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. (more…)

The Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground, site of the famous Bean Blossom bluegrass festival, as well as home to the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum, is up for sale.

Banjo player, and former Bluegrass Boy, Dwight Dillman has owned the park for over ten years, but is now ready to pass the torch on to someone else.

The park has such a history in bluegrass music that it always makes one apprehensive to see such a historical site up for sale, fearing the new owners might not honor the traditions associated with the site.

We contacted the staff at the park and asked about the conditions of the sale. They were quick to assure us that the sale would only be made to someone who commits to continuing the park’s rich tradition.

The new owner not only has to love bluegrass, but must agree to continue both the Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival (June) and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Uncle Pen Days Festival (Sept) every year.

Mr. Dillman has done much to improve the the facility in the last ten years, and we applaud him for his efforts, his passion, and his commitment to finding the right person to continue the park’s legacy.