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Lonesome River Band at Pickin’ For A Purpose (1/18/25) – photo © Devin Wilcox
Here is another gallery of photos from last weekend’s Pickin’ For A Purpose concert to raise money for those whose homes were damaged during Hurricane Helene in east Tennessee. They were taken by show promoter Ronnie Crum’s nephew, Devin Wilcox.
Donations to AIDNET of Greene County are still being accepted online.
This remembrance of noted Netherlands musician Liz Janssen is a contribution from Silvia Fledderus.
On January 5th, our dear friend Liz Janssen passed away at the age of 52.
Liz, daughter of Rienk and Joke Janssen, was raised in Harpel, at the home of Strictly Country (later: Het Blauwe Huis), the place in the North Eastern part of The Netherlands where the first seeds of bluegrass in our country were sown.
Liz grew up with bluegrass concerts in and around her house. After the old home place burned down in 2001, whereby her mother passed away in the flames, she rebuilt the house.
She became an artist and made major contributions to the art work of the European World of Bluegrass, the bluegrass festival in the Netherlands where numerous musicians from Europe gathered for many years. She also designed the logo for the European Bluegrass Music Association.
Liz started singing more after she sang at her mother’s funeral. She started her own bluegrass band, Close to Home, together with her later partner and banjo player, Peter Noorman. Different musicians joined this band, and I was one of lucky ones to play and sing with Liz.
Liz had a beautiful and unique voice, recognized by the band Mideando String Quartet, and she recorded a number of fine songs with this Italian band. She performed in Italy, and later with her band at EWOB (NL), Greven Grass (D), La Roche (F) and in local venues around Harpel.
In 2011 my father, Lambert Schomaker, and I organized the Strictly Country Reunion Festival, a festival to honor Rienk Janssen’s contribution to bluegrass in Europe, and to reunite readers of Strictly Country magazine Rienk used to publish. For the younger folks among us, there was no internet at that time, and this magazine connected bluegrass people in The Netherlands. For this special occassion Liz made a beautiful CD with a compilation of Rienk’s Favorites to celebrate her father’s music.
Next to singing she started playing bass, and she had a great taste in music. Next to her own songs, she had a strong preference for melodic bluegrass, like Colleen Malone (Hot Rize) and Scattered By The Wind (Donna Hughes) – music from the heart of bluegrass she heard live at home when she was a little girl. Liz found also inspiration in music of Janis Ian, Kathy Kallick, and Eminem. The range of her taste was wide and she had a good feeling of which songs fitted her voice, and voices of others. Above all she had a big heart for people who surrounded her.
The last period of her life, she and her friend Peter Noorman both suffered from cancer, which turned their life upside down. In October 2024 Liz had to let go of Peter, and this year, two days before her 53rd birthday, she herself was taken up into the Light. Her passing broke the heart of many; her daughter and son, her dad and her family, her close friends, and bluegrass friends from all over of the world.
We are thankful for what Liz brought to our lives, all the musicians and audiences she brought in contact with the bluegrass world, the doors she opened, the way she lived her life, and the heartfelt connections that we will cherish forever.
R.I.P., Liz Janssen.
Whiskey Mash Band at Knuckleheads in Kansas City, MO (11/30/24) – photo © Allison Scavo
Thanks to Allison Scavo for sharing this gallery of the Whiskey Mash Band at Kansas City’s Knuckleheads on November 30.
Henrich Novák and Lluís Gómez in Belgium
This report from a recent joint international workshop in Belgium is a contribution from Marc Pirson and Lluís Gómez.
Just a week after the 2024 edition of the dual Belgian Dobro & Banjo workshops, the rolls, slides, and resonating tones (in open G tuning, thank you very much) still echo across the Walloon countryside.
It’s been an amazing journey of growth and evolution since Dominique Lambin and Marc Pirson first began organizing these workshops a few years ago (three years for the banjoists, five already for the dobro players), and we can now confidently say that these musical weekends, featuring the expert guidance of Spanish banjo virtuoso Lluís Gómez and Slovak dobro master Henrich Novák, have transformed into a vibrant and integral community event.
