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2024 Denton Bluegrass Festival report

Cutter & Cash & Kentucky Grass at the 2024 Malpass Brothers Festival – photo © Sandy Hatley

This past Wednesday night through Sunday morning, Denton FarmPark in central North Carolina was the place to be for great music, good fellowship, and fun times at the third annual Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Music Festival over Mother’s Day weekend. The festival was originally hosted by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and the Malpass Brothers accepted the baton following Doyle’s retirement. 2024 was a record year.

Karen Loflin Miller, co-owner of the FarmPark, shared, “We had 500 campers and people from 15 states and one foreign country (Germany). Our attendance continues to grow.”

The weekend of music kicked off with an open mic featuring local bands on Wednesday evening, followed by three full days of some of the best musical acts in the business. The festival concluded on Sunday morning with a church service in the “model church” on the park grounds. Music was provided by the Malpass Brothers, their drummer’s wife Kelly Riggins, and Doug and Stacey Stuart. The sermon was delivered by Mel Winstead, pastor of Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Marshville, NC and brother of the Malpass Brothers’ former bassist, Paul Winstead.

The family-style festival exhibited examples of musical lineage both on stage and off. During Friday’s show, Kenny & Amanda Smith invited their nine-year old daughter, Annabelle, to sing America the Beautiful for all the veterans. As she sang, the entire audience stood to their feet and joined in singing to show their support.

Obviously moved by their gesture, Amanda stated, “I’ve never seen this (standing and singing along) done before. God is good. He lets us play bluegrass. Denton is the first place I played after Annabelle was born. She was four weeks old.”

Debuting on the FarmPark stage was Cutter & Cash & Kentucky Grass (formerly called Classy & Grassy). The young band featured two sets of siblings: Cutter and Cash Singleton (guitar and mandolin) and Noah & Lily Goebel (fiddle and guitar). Their hard-driving traditional bluegrass music was a huge hit with the audience.

A special treat with multiple family ties occurred during Friday night’s finale with a reunion of the Bass Mountain Boys. Mike Wilson, Mike Aldridge, Steve Dilling, Mike Street, and Johnny Ridge were joined by Aldridge’s son, Brian, on guitar and some banjo. Another Aldridge son, Nathan, had been on stage the day before, fiddling with IIIrd Tyme Out. Ridge’s daughter, Laura Tate, was on hand to photograph the iconic assemblage. Lots of other Bass Mountain Boy family members were in attendance.

Another family example was during the Malpass Brothers’ sets, three-year-old Arlen, who remained faithfully beside his dad, bassist Jake Riggins. Sometimes the child sawed on a miniature fiddle or strummed a small guitar, but often he just hugged on his father’s leg.

Deeper Shade of Blue’s Scott Burgess shared with the audience that he was married at the Denton FarmPark during the festival. Stephen Burwell, fiddler with Authentic Unlimited, reflected from stage, “This is where I met my wife. [Pointing] She was sitting right back there. Now there’s some dude sitting there!”

The performing artists played lots of requested tunes and recognized fans from the stage. During Authentic Unlimited’s second show on Saturday, Burwell fiddled an original number, Benfield Line, from their latest album, So Much For Forever, and dedicated it to a fan who was his inspiration for the title.

Stephen explained how he named the tune.

“Years and years ago, we have a friend, Harold Benfield, that would come to a lot of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver shows. He came early while we were setting up one day and offered to help tape down a cat5 cable line from front of the house to the stage. That’s where I came up with the title. It just sounded like a good name for a tune.”

There was plenty of humor, too. During the Malpass Brothers’ Friday night session, while they were singing Merle Haggard’s Motorcyle Cowboy, they had a special dancer take the stage. In his own unique garb, 82-year-old Little Roy Lewis stole the show with his crazy antics.

Saturday night’s show concluded with an extended set by beloved country music artist, Gene Watson. He ended his show with two of his biggest hits, 14-Carat Mind and Farewell Party.

The festival ran like a well-oiled machine. Superb sound was provided by John Holder of Blue Ridge Sound and his hardworking staff, Jackson Bethune and Mike Ford. MC duties were split between Sherry Boyd and Jeff Branch. Numerous vendors were on hand with concessions, instruments, crafts, and more. Springer Mountain Farms offered fresh cooked chicken samples, coupons, and daily drawings for prizes. WPAQ Radio of Mt Airy, NC, manned a booth and offered watermelon give-aways.

Plans are already underway for the fourth annual Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Music Festival for Mother’s Day weekend 2025.

