Luray City Council gives nod for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the first Bluegrass Festival
At the November 9, 2009 meeting, Luray City Council gave the approval to begin efforts to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Bluegrass Festival. The first occasion referred to as a Bluegrass Festival was a one-day event held in Luray, Virginia July 4, 1961. The July 2011, 50 th celebration festival will be a collaborative effort by many individuals, businesses, educational institutions, state/local governments, arts organizations, musicians, artisans and tourism/travel associations. To name only a few these include: City of Luray, Luray/Page County Chamber of Commerce, Shenandoah Valley Travel Association, Shenandoah Valley Mountain Music Makers Association, and Luray Valley Museum and Gardens. The festival idea was first put forth by Don DePoy and Martha Hills who will also play major roles in the coordination and implementation of the event.

Virginia Commission for the Arts adds local musicians to roster of traditional folk music artists
Me & Martha , that is Don DePoy and Martha Hills, have been selected by the Virginia Commission for the Arts for their artist roster of traditional folk music artists in resident program. Me & Martha join the list of professional artists doing residencies in PreK-12 schools across Virginia. These artist are selected based on demonstrated professional expertise and credentials; quality of artistic expression; a comprehensive residency description; prior residency experience and experience working with children and students in a variety of educational settings.

The Virginia Commission for the Arts provides support for school/artist collaborations that foster increased quality arts experiences for children in Virginia schools. The Artist Roster includes architecture/design, crafts, dance, film/video, folk arts, music, poetry/fiction, theatre, and visual art. Artists must demonstrate extensive experience in their field(s) and a strong commitment to education.