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Welcome One and All
I
t’s time for the 8th annual Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival. If you are reading this, you are about to be part of one of the premier bluegrass festivals in the country. We welcome back all of you who have joined us in the past, and if this is your first time with us, you are in for a wonderful weekend. The event kicks off Wednesday night at 5:00 pm for the FREE Shindig at the Bluegrass Island Trading Co. at 107 Budleigh St. Iron Horse will kick off the festivities followed by High Fidelity and Scythian. VIPs will be served dinner and all festival attendees can check in at the store to get their armbands allowing entrance to Festival Park. Visit our store where you can purchase your favorite bluegrass merchandise and enjoy some tasty ice cream! On Thursday we will move just over the bridge to Festival Park. The day begins with a band you asked to return, Heidi & Ryan, followed by The Farm Hands. The day continues with more bluegrass favorites like Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Nothin’ Fancy and America’s Got Talent finalist, Summer Brooke & Mountain Faith. Friday brings several bands who will be new to our stage like Amanda Cook and Kevin Prater Band. Trinity River Band will be returning as well as Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. The night will not be complete without the incomparable Seldom Scene. Join us Saturday to hear more incredible bands like Gospel Plowboys and Deer Creek Boys. The 2017/2018 IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Brooke Aldridge, will be performing with Darin & Brooke Aldridge. Po’ Ramblin’ Boys will bring their hard-driving bluegrass talent to the stage for their debut performance and Asheville’s Town Mountain will close out the festival with a sound that continues to make our festival stand out from the others. After each performance, we hope you will go by the band’s merchandise tent and meet these world class musicians while you pick up your new favorite CD! While you are here this week, we invite you to shop with our very talented arts and crafts vendors surrounding the entire park. Enjoy all the great food served by some of best restaurants on the Outer Banks and beyond. Grab your chairs, bring the one you love and get ready to hear some mountain music by the sea. We would like to thank you for coming and look forward to seeing you on Bluegrass Island. “Banjo’s echo through the trees, lovers dancing in the breeze, barefoot walking to the happy sounds on Bluegrass Island.” – Rhonda Vincent The Bluegrass Island Family
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2019 LINE-UP
A Living History Farm - Life before the Civil War
Wednesday May 15th
This Free shindig kick off event will be held at the Bluegrass Island Trading Co. 107 Budleigh St, Manteo 5:00PM Iron Horse 6:30PM Intermission 7:15PM High Fidelity 9:00PM Scythian
• Pumpkin Patch - October 5, 12, 19, & 26 • Draped in Black: Victorian Death Rituals November 3 at 7 pm ($10) • Garden to Hearth; Heritage Cooking and Food Preservation - November 29 & 30
Thursday MAY 16TH
12:30PM Heidi & Ryan 2:15PM The Farm Hands 4:00PM Summer Brooke & Mountain Faith 5:30PM Intermission 6:30PM Nothin’ Fancy 8:15PM Rhonda Vincent & the Rage
Friday MAY 17TH
12:30PM Amanda Cook 2:15PM Kevin Prater Band 4:00PM Trinity River Band 5:30PM Intermission 6:30PM Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers 8:15PM Seldom Scene
2019 Season: April 3 - November 30 Open Tue. through Fri.; 10 am - 4 pm Admission $8; children 5 & under free 1140 N US Highway 64 - Manteo - www.theislandfarm.com 252.473.6500 islandfarm@obcinc.org
Saturday MAY 18TH
12:30PM Gospel Plowboys 2:15PM Deer Creek Boys 4:00PM Darin & Brooke Aldridge 5:30PM Intermission 6:30PM Po’ Ramblin’ Boys 8:15PM Town Mountain
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Schedule Of events Wednesday
MAY 15TH
7:15PM - High Fidelity 5:00PM - Iron Horse
Through the years and after involvement with several groups, the present band was born as a result of the participation of Tony Robertson, Vance Henry and Ricky Rogers in the Jake Landers Band. In January 2003, Anthony was asked to fill an opening for a banjo player and the present Iron Horse configuration evolved. Iron Horse creates much of its own music, with an innate ability for cross-genre arrangements. Iron Horse has three self-produced albums, containing previously un-released compositions, and Iron Horse-composed originals. Iron Horse was approached in January 2003 by Los Angeles-based CMH Records to record a tribute album to the heavy metal band, Metallica, which was released in October 2003. Iron Horse