Initially held as separate events, the workshops have gradually grown closer over time. What began with a shared meal has expanded to include a house concert, jam sessions, and the exploration of joint repertoire. This year’s tune, Josh Graves’s Fireball, provided a thrilling challenge for the students, especially in the unconventional dobro-banjo duet setting; and the Saturday night concert offered by Señor Gomez and Pán Novák drew strong inspiration from the trailblazing collaborations of Béla Fleck and Jerry Douglas.
Open to all—beginners and advanced players alike—the workshop weekend isn’t just about honing musical skills. It’s a celebration of the deep connection between these instruments and their musical traditions, all while enjoying Belgium’s rich offerings, from its world-famous beers to local culinary delights.
If you’d like to find out more, or be kept in the loop for future workshops, you can reach out via email at ceci.nest.pas.un.banjo@gmail.com (banjo) or ResoWorkshopBe@gmail.com (dobro).
Blue Debut at the BANDing Together benefit concert in Prestonsburg, KY – photo © Tim Batts
On November 23, 2024, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of bluegrass music at the BANDing Together benefit concert, held at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, KY to raise funds to support he recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene victims in the Appalachian region. Southern Legacy and Authentic Unlimited brought together an amazing lineup of talented artists who donated their time and talent to make this event a success, raising over $11,000 for Samaritan’s Purse, who are rebuilding untold numbers of houses, and providing mobile homes for hundreds of people who have been displaced due to the devastation of the storm.
The night kicked off with the charismatic MC for the night, Kyle Cantrell from BanjoRadio.com, who introduced Brother Rick May, who established a heartfelt tone with his moving invocation. The crowd was immediately swept away by Rick and his talented friends, who lit up the stage with their music!
Following and making their debut at this very event, Blue Debut, an exciting new bluegrass band from eastern Kentucky. Their hard-driving bluegrass sound kicked the atmosphere into high gear, ensuring that the audience would be treated to a night they would always remember!
Then came the soulful and spine-tingling rendition of I Am the Man Thomas, by the incredibly gifted Don Rigsby, accompanied by his former bandmate Jesse Wells on clawhammer banjo. Their performance was so powerful that it brought tears to many eyes, yet filled every heart with warmth and gratitude.
The energy then soared as Southern Legacy took the stage. With a lineup featuring Josh Williams, Don Rigsby, Ron Block, Steve Thomas, and Mike Anglin, fans knew they were in for a treat. The band’s blend of hard-driving bluegrass, heartfelt stories, and delightful humor had the audience roaring with laughter, and rising to their feet for multiple standing ovations! John Meador and Eli Johnston from Authentic Unlimited also joined Southern Legacy to perform Don’s hit, Cold Ashes for the audience.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as special guest, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Larry Cordle joined Southern Legacy on stage, along with Cordle’s former bandmate Jody King on banjo, and Tim Surrett from Balsam Range on reso-guitar. Larry’s stellar performance included his iconic hits like Murder on Music Row and Highway 40 Blues. He engaged the audience with his stories, and the popular songs they’ve come to love through the years. One highlight of this set was a heartfelt duet with fellow award-winning country artist Kevin Denney on Navy Man—a song written by Larry Cordle and recorded on Denney’s 2002 self-titled album.
As Cordle left the stage, Denney remained to perform some of his country hits for the audience, including That’s Just Jesse and Cadillac Tears, but the audience got a treat when Denney announced he is returning to his roots and has a bluegrass album coming out soon. He then played his new bluegrass single, Chasing Old Memories Down.
Intermission brought a poignant moment. Tim Surrett from Balsam Range took the mic to share the ongoing struggles of his hometown, Haywood County, NC, still healing from the devastating hurricane. He welcomed the Taylor family, who had lost everything, but came to the concert thanks to a thoughtful gesture from Tim Dillman. As the audience rallied around them, Tim Surrett captivated everyone with a stunning a cappella performance of Never Grow Old, turning the theater into a heavenly choir.
A surprise guest appearance lit up the night when Jaelee Roberts, 2024’s IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, was pulled from the audience to join the performance! She stole the show with her breathtaking rendition of Ghost in This House, accompanied on guitar by the brilliant Ron Block of Alison Krauss & Union Station.
Finally, the night culminated with an exhilarating performance by the multi-award-winning Authentic Unlimited. Many audience members took to their feet through much of the band’s set, belting out the band’s hits in unison. AU gave the audience a finale that they won’t soon forget.
