Earlier this week I happened to be talking to Jeanie Stanley, who reminded me that this holiday weekend she will be attending Dr. Ralph Stanley’s 38th Annual Memorial Weekend Bluegrass Festival, which uncle Ralph holds every year in honor of her father, and his brother, Carter.

Staged at the Hills of Home Park (Old Home Place) on Smith Ridge, Between Coeburn and McClure, Virginia, not only will she be back with family, but with friends as well with a line-up that includes former Clinch Mountain Boys Larry Sparks, Charlie Sizemore, Melvin Goins and George Shuffler among those who will be appearing during the three-day event starting on Thursday, and ending formally late on Saturday evening.

Ernie Thacker had been slated to appear, but he has been hospitalised once more. Please keep Ernie and his family in your thoughts/prayers.

Carter Stanley lies at rest, in accordance with his final wish, on Smith Ridge.

[Editor's note] Ralph Stanley is featured on the cover of the June 2008 issue of Virginia Living, a glossy, large-format lifestyle magazine. He is also the subject of an interview that includes a number of wondeful photographs.

There is no content available on the magazine’s web site, but individual issues can be ordered online for only $4.95.