2024 Malpass Brothers Festival in Denton, NC underway

The Malpass Brothers finish up Thursday night at Denton FarmPark (5/9/24)

The Malpass Brothers are hosting the annual Mother’s Day weekend Bluegrass & Country Music Festival for their third consecutive year at the Denton FarmPark in central North Carolina. Originally hosted by now-retired Doyle Lawson, it began in 1979 and the family-style music event continues throughout this weekend.

Denton FarmPark co-owner, Karen Loflin Miller, shared, “We are excited to welcome back our host band and our friends, The Malpass Brothers! It’s a great festival!”

Wednesday night featured an open mic on the pavilion stage with seven local bands performing. To the delight of the audience and the entertaining musicians, Nathan Aldridge, fiddler with IIIrd Tyme Out, was present to lend his musical skills to a couple of the bands’ sets.

Thursday, the professionals cranked up. Out the gate was local favorite and hometown girl, Caroline Owens. She set the music in motion with a rousing rendition of the national anthem, and then launched into the first set of the day. Her special guest was banjoist Jason Davis who was sitting in for Owens’ regular banjo picker, Chase Bennett, who was on baby watch for his first-born.

“I’m only seven minutes from home,” Owens teased.

The Baker Family from Missouri, making their debut on the FarmPark stage, weren’t quite so lucky. Following their second set, the three performing siblings, along with their parents and brother, left to make the 14-plus-hour drive to Branson, MO, to play on Friday.

Also appearing on Thursday’s show were The Kody Norris Band, The Junior Sisk Band, and closing out the first full day of music was the host band doing an extended set.

Sisk performed What a Wonderful Life This Has Turned Out to Be.

The singer/songwriter stressed, “It’s a wonderful life if we’re living and breathing and listening to bluegrass music.”

The Malpass Brothers showed their family support as they were joined on stage by three-year-old Arlen Riggins who remained faithfully beside his bassist dad, Jake, throughout much of the set until he became overcome with sleep.

Typical southern summertime insects, the cicadas, were in full voice, droning in the woods.

“What’s bad are these arcadias,” Taylor Malpass joked. “You know they took over the Bible.”

In their usual brotherly banter, Chris retorted, “If you’re going to stand up here and tell lie after lie on stage, maybe you need another occupation.”

Taylor returned, “Maybe I’ll run for president! I can’t remember what I’m talking about.”

The evening concluded with an open jam for attendees to pick on stage with the Malpass Brothers.

A great weekend of music continues with Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Little Roy & Lizzy, Kenny & Amanda Smith, and the host band on Friday. Saturday’s show will feature Authentic Unlimited, Deeper Shade of Blue, Classy & Grassy, and chart-topping country music artist, Gene Watson, who has 11 number one hit songs over his 60 year career.

“I’m once again truly honored to be hosting Denton,” said Chris Malpass. This to me is one of my favorite places to play. The energy is great here and the bands are all top-notch. We love spending time with the folks who come to support this. It’s like a huge family reunion. No better place to be than Denton at this beautiful farm park. We hope folks feel at home and enjoy every second they are here. As we say, ‘you’re all family, not fans to us.'”

Brother, Taylor, chimed in, “I am completely honored to be hosting Denton again this year, seeing all our dear friends from all over the country. I can’t wait to make a load of new memories and friends this year. Denton has forever been my favorite festival grounds, from the music and fans, down to its beautiful landscape.”

Denton FarmPark is located at 1072 Cranford Road, Denton, NC. For more information, call (336) 859-2755 or visit them online.

2023 Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Festival filled with special moments

Authentic Unlimited at Denton FarmPark (5/13/23) – photo by Gary Hatley

The second annual Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Festival at the Denton FarmPark in central North Carolina is now in the books.

“The Malpass Brothers and all the bands put on an awesome show! We are thankful for such a great turnout,” expressed FarmPark co-owner, Karen Loflin Miller.

The Mother’s Day weekend music event had been hosted for 40 years by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Even though he has retired, and wasn’t physically present this year, his impact on the festival was largely felt. Numerous Quicksilver alumni graced the stage, including five former fiddlers: Jason Barie (Joe Mullins & Radio Ramblers), Mike Hartgrove (Lonesome River Band), Jim VanCleve (Appalachian Road Show), Stephen Burwell (Authentic Unlimited), and Hunter Berry (Little Roy & Lizzy). There were also lots of references to the festival’s original namesake.

VanCleve shared, “I played this stage in 1998 with the Bluegrass Album Band (that included Lawson). I was 18 years old and sacred to death.”

