good Home Grown Music Showcase 09/29/2009 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike do a showcase for Good Home Grown Music at 12:35 am at IBMA

Daughters of Bluegrass Interview 09/29/2009 Valerie Smith will be at the Daughters of Bluegrass interview with Michael Dempsey at 4 pm at the WAMU suite.

IBMA Events 09/29/2009 Becky Buller does a workshop with Louisa Branscomb at the songwriter's showcase. Valerie Smith presents check from the "Dare To Be Different" showcase to the "Foundation of Bluegrass" luncheon.

Dare To Be Different 09/27/2009 "Dare To Be Different" showcase,Bell Buckle Banquet Hall and Theatre, Historic Bell Buckle, TN. A full day of fine bluegrass music from across the country and around the world. Hosted by Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, food provided by the Bell Buckle Cafe. Tickets are $10, proceeds go to the International Bluegrass Music and the Bluegrass in the Schools scholarship programs.

Pickin' In The Pines 09/25/2009 Come see us at the festival, "Pickin; In the Pines", we are doing 3 shows and several workshops! Then we are pulling an all night drive back to Bell Buckle!!

Bell Buckle Music Cruise adds 2 more events! 08/29/2009 Bell Buckle Music Cruise will be dancing on the ship as well as hunting for treasures donated by the International Bluegrass Association! If you have not signed up for the cruise, make sure to reserve your spot this September. Ocean View and Balcony cabins go first!! We also will continue to have "Bluegrass Idol" as well as a number of workshops, and SLOW AND FAST JAMS!! For more information, please contact our office, Virginia or Kraig at (931) 389-0223.

Valerie joins Facebook, Twitter and MySpace 08/29/2009 I am very excited to enter this phase of technology!! You can directly speak with me on twitter, facebook and MySpace. I have been posting the latest news on all accounts and speaking to a lot of Val Pals! While this web site is being updated, stay in touch with me and I will tell you the latest news for http://www.valeriesmithonline, releases, shows, cruise and "Dare to Be Different" news! Thanks so much and look forward to hearing from you!

Dare To Be Different Showcase Update! 08/29/2009 Come and join us for an evening of spectacular Bluegrass talent from around the United States! There will be a showcase at the Bell Buckle Banquet Hall on September 27, begins at noon and ends at 9:00 PM. Professional Bluegrass bands will be donating their talent to help raise money for Bluegrass Educaiton in the schools. This event is right before the conference for the International Bluegrass Association's convention that takes place in Nashville, TN. Check my web-site link for updated information on attending bands! Also, put into consideration that the food will be provided by the historically famous, BELL BUCKLE CAFE!! PLUS....people from around the world will be there and social times are one of the highlights of this event!! Check out the World of Bluegrass Conference at my favorite link page. Call our office for more information, (931) 389-0223 or email: bellbuckle@cafes.net

Holiday singles available! 08/29/2009 Valerie is going to be releasing a few holiday singles, the downloads will be available in November. Keep visiting our site for more information!

Photo shoot with celeb photographer, Peter Nash 08/29/2009 Valerie is going to get a new look this week with celebrity photographer, Peter Nash. This photo will be launched with the new face of her website in the Fall.

Daughters of Bluegrass on Cash Box Chart in August 08/01/2009 "Bluegrass Bouquet" by the Daughters of Bluegrass is at #25 on the August 2009 Cash Box Magazine "Bluegrass Chart." That's a total of 8 months on the chart. Keep up the great work, gals!

Holding at #13 07/30/2009 "Here's A Little Song" is hanging on to the #13 spot on the Roots Music Report Bluegrass Chart for the week of July 30. Thanks for keeping tuned in to your local Bluegrass programs!

Roots Music Report chart action for July 24 07/24/2009 "Here's A Little Song" is at #13 on the Roots Music Report Bluegrass Chart for the week of July 24. "Back To the Well," the IBMA award-winning release from the Daughters of Bluegrass, is at #45 on the same chart. Remember: You're requests matter! Call your local Bluegrass DJs often; they love hearing from you! You might even send them homemade peach pies. Mmm! We've got to take good care of these fine folks because they're keeping Bluegrass music on the air. Bless their hearts and yours!

Roots Music Report for the week of July 17 07/20/2009 "Here's A Little Song" held steady in the #12 spot on last week's Roots Music Report Bluegrass Chart . That's a total of 46 weeks on the chart! "Back to the Well" by the Daughters of Bluegrass is at #44 on the same chart this week.

Story by Connect Savannah 07/15/2009 Check out this nice story on the Connect Savannah website in advance of our show this Friday, July 17, at Randy's Pickin' Parlor in Bloomingdale, Ga.

Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike 2009 IBMA Nominations 07/13/2009 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike received the following nominations in the first round of balloting for the 2009 IBMA Awards: ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR -- Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike ALBUM OF THE YEAR -- "Here's A Little Song" FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR -- Valerie Smith & Becky Buller FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR -- Becky Buller Thank you for remembering Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike when choosing your favorite bluegrass moments of 2009!

