The Gospel Plowboys at Denton FarmPark (5/7/26) – photo © Sandy Hatley
For the fifth consecutive year, The Malpass Brothers are hosting the annual Mother’s Day weekend Bluegrass & Country Music Festival, originally hosted by now-retired Doyle Lawson, at the Denton FarmPark in Denton, NC.
A great weekend of music, meet and greets with the bands, camping, jamming, dining, and shopping has already kicked off on the park grounds. Wednesday night featured an open mic with sets by local bands taking the stage. Five groups entertained early arrivals: Carley Hatley & Rocky River, The Edenfields, Catawba Bluegrass, Franklinville Express, and Twisted Grass Entourage.
The professionals moved in on Thursday. Performing were Kody Norris, The Gospel Plowboys, Alex Miller, and The Brothers Young, with the Malpass Brothers closing out the evening followed by a jam session on stage.
Thursday launched with a prayer by Doug Stuart and the singing of the national anthem by his wife, Stacey. Then opening remarks were shared by Chris and Taylor Malpass.
Heavy intermittent showers started Wednesday night and lasted through Thursday. With North Carolina in the midst of a severe drought, attendees’ spirits were not dampened by the rain.
Michael Jenkins of the Gospel Plowboys opened their set with prayer, “Thank you, Lord, for sending us rain.” The crowd responded positively as everyone gathered dry under the covered FarmPark Music Hall.
Plaowboys’ banjoist, Peden Willams, stressed from the stage, “This is where the party is.”
Folks were smiling, laughing, and enjoying the show. Blaine Young of the Brothers Young shared a banjo joke with the audience. “What do you call a good-looking woman on a banjo player’s arm?” After a pause, he replied, “A tattoo!”
With drier conditions forecasted, Friday’s show features Sister Sadie, The Grascals, Olivia Jo, and Always Loretta. The Saturday lineup includes Southern Legacy, Deeper Shade of Blue, Larry Efaw, and Riders in the Sky. The host band, The Malpass Brothers, will perform classic country music each day with special guest, Leona Williams, Merle Haggard’s former wife, on Saturday.
Other special activities during the festival include lots of vendors, a free children’s area with rides and games on Saturday, and a church service in the model church with The Malpass Brothers on Sunday morning.
Sound is provided by Jackson Bethune Music LLC, and MCs for the weekend are Sherry Boyd and Jeff Branch.
The Malpass Brothers are best known as modern-day troubadours who carry the torch for traditional country music. Doyle Lawson, Bluegrass Hall of Fame Inductee and former host of the Denton music festival, produced the Malpass Brothers’ second album in 2015.
“Country music runs ‘pure country’ in the veins of Chris and Taylor Malpass,” shared Lawson.
The Malpass Brothers host their own weekly TV show on RFD-TV. They have played on the Grand Ole Opry, appeared on other national television programs, and toured internationally.
Denton FarmPark co-owner, Karen Loflin Miller, shared, “This event means a lot to me personally, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it all come together. We’ve put our heart into it, and we welcome everyone for a weekend full of great music, memories, and community!”
Chris Malpass added, “Once again, Taylor and I are honored to host the Denton Bluegrass festival. We always enjoy time with the fans and friends. We hope each person enjoys their experience. We are always happy to be here. This is a historic festival and a privilege to host it. Thanks again to the bluegrass community and fans for your support. We love you all.”
Denton FarmPark is located at 1072 Cranford Road in Denton, NC. For more information, call (336)859-2755 or visit their web site.