Former Quicksilver lead vocalist, Ben James made a guest appearance during Joe Mullins’ Friday show. Barely recognizable in a ball cap and t-shirt, he confirmed his true identify when his unmistakable high lead voice filled the pavilion.

In the midst of the Malpass Brothers’ Friday evening set, a transformer providing power to the park blew, throwing the music hall into darkness.

The show continued on flawlessly as the host band immediately stepped in front of the now silent microphones and performed an all-acoustic set, while audience members provided stage lighting with their phones and flashlights. Taylor Malpass laid down his electric guitar and grabbed his mandolin. The other band members followed suit. Connor Murray switched to an acoustic fiddle, Landon Smith brought up a snare drum, and their newest member, Jesse Personeni, pedal steel player, and Patrick Hudson, guest keyboard player, also picked up guitars. Already unplugged, Chris Malpass continued with his flat-top guitar and Jake Riggins stepped forward with the upright bass. The impromptu ensemble entertained the audience for approximately fifteen minutes until power was restored.

“We wouldn’t let the power out stop us from doing a show for the fans,” stated Chris.

Appalachian Road Show took the stage next. Barry Abernathy, former Quicksilver banjoist, joked, “Doyle should have paid his power bill.”

Authentic Unlimited which includes three of Lawson’s former band members closed their set on Saturday afternoon paying homage to their old boss.

AU banjoist, Eli Johnston, asked the packed pavilion, “How would you like to have a Doyle Lawson tune? We used to do this one as an encore.”

The group then launched into a powerful version of Lonesome River.

Following Lawson’s tradition of a family-style festival, a special guest on the Malpass Brothers’ afternoon sets was Arlen Riggins, 2 ½ year-old son of bassist, Jake Riggins. He sat quietly on the floor next to his daddy, cradling a miniature guitar on Friday, and a miniature fiddle on Saturday. Already developing a stage presence, he waved to the audience when Chris introduced him along with the other band members.

The Malpasses introduced several new activities during this year’s event. They held a live auction for a pair of suits the brothers wore during a Stonewall Jackson tribute on the Country Family Reunion show, a silent auction for some of their old jackets, plus a raffle for a Malpass Brothers guitar.

Referencing their apparel, Chris Malpass admitted, “I can’t believe they sold! Bluegrass fans are the best in the world.”

There was lots of laughter, both on stage and off, as Taylor rambled on with his humorous tales throughout the Malpass Brothers’ sets, as did Little Roy Lewis during his Saturday shows. There was even a brief beauty contest between the two with Little Roy being crowned the Malpass Brothers’ Festival King as voted on by the audience’s response.

In all seriousness, there was also a lot of love shown throughout the festival. Entertainers and fans were happy to be together again after the global pandemic, with plenty of fellowship, smiles, hugs, and photo-ops.

Taylor Malpass referenced his brother, “I call Chris ‘Elmer’ because he’s the glue that holds us all together.”

The only other country act on the three-day festival was Jimmy Fortune, former lead and tenor singer with the Statler Brothers. He delivered a powerful set to close out the festival that included such great originals as My Only Love, Elizabeth, and More Than a Name on a Wall.

66 year-old Larry Bradford of Albemarle, NC, attended the music festival for his very first time. Totally deaf, he enjoyed the weekend by feeling the vibration of the sounds.

“I’ll be back next year,” he stressed.

Plans are already underway for the third annual Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Festival at the Denton FarmPark, Mother’s Day weekend 2024.

Malpass Brothers festival at Denton in full swing

Denton FarmPark for Malpass Brothers festival – photo by Troy Pope

Back for their second year after Doyle Lawson’s retirement, the Malpass Brothers are working overtime as hosts for the annual Mother’s Day weekend bluegrass festival at the Denton FarmPark in central NC. The classic country band is performing each day of the three-day event.

Lawson shared, “Can’t make it over, but I miss seeing all the folks who come to Denton.”

Thursday’s line-up featured Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, Nothin’ Fancy, and Caroline Owens.

Owens, who lives in Denton, shared some personal insight after coming off stage. This was her fourth time appearing on the bluegrass festival at Denton FarmPark. “I live about 10 minutes from here. It’s harder to play to hometown folks. I was so nervous. I thought I was going to pass out.”

On Thursday afternoon, Taylor Malpass interrupted Mulder’s set to make a brief and humorous service announcement. “If anyone is missing a husky, it’s up at our record table. He’s really friendly, has a lot of fur, two ears, and a tail.”

Friday’s schedule features Appalachian Road Show, Lonesome River Band, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, and Larry Efaw & the Bluegrass Mountaineers.

