Breaking Grass opened the final day of the 11th edition of the Palatka Bluegrass Festival. They are a young, high energy band that does primarily original music. The Dry Branch Fire Squad came back for the 2nd day. Ron Thomason’s humor and old time music won the crowd yet again.
Little Roy Lewis is still a bundle of energy at 73 years young. Lizzy Long is keeping the signature sound of Lincoln County Georgia alive and well. Little Roy’s grandson, Bennett, filled in on mandolin for the weekend because of illness, and did a fine job. Lee Roy of The Roys played mandolin on a tune.
Marty Raybon and Full Circle fired up the crowd as only Marty can. Marty is well loved in Florida! The Gibson Brothers are keeping the brother duet style of bluegrass music at the forefront of the genre. They are keeping the music of many of the earlier generation brother acts alive and well. The Grascals closed the show with their signature songs and instrumentals.
At one point, Ron Thomason was surprised on stage by a “girlfriend.” His girlfriend turned out to be one heck of a banjo player.
The Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, where the festival is held, raffles a Martin guitar here each year as a fund raiser. The young man who won it emotionally said, “My Dad has always wanted a Martin guitar. This is his!”
Norman and Judy Adams can be very pleased with the success of this festival.