Daughters of Bluegrass 2009 IBMA Nominations 07/13/2009 The Daughters of Bluegrass received the following nominations in the first round of balloting for the 2009 IBMA Awards: RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR - "Proud to be a Daughter of Bluegrass" RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR - "Leaving Here For Nashville" RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR - "I Don't Think I'm Going Back to Harlan" ALBUM OF THE YEAR - "Bluegrass Bouquet" SONG OF THE YEAR - "Proud to be a Daughter of Bluegrass" Thank you for remembering the Daughters of Bluegrass when choosing your favorite bluegrass moments of 2009!

Daughters of Bluegrass on the Roots Music Chart 07/13/2009 "Back To The Well," the second release from the Daughters of Bluegrass and IBMA's 2006 "Recorded Event of the Year," is back on the Roots Music Report Bluegrass Chart this week at # 43. This disk features "Pocket Knives and Fiddle Tunes" by Valerie Smith and "Come On Down the Mountain" by Becky Buller.

Last Week's Roots Music Chart Action 07/13/2009 "Here's A Little Song" is at #12 on the Roots Music Report Bluegrass Chart this week. Have you called your favorite Bluegrass DJ lately? Better yet, have you sent them a care package of cookies? They love to hear from you! Thanks so much for requesting our tunes.

Daughters of Bluegrass on Cash Box Chart 07/13/2009 "Bluegrass Bouquet" by the Daughters of Bluegrass is currently at #23 on the July 2009 Cash Box Magazine Bluegrass Chart . The Daughters have been on the chart for 7 months now. Way to go, girls!

#10 on the Roots Music Report Bluegrass Chart! 07/06/2009 "Here's A Little Song" moved back up to the #10 spot on the Roots Music Report Bluegrass Chart this week. That's 44 total weeks on the chart and it's all thanks to you, our favorite listeners! Please keep those requests pouring in to your favorite bluegrass DJs.

On The Cover of Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine!!! 07/01/2009 Valerie and Becky are the featured on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine for the month of July! If you haven't gotten one yet, you'll soon be able to pick up a signed copy at a Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike show near you or at the band's Online Store .

2009 "Best Bluegrass Album of the Year" award!! 07/01/2009 Valerie Smith & Becky Buller's duet record "Here's A Little Song" has been awarded the 2009 "Best Bluegrass Album of the Year" from the Rural Roots Music Commission, part of the National Traditional Country Music Association. Smith and Buller will receive their award at the 34th Annual National Old-time Country & Bluegrass Festival at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds in LeMars, Ia., which takes place over Labor Day weekend. Check out the band's schedule page for more information.

July Bluegrass Unlimited Chart Action 07/01/2009 "Whisper Baby" is at #22 this month on Bluegrass Unlimited magazine's "National Survey." Thanks so much for requesting Val and Becky's music from your favorite DJs! Keep those cards and letters going out; your voice matters!

Roots Music Report Chart Action 06/26/2009 "Here's a Little Song" is at #14 on the Roots Music Report Bluegrass Chart for the week of June 26th. The album has been on the chart 43 weeks. "Bluegrass Bouquet" from the Daughters of Bluegrass came in at #25 this week and has been on the chart 34 weeks. Way to go, girls!

Daughters of Bluegrass on Cash Box Chart 06/15/2009 "Bluegrass Bouquet" from the Daughters of Bluegrass is at #21 on the June Cash Box Magazine Bluegrass Chart and has been on the chart for six months now. Valerie is featured on the song "Desmoranda," while Becky plays fiddle on several tracks and sings a bit on "Leaving Here for Nashville."

Back on the Roots Music Report Bluegrass Chart! 06/15/2009 Val and Becky have been back on the Roots Music Report Bluegrass Chart at #13 for the last two weeks with "Heres A Little Song." Can we thank you enough for calling in to request our music from your favorite Bluegrass DJs, for baking them cookies and pies, for knitting them sweaters, all just to get our music played on their programs? Nope. Never. Thank you!

#11 on Orin Friesen Bluegrass Chart 06/03/2009 "Heres A Little Song" is holding in steady at #11 on Orin Friesen's June 2009 "Top 40 Bluegrass Albums" chart. Congratulations to Orin and his "Rocking Banjo Ranch" show for celebrating 44 years of broadcasting Bluegrass music on KFTI AM 1070 and KFDI FM 101.3 in Wichita, Kan. And thanks to all of you who have been calling him to request Valerie and Becky's music!

Cover girl! 06/03/2009 Becky Buller (Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike) and Benji Flaming (Monroe Crossing) along with Johnny and Jeanette Williams graced the front cover of the June Inside Bluegrass, the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association's (MBOTMA) monthly magazine. All four were cutting up a rug on the 6th annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise to Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. Contra dancing was added this year and a was a smash hit. For more information about the upcoming Bell Buckle Music Cruise, sailing Jan. 25-30, 2010, visit BellBuckleCruise.com. For more information about MBOTMA, check out MinnesotaBluegrass.org).

Winners of a Musician's Atlas "Vox Populi" award! 06/03/2009 Valerie Smith and Becky Buller have been given a 2009 VOX POPULI AWARD, the popular vote component of the Musicians Atlas Independent Music Awards. Smith and Buller were nominated in the Americana Album category for their latest release, Heres A Little Song.

