Thank you for stopping by!  You've found the official website of Alan Tompkins - musician, singer, founder of the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, and host of the Bluegrass Heritage Radio Show.  A native of the farming and coal mining country of western Kentucky, Alan grew up steeped in the sounds of classic country, Southern gospel, and bluegrass music. He's had the privilege of sharing the stage with many incredible musicians during his life, and it was a thrill for him to record his new album, No Part of Nothin'.  The cast of players and singers on the new album is incredible, with dozens of IBMA and GRAMMY® award wins and nominations among them. Get your copy of No Part of Nothin' today and enjoy the ride!

“Alan is a true Renaissance man . . . and is set to release his first recorded project, No Part of Nothin'. The title [plays] off Bill Monroe’s iconic reference used to describe music he didn’t find worthy of his attention. It’s hardly an apt description of the music Tompkins has slated for release, however. Accompanying him are stellar artists like Ron Stewart, Mike Bub, Stephen Mougin, Sam Bush, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Randy Kohrs, and others. I’ll be looking forward to No Part of Nothin'.” - John Lawless, Bluegrass Today

“Who doesn't dream of working with bluegrass greats like Sam Bush, Stephen Mougin, Ron Stewart, Randy Kohrs, Ned Luberecki, and Kenny & Amanda Smith? Very few people change dreams into reality, but I'm not surprised that Alan did. His baritone is up to the task of fronting the Dream Team Bluegrass Band on the old gospel standard, ‘This World Is Not My Home.’ Good job, Alan.” - Katy Daley, WAMU's Bluegrass Country
 

For all my musician friends who've had problems when you tried to carry your banjo, guitar, or mandolin onto an aircraft as carry-on baggage, there is good news.  The FAA Modernization and Reform Act became law on Feb. 14, 2012 and requires airlines to allow you to carry your instrument on, if certain reasonable conditions are met.  I've made up a one-pager with the text of the relevant section that you can print and carry with you the next time you try to board a plane with your instrument.  It may help encourage a reluctant flight attendant to allow you to board if you have a copy of the law in your pocket (or maybe not).  Note - if you're trying to go aboard with a Calton or other hard case, you may have a problem anyway - they don't fit well in overhead bins.  Gig bags seem to work well.  Click to download the PDF document. Good luck!