has recorded twelve projects for CMH Records. Tributes to Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourn, Modest Mouse, The Shins, Guns & Roses, The Goo Goo Dolls, Hank Williams, Black label Society as well as others. The skill and ability of Iron Horse to transpose metal to bluegrass while maintaining the identity of the originals is exceptional. The versatility of Iron Horse is demonstrated by the more traditional flavor of their first CD, “Ridin’ Out the Storm”. This versatility enables Iron Horse to perform such standards as “Rocky Top” and “Man of Constant Sorrow” with little effort, while entertaining “metal-heads” with the familiarity of the compositions of metal and pop icons – all on the same stage
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Many folks remember the great bluegrass records from the 1950s and ‘60s. The power and soul of that music has won the hearts of people across the globe. Few bands have come along in recent years that directly draw their influence from that classic era of the music’s history. High Fidelity is a rising group whose love and devotion to that music is unsurpassed. The name alone says it all: HIGH FIDELITY. How many record albums have you seen from the ‘50s and ‘60s that bear those words? Herein lies the heart of what this group of young performers is all about. High Fidelity formed in early 2014, and they received their first achievement in February 2014 when they took first place in the International Band Championship at the 40th Annual Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) Awards. Their brand new debut record, which was recorded live and in one room with minimal isolation, has been critically acclaimed.
The band consists of five stellar musicians and singers who are steeped in the sounds of tradition and outstanding in their field. Jeremy Stephens is the guitarist and lead vocalist for the group. Corrina Rose Logston is the fiddler and first harmony vocalist. Kurt Stephenson handles the banjo duties and second harmony vocals. Vickie Vaughn is the bassist for the group. Daniel Amick plays mandolin. High Fidelity draws much of their inspiration from bands like Don Reno & Red Smiley, The Stanley Brothers, The Louvin Brothers, Jim & Jesse, and a host of lesser known regional artists from the same era. Many have described them as the new Johnson Mountain Boys, interpreting classic era bluegrass through the fresh, young perspective of today’s generation. Maybe it is this quality that makes High Fidelity so warmly received and widely loved by every audience they perform for – both by the grandparents and the grandchildren.
9:00PM - Scythian
Washington DC-based Scythian (sithee-yin) began over 12 years ago as a bunch of college buddies playing Celtic music in the streets and has grown to be a headliner on the US Celtic Festival Circuit as well as a name in the Bluegrass/ Americana Festival Circuit. They found that their brand of high-energy folk music found a resonance that led The Washington Post to state: “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.” For over 12 years they have found success as an independent band and have played over 1,300 shows all over the united states, Europe, Canada and as far aways as Australia. Founded by brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka who are first-generation sons of Ukrainian immigrants,
Scythian from the start has been a search and love for the “old time, good time music” of many cultures. They were inspired by a tale told by their 92-year-old grandmother of a roving fiddler who came into her farming village every six months or so. Once he was spotted, messengers were sent to all the outlying fields and mills and worked ceased; everyone gathered in the barn where they danced all night and danced their cares away. This spirit is what has motivated Scythian from its inception and their success as an independent band is due largely to their finding a resonance of soul amongst kindred spirits that span all ages and races. This spirit took them from the streets to playing for the US president on St. Patrick’s Day and its the enthusiastic response they receive that has made each of their 1,300+ shows unique. THE calling card of Scythian is their ability to engage their audience no
matter the venue or circumstance and truly every Scythian shows ends with people dancing, smiling and covered with sweat. This is best summed up by The Camel-City Dispatch (Winston-Salem, North Carolina): “[Scythian gives]
no quarter in their quest to entertain and bring a joy to their music that gives it an irony-free, wide open feel of manic possibility. The playing is technically brilliant, but it is the energy that carries the day.”
