We wrote last fall about the opening of The Banjo Cellar in Williamstown, KY, a joint venture between banjo pickers Elmer Burchett and Megan McKamey. There they buy, sell, teach, and repair all things banjo and bluegrass.
The pair acquired two storefronts in downtown Williamstown, one for the Cellar and the second now also reconditioned and open as Elmer’s General Store. It’s set up like an old-fashioned soda fountain, which it had once been in the 1940s, where they served hand-dipped ice cream and plan to host bluegrass concerts on Saturday nights.
Both Elmer and Megan are experienced performers and know a great many bluegrass entertainers, but asked us to put out the word that any bands or artists interested in playing at the General Store should get in touch if they would be like to be considered.
The venue seats roughly 125 people and the proprietors are initially offering only what is raised at the door with no guarantees, but invites any bluegrass artists willing to accept those terms to contact them by email to discuss a date.
Williamstown is located in north central Kentucky, between Cincinnati and Lexington, and quite close by the Ark Encounter, a life-sized Noah’s Ark park set to open July 7. It is expected to put Williamstown on the map as a tourist destination with additional hotel and entertainment facilities coming in in its wake.
Good luck Elmer and Megan!
