Spring is in the air and all the bluegrass festivals are announcing finalized schedules for this festival season.

The 42nd Annual Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival is no exception. And this festival is a major one for traditional bluegrass fans. The festival begins on Saturday, June 14th and runs 8 days, wrapping up on Saturday, June 21st. During the course of those eight days, over 50 bands are scheduled to perform.

In addition to the many performances throughout the week, there are also a number of instructional workshops for pickers of all skill levels, as well as workshops for singers, songwriters, band promotion, festival history, and more. There is also a dedicated Youth Activity Tent for children and teens interested in learning more about the music.

Tickets are currently available at advanced purchase prices (that ends June 2), ranging from $15 to $125. On-site camping is available for a fee, but daily parking is free.

For more information and directions, please visit www.BeanBlossom.com

Here’s the list of bands scheduled to perform each day of the festival.

Saturday, June 14: Kick-off the festival with the great sounds of the John Cowan Band, Lonesome River Band, Ronnie Bowman & The Committee, Larry Stephenson Band, Eddie & Martha Adcock, Lizzy Long & Friends, Tommy Brown & County Line Grass, and Bill Monroe’s son, James Monroe & The Midnight Ramblers.

Sunday, June 15: The Bean Blossom tradition continues as we worship and praise with Bill Monroe’s preacher -The Real Apostle Pastor Paul Baggett. Enjoy the sounds of bluegrass gospel from The Sullivan Family, Glen Bonham, James Monroe & Midnight Ramblers, New Harmony, Tommy Brown & County Line Grass, Spanky Moore Bluegrass Band, and Cronfields & Crossroads.

Monday, June 16:  Start your week off the soulful sounds of Dave Evans & Riverbend, David Davis & Warrior River Boys, Pine Mountain Railroad, Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show, The Muellers, SweetGrass Bluegrass Band, and Glen Bonham.

Tuesday, June 17: Join us for another Bean Blossom tradition as we enjoy a hot bowl of Ham & Beans and Miss Dixie Hall’s famous cornbread at the annual Ham & Bean Supper. Kick back and enjoy the bluegrass sounds of: Randy Waller & Country Gentlemen, Kenny & Amanda Smith, David Parmley & Continental Divide, Tim Graves & Cherokee, Beth Stevens & Edge, The Muellers and Jesse Perdue & Old Time Gospel.

Wednesday, June 18: The Grascals are back in town!  Other artists performing include:  IIIrd Tyme Out, The Lewis Family, Special Consensus, James King Band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Monroe Crossing, and The Doerfel Family.

Thursday, June 19: Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers, Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain, Special Consensus, James King Band, Dan Paisley & Southern Grass and this year’s YOUTH BLUEGRASS BOOT CAMP.

Friday, June 20: Bring your instruments and jam with the stars at the oldest of Bean Blossom traditions, the Bill Monroe Sunset Jam. On stage: Cherryholmes, Gene Watson, Ronnie Reno & Reno Tradition, Ralph Stanley II, Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain, Dailey & Vincent Band, and Dan Paisley & Southern Grass.

Saturday, June 21: This will be a night to remember – featuring the legendary Bluegrass Hall of Famers, Dr. Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys, The Seldom Scene (in their first performance at Bean Blossom), Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top Xpress, and J.D. Crowe & The New South.  Also performing will be Cherryholmes, Paul Williams & Victory Trio, Alecia Nugent, Ernie Thacker & Route 23 and Michelle Cupit.