Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival Archives

2024 Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival report

Hunter Berry at the 2024 Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival – photo © Laura Tate Photography

Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival 2024 in Roxboro, NC is now history. Its fans, performers, and promoter all left happy and looking forward to 2025.

“We’re carrying on the tradition of southern hospitality,” stressed Willow Oak Park Owner and Festival Promoter, Mike Wilson.

The three-day Father’s Day weekend music event saw beautiful weather, a wide variety of talent, and some nice surprises. On Friday, during Junior Sisk’s set, rising songstress, Olivia Jo, took the stage to sing I’ll Stay Around.

Lorraine Jordan also had several special guests including a number of youngsters. She invited 15-year-old mandolinist JoJo Murphy to play Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Breakdown with her.

“I taught her this song and she’s done learned it better than me,” Jordan confessed into the microphone.

JoJo was then joined by her brothers. 10-year-old Jacob sang Are You Walking, while Landon, 13, accompanied on the upright bass.

“Isn’t it great to see these kids on stage?,” Jordan happily asked.

In keeping with the family-style festival, Jordan’s dad, Royce, whom she stated “is 94 in ’24,” joined her host band, Carolina Road, on Friday to pay a tribute to all military personnel in attendance. The senior Jordan also served in the US Army. Lorraine paid homage to her mom singing Mama’s Cross, one she wrote with Donna Ulisse about her mom. She invited Teresa Morris, her lead guitarist’s wife, to sing Donna’s part in the song. Closing out her portion, Jordan had her guests join her in singing Will the Circle Be Unbroken.

Wilson, too, had family and close friends assisting him with the proceedings last weekend. Even some of his grandchildren ran an ice cream stand. Former members of his band, the Bass Mountain Boys were present: fiddler, Johnny Ridge; mandolinist, Mike Aldridge; and bassist, Mike Street.

There were reflection moments, too. Remembrance was given to the bassist, Jason Moore, who passed away unexpectedly in 2021. He would have turned 50 during the festival and is sorely missed in the bluegrass community. His widow, Molly, along with Lorraine’s daughter, Susanna Langdon, worked the Carolina Road table throughout the festival.

Two workshops were held. Little Roy & Lizzy and their band held one on Friday morning, fielding questions and demonstrating the workings of a successful band.

“You have to feed off each other’s energy,” stressed Lizzy Long. “And though he’s 82 years old, Little Roy still has plenty of energy.”

Saturday morning, the Gospel Plowboys conducted a vocal workshop.

High lead and tenor singer, Michael Jenkins, explained, “David Murph (founding member who passed in 2017) said we are going to build this band on vocals. The words to the songs tell a story and when we put harmony with that, it really touches people.”

Plowboys guitarist, Kris Miller, added, “We all went to the school of Doyle Lawson (listening and learning from his material).”

Wilson was in attendance and spoke directly to the band members at the conclusion of their 90 minute session. “I personally want to thank you. I’ve enjoyed it myself!”

During one of the Gospel Plowboys’ Saturday sets, they invited a special guest, Angel Paez, a talented young blind mandolin player, to join them on stage. He picked and sang Go Rest High on that Mountain.

Other bands appearing on the festival included Authentic Unlimited, Lonesome River Band, Kody Norris, Dave Atkins Band, Kevin Prater Band, Larry Efaw & Bluegrass Mountaineers, Drive Time, and others.

The festival concluded on Saturday with a 90 minute set by Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. Buddy Michaels, North Carolina Bluegrass Radio DJ and former festival MC, surprised everyone by stepping out to wrap up the festival and goad the band into an encore.

Plans are already underway for another great festival next Father’s Day in 2025 at the beautiful Willow Oak Park in Roxboro, NC.

2024 Willow Oak Father’s Day festival begins

Lonesome River Band at the 2024 Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival (6/13/24) – photo by Sandy Hatley

“It’s been a good day,” said Mike Wilson, promoter of the annual Father’s Day weekend bluegrass festival at Willow Oak Park near Burlington, NC. “The weather cooperated. We’d had a good crowd, we’re sold out of all electrical hook-ups, and campers have been coming in pretty steady.” Theres still plenty of room for camping in the rough in his beautiful rural 60 acre campground.

