Whysper and Larry Stephenson at Cherokee ’26 – photo © Bill Warren
It was a happy time for sure at the Happy Holiday Campground this past weekend for the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains beside a gurgling trout-filled stream, it was a perfect setting with ideal weather for the three-day music event sponsored by Classic Promotions and Jordan Entertainment. Sherry Boyd served as MC and Jackson Bethune Music LLC was in charge of audio with his former boss, John Holder, manning the sound board.
Thursday launched with performances by Authentic Unlimited, Rhonda Vincent, Larry Efaw, and Edgar Loudermilk bands, plus a couple of performances by 8-year-old mandolinist, Ren Fulcher, from Bloomington, IN.
On Friday morning, Whysper Stephenson, Larry’s 17-year-old daughter, kicked off Day Two by singing the national anthem.
The day featured sets by the Larry Stephenson Band, Nothin’ Fancy, Retro 78, and the Sandy Porch Band.
Mike Andes, founding member of Nothin’ Fancy in their 32nd year of entertaining bluegrass fans, joked about the warm temperatures. “This weather makes your G string ride up!”
Larry Stephenson looked fondly over the campground. “It looks about the same. I started here in 1983 with the Bluegrass Cardinals.”
The Larry Stephenson Band included BOJ, Bobby Osborne, Jr on bass who sang a rousing version of his dad’s song, Listening to the Rain.
Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road played both Friday and Saturday. On Friday, Adam Burrows filled in on fiddle for Warren Blair who was unable to attend. Steve Day of Fast Track occupied the slot on Saturday. Randy Graham played bass on Saturday for Kevin Lamm who had to leave to fulfill family obligations, Carolina Road’s Friday evening set included a tribute to those who have served in our armed forces. Ren returned to play tunes on Lorraine’s afternoon show and Nothin’ Fancy’s evening set.
Friday concluded with an extended set by Appalachian Road Show. The venue proved sentimental to ARS fiddler, Jim VanCleve.
“When I was about 15 years old, the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival was the first real bluegrass festival I ever played. I was there with Ricochet, a really good North Carolina bluegrass band, signed to Rebel Records at the time. Upon arriving, I remember standing with Steve Lewis, David Pendley, and Randy Greer at the top of the hill while Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver were on stage. I lived in Haywood County so I was only about 20 minutes from home.
I looked at the stage and saw Barry Abernathy playing for the first time. It was far enough away that I couldn’t tell just what was happening. I remember asking, ‘why is he playing over the top? Is that like a trick or something?’ I didn’t know who he was and hadn’t seen him before. They informed me of the situation [no fingers on his left hand], so I went closer. I’ve been impressed and amazed at what he’s been able to do ever since.
Now we’ve been playing music together for 30 years, but the first time I saw him was at the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival.”
Saturday began with a Native American Show followed by performances by Deeper Shade of Blue, Fast Track, the Darren Nicholson Band, and The Malpass Brothers, with guest appearances by Ren and rising star, Lilly Anne Syrlinga.
Chris Malpass stated after their performance…
“Once again Cherokee was a great time of fellowship and music. We have always enjoyed working there and the people who attend are always responsive and welcoming which makes our job that much more fun. Thanks again for a wonderful time in beautiful Cherokee, NC.
Also, a huge thanks to Lorraine Jordan for promoting and hosting a top notch festival, one of the best in the industry.”
Dyer shared his gratitude to attendees from the stage. “It’s a whole lot of work, but you’re worth it. I’m thankful to all our volunteers. It takes a village.”
Lorraine Jordan stressed…
“What a great festival. Perfect weather, fantastic bands and the best traditional bluegrass fans there are. This could have been the biggest ever! Thanks to PROMOTERS Norman Adams, Milton Harkey, Jordan Entertainment, Evans Media Services, and Classic Promotions for carrying on a great over 50 Years Traditional Bluegrass Festival.”
Allen Dyer is already getting geared up for the NC State Bluegrass Festival. “We will see you in August!”
Music will return to the Happy Holiday Campground in Cherokee, August 12-15.
