Though the actual birthdate was marked earlier this Summer, the City of Sparta, TN is throwing a free music festival tomorrow (10/11) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lester Flatt’s birth. Lester called Sparta his home during his music career, and has family there to this day.
There will be music throughout the day from top groups like Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Balsam Range, and Darin & Brooke Aldridge, and at 5:15 p.m. a special presentation will take place. A resolution from the Tennessee legislature will be read commemorating this milestone, and a memorial plaque will be unveiled and displayed before being moved to Highway 70 near Lester’s resting place in the Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.
The text on the plaque was researched and composed by Barry Mazor.
Blake Williams has assembled a special band who will perform a set of Flatt’s music, taken from both Flatt & Scruggs and his later years as a solo artist and band leader.
Lester’s granddaughter Tammy Brumfield will represent his family at the presentation.
Sparta is located southeast of Nashville, an easy drive for most folks in eastern or middle Tennessee. There will be a fireworks display following the day’s events.
Find full details online.