Samaritan’s Purse was on site for the entire event, and at the close of the show, many audience members stopped by their table to express gratitude and make personal donations for the work the organization has been doing. They’ve had boots on the ground since day one in western North Carolina and east Tennessee.
It was awe-inspiring to witness such an incredible event come to life in such a short time. Thanks to everyone’s support, BANDing Together was able to raise more than $11,000 to help support continuing recovery efforts. The evening left everyone buzzing with excitement and gratitude, proving that music truly has the power to heal and unite us all.
A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful sponsors, artists, ticket buyers, donors, and volunteers for making this spectacular night possible!
Blane and Ayden Young, The Brothers Young – photo courtesy of Melissa Young
This profile of rising bluegrass artists The Brothers Young is a contribution from David Woodson. It initially appeared October 31 on his blog, DJ Dave’s Musical Musings, where he keeps up with music and artists in the wider Roanoke, VA region.
Exactly four years ago on October 31, I published a music blog on the Brothers Young. Now with four additional years of musical experience, I am updating info on the outstanding classical bluegrass sibling duo based out of Roanoke, VA.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to catch the Brothers Young (TBY) in concert at the Floyd Country Store (FCC). Located in Floyd, VA, this is a venue that regularly features live musical groups, bands, and performers, primarily with the genres of bluegrass, folk, and old-time country music.
Short video of Don Reno cover, Follow the Leader by TBY on 10/19/24. Clip recorded by DJ Dave
Accompanying the Brothers Young on the FCC stage were Steve Farmer on bass and Stefan Kraft playing guitar. These fellows regularly play with TBY at concerts in and around the Virginia locations.
As I watched TBY play their classic bluegrass set, I saw firsthand superb musicianship and professional excellency from the Roanoke musical brothers.
Short video of Osborne Brothers cover, Rocky Top by TBY on 10/19/24. Clip recorded by DJ Dave.
The Brothers Young are 18-year-old Ayden, who plays banjo, while 14-year-old Blane plays mandolin for their group. TBY are also multiple instrumentalist: both are pianists, while Blane is also a drummer.
The musical partnership of The Brothers Young started in August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, under the direction of their parents Melissa and Chad Young. Obviously, with Ayden and Blane still in their teen years, they have received strong parental support with all aspects of TBY musical endeavors.
Since the group was founded, the fellows have played numerous gigs in and around the Roanoke Valley, as well as many other Blue Ridge Mountain towns in Virginia. The Brothers Young have also performed concerts in North Carolina and Kentucky.
Below are just a few concert venues that TBY has performed since 2020:
Ayden and Blane also play music monthly at various local Roanoke Valley locations. Melissa Young says her sons “regularly perform at around 20+ Roanoke and Salem retirement communities, partnering with activities directors for those facilities. The residents love the classic bluegrass music, and the boys!”
The Brothers Young have recorded the following music during the past 4 years:
With the financial help of parents Chad and Melissa Young, Ayden created a home studio where he has recorded, mixed, and mastered two TBY albums (CDs). Ayden says, “It is convenient to have a studio in my own home, and it has helped me to learn more about the recording process.”
Christian faith is important to the Young brothers. Ayden plays banjo for the worship team at Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS), an Anglican parish in southwest Roanoke County. I am a member of the CHS congregation, and I have witnessed the entire Young family serving our church body over the past few years.”
Here is a quote from Ayden on being a Christian and playing music.
“Being a musician, I often have to tell myself that all of the talents and all of the opportunities we’ve had, have come from the Lord, and not from ourselves. Here is a perfect verse that helps me remind myself that all the glory must not go to me, but to God.
‘Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your Name be the glory, because of Your steadfast Love and Faithfulness.’ (Psalm 115:1)”
One of the musical their mentors is Bishop Quigg Lawrence, who is senior pastor at Church of the Holy Spirit. Lawrence, who is also a fine singer of traditional bluegrass music, was executive producer and lyrical creator for a gospel bluegrass album released in 2021, Come Home, by Bent Mountain.
I asked Bishop Lawrence to provide comments about his involvement with the boys on spiritual and musical supervision over the past four years.
“What a privilege to watch two boys from Roanoke grow up playing traditional bluegrass. Ayden and Blane are some of the best kids I know. They are humble, hardworking, disciplined, funny, and just likable. I would be happy to call them my sons!”