Vote for us!! 06/03/2009 Thanks so much for remembering us, as well as the Daughters of Bluegrass , when you vote for this years IBMA awards. Not a professional member of IBMA yet? YOU can have a voice in voting for your favorite Bluegrass performers. Click here for more information. Tell IBMA we sent you!

#19 On Bluegrass Unlimited "National Survey!" 06/03/2009 Valerie and Becky have moved up two notches to #19 on the Bluegrass Unlimited magazine National Survey with Whisper Baby from their 2008 duet album Heres A Little Song. Thanks so much for continuing to call your favorite Bluegrass DJs to request our music.

We are #8 on the CashBox Magazine Chart!!!!!! 04/24/2009 We are so excited to be #8 on the CashBox Magazine "Top Rockygrass Album" chart for this month. CashBox MagazineThanks to all the fans who keep requesting our music!!!! Love ya' all!!!!

We're at #2!!!! 04/10/2009 "Here's A Little Song" has moved up to #2 after 32 weeks on the Roots Music Report "Bluegrass Chart"! Those loaves of homemade banana bread and cookies you've been sending to your favorite Bluegrass DJs are paying off. Thanks so much for your hard work and dedication. In other news, the Daughters of Bluegrass are at #21 on the chart for the fourth week in a row. A very happy and blessed Easter to you all!

Week #3 at #3! 04/08/2009 "Here's A Little Song" is still at #3 this week on the Roots Music Report "Bluegrass Chart"! The Daughters of Bluegrass are hanging in there at #21, also for the third week in a row. Keep sending those card, flowers, loaves of homemade banana bread, etc., to your favorite DJs! YOU make all the difference! Thanks for keeping our tunes on the air.

Still at #3! 03/27/2009 After 30 weeks, "Here's A Little Song" is holding at #3 on the Roots Music Report "Bluegrass Chart". The Daughters of Bluegrass are still at #21 with Bluegrass Bouquet. Your requests matter! If you enjoy our music, please let your favorite DJs know. Thanks for your help!

#21 on the Bluegrass Unlimited "National Survey!" 03/25/2009 Whisper Baby has climbed to #21 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine National Survey for the month of April! Thanks so very much for requesting our tunes from your favorite DJs. Its folks like you that keep Bluegrass music on the air!

#5 on the Roots Music Report Bluegrass Chart!! 03/08/2009 "Here's A Little Song" moved up to the #5 spot on the Roots Music Report "Bluegrass Chart" for the week ending in Mar. 6. The Daughters of Bluegrass are on the same chart at #20. The Daughters are also at #13 on the Cashbox Magazine Bluegrass Chart. Thanks for continuing to call your favorite Bluegrass DJs to request our music!

Bluegrass Special Review 03/05/2009 Thanks so much to David McGee for the beautiful review he gave "Here's A Little Song" on the Bluegrass Special website. Please take a second to read it!

2010 Cruise Information 03/05/2009 Just wanted to update everyone on the fact that we have changed our dates for the 7th Annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise. The new dates are: Monday, January 25th through Saturday, January 30th. I know that everyone will have a great time and I can't wait to see everyone.

Congrats to Debra Shawver 02/27/2009 I want to personally congratulate Mrs. Debra Shawver for having the Winning Lesson Plans for 2009 in the Bluegrass Lesson Plan Competition for IBMA. "Bluegrass in the Schools" She received 1st place for her "Bluegrass Vocal Harmony & the 'High, Lonesome Sound,'". She is a music teacher at Marshall Elementary, in Oxford, Ohio. She has won a cash prize and also will be joining me in 2010 on the 7th Annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise. I look forward to meeting her and having her teach a workshop on the cruise. More info to come...... Valerie

Roots Music Chart Action 02/27/2009 The Daughters of Bluegrass "Bluegrass Bouquet" has moved up the Roots Music Report "Bluegrass Chart" this week to #7! Go, go, 'Grassy Girls! In other news, Becky Buller's very first album, "Rest My Weary Feet," inexplicably showed up on the chart at #31 some nine years after its release. As Becky's mother says, "Well, wonders never cease to kick me in the head."

Movin' on up the charts! 02/23/2009 "Whisper Baby" moved up to #23 this month on the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine airplay chart, up two notches from February. "Heres A Little Song" was back to #20 on last week's Roots Music Report "Bluegrass Chart". The Daughters of Bluegrass are also hanging in there on the Roots Chart at #30. In other news, the Daughter's "Bluegrass Bouquet" album received a nice review in this month's Bluegrass Unlimited. Thanks so much to all of you who keep requesting our music from your friendly neighborhood Bluegrass DJs!

Welcome to Ernie Evans 02/17/2009 All of the VSLP family would like to welcome Mr. Ernie Evans to the band. He lives in Florida with his family. He plays Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar. We are looking forward to working with Ernie. WELCOME ABOARD!!!

