Sister Sadie at the 2026 Malpass Brothers festival in Denton, NC – photo © Sandy Hatley
The Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Music Festival is now just a sweet memory. The annual Mother’s Day weekend event at Denton FarmPark in central North Carolina was filled with great music, fun times, and special moments. This was the fifth year that Chris and Taylor Malpass served as host band since the retirement of Doyle Lawson, who had hosted the festival since its beginning in 1980.
Wednesday began with an open mic featuring five local bands who entertained early arrivals. The professionals began on Thursday, and even though there were intermittent showers, spirits remained high as all were grateful for the much-needed rain. The remainder of the weekend featured beautiful weather.
The Malpass Brothers entertained each day, and offered their fine classic country music, special guests, and lots of rib-tickling humor. Saturday’s special guests included Leona Williams, former wife of Merle Haggard, and Michele Voan Capps, widow of the great guitarist Jimmy Capps. Also, on that day, Taylor arrived slightly late for their afternoon set, pulling up to the music hall in a Mayberry police car with the sirens blaring. His transportation was provided by one of the festival’s MCs, and Mayberry Tribute artist, Jeff Branch, who portrayed Howard Sprague. Also present for the fun was Ernest T Bass whose character was portrayed by another tribute artist, Phil Fox, who sang a number, threw a few (fake) rocks, and entertained the crowd.
Each day offered a variety of musical entertainment, including Sister Sadie and The Grascals on Friday, featuring their powerhouse female banjoists, Gena Britt and Kristin Scott Benson, respectively. Other bands performing throughout the weekend included Southern Legacy, The Kody Norris Show, The Gospel Plowboys, Deeper Shade of Blue, and many others. Each night featured country music artists as well, including Riders in the Sky, Alex Miller, and Always Loretta. The large campground was also filled with jam sessions that ran into the wee hours of the morning.
The festival continues to be a family friendly event. During the Malpass Brothers show, Chris’ young daughter, Charlotte, joined them on stage with her pink guitar. In addition to Branch, Sherry Boyd returned as a festival MC. Excellent audio was provided by Jackson Bethune Music LLC.
On Sunday morning, the Model Church was packed for a worship service with music provided by The Malpass Brothers and Doug and Stacey Stuart with Eddie Ingram, and a message from Chris’ preacher, Scott Hardy.
Chris shared, “This is my favorite part of the festival. It is so old-timey.”
Karen Loflin Miller, Denton FarmPark co-owner, shared some big news for 2027.
“This festival has been truly a special time by all. We are blessed to work with The Malpass Brothers to make this festival a truly unique blend of country and bluegrass music. We are excited to announce that Doyle Lawson will be coming back to Denton next year!”
Chris Malpass concluded.
“Taylor and I were so happy and honored once again to host our fifth year at Denton. This festival seems to become more like a family reunion and grow with each year. We are so grateful to all the folks at the FarmPark and all the fans who make this happen. To all the great musicians and artists what a wonderful display of talent. We are so excited to have the legend Doyle Lawson coming to grace our stage next year. We love you all.”