Chris Malpass expressed, “I’m again blown away with the kindness of the Denton FarmPark, and from the friends and fans that come out to support this festival. Every time we play here it’s like coming home to family. We hope the folks know how much we love them all, and we know it wouldn’t be possible without each and every fan. We had folks come this year from all over America. It has been amazing first few days.”

“I didn’t think last year could be topped, but I think we’re doing it,” younger brother Taylor added.

FarmPark co-owner, Karen Miller, noted, “We are up 75 campers. It is the biggest turnout that we have had this early for our festival. The weather has been perfect. We are blessed.”

Saturday’s show will include Authentic Unlimited, Little Roy & Lizzy, Deeper Shade of Blue, and a final set with Jimmy Fortune.

Denton FarmPark is located at 1072 Cranford Road, Denton. For more information, call 336-859-2755 or visit their website.

Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Festival slated to become annual event

Aynsley Porchak with Tennessee Bluegrass Band at Denton FarmPark – photo Laura Tate Ridge

As the new host band for this past Mother’s Day weekend music festival in Denton, NC, The Malpass Brothers worked overtime to make themselves approachable and the event fan-friendly. Masterminded by brothers, Chris and Taylor Malpass, daily fun activities included a scavenger hunt, a dunking booth, bus tours, and nightly jams. W can assure you that a good time was had by all.

“Everyone was so receptive to the Malpass Brothers! We are so thankful to all who came and supported their first annual festival,” shared Denton FarmPark co-owner, Karen Loflin Miller.

On Sunday afternoon, Chris Malpass reflected, “This was one of the highlights of my music career. We felt like we became part of a huge family, and we look forward to making more and more great memories for many years with all our bluegrass friends. Truly an honor!”

“We had the time of our lives and can’t wait for many more years to come meeting new folks that love good music,” chimed in brother, Taylor.

Malpass Brothers’ fiddler, Johnny Ridge, added, “The crowd and reception was good. I feel mighty blessed that we were offered this and that folks have faith in us. It’s a great honor to take over one of the greatest institutions in bluegrass music.” Until this year, the event had been known as the Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Bluegrass Festival.

The three-day music festival contained many memorable moments.

Authentic Unlimited, which includes three former members of Quicksilver, wowed the crowd with their debut performance at Denton.

“Welcome back to your home place, guys,” announced emcee Jeff Branch from the stage.

Their show consisted primarily of original material.

As guitarist and lead vocalist, John Meador, introduced another original tune, he stated, “Jerry Cole has a portfolio of unlimited material.”

Each of their performances ended with enthusiastic standing ovations, which garnered them two consecutive encores after their evening set.

Lawson’s three former band members weighed in on revisiting their old stomping grounds.

“It’s been our pleasure to return to Denton, NC, and play for all. It’s a good feeling to still do what we love to do,” shared AU’s banjoist, Eli Johnston.

Stephen Burwell, fiddler, agreed. “It’s like coming home. I’ve come full circle and I am glad to be here.”

“It’s always been an honor to come to Denton. This was the biggest time of the year when I was with Doyle. I am glad the Malpass Brothers are running a good, clean festival like the ones we always loved,” stressed bassist, Jerry Cole.

During Larry Efaw & the Bluegrass Mountaineers’ Saturday morning set, Adam Burrows broke out an eight-string fiddle to play an old Benny Martin number, Me and My Fiddle.

After his performance, the fiddler talked about the unique instrument. “It’s a different animal. (The pairs of strings are tuned in harmony.) The fiddle was built for Michael Cleveland. It has mandolin tuning pegs. I bought it (in Raleigh) at IBMA.”

A longtime Denton FarmPark entertainer, Russell Moore, reflected on his years playing the iconic bluegrass festival, recalling his first appearance there in 1984 with his Texas-raised band, Southern Connection. The award-winning lead singer went on to perform with original host band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and then started his own band, IIIrd Tyme Out, which are celebrating their 30^th year in the music industry.

Moore’s former band mate, Steve Dilling, was present to perform with his band, Sideline. The powerhouse banjo picker, too, has many fond memories, recalling he first attended the festival as a spectator, watching such greats as Tony Rice and J.D. Crowe perform.

When Deeper Shade of Blue took the stage, emcee Bob Webster declared, “These guys are festival favorites.” As they sang their rendition of the classic Alabama tune, Old Flame, the crowd heartily joined in to sing along. Troy Pope whipped out his lighted cell phone to wave along in time with the music as they harmonized.