Lawrence continues…
“When I recorded a bluegrass album in 2020, the boys were on it. Ayden was older, 14 years old, and crushed two banjo songs. Blane was a tender ten and mainly added mando chops. Still, I was amazed at how they both entered the studio and started playing well with pro-players.
I went to Galax and saw them perform in 2021. Their band was #1 in the Youth Band Category. If memory serves me correctly, Ayden placed 2nd in Youth Banjo. This past year, 2024, Ayden placed 3rd in adult banjo, and Blane placed 2nd in youth mandolin. Many full time, well-known pro players never placed that high!”
As I mentioned above, I saw TBY perform in concert recently, and I asked Blane and Ayden to answer this question: Musically, what are attributes that you admire most about your brother? Their responses are below:
Blane: “First off, he is an amazing banjo player! One of the things I love about playing with my brother is that he helps the band start the songs on the right timing. He is a good leader of the band. He encourages me after nobody laughs at my jokes. And mainly I enjoy it because I get to work with my brother.”
Ayden: “My brother has been gifted with nearly perfect rhythm. Whether it’s on the jazz drum kit or the mandolin, he holds down those chops! His ability to improvise and add some taste to the mix we’re going for is unchallenged.
The thing that impresses me the most is the fact that Blane has the perfect people person charisma. He will approach anyone and everyone and be completely interested in the conversation he’s having.”
In addition to TBY playing classic bluegrass, the siblings have also formed a jazz group called 610 Jazz. With this other musical venture, Ayden plays piano while Blane is on a drum kit. Both brothers enjoy the variety of performing jazz as a side project.
For those who are on the social media site Facebook, here is the link for the official Brothers Young page. Another excellent site is their TBY YouTube channel.
As I spoke with Ayden and Blane at a home-schooling event in Roanoke County last Saturday, I asked them what can folks expect from the Brothers Young band in the future?
The consensus between the Brothers Young on future bluegrass career plans are unclear at this time. Ayden graduated from high school in June. He is now teaching private banjo and piano music lessons, while also playing with other Roanoke area musicians in various recording sessions. Blane just started his 8th grade year with schooling.
Blane and Ayden are exploring various paths they may take in the future with career opportunities. Both fellows are also steadfast with their desire to be guided by God as they finish their teenage years.
Without a doubt, The Brothers Young have grown musically over the past four years, and these guys have matured in positive directions. I am encouraged to see the dedication and loyalty that Ayden and Blane show as they endeavor to hone their craft of playing bluegrass music together.
Obviously, we do not know what the future has in store for the bluegrass teens. I am confident the Brothers Young of Roanoke will continue to be a positive force within the local Southwestern Virginia community. Rock on!
Greensky Bluegrass at Hulaween in Live Oak, FL (10/27/24) – photo © Corey Johnson-Erday
Our friend Corey Johnson-Erday with Tune Ridge Media traveled down to north Florida for last month’s Hulaween festival at the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL. He shared this gallery of images of Sam Grisman (son of Dawg) and Greensky Bluegrass from the final day of the fest.
Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show at the 2024 Salmon Lake Park Fall Bluegrass Festival
After 47 years of an annual Labor Day Bluegrass Festival, the owners of Salmon Lake Park in Grapeland, TX, took a chance on moving the date to late October in hopes of some much cooler weather. The choice paid off in record numbers as reported by promoter, Julie Tucker.
Some festival goers credit the cooler temps while others credit the lineup Tucker put together for the 48th Annual Bluegrass Festival. Tucker’s business model is to include new national talent every year, showcasing young bands just getting started, including crowd favorites without forgetting the legends.
Karl Shiflett & Big Country made a return appearance this year after being off the road for many years, and was well received. His talented young band members include his son, Kris Shiflett, on bass, Celebrindal Roberts on fiddle, Randy Lindley on mandolin, Bryan Holifield on banjo, and Jacob Roberts on guitar. Salmon Lake Park also welcomed the Grascals celebrating their 20th year, along with new Billy Blue recording artist, Caroline Owens. Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out closed out the festival with an extended set, playing all the fan requests.
In keeping with tradition, the pre-festival activities included visiting the local elementary school and introducing them to bluegrass music.
2025 festivals at Salmon Lake Park will be as follows: 28th Memorial Day Gospel Bluegrass (May 22-24) and the 49th Annual Fall Bluegrass (October 23-25).