Val Nominated for 2009 SPBGMA Award 02/12/2009 Valerie has been nominated for the 2009 The SPBGMA "Traditional Female Vocalist" award. Way to go, Val! Both Val and Becky will be performing with the Daughters of Bluegrass at the SPBGMA convention Feb. 13-15, 2009. The festivities take place at the Shearton Music City in Nashville. Hope to see you there! The Daughter's performance schedule for this weekend can be found at: The Daughters of Bluegrass.com.

Please Vote For Us! 01/30/2009 We didn't win the Independent Music Award we were up for. (Sigh.) But do not despair! There still is time for you to cast your vote in the People's Choice component of the awards. Please log onto IndependentMusicAwards.com. Youll find us listed at the bottom of this page. Make your voice count! Vote for us today! (Thanks so much, by the way.)

Here's A Little Song climbing charts! 01/30/2009 "Whisper Baby" is up to #25 this month on the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine airplay chart, up three notches from last month. "Heres A Little Song&" is holding steady this week at #20 on the Roots Music Report "Bluegrass Chart". The Daughters of Bluegrass are also hanging in there on the Roots chart at #30.

Check these out 01/08/2009 We have just updated some of our favorite sites. MySpace and Facebook. If you would like to check those out, here are the URL's. MySpace.com Facebook.com Become one of my friends and talk to me when we can. I would love to get to meet everyone and get to know you. Until we type again...........Valerie

On her way home!!! 12/22/2008 Well, Valerie and the gang are on their way home from the Germany tour. I have been told that they had a great tour and meet some wonderful people. They should arrive in Chicago later tomorrow. Please keep them in your prayers that they have a safe flight and are not delayed or canceled due to the weather. She does want me to tell everyone from her, her family and also from me: Merry Christmas and we hope you have a safe & Happy New Year!!!!! Tootles, Virginia

Please Vote for us!!!!! 12/08/2008 You can help us to win the People's Choice Award with the IMA's. Please go to For more information and to vote in the Vox Populi portion of the IMAs, visit IndependentMusicAwards.com Go under the Album Finalist then the category 'Americana'. Sign in and vote by rating our music. Tell all your friends to vote also. We really appreciate your support. We will announce if we won in January. Thanks again......happy voting!!!!!

Valerie is in Germany 12/03/2008 Just got off the phone with Valerie. She and the band arrived safely in Germany early Monday morning. They will be playing 18 shows in 21 days. Wow what a full schedule. She wanted me to tell everyone hi....so..."Hi!!!!!!" She said that her shows are going well and she hopes that if you are in the area, please come on down and see her. Check out her schedule to see exactly where she is. More to come later......... Tootles, Virginia

Smith & Buller Named Finalists for 2008 IMA 11/12/2008 Valerie Smith and Becky Buller have been named finalists for the 8th annual Independent Music Awards. The nomination is in the Americana Album category for the duo's brand new record "Here's A Little Song". Submissions for the IMAs were received from all over the world. This year's distinguished panel of judges includes: Peter Gabriel, Suzanne Vega, Keith Urban, Clint Black, Ice-T, Josh Madden (DCMA Clothing), Joe Cuello & Carrie Hughes (MTV Networks), Jason Olaine (Festival Network) and Stefan Goldby (ManiaTV). IMA winners will appear in the 2009 Musician's Atlas, the industry's most comprehensive resource for connecting artists, music biz entrepreneurs, and other industry professionals to make, market, and sell music more successfully. This publication and its website reach over 15 million music fans and promoters. Winners receive a year long promotional blitz. Their music will be featured on a sampler CD which is promoted to millions of listeners via North American terrestrial radio as well as worldwide via the Internet. In addition, winners are invited to tape live broadcasts for ManiaTV and perform at the CMJ Music Marathon and film festival this coming October in New York City. For more information and to vote in the Vox Populi portion of the IMAs, visit IndependentMusicAwards.com . For more about Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike featuring Becky Buller, log onto the band's website at ValerieSmithOnline.com .

Becky Gives a Tip at BluegrassCountry.org 11/03/2008 While roaming the halls of IBMAs 2008 World of Bluegrass Week, Becky was asked by Bob Webester and Echo Propp of WAMU to contribute to their Musicians Tip page. She ended up talking about what she learned about being a producer from working on Heres A Little Song. Beckys tip, #56, can be found all this week at BluegrassCountry.org .

DJ Geoff Morris says... 10/27/2008 Our friend Geoff Morris of Victoria, Australia's Wall-to-Wall Bluegrass Show had this to say about Valerie and Becky's new record: The new 'Here's A Little Song' album is a sheer joy from start to finish! The irrepressible Valerie Smith and Becky Buller team up here for a long-awaited musical treat. The first track says it all, really. Here we have the singer telling (happily?) of receiving a shattering piece of news from now ex boyfriend and the whole song remains joyous! Only in bluegrass could you do that! We have been anticipating this duet album for a long time and the result exceeded expectations by a country mile. Congratulations! If you're not in Victoria, Australia, any time soon, never fear! You can tune Geoff in on the internet at WorldWideBluegrass.com.

