The Kody Norris Show at the 2026 North Caroline State Bluegrass Festival at Cherokee – photo © Bill Warren
Music filled the hollers as the North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival got underway in Cherokee, North Carolina yesterday. Promoters Lorraine Jordan, Allen Dyer, and Edgar Loudermilk have worked diligently to bring a quality multi-day music event back to the picturesque Happy Holiday Campground.
Thursday kicked off with bluegrass gospel provided by the Churchmen. They were followed by members and friends of Caleb Bailey & Paine’s Run, the Kody Norris Show, and Little Roy & Lizzy.
Excellent audio is being provided by Jackson Bethune Music LLC with his former employer, John Holder, at the sound board. Sherry Boyd is serving as MC.
During the evening set following a warm summer day, Kody Norris joked, “Nothing like sitting there sautéing!”
As the mountain temperatures cooled, it brought out the dancers, even sweethearts Holger Olesen and Molly Yates with their boss lady, Lizzy Long.
Lizzy then joined Kody Norris on stage to assist his young banjoist, Hayden “Jim” Hensley, with a little clawhammering.
The humor continued when a flock of ducks strolled through the festival grounds. Mary Rachel noticed and said to her husband, “Kody, you’re really bringing them in. We all knew you were a quack!”
Allen Dyer of Classic Promotions shared…
“The North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival day one was over the top great! We had a day filled with unforgettable performances, dry weather, and wonderful fans. It’s always a fun time in the North Carolina mountains and you pair that with a great Bluegrass festival and you can’t go wrong.
We deeply regretted Calab Bailey getting into an automobile accident on the way here this morning. Our prayers go out to his sweet grandmother and we wish her the very easiest recovery. We want to thank Merle Johnson, Caleb’s fiddle player, for putting a band together on short notice and still covering the slot. They did a great show!”
Friday’s show features Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, Larry Cordle with Country Grass, The Edgar Loudermilk Band, and Catlahoula Drive.
On Saturday, the Lonesome River Band takes the stage along with The Chris Davis Band and several others, with a special evening performance featuring the legendary Larry Sparks.
Happy Holiday Campground is located at 1553 Wolftown Road, Cherokee, NC. For more info call: (919) 526-0662.
Bill Warren adds…
The North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival kicked of on Thursday with some festival news. Allen Dyer announced that the June festival is moving from Cherokee to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, Georgia. The date is also changing to May 20-22, 2027.
The Churchmen opened the stage show with their fine bluegrass gospel music. The band was established in 1989. That’s a good long run!
There is not much that has not been said about Littke Roy Lewis. He has graced stages for roughly 70 years. He and Lizzy Long have put together a show that not only harkens back to the days of the Lewis Family, but also showcases Lizzy’s many talents.
Support your local music venues.
Photos are a contribution from Bill Warren, Sandy Hatley, and Jeff Lahr.