Located in Roxboro in north central North Carolina, Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival is the product of Wilson, and host band Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road. They have worked diligently to provide top notch talent in a beautiful, family-friendly setting.

Jordan, along with her lead singer, Allen Dyer, agreed, “It’s a great start to a great family style bluegrass festival. The line-up is made up of fantastic traditional well known bands. We’ve had beautiful weather, and it’s the most beautiful venue in bluegrass. There’s lots of golf carts, and picking in the parking lot going on. Mike Wilson has everything running smooth. It’s not too late to come!”

Thursday’s line-up featured the Lonesome River Band, Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul, Big Country Bluegrass, and Larry Efaw & the Bluegrass Mountaineers. Efaw was a proud PopPop to have his 19-year-old grandson, Chris, join him on stage playing guitar. During their second set, Adam Burrows, Efaw’s fiddler, encored with his special 8-string fiddle, playing and singing, Me and My Fiddle. Rebel Records’ Big Country Bluegrass featured the high lead singing of Eddie Gill and the smooth fiddling of Tim Laughlin. Under a clear Carolina quarter moon, Adkins performed his own version of Alabama’s Dixieland Delight singing “on a North Carolina Thursday night.” Lonesome River Band closed out the first day with an extended set with the powerhouse band celebrating their 42^nd year in the music industry.

Today’s show features Authentic Unlimited, the Junior Sisk Band, Little Roy & Lizzy, the Kevin Prater Band, and host band, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road. On Saturday, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, the Gospel Plowboys, Kody Norris Band, Drive Time, and Jordan’s band will perform. Workshops are offered each morning, fiddle and banjo with Little Roy & Lizzy on Thursday, and vocals with the Gospel Plowboys on Saturday.

MCs for the festival are HWY 40 Bluegrass’ Doug Whitley and Lorraine’s dad, Royce Jordan. Sound is provided by Voigt Enterprises of Richmond, VA. Concessions and permanent restrooms are available on site.

“We’ve had a good start and hoping for more folks to come in,” Wilson concluded.

Willow Oak Park is located 3.5 miles south of Roxboro off NC Hwy 49 at 895 Blalock Dairy Road, one hour north of the Raleigh/Triangle area. For more information, visit their web site or contact Mike by email.

2023 Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival report

Deeper Shade of Blue at the 2023 Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival – photo © Laura Tate Photography

Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival in Roxboro, NC, continues to grow yearly. Located in the north central part of the state, the rural 60-acre park offers a pastoral setting that includes a large fishing pond, green grass fields, and plenty of shaded campsites.

“It’s the prettiest park in bluegrass,” Lorraine Jordan announced from the stage. The ‘Lady of Tradition’ and her group, Carolina Road, served as the festival’s host band.

Festival promoter, Mike Wilson, stated…

“It’s the best ever! Attendance is the best we’ve had. The crowd, the weather, everything has been good.

We sold out of the campsite power hook ups weeks ago. Everybody knew that and came prepared to primitive camp. They’re stacked in here like cord wood.”

With only a few brief downpours on Friday afternoon, attendees experienced Goldilocks’ weather. It wasn’t too hot or too cold, but just right.

The three-day event offered several surprises. During supper break on Friday, Allen Mills of the famed Lost & Found band and Buddy Michaels, well known North Carolina bluegrass radio personality and event announcer, conducted an MC workshop. The pair reminisced and discussed what it takes to keep a band’s show lively by actively engaging the audience.

During Saturday’s supper break, Little Roy Lewis left the stage after his first set and held a banjo workshop. He picked several tunes, accompanied on guitar by Hunter Berry, and shared how he got started in the music business beginning at age six.

In honor of Father’s Day, Lorraine invited surprise guest Lynn Dyer, former guitarist/lead singer with the Brothers in Bluegrass, and father of her guitarist, Allen Dyer, to join his son on stage to sing a duet, I’ll Go Stepping, Too.

Another surprise was a mini-reunion concert with the Bass Mountain Boys, a festival-circuit band in the late ’70s through mid-’90s. Willow Oak promoter, Mike Wilson, was a founding member. The guitarist was joined by three of his former band mates: Johnny Ridge on fiddle, Mike Auldridge on mandolin, and Mike Street on bass. Accompanying the BMB were Auldridge’s son, Brian, of Wood Family Tradition, on banjo, and Grasstowne’s Jeff Huffman on guitar.

