Cleo Lemons Archives - Bluegrass Today

This report on the long-running series of bluegrass shows in Sandy Ridge, NC is a contribution from Jay Adams, banjo player with Rich in Tradition. Jay assumed management of this popular local tradition in 2010 when its founder, Cleo Lemons, turned 90 years of age.

Saturday March 19 marked 68 years of bluegrass music at the Sandy Ridge School in Sandy Ridge, NC. Host band Rich in Tradition and headliners Alan Bibey & Grasstowne played to a standing room only crowd of enthusiastic fans.

Master of ceremonies Bob Webster, recently had an article in the January issue of Bluegrass Unlimited detailing some of the interesting facts about the earlier days of the show, which Flatt and Scruggs played annually for 20 years followed by Flatt’s Nashville Grass, The Osborne Bros, Jim and Jessie, The Lewis Family and others.

A very special guest, Dukes of Drive lead singer, Joey Lemons, took the stage with Rich in Tradition during their second set for a few numbers to honor his grandfather, Cleo Lemons. Sadly Cleo, who established the Sandy Ridge School Bluegrass Show in 1948, passed away on March 5th, just days before this year’s concert. Joey also gave an emotional “Thank you” at the beginning of the concert to all those involved with continuing his grandfather’s efforts to bring the best in bluegrass to Sandy Ridge.

It was a great night for both bluegrass fans and the Sandy Ridge Elementary school. The proceeds from the concert benefit the school.

We are working on something very special for 2018 which will mark 70 years of bluegrass and history at Sandy Ridge.

Cleo Lemons, an early promoter of bluegrass music in north/central North Carolina, died on Saturday, March 5. He was 94 years old and had suffered a major stroke just a week prior.

Lemons was among the first promoters to book Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs. He had contacted them as soon as he learned that the pair had formed their own group after leaving Bill Monroe, bringing them in to perform at the Sandy Ridge High School in Stokes County, NC in 1948.

The show did so well that it was repeated for the next 20 years, until Flatt & Scruggs broke up in 1969. In fact, they had been booked to appear at the high school on March 7 of ’69, but when concertgoers arrived, they found The Osborne Brothers on stage as a last minute replacement. Though Lester and Earl didn’t announced the dissolution of their partnership until March 11, they had already parted ways and would not perform together again.

But Cleo kept the bluegrass going at Sandy Ridge, which continue to this day. He’ll miss the 2016 show later this month when Rich In Tradition and Alan Bibey & Grasstowne appear at the school on March 19.

Folks in Stokes County referred to Lemons as The Music Man for all he did to promote bluegrass in his home region. He had continued to promote shows in the area until about 6 years ago.

He is also remembered for his love of baseball, and managed the Sandy Ridge baseball team for many years.

Funeral services are scheduled for tomorrow, March 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Delta United Methodist Church in Sandy Ridge. The family will receive friends this evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m.at the church.

R.I.P., Cleo Lemons.

Tag: Cleo Lemons

Cleo Lemons legacy lives on in Sandy Ridge

Cleo Lemons passes