Review in the River City Reader 10/14/2008 Valerie and Becky's new record was mentioned in the River City Reader of Davenport, Ia. Here's what they had to say: "Beautiful harmonies and bluegrass sunrise sweetness, recalling rural Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe in the gorgeous "Heart of the House""

Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike LIVE on XM 10/10/2008 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike stopped by the XM Satellite studios in Nashville just after their European adventure this past August to record a Live In Studio special with host Kyle Cantrell. The special, which features songs from Valerie and Beckys brand new album Heres A Little Song, will be airing from 10/10/08 through 10/16/08 on XMs Track 14 Bluegrass Junction . For more information and a complete schedule of when the special will air, please visit KyleCantrell.com

Interview Airing All Week on BluegrassCountry.org 09/29/2008 Australian super Bluegrass DJ Mike Kear recently interviewed Valerie and Becky about their brand new Bell Buckle Records release Heres A Little Song. That interview can be heard all this week (9/29-10/4) on BluegrassCountry.org . A complete schedule of when that interview will air is available on the site. Thanks so much, Mike!

Bell Buckle Music Cruise 09/19/2008 WOW!!!! January will be here quicker than we know it. We are all excited about the 6th Annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise. We only have 30 rooms left and they are going fast. So if you haven't booked your cruise yet, now is the time. Just give us at call at 931-389-0223. We will be glad to answer questions. You don't want to miss out on all the fun so call now!!!!

IT IS READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 09/09/2008 The new duet album from Valerie and Becky Buller is now ready to purchase. After you hear this wonderful CD, let us know what you think. Don't forget to call your local radio station to request that they play your favorite. Go to the blog and post your favorite. Till we type again.................

New CD Release Next Week 09/02/2008 Well the time is almost here!!!! "Here's A Little Song" will be released on September 9th. We are excited to share this wonderful Female Duet album featuring Valerie and Becky Buller. A little over a year in the making, the project is complete and ready to ship. Go to the New Release part of our site and have a listen to a few of the songs. Then call your local radio stations and request your favorite. Hope everyone enjoys the new CD.

VSLP On The April BG Now Gospel Chart! 04/09/2008 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike are on Bluegrass Now Magazine's "Gospel Truths" chart twice this month! "The Rain" is at #15 and has been on the chart about 8 months. The wonderfully written Claire Lynch/Ciny Greene tune "Wings To Fly" is back on the chart at #17. Both songs are from the band's latest record, an all-Bluegrass gospel project entitled "Wash Away Your Troubles." Thanks to everyone out their requesting the group's songs from your local and satellite DJs!

Two Rivers Bluegrass Show 03/27/2008 We were called at the last miniute to do the show at Two Rivers, WI. It was a pleasure and we had fun! I hope that Rhonda has a speedy recovery and that you folks get to see her in the future on stage. Thank you for being so nice to us at the show and making me feel welcomed (not hot dogs or eggs were thrown that night)!

BELL BUCKLE BLUEGRASS AND MUSIC CRUISE 04/08/2008 NEW ADDRESS IS PO BOX 242, BELL BUCKLE, TN AND PHONE (931)389-0223

Live short commercials 04/08/2008 GHS has been really good to us, so we have decided to do some short commercials available on our web sites and downloads that people may want to check out! It should be a lot of fun!!

Television Show for RFD TV 04/10/2008 We are producing a television show for RFD TV at the Bell Banquet Hall in Bell Buckle, TN this Saturday. I am so excited because we get to back up Charlie Louvin on one of his classics! My band, Liberty Pike and I will also be doing a set on the program. How exciting! Come around 7 o clock if you don't to miss the action

Four Wet Pig project in progress 04/08/2008 OK...I have'nt exactly won the debate about the name of the upcoming album (Becky would like to title it "Here's a Little Song"...it is just that I was looking forward to making pig t shirts, hats, poster and photographing those pigs for our album!! We had a day in the studio, all is going well and I hope you will like our new project when it is officially finished!

Show in Two Rivers" WI 04/08/2008 Rhonda was not feeling very good and I a sure it is the same stuff that everyone is getting these days. I was asked to do her show for her and was a little nervouse (understandingly). Everyone's hearts remained on Rhonda and hoping to get back on her feet soon. I send my get well wishes too! We did the show, but I am certain her fans missed her so much. Thanks to Rhonda, Brad and her management for letting me do the gig. The people were nice and the food was the best. By the way, thank you Hagar for the sausages, cookies and cheese...they are already in the stomachs of some very happy musicians. We love you lots!

Friends from Maine have been staying with us! 04/08/2008 I am happy to announce that I have had some wonderful friends visiting form Maine and we have had a ball. They didn't bring any live lobsters down, but they have been helping Kraig and I around that house!! I don't want them to go home! They went to a songwriting session including a steak dinner, Jack Daniels Distillery tour and to a contra dance. Of course that learned that I wasn't much of a cook. Guess there are worse things to loose!!

Special Guest This Weekend 03/24/2008 We have another special guest! Rebecca Fraizer of Hit & Run Bluegrass out of Colorado is joining us for shows this weekend. Please check out our schedule page for the complete list of shows. We hope to see you there!