Russell Moore introduced IIIrd Tyme Out’s newest member, 21-year-old, Colton Baker, from Kentucky. Colton replaces Kevin McKinnon on bass who has accepted a position as sound man for Authentic Unlimited.

In keeping with the family-style festival, Royce Jordan, Lorraine’s 92-year-old dad, and Doug Whitley of Hwy 40 Bluegrass served as MCs. Mike Wilson’s grandchildren operated an ice cream stand and Lorraine’s daughter helped with merchandise sales. The Bass Mountain Boys’ children and grandchildren cheered when their patriarchs took the stage. It was definitely a family event.

Other bands appearing on the festival included the Lonesome River Band, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, the Grascals, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, Deeper Shade of Blue, the Gospel Plowboys, Dewey & Leslie Brown, and many more. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.

Photos by Laura Tate Ridge and Gary and Sandy Hatley. We will have more of Laura’s images as the week goes on.

2023 Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival begins

Located in north central North Carolina, Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival in Roxboro is underway for its annual Father’s Day weekend music event. Promoter, Mike Wilson, and host band, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, have worked hard to provide topnotch talent in a beautiful family-friendly setting.

Thursday’s line-up included Starlett & Big John, Dewey & Leslie Brown, the Kevin Prater Band, and the Grascals.

Dewey Brown didn’t have to travel far to perform. “I get to see a lot of friends and people that I know. This is a wonderful place. Mike and Lorraine put on an absolute great festival. You can hardly walk around without stopping and talking to someone you know. That’s the best thing about a bluegrass festival.”

The day was extra special for two members of the Grascals: Jamey Johnson and Terry Smith. They both celebrated birthdays, number 51 and 63, respectively.

Smith, who grew up in neighboring Caswell County, shared Brown’s sentiment. “It’s really great to be playing so close to home. This is one of the best parks in America.”

Friday’s line-up features the Lonesome River Band, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, Deeper Shade of Blue, and host band, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road.

Saturday’s show offers Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Little Roy & Lizzy, the Gospel Plowboys, and Jordan’s band.

The Lady of Tradition stressed, “My band, Carolina Road, is very excited to be the host band. The promoter, Mike Wilson, and I have been long-time bluegrass friends since the 1970s. Mike has been involved in promoting festivals for over 40 years and knows how to run a family-style event. Fans have said that Willow Oak Park is the most beautiful park setting for a bluegrass festival. This festival is a throw-back from the time that festivals were friendly gatherings with plenty of social time and jamming. We will have workshops, storytelling, and a jamming tent set up during the day. Both national and local bands will be part of our stage show. I’m excited to be part of a great family-style festival which is destined to be the outdoor social event of the year. Come join us. It’s only 45 minutes north of Raleigh.”

Willow Oak Park is located at 895 Blalock Dairy Road, Roxboro, NC. For more information, contact mike@WillowOakPrk.com.

2022 Willow Oak Festival – biggest, best yet!

Sunset at the 2022 Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival – photo by Doug Whitley

Always held Father’s Day weekend, the Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival in Roxboro, NC continues to grow, and celebrated its largest turnout this year despite the absence of promoter, Mike Wilson, who underwent emergency triple bypass surgery the week prior to his event. Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road returned as the host band.

“Willow Oak Fest was a great success. Mike Wilson had everything organized and his son did great overseeing things. It was a great time had by all. I’m proud to be the host band of such a well-run family style festival. Enjoyed talking to folks from all over the USA, and a few from France and Canada,” Jordan said on Sunday.

The Lady of Tradition got to the share the stage with her 92-year-old father, Royce Jordan, who also served as MC and kept the show running smoothly. “I am so glad to have gotten to spend Father’s Day weekend with such a great dad. Proud of you, Dad!”

Mike Wilison had worked so diligently to present the festival in his beautiful rural 60 acre campground, and his son, Barrett, was present making sure the event came off successfully.

The senior Wilson spent Saturday nearby at Hyco Lake recuperating from his recent heart surgery. “I’m just hanging out here, walking and trying to keep parts moving so the other parts don’t rust ’til I get back my strength. Pick one for me and we’ll see you at the next show somewhere down the road,” he shared via text message.

