We’ve followed the launch of The Banjo Cellar and Elmer’s General Store in Williamstown, KY over the past year, both businesses with a bluegrass theme.
They were established by Elmer Burchett and Megan McKamey, a pair of banjo pickers who saw an opportunity in Williamstown with the building, and now opening, of The Ark Encounter, a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark just outside of town. Elmer and Megan purchased two buildings in downtown Williamstown and have been reconditioning them along the same schedule as the Ark park, figuring that having them ready when the crowds arrived would put them in a good position.
And so it has.
The long-awaited influx of visitors began this summer, and The Banjo Cellar, a retail music store and lesson studio, and Elmer’s General Store, an old time soda fountain restored to it’s prior glory, are doing a bang-up business with the tourist trade. So much so, that they are planning all-day bluegrass entertainment starting in October.
To that end, they are holding auditions now, and inviting bluegrass and Gospel entertainers to submit electronic press kits to be considered for a position. Ideal candidates would be bands located close to Williamstown looking for full-time, everyday work. The gig will be very much like theme park work, playing alternating shifts with other artists throughout the day.
Megan tells us that the key word is “entertainers.” They are looking for performers who know how to engage an audience and make them part of the show, using a clean, family-style show.
Any bands interested in one of these positions at Elmer’s is asked to submit an EPK with at least one live performance video to banjocellar@gmail.com. More information can be obtained by contacting 423-218-6690 or 859-302-3071.
