The Osborne Brothers at The Birchmere

Located in Alexandria, Virginia, the Birchmere was established in 1966 by Gary Oelze. At the time of the Birchmere’s opening, Washington D.C. was quickly becoming a hotbed for bluegrass music. The rise in popularity of bluegrass music led to some of the biggest names in the genre performing on the Birchmere’s stage. Bands that appeared at the Birchmere include the Seldom Scene, The Osborne Brothers, Tony Rice, and Jim and Jesse. The Birchmere, located in Alexandria, VA, still operates today.

The McIntyre Collection includes recordings of Birchmere shows from throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

This recording of The Osborne Brothers was made on April 23, 1982. Members of the band include Bobby Osborne on mandolin and vocals, Sonny Osborne on banjo and vocals, Donny Collins on guitar and vocals, Jimmy Brock on bass, and Buddy Spicher on fiddle. Songs selected include "Beneath Still Waters," "Country Roads," "Rocky Top," "Fastest Grass Alive," and "Ruby."

A number of these songs remain standards of the bluegrass canon today.  The specific performances featured here highlight each musician's individual playing ability as well as their overall group sound. 

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