Where and When to Find Bluegrass Festivals in North Carolina and Georgia
The final four months of 2008 should keep fans of bluegrass music in the states of North Carolina and Georgia with plenty of options for live events. Not only that, but there are numerous festivals scheduled in both areas during the first half of 2009 as well. Here’s just a small sampling of what bluegrass fans in these areas have to look forward to.
North Carolina:
The Shakori Hills Festival is scheduled for October 9-12th and tickets are still available. This will mark the 5th year that the Grassroots festival of Music and Dance has been held at Shakori Hills, NC. While the festival isn’t strictly for bluegrass music, it’s the bluegrass that is most often the main attraction. In addition to live music, the festival also offers handmade crafts, food, dancing and numerous children’s activities. The festival will include more than 40 bands this year, many of which are bluegrass performers. The infamous Del McCoury band is on the list of performers as well as several local bands.
Then, to kick of 2009, the Bass Mountain Bluegrass Festival will be held in May. Located at the Cane Creek Campgrounds in Snow Camp, NC, the festival has already booked seven bluegrass acts including Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice as well as the Lonesome River Band.
Also to be held in May 2009 is the Fiddler’s Grove Old Time Fiddlers and Bluegrass Festival. The festival will be located in Union Grove and will run from May 22 - 24. This will be the festival’s 85th year and is one of the most respected and popular bluegrass festivals in the south.
Georgia:
The Riverbend Bluegrass Festival will be held in Ocilla, GA between October 23-25. This festival is actually held twice a year. It will return to Ocilla in April of 2009. The festival offers plenty of free space as it is located on a farm. A pond is available and fishing among the festival’s attendees is encouraged. Acts that are slated for the October 2008 event include Marty Raybon and several others.
For a very festive event, bluegrass fans will definately want to check out the New Years Bluegrass Festival at the Jekyll Island Convention Center in Jekyll Island. Held between January 1-3, the line-up includes artists such as Rhonda Vincent, Ralph Stanley and Doyle Lawson.
Then there is Bear on the Square, held April 18-20 in Dahlonega. In addition to bluegrass artist such as The Myers Family and Lo-Fi Breakdown, the festival will also offer country auctions, crafts and music workshops. This festival is truly one that any member of the family can appreciate. Complete with story-time for the children and a wide range of music, Bear in the Square promises something for everyone.
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