As originally established, the festival continued its tradition of being family-friendly. During the Malpass Brothers’ Saturday afternoon set, the audience was given a chance to meet the host band’s family members when Chris invited his wife and two children to the stage. The son of bassist, Jake Riggins, also made an appearance. Johnny Ridge had his two children stand and wave to the crowd.

Plans are already underway for the second annual Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Festival on Mother’s Day weekend in 2023.

Miller concluded, “We can’t wait for next year!”

Photos by Gary Hatley and Laura Tate Photography.

Day 1 at Denton FarmPark Bluegrass & Country Music Festival

After hosting the bluegrass festival at Denton FarmPark for over 40 years, bluegrass patriarch Doyle Lawson retired, and the North Carolina-based classic country band, The Malpass Brothers, are serving as new headliners, appearing daily, for the three-day music event this weekend.

Karen Miller, co-owner of the FarmPark, shared, “I have much admiration for Doyle. First, he is a Christian. Second, he has always treated my family with respect and dignity. And third, he gave each performance the best of his ability. My family so appreciated that he took time out of his busy schedule to sing with three of his band members at my dad’s funeral on September 16, 2019 at the FarmPark.”

“It is sad to say goodbye to Doyle. A legend in the bluegrass world, his music and sound will live on forever, especially since his band (Authentic Unlimited) is continuing. On the other hand, we are excited that The Malpass Brothers are hosting the festival.”

In addition to the Malpasses, Thursday’s show featured performances by SPBGMA’s 2022 Female Vocalist of the Year & Songwriter, Donna Ulisse, Denton’s own Caroline & Company, and first-time appearances by the Tennessee Bluegrass Band and Bill and the Belles. The latter was a replacement for the Tim Raybon Band who canceled for business reasons.

Caroline Owens opened the first annual Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Music Festival with a rousing version of our national anthem. With a large crowd for a Thursday, each band was greeted with zealous enthusiasm. The eager audience welcomed the new host band with open arms and full support.

Emcee, Bob Webster, directed attention to the new banner above the stage, bearing the Malpass’ name.

“They put their name on top of the festival and got new clothes,” he teased.

The siblings were decked out for their host band debut in sparkly rhinestone suits, reminiscent of their predecessor, Doyle Lawson.

“We are so honored and privileged to serve as hosts,” stated Chris Malpass. “We look forward to keeping this festival going for many years, and keeping it traditional.”

Even the instruments that graced the stage bore a musical legacy. Taylor Malpass brought out an electric guitar that Leon Rhodes had played with Ernest Tubb and the Texas Troubadours. The Tennessee Bluegrass Band’s Lincoln Hensley picked Sonny Osborne’s guitjo (a five-string guitar) during their rendition of the movie theme song, Tammy’s in Love.

Though Lawson did not make an appearance on stage, his name was referenced numerous times.

Chris Malpass joked, “Doyle is out playing golf. We’ll be playing putt-putt.”

A new fan-friendly addition was an open jam lead by the Malpass Brothers inside the music hall following the Thursday night show. Young and old, men and women, seasoned and novice, assembled at the front of the stage for a chance to pick and sing with the host band. All were welcomed and invited to select a tune to perform. Music was played until well after 1:00 a.m.

Following the jam, Vicki Bassinger of Salisbury, NC, praised the new hosts. “I’ve never been so entertained.”

Doug Stuart of the Denton FarmPark agreed. “From the Malpass Brothers’ first time on stage to their last time, the crowd has been overwhelmingly welcoming.”

“I’ve known them for six years and followed them through four states,” added attendee, Tom Suggs of Rock Hill, SC. “From day one; they have been generous, personable, and approachable.”

Friday’s line-up includes Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Larry Efaw, Fast Track, The King James Boys, and Drive Time.

Saturday’s schedule is slated for performances by Sideline, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Authentic Unlimited (Doyle’s former band), High Fidelity, and Deeper Shade of Blue.

The Malpass Brothers were truly excited to return to the FarmPark, this time as hosts.

Chris Malpass said, “We have been going to Denton, NC, since we were kids. This festival and the grounds are one of the most beautiful sites we have been to. The historical buildings with the train and its rolling hills are the perfect family setting. It’s a slice of heaven, or better known as North Carolina, for all to experience. We are so honored, and look forward to meeting and spending time with old friends and new at this festival.”

His brother, Taylor, added, “We are so excited to introduce new friends and fans who have not been to Denton to visit this park. It’s a great time for adults and kids with camping and activities for all. Not to forget the great music that will be enjoyed as well. I just can’t say enough about this great venue.”

Denton FarmPark is located at 1072 Cranford Road, Denton, NC. For information, call 336-859-2755 or visit them online.