Richard Starkey Guests With VSLP in March 02/11/2008 We have a special guest with us on guitar for the month of March! Richard Starkey is not only a fabulous singer and guitarist; he is Martin Guitar's historian and regional repair rep for the Southeast. He travels all over the United States doing clinics, demonstrations and light repair work. When he's at home in Franklin, Tenn., in his own repair shop, there's no telling who might stop by to have their Martin Guitars serviced from Tim O'Brien and Del McCoury to Steve Miller! We are so pleased to have Richard with us. For more about him, please check out this recent article from the Tennessean.

Power Source Magazine Bluegrass Chart 07/05/2007 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike's song "Make Him A Solider" off her latest release "Wash Away Your Troubles" is at #6 on the Power Source Magazine Bluegrass Chart.

The Rain on the Bluegrass Now Gospel Chart 06/01/2007 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, graces the Bluegrass Now Gospel Chart at # 4 with "The Rain" off her first all gospel cd "Wash Away Your Troubles" (BBR-018). "The Rain" was written by Liberty Pike very own Becky Buller.

Valerie Smith - 38th GMA Dove Award Nomination 01/25/2007 Bell Buckle Records is proud to announce that Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike's first all Gospel album "Wash Away Your Troubles" has been nominated in three categories of the 38th GMA Dove Awards first round balloting. All 11 selections are nominated for Bluegrass Song of the Year. This soulful collection ranges from traditional Bluegrass Gospel to a contemporary Christian feel. With a celebration of praise that appeals to bluegrass and gospel lovers, "Wash Away Your Troubles" is nominated for Bluegrass Album of the Year. Previous Dove Award winner Alan O'Bryant of the Nashville Bluegrass Band and Becky Buller, of Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, along with Bell Buckle Records founder and executive producer, J. Gregory Heinike, are nominated for Producer of the Year. Final nominations for the awards will be announced on February 20, 2007. The highest honor, the Dove Award, will be presented to the top artists from every style of gospel music on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee.

Valerie LIVE on XM 10/18/2006 Valerie Smith Live from the Country Music Hall of Fame with Kyle Cantrell from XM's studio in the Hall of Fame, Tuesday October 24th at 4pm. Kyle will be visiting Valerie about her newest release from Bell Buckle Records Wash Away Your Troubles (BBR-018).

2006 IBMA Awards 2nd Round 07/11/2006 Congratulations to Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, Becky Buller, and label mate Jeanette Williams for being nominated in the 2nd round of the 2006 IBMA Awards. Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike are up for Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Album of the Year - "That's What Love Can Do" and for Song of the Year - "In Those Mines" written by Becky Buller Valerie Smith is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year. Becky Buller is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and Fiddle Player of the Year. Jeanette Williams is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year . All three ladies are nominated for their work on the Daughters of Bluegrass project "Back to the Well" on Blue Circle Records. The project is nominated for, Record Event of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Congrats to Bell Buckle Records Ladies of Bluegrass.

Album Release Party for Daughter's of Bluegrass 05/10/2006 The NEW Daughter of Bluegrass CD, "Back to the Well," has been released on Blue Circle Records. And, on August 31, 2006 at the Station Inn will be the album release party. The project, is headed up by Lorraine Jordan of Carolina Road Band, both Valerie and Becky are featured along with many of the industry's finest ladies, Dale Ann Bradley, Beth Lawrence, Gena Britt, Julie Elkins, Dixie Hall and many more. For more information, go to Daughters of Bluegrass.

Daughters of Bluegrass 03/28/2006 The NEW Daughter of Bluegrass CD, "Back to the Well," has been released on Blue Circle Records. The project, is headed up by Lorraine Jordan of Carolina Road Band, both Valerie and Becky are featured along with many of the industry's finest ladies, Dale Ann Bradley, Beth Lawrence, Gena Britt, Julie Elkins, Dixie Hall and many more. For more information, go to Daughters of Bluegrass.

Big Top Ten For Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike 03/23/2006 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" climbs up 4 places to #10 for the month of April on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. That's a big top ten, good buddy! The album is hanging in there, too, remaining at #10 for the second month.

4th Annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise 03/29/2006 Valerie and Liberty Pike hosts the 4th Annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise. It sets sail February 4 - 8, 2007 from Port Canaveral, FL on Carnival "Fantasy" to Freeport and Nassau Bahamas. The line up includes Lonesome River Band, Tresa Jordan & Southern Lite, Smokey Greene, Riverbend Bluegrass Band, Monroe Crossing, Swinging Bridge, Randy Kohrs and Ernie Thacker & Route 23. For more information call the office at 931-389-9694 or Celebration Travel at 800-426-1994.

An ALL Gospel CD Coming Soon! 03/09/2005 More brand new music from Valerie Smith is coming soon. On Friday night February 24th before heading out to St. Louis, Valerie and the band finished singing the last note at 10pm for the up and coming ALL Gospel album, "Getting Ready For Sunday" produced by Alan O'Bryant of the Nashville Bluegrass Band, who produced Valerie's first two albums, "Patchwork Heart" and "Turtle Wings". The release date is spring 2006.