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THURsday
MAY 16TH 12:30PM - Heidi & Ryan
Heidi and Ryan are founded on roots, family, faith, and love. It started in 2010 where they met at a bluegrass festival and there was no denying the plan that God had already laid out in front of them. Bringing a fresh and heart felt sound to gospel music, they tell the good news of our Lord and savior through song. “If there’s anything we want to make sure that gets heard, it’s the message” That’s what it’s all about for them. The message. They feel the picture is so much bigger than just them. Putting heart and soul into every song, while bringing mountain influences with contemporary twists. They believe the songs they sing, and it shows. God and music is what brought them together, and that’s what Heidi and Ryan is all about.
W e l c o m e t o Roanoke Island Festival Park Home of the Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival Enjoy Discounted Admission Rates MAY 16-18 Festival Park
Roanoke Island Festival Park is an interactive attraction celebrating the first English settlement in America. Engaging historic interpreters and hands-on exhibits make history come alive!
VISIT THE MUSEUM STOREs While you’re at the festival, stop by our Museum Stores. Our charming gift shops offer a variety of specialty gifts, books, souvenirs, games, jewelry and more! Open Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm | Sundays 12 pm - 5 pm RoanokeIsland.com | 252-475-1500 | 1 Festival Park, Manteo, NC 6 - 2019 Blu egrass Islan d Festival
2:15PM - The Farm Hands
“Dig In The Dirt” The newest member is Don Hill. Don has the distinction of being named state champion banjo player in several states including Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Don is a Tennessee native and has worked with many of the major artists in bluegrass music including Grand Ole Opry stars Bobby Osborne and Jesse McReynolds and is a two time Bluegrass Banjo player of the Year nominee.
Elizabethan Gardens
THE
The Farm Hands are one of the most exciting and in demand bands in Bluegrass Music. Since their inception in 2010, the band has received over 70 award nominations, winning an unprecedented 24 major awards including BAND OF THE YEAR at the 2018 Bluegrass Music Awards! The Farm Hands are one of the most exciting and talented bands in bluegrass music. The group features 4 award winning singers, musicians and songwriters, including two long time veterans of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. In 2015, Grammy award winner Tim Graves was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. Tim has over 30 years of professional music under his belt, including 20 years as part of world famous Grand Ole Opry. Tim plays his signature ‘Tim Graves model’ Beard resophonic guitar and is the reigning Dobro Player of the Year in bluegrass music, a distinction he has held 13 times and the last 10 years in a row. Two time Songwriter of the Year Daryl Mosley has several #1 songs to his credit, including the southern gospel classic, ‘(Ask the Blind Man) He Saw It All. Daryl has written songs featured on ‘American Idol’, ‘The View’ and other TV shows around the world. Gospel music icon Bill Gaither calls Farm Hand’s bass player Daryl Mosley “a poet-and we don’t have many poets left.” Four time Guitar Player of the Year nominee Keith Tew has toured with High Strung, Vassar Clements of the Grateful Dead, Rock County, and performed on the Grand Ole’ Opry as a member of Rhonda Vincent’s band. Keith is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and is a two time Song of the Year winner. One for “Am I A Fool” and again for
WE HAVE
2020
Festival Pass
$99
This Weekend Only www.bluegrassisland.com
Butterflies! ...and a new Discovery Cottage for indoor & outdoor play
SUMMER FUN FOR KIDS!! M
Backyard Birds
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Fun with Frogs
W Butterflies Th Helpful Bugs
11am, Jun 24-Aug 16 with admission
$1
OFF ADMISSION Good for entire party. Not valid with other offers. Must present ad.
E l i z a b e t h a n G a r d e n s .o r g
the elizabethan 1411 National Park Dr. | Manteo, NC 27954 | 252-473-3234 gardens
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4:00PM - Summer Brooke & Mountain Faith
Since the year 2000, The Mountain Faith Band has performed their unique brand of Americana / Roots music to audiences from coast to coast at Fairs, Festivals, Colleges, Universities, Performing Arts Centers, Corporate Events, and Churches. When their tour schedule allows, you may find the band performing a prepared program to promote literacy and character education at elementary