This remembrance of bluegrass and gospel legend Earl Wheeler is a contribution from Randall Franks, a former bandmate of Wheeler’s in The Marksmen Quartet. Franks is also noted as a fiddler, author, and actor.
American music singer Dr. Earle Wheeler, 84, (1940- 2024) of Murrayville, GA, died October 31, 2024 of heart failure following an accidental fall, according to his son Mark Wheeler. The legendary singer who impacted three music genres – southern gospel, bluegrass, and country – was performing on tour in Texas when a fall caused a broken second vertebra. He was hospitalized prior to his passing, Mark said.
Contributing over 500 career recordings to American music, Wheeler amassed over 20 career awards across three musical genres, including three Dove Award nominations. He attained numerous chart songs, including several #1 songs, including Sound the Battle Cry, He’s Still Setting My Place at The Table, Potter’s Wheel, and Preach the Cross.
Wheeler had led Hall of Fame members and multiple award-winning Marksmen Quartet since 1967.
He shared his unique voice, and earnest faith-inspired perspective, from stages and pulpits since 1954. Initially, from the pulpit of his grandfather’s church in Georgia, then to J.G. Whitfields All Nite Sings, the Grand Ole Opry, The Warren Roberts Show from Atlanta, GA, and The Huff Cook Gospel Sing from Bristol, VA, and the southern gospel staple, The Gospel Singing Jubilee. Earle, who had a Doctor of Music and a Bachelor of Theology degree, spread the gospel through music to millions around the world.
As a youth, singing with the Wahoo Baptist Church quartet in Murrayville, GA, in 1961 he formed The Gospel Hearts, recording three albums, appearing in concerts with the Blue Ridge Quartet, Chuck Wagon Gang, Oak Ridge Quartet, Kingsmen, the LeFevres, the Harmoneers, and on television.
Earle rebranded his group in 1967 to The Marksmen Quartet, beginning a history that continues producing hit songs and numerous awards. Earle continued his rise in southern gospel music producing 12 more albums before shifting his musical direction. In the early 1980s, Earle received a unique invitation to bring his quartet and perform on what was then one of the South’s largest bluegrass festivals in Dahlonega, GA, produced by Norman Adams. With Earle’s stage mastery, four voices – Earle, Mark Wheeler (guitar), Keith Chambers (mandolin), and Rob Gillentine (bass), The Marksmen Quartet became the first established southern gospel quartet to crossover into the bluegrass genre.
Their appearance was explosive, yielding newfound fans and bookings from promoters from across the country. That explosive response from audiences was often spurred by Earle’s performances of Get Away Jordan and I Want to Go There. Within a short time, The Marksmen found themselves included among the elite acts of bluegrass, joining the Grand Ole Opry’s Birthday Celebration in 1987, a decade earlier as a southern gospel star, but this time as a bluegrass artist.
They then had a performance for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Legends of Bluegrass Concert in 1988. In a span of a few years, Earle had brought his southern gospel quartet from an unknown in bluegrass circles to bluegrass legends, appearing alongside Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Jim & Jesse, The Lewis Family, and The Osborne Brothers. Their efforts garnered them nine Gospel Bluegrass Band of the Year Awards once such an award was created.
While in southern gospel, it is not unusual for singers or MCs to break into a short gospel message around a song or the moving of the Spirit, that potential message was a huge fear among bluegrass promoters. Their secular audiences wanted music and entertainment, not “preaching.” Earle helped to break down that barrier, as a skilled MC. He read audiences well, flooding his shows with humor and music by choosing songs that moved with the Spirit to serve as God’s message. His approach and professionalism opened doors for those that followed.
His next greatest contribution for bluegrass came when he encouraged the creation of the genre’s charting system initially modeled after southern gospel ,helping create the opportunity for new stars within the style.
His acceptance in bluegrass also yielded a transition and acceptance into the country genre, performing side by side with their biggest stars, still performing in the same fashion, just finding new audiences for four voices and their unique songs. The group would win five Country Gospel Group of the Year Awards. They won Two Country Music Video Awards for Grandpa Was a Farmer and Wagon Tracks.