Friday’s show featured Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Sideline, Deeper Shade of Blue, Starlett & Big John, and Carolina Road. Another round of storms rolled in around supper break as had happened the previous day, but they proved to not be as severe.

“The show was only delayed by a few minutes,” shared Barrett Wilson. “We were ready this time, and had the merchandise tent secured.”

Deeper Shade of Blue’s Troy Pope mentioned between sets on Friday, “It’s always fun playing Willow Oaks Bluegrass Festival…bluegrass music, seeing old friends, making new friends, fun and food! What else would you want?! Also, wishing a speedy recovery to Mike Wilson from them DSB boys.”

Both Thursday and Friday, the music resumed as soon as the skies cleared and the storms brought cooler temperatures from summer heat. Saturday’s show ran smoothly with no rain, but with cooler temperatures and a light breeze that kept festival-goers comfortable.

The third day of the festival brought the Malpass Brothers, Terry Baucom’s Dukes of Drive, the Gospel Plowboys, Drive Time, and host band, Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road to the stage. A highlight from the festival’s last day was an impromptu reunion between two former Quicksilver alums, Terry Baucom and Randy Graham. The latter joined Bauc and his band on stage to perform their classic rendition of Julianne.

“It’s a special moment,” said Knee Deep in Bluegrass host and Terry’s wife, Cindy Baucom.

For young Peden Williams, banjoist with Gospel Plowboys, another highlight was to have the Duke of Drive pick his new Prucha banjo on stage. As Baucom struggled to keep his banjo in tune during their evening set, Williams offered his instrument to his banjo hero. Bauc accepted the five-string and picked it the remainder of his show.

“Wow! That’s definitely a memory I will treasure forever,” Williams said afterward.

Baucom was gracious and stated, “Going to get mine worked on before the next time we play somewhere!”

Another guest appearance occurred during the Gospel Plowboys’ second set, when Backline’s mandolinist, Milom Williams, filled in with the band for Andrew Brown who left early to join his family for an Outer Banks vacation. Williams, who had performed with the Plowboys in the past, did a seamless job.

The Malpass Brothers missed their afternoon set due to problems returning from Ohio with their bus (that once belonged to Barbara Mandrell), but arrived safely in time to perform a double set to end the evening and the music festival.

“Fuel kept getting into the oil causing the safety switch to engage, which is a good thing,” explained Malpass fiddler, Johnny Ridge. “It kept the motor from burning up. It will be repaired next week.”

Chris Malpass joked as they took the stage, “Anybody want to buy a bus?”

They closed the festival with high energy, humor, and classic country music.

Jordan was pleased with weekend of music, but regretted its promoter not being at the helm. “Mike did a lot of work. It’s really sad that he’s missed it,’ she concluded.

All in attendance wish Wilson a speedy recovery and look forward to his return next year.

Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival is in full swing

The Kody Norris Show at the Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival (6/16/22) – photo by Gary Hatley

Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival in Roxboro, NC, is successfully in full swing despite overcoming numerous hurdles. Promoter, Mike Wilson, suffered a heart attack and underwent triple by-pass surgery last week, but is home recovering.

Via phone, the longtime guitarist/vocalist with the Bass Mountain Boys, stated, “I really miss being there.”

Wilson’s son, Barrett, said, “It’s been an interesting year with him not being here. Luckily, he had a system in place.”

In addition to the 74-year-old patriarch’s emergency surgery, the weather played havoc with the Thursday program. Sweltering heat dominated the afternoon until late day thunderstorms rolled in five songs into the Lonesome River Band’s 4:00 p.m. set, temporarily halting the show.

During the course of the storm, winds toppled the merchandise tent, damaging a piece of sound equipment. Staff responded quickly, returning the tent to its original location while Virginia-based JMP Productions replaced a speaker. Once the storm threats passed, the show resumed, ran smoothly, and was enjoyed by all.

Emcee, Royce Jordan, welcomed all back to the stage area, explaining changes in the order of the line-up due to scheduled flights and distances to travel for the entertainers.

First up was the Kody Norris Show. “Is everybody high and dry at Willow Oak tonight? Thank you for hanging with us and visiting our record table before it blew away. It puts a hamburger in these musician’s mouths,” Norris said as he took the stage.