"That's What Love Can Do" Climbs Up To 2 Notches 03/01/2006 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" climbs up two, to #14 this month and has been on the chart for the past five months on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. For the past six months "That's What Love Can Do" has been on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart and this month it climbs up two, to #10.

In Those Mines - Moves up to #16 02/01/2006 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" climbs up to #16 this month on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. And, the album "That's What Love Can Do" moves up to #12.

Valerie & Liberty Pike in XM Satellite Studios 01/12/2006 Valerie and Liberty Pike paid a visit to Kyle Cantrell the host of Bluegrass Junction 14 on XM Satellite Radio today. The premiere broadcast for Valerie and Liberty Pike on XM Satellite Radio will be Sunday, January 22. Air time will be 1:00 P.M. E.S.T./Noon Central.

On The Charts 01/01/2006 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" climbs up to #20 this month on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. And, the album remains at #13. And Becky Buller's "Opal, Ruby, and Pearl" remains on the chart has been looking good for the past 7 months on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey.

2006 SPBGMA Bluegrass Awards 12/14/2005 Congratulations to Becky Buller for being nominated for SPBGMA's Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year for 2006. And to Valerie Smith and Jeanette Williams for being nominated for SPBGMA's Traditional Female Vocalist.

It Keeps Climbing 12/02/2005 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" climbs up to #23 on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. And, the album remains at #13. And Becky Buller's "Opal, Ruby, and Pearl" climbs up to #14 Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey.

"In Those Mines" On The BU Chart 10/31/2005 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" debuts at #28 on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. Plus, the album climbs up one to #13.

#11 on the Roots Bluegrass Music Chart 10/08/2005 Valerie Smith's "That's What Love Can Do" is at #11 on the Roots Bluegrass Music Report. And, #80 on the Roots 100 Chart.

Look Who's On The Bluegrass Top Album Chart 09/28/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike's album "That's What Love Can Do" (BBR-017) debut's at #14 on , Bluegrass Unlimited's National Bluegrass Survey. Also debuting on the chart is Becky Buller's "Little Bird" (BBR-017) at #15.

Look Who's #35 on the Roots Bluegrass Music Chart 09/09/2005 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike's fourth album "That's What Love Can Do" on Bell Buckle Records debuts at #35 on the Roots Bluegrass Music Chart.

Opal, Ruby and Pearl Climbs Up The Chart 09/09/2005 Becky Buller's Opal, Ruby and Pearl off her Bell Buckle Records debut (BBR-015) climbs up to number 22 in the September issue of Bluegrass Unlimited "National Bluegrass Survey". Also on the chart for September is Master's Garden for Bluegrass Now "Gospel Truths".

Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike to showcase at 09/08/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike to showcase at 2005 World of Bluegrass Convention. Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike have been invited to showcase songs from their brand new album "That's What Love Can Do" off Bell Buckle Records (BBR-017) during World of Bluegrass October 24-30, 2005. Valerie and Liberty Pike will be performing on Wednesday October 26, 2005 along with Carolina Road, April Verch, Melonie Cannon, Richard Green and the Brothers Barton from 8pm - 10:30pm

Don't Get Above Your Grazin' Festival 09/08/2005 Don't Get Above Your Grazin' Festival to Benefit the Victims of Hurricane Katrina. Hosted by Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike November 10,11, and 12, 2005 at the Dixieland Music Park in Waldo, FL. Also performing is the Jeanette Williams Band, Ernie Evans & Southern Lite, Swinging Bridge , Riverbend Bluegrass Band and many others. For more information call 904-886-8378 or 931-389-9694 or logon to www.dixielandmusicpark.com

IBMA 2005 Special Showcase 06/23/2005 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike has been selected for a special showcase presentation at this years World of Bluegrass Confrence. They will be featuring their brand new music form "That's What Love Can Do" of Bell Buckle Records (BBR-017).

IBMA's 2005 Second Round Ballots Are In! The second round of IBMA balloting came in today with several votes for Bell Buckle Records artist; Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, the Jeanette Williams Band, and Becky Buller. They are as follows: Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike: Entertainer of the Year Valerie Smith: Female Vocalist of the Year Jeanette Williams: Female Vocalist of the Year Becky Buller: Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for "Little Bird" (BBR-015) and Fiddle Player of the Year Matt Leadbetter: Dobro Player of the Year We'll keep you posted as the balloting process continues. In the meantime, please visit the Jeanette Williams Band, Becky Buller and Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike online.

The Master's Garden at #1 06/27/2005 What a month for Becky Buller and Bell Buckle Records. If she's not on fire with her hair she's on fire with her music. The Master's Garden off Becky's Bell Buckle Records debut CD "Little Bird" debut at number one in the July Issue of Bluegrass Now on the Bluegrass Now Gospel Truths chart. Congratulations Becky, you go girl.

Becky Buller's Opal, Ruby & Pearl at #30 06/23/2005 Dedication and hard work does pay off. Congratulations to Becky and her song Opal, Ruby & Pearl off her Bell Buckle Records debut release "Little Bird" it has landed a spot on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart in the July 2005 issue.