In 1991, Earle and his Marksmen appeared on televisions’ In the Heat of the Night CD, Christmas Time’s A Comin’, providing both backup vocals to star Anne-Marie Johnson on Little Drummer Boy, and being featured alongside TV Legend Carroll O’Connor on Jingle Bells. His wife Shirley also created the cover art for the project, produced by Marksmen fiddler Randall Franks.
While opening up new performance opportunities for southern gospel artists, Earle never left his gospel sound behind, still appearing in concerts, charting songs on radio, and remaining active behind the scenes. He and The Marksmen were among the founding members of the Southern Gospel Music Guild. The Marksmen obtained Gospel Music Association Dove Awards nominations for God’s Masterpiece (2008), Blue Ridge Mountain Memories (2010), and This My Crowd (2013).
Many of The Marksmen’s recordings were penned by Earle, his son Mark, or other Marksmen members. Some others among their hits were He Is I Am, Wagon Tracks, Meet Me in Heaven, and Testimony on Aisle Five. Earle’s song Redemption Day was popular for him, and for The Hoppers. The Cathedrals also found a hit in the Marksmen’s recording of The Prodigal Son. The Kingsmen, Gold City Quartet, and Wendy Bagwell & the Sunliters, and countless other acts, have also recorded songs from their catalog. The Marksmen Quartet is an inductee of the Lone Star State Country Music Association Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.
The Marksmen currently includes Earle’s son Mark Wheeler, Dawson Dyer, and Darrin Chambers.
Earle is survived by his wife Shirley, his son Mark (Joy), and his grandchildren Will, Sarah Grace, and Cana, and current and former members of The Marksmen Quartet.
Warren Blair with Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road – photo courtesy of Headin’ Home
Saturday at Headin’ Home Fest 2024 was one for the books! Another slow jam class led by Patrick Russell opened up the day, followed by a set from Georgia band Line Creek.
The Edgar Loudermilk Band then took the stage for two sets of outstanding bluegrass. Edgar’s seasoned songwriting and bass skills are supported by a band of top-shelf young instrumentalists: Anthony Howell (2023 National Banjo Champion), Zack Autry on mandolin, and 18-year-old guitar slinger Jake Goforth.
Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road followed next. Known as the Lady of Tradition, Lorraine delighted the Headin’ Home Fest audience with her polished traditional sound and meaningful music. She made sure to invite everyone to her own Christmas in the Smokies bluegrass festival coming up November 14-16 in Gatlinburg, where Headin’ Home will also be performing.
The Kody Norris Show then lit up the stage with their solid groove, sparkling suits, and sensational entertainment ability. After the first set, everyone wearing an official festival T-shirt (which was themed after The Kody Norris Show’s purple stage outfits), posed for a group photo.
Headin’ Home, the host band, played their third and final set of the festival in the evening. Special prizes and raffles were announced from the stage between each of the Saturday evening bands. First was the Saturday 50/50 drawing, which Lorraine Jordan won. Holding up her string of tickets and the cash she had just been presented with, Lorraine announced to the roaring applause of the audience, “This is going to the flood victims of western North Carolina.”
Two ladies in the audience won the instrument raffles. Doreen W. took home the Kentucky KM-150 mandolin donated by Banjo Ben Clark, and Shannon W. won the Gold Tone OB-150 banjo donated by Gold Tone. Pat G. won the giant jar of jellybeans after guessing the closest number; she guessed 4301, and the exact number of jellybeans was 4388!
To close out the festival, The Kody Norris Show invited the entire Headin’ Home band up on stage with them at the end of their final set. Ten-year-old Leo on mandolin, the youngest member of the Lindblom family, joined in as well.
“I just think the world of this entire family,” Kody told the audience. “They treat us like family always, and I’m very proud of them for everything that they’re doing—especially for taking it upon themselves to promote and preserve bluegrass music. Our festivals just keep getting fewer and fewer every single year, and it’s a big undertaking for anybody to take on bluegrass music—to try to preserve it and keep it and make it special.”
After a fiery group jam of Clinch Mountain Backstep, The Kody Norris Show and Headin’ Home closed out by inviting the audience to sing along with them on Will the Circle Be Unbroken.
Sunday morning, festival attendees enjoyed a final jam with their host band to wrap up the 3rd annual Headin’ Home Fest.
Dates for the 4th annual Headin’ Home Fest in Georgia are October 22-26, 2025. Be sure to come support this family-run festival next year, which is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and talked-about festivals in the southeast!