Next was The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys who delivered a powerful, fast-driving set, closing with Smokey & the Bandits East Bound and Down as they headed out to catch a plane in Raleigh.

Dewey & Leslie Brown followed, performing lots of original tunes, penned by the powerhouse bluegrass couple.

Closing out the evening was Lonesome River Band, playing an extended set since their first show was cut short by the thunder and the lightning.

“We want to dedicate this show to Mike Wilson,” shared LRB bandleaderr, Sammy Shelor. “Keep him in your prayers. We want to get him headed up and back amongst us.”

Their show featured material from their newest release, HeyDay, and their all-Gospel project paying homage to the Easter Brothers.

“They wrote over 300 songs and we picked 10 of our favorites for this project,” the banjoist relayed.

Host band, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, was on site preparing for their Friday and Saturday performances.

“Mike Wilson’s done an outstanding job putting together a great line-up. It’s easy to walk in with him already having everything in place.”

The hostess continued her praises, “I’m proud of my 92-year-old father, Royce Jordan. He had lots of different situations going on yesterday to deal with. He handled it all and kept the show flowing and staying on time.”

“The crowd is large as I’ve seen, and many fans we talked to while out at other festivals have attended this year. Lots of Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, and Michigan folks in attendance. Jamming is in full swing.”

Longtime North Carolina bluegrass performer and UNC Bluegrass Ensemble instructor, Russell Johnson, was in attendance. “I’ve had a great time. This was a super strong Thursday line-up. I’m glad to see the show back, and thanks to the production staff, the people, and the bands.”

John Maness’ widow, Shelia, who assisted her late husband in running the Bass Mountain Bluegrass Festival for years, stressed, “Fun times. Great people. Good music. It’s like a family reunion. Mike’s done wonders with this festival.”

Friday’s line-up includes Sideline, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Deeper Shade of Blue, Starlett & Big John, and Carolina Road.

The show continues on Saturday beginning with a fiddle and banjo workshop at 11:00 a.m., with later performances by the Malpass Brothers, Terry Baucom’s Dukes of Drive, the Gospel Plowboys, Drive Time, and host band, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road to follow.

Willow Oak Music Park is located at 895 Blalock Dairy Rd, Roxboro, NC. For more information, visit their website, or call (336) 229-9055.

More from Willow Oak Park Bluegrass Festival 2021

Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road at the 2021 Willow Oak Park Bluegrass Festival – photo by Laura Ridge

Here is another gallery of images from the Willow Oak Park Bluegrass Festival, held over the Father’s Day weekend 2021. They were taken by Laura Ridge with Laura Tate Photography.

Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival – a weekend of special moments

“Music makes the world a better place.” That’s a line Russell Moore sang from Grandpa’s Mandolin Saturday afternoon at Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival in Roxboro in north central North Carolina. Written by Billy and Terry Smith and Mark Irwin, the lyrics seem to ring true as the music industry resurrects after more than a year of pickers and fans being stuck at home due to the global pandemic.

The Father’s Day weekend festival drew a larger than normal crowd and offered lots of special moments as eager musicians returned to the stage, happy campers converged on the grounds, and appreciative fans listened, visited, and supported the music we all love.

Emcee, Sherry Boyd, welcomed everyone. “Live music is back! Everything is getting cranked up. I’m happy about that.”

“The Lord has seen fit to get us through this ordeal,” Robert Montgomery, banjoist with David Davis and the Warrior River Boys, expressed in his gratitude from the stage on Friday afternoon. “Hope we never have another year like the last one!”

Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road served as the host band for the annual music event promoted by former Bass Mountain Boy, Mike Wilson.

At a time when we honor our fathers, Jordan’s 90 year old dad, Royce, fondly introduced his musical offspring to the audience.

“This little girl from eastern North Carolina always wanted to play music, even though she wasn’t from a musical family. I’m so proud of her. They call her the Lady of Tradition. I call her my daughter.”

“It’s good to get out of the house,” confessed the festival hostess.

Steve Dilling, Sideline banjoist, readily agreed. “There’s nothing better than live music. It’s so good to be back out.”