2005 Moon Pie Queen 06/18/2005 Valerie Smith has been crowned Moon Pie Queen and Comedian Phil Campbell was crowned RC Cola King at the 11th Annual RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival in Bell Buckle Tennessee.

That's What Love Can Do 06/09/2005 Valerie Smith comes home again with 4th release. On July 12, Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike is set to release "That's What Love Can Do" on Bell Buckle Records. The album brings her full circle back to a place of familiarity and is quilted with bits and pieces of her previously released albums. Produced, recorded and engineered by Grammy-winning Richard Adler of Nashville's Sound Wave Studios.

1st Val Pal Party, Dade City Florida 04/25/2005 Can't tell you how much I enjoyed the Val Pal party You guys are the greatest. Bill Bader Proud to be a Val Pal.

Bands Announced for 2006 Cruise 04/12/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, will host the 3rd Annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise. That will feature 10 great bands from around the country and is bound for Nassau, Bahamas, as well as Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean's private party island. The band's are Goldwing Express (MO); Wildfire (TN); Suzanne and Jim (CA); the Jeanette Williams Band (VA); Smokey Greene (NY); Stained Grass Window (PA); Tennessee Heartstrings (TN); Slate Mountain Ramblers (VA); Bluegrass Invasion (TN); and Bottomline (KY). Line-up is subject to change without prior notice. Hope you can join us for all the fun in the sun.

3rd Annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise 03/25/2005 Valerie and Liberty Pike will once again be hosting the Bell Buckle Music Cruise, January 30-February 3, 2006 setting sail out of Port Canaveral, FL on the "Sovereign of the Seas".

New Voices No Cover 03/23/2005 Check it out when you can. Becky Buller is on CMT.com.

Bluegrass in the Schools 03/13/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike presented another fun day of "Bluegrass In The Schools". This time Valerie and Liberty Pike stopped by Grant County Middle School, Mason-Corinth Elementary, and Crittenden Mt-Zion Elementary in Dry Ridge, Kentucky the day before their performance at the Tri City Bluegrass Show in Wilmington, Ohio on March 12th.

That's What Love Can Do 02/22/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike have been working hard on their new album, That's What Love Can Do, at Sound Wave Studios in Nashville, Tenn. The New Project will feature several guest artists. Russell Moore, Lead vocalist with IIIrd Tyme Out, stopped by recently to sing a duet with Valerie on the song "In Those Mines" penned by Liberty Pike's own Becky Buller. That's What Love Can Do will be released late spring 2005.

Bluegrass In The Schools 02/18/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike along with Radford Vance, former member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys presented "Bluegrass In The Schools" to K-6 graders at St. Edwards Catholic School, Lincoln Elementary and Crestview Elementary in Ashland, Ohio the day before their performance at the Ashland Community Arts Center on February 19th.

New Voices No Cover 01/17/2005 Some big news regarding Becky Buller and her Bell Buckle Records debut release "Little Bird". Becky has been invited to take part of the CMT.com segment "New Voices, No Cover". The members of Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike will back Becky on Monday January 24 at the CMT.com studios in Nashville, as she performs four of her original songs off "Little Bird". We will be sure to keep inform of when it will be featured on CMT.com And, were all very excited for Becky and can't wait for the visitors of CMT.com to experience Becky's music and songwriting. So be sure to visit CMT.com for Becky Buller on "New Voices, No Cover".

Val's Pal's 03/31/2003 Valerie starts off her "Val's Pal's" with radio personality, Michelle Lee of the Bluegrass Borderline Show on WOBL-AM out of Oberlin, Ohio, who will be the president. If you would like to learn more about "Val's Pals" just click on the button found on this website!

Chris Cagle 04/22/2004 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike will be opening up for Chris Cagle in Aberdeen South Dakota Brown County Fair. It should be a new, exciting experience!

Black Diamond String 04/23/2004 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike are proud sponsers of "Black Diamond Strings". They are planning on doing a promotional tour and also visiting their company on April 23rd.

Leadership Bluegrass 03/22/2004 Valerie attended the IBMA Leadership Bluegrass conference in Nashville, TN. It was a 3 day course for people wanting to learn more about the Bluegrass music industry.

Bell Buckle Artists Make IBMA Nominations 07/24/2003 We are proud to announce that the following Bell Buckle Recording artists have been nominated in the first round of balloting for the IBMA awards to be held in October in Louisville. IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) will announce final nominees in August. Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike - Entertainer of the Year Valerie Smith - Female Vocalist of the Year Becky Buller - Fiddle Player of the Year Jeannette Williams - Female Vocalist of the Year Congratulations to the nominees!

Valerie Smith Wins IBMA Award 10/22/2002 Congratulations to Valerie for receiving an award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) for her work on Dr. Ralph Stanley's Rebel Records release "Clinch Mountain Sweethearts." The album won Recorded Event of the Year at this year's award show on Oct. 17. This is Valerie's second IBMA award. She was also part of Mark Newton's Rebel Records release "Follow Me Back to the Fold," last year's Recorded Event of the Year.