During Sideline’s sets, they welcomed their newest member, Nick “Stride” Goad, to the stage. The show also marked a return to the stage for band member Skip Cherryholmes following the birth of he and wife Stephanie’s new daughter, Adeline Macie.

A special guest on the Sideline show was former band mate, Zack Arnold, who now plays guitar for Rhonda Vincent. The young western North Carolina picker performed a tragic song he wrote that is on their latest recording.

Friday was also the birthday of Jason Moore, Sideline’s bass man. Another honored guest on their afternoon set was Moore’s uncle, Allen Mills, founding member of the powerhouse group, Lost and Found. Retired, he joined his nephew and other Sideline band members for a couple of well-known L&F tunes, Homer Lawson’s Field and Ida Red.

During Kevin Prater’s set, Moore returned to the stage along with Adam Poindexter to do a memorial tribute to their former employer, James King. The trio performed Thirty Years of Farming and Days of Gray and Black.

Saturday continued memorable moments. A large entourage of fans from Garner who frequent Lorraine’s Coffee & Music House assembled on the hillside in support of the festival’s hostess. Jordan’s band performed a wonderful tribute to the military with her long time banjoist, Ben Greene, picking the songs from each branch of service as veterans were recognized.

Jordan also invited a youth band, Southbound 77 Bluegrass, to come on stage. After performing several tunes, Lorraine encouraged the audience to make donations so the kids could cut a record. A short time later $667 was presented to the young musicians.

Their 13 year old banjoist, Etta Ray from Mooresville, NC (who also picked a tune with Sideline the previous day), accepted the monetary gift, but announced, “We want to give back $100 for Lorraine to give to the charity of her choice.”

“I love cats,” she stated, “but I’m going to have to give it to the military.”

Also in attendance were promoter Mike Wilson’s long-time friends and former Bass Mountain band mates, Mike Aldridge (two of his sons played, Bryan with Big John and Starlett, and Nathan with IIIrd Tyme Out) and Johnny Ridge who fiddles with the Malpass Brothers.

The vintage country band was playing in their backyard. On their first number (Haggard’s Big City), Chris personalized the lyrics, “Turn me loose somewhere in the middle of Person County.” The musical brothers’ families were well represented at the bluegrass festival. Their dad came out of retirement to play bass with his sons and Chris Malpass’ young son, Barrett, stood on stage the entire first set decked out in western attire and holding an electric guitar. Taylor Malpass brought out his one and half year old son, John Reynolds, between songs, and Chris’ three month old daughter was in the audience.

The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys were an added treat, filling in for another band that was unable to attend. Fiddler, Laura Orshaw, had the crowd tapping their toes, and the band flowed flawlessly from one rousing tune to another for the first half of their set without saying a single word.

North Carolina’s Drive Time had another special moment for the music community in their set. Banjoist, Tyler Jackson, is back hammering the five after suffering a brain aneurysm last fall. With only deafness in his right ear, the twenty-five-year-old was happy to be on stage at what he called “his hometown festival.”

“It would be an understatement to say we are thankful to be here,” he shared with the audience.

Another thankful participant was Hometown Festival radio personality, Buddy Michaels. After suffering two heart attacks and a stroke, the DJ and festival emcee took to the stage briefly and expressed his gratitude for all the support he has received from the bluegrass community.

Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, who are celebrating 30 years in the music industry, featured songs from all three decades of their music that included bookend twins, Keith and Kevin McKinnon, on banjo and bass, respectively.

“It’s been a long dry spell, but it’s great to be back,” Moore related.

Saturday’s guest band was Caroline & Company. Lead vocalist, Caroline Owens, concluded her set by saying, “2020 was a rough year for all of us, especially the musicians. I believe we’re on the backside of it now.”

She closed with It is Well with My Soul. Truly, with the perfect weather, beautiful setting, amazing music, and freedom to congregate with those we haven’t seen in more than a year – plus all the festival’s special moments – made it well with all our souls.

Wilson and Jordan are looking to collaborate for even bigger and better moments next year at Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival, on Father’s Day weekend 2022.

2021 Willow Oak Park Bluegrass Festival starts on a good foot

Lonesome River Band at the 2021 Willow Oak Park Bluegrass Festival – photo by Sandy Hatley

Wonderful weather, a pristine park, and marvelous music make a perfect combination for a great weekend of bluegrass music. Willow Oak Music Park, a 60 acre farm located in north central North Carolina, is just what the bluegrass community needs after more than a year on hiatus due to the global pandemic.

“You guys are just having too much fun,” Lonesome River Band’s Sammy Shelor teased from the stage. “It’s time for us all to get close again.”

Lorraine Jordan, hostess for the weekend’s festivities, stressed, “We’ve got beautiful weather with perfect bands. We’re off to a great start and looking forward to a great weekend.”

On Thursday, Lorraine’s 90 year old dad, Royce, aptly served as the festival’s emcee. Sherry Boyd mans the mic for the remainder of the festival.

Sponsoring the festival for 19 years, promoter and former guitarist/vocalist with the Bass Mountain Boys, Mike Wilson, expressed, “We sold out of electrical hook-ups June 1. There’s still plenty of room for camping in the rough. It’s a good crowd for a Thursday, and it not being a holiday weekend.”

Campers gathered under the shade trees from many states, including North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Alabama, and Florida to jam, break bread, and just enjoy one another’s company. The festival features a permanent stage with quality audio provided by Doug Crabtree of Crabtree Acoustic Sound in Chesterfield, VA. Adjacent to the stage is a large pond stocked with fish. Behind the stage is a concession area with a variety food trucks to feed hungry attendees. With a comfort station featuring clean restrooms and spacious shower stalls, Willow Oak Music Park seems to have it all.

Eighteen year old mandolinist, Liam Purcell from Deep Gap, NC, brought his band, Cane Mill Road, made up of power pickers from Appalachian State, to perform for their first time at the music festival. “This is one of the most beautiful outdoor festival parks I’ve been to. Some of the best professional bands are here. I’m impressed with how dedicated the promoter has been, and continued to work to put this on even during the pandemic. Everyone should come and support this event.”

“It’s great to be back out playing music,” Seth Mulder of Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, the house band for Gatlinburg’s Old Smoky Mountain Distillery, chimed in. “This is our first time playing the Willow Oak Music Festival and we’ve had a blast. The crowds are die hard bluegrass fans and really make you excited to play. It’s nice to see folks coming back out for the music, and if you’re thinking about coming out, do it, you won’t regret it!”

LRB’s Jesse Smathers said it all when he asked the appreciative crowd, “Haven’t you guys missed this?”

Thursday’s line-up was LRB, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, Dewey & Leslie Brown and the Carolina Gentlemen, and Cane Mill Road. Friday’s show features Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, Sideline, David Davis & the Warrior River Boys, Kevin Prater Band, and Starlett & Big John. The bluegrass continues on Saturday with over 12 hours of entertainment (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.): Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, The Malpass Brothers, Drive Time, Caroline & Company, and host band, Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road.

Willow Oak Park is located 3.5 miles south of Roxboro, NC, off NC Hwy 49 on Blalock Dairy Road. For more info visit the festival website or contact them by email or phone (336-229-9055).

Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival to be held in June as scheduled (updated)

If you are tired of being cooped up inside, and can’t wait to hear some live music, here’s a festival coming up next month that will be held as scheduled.

The Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival in Roxboro, NC is on for June 18-20. Hosted by Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, it promises all the great music, good times, and family atmosphere you have been missing since the shutdown began. Other entertainers include Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Sideline, Carolina Blue, The Malpass Brothers, and many more. Believe me, they are just as excited about getting back on stage as you are to get to see them!

Willow Oak Park has a jam tent set up 24/7, with plenty of other activities for non-pickers. A stocked fishing pond can be accessed on site, and hot showers are available in the park.

Full details on tickets and camping/hookups can be found online.

Let’s hope to hear of many more festivals that are going ahead this season after learning of all the cancellations.

UPDATE 8:20 p.m. – A notice has appeared on the Willow Oak web site this evening announcing that the June 2020 festival has been cancelled.

This notice is to announce the cancellation of this year’s bluegrass festival scheduled for June 18-20, 2020. This was a difficult decision to make, but I am confident that it is the right decision to ensure the health and safety of band members, staff, and fans. Most of the bands have agreed to return next year and we will try it again on Father’s Day weekend in 2021. Thank you for your understanding. Stay safe.

Any advance ticket or campsite purchases will be refunded.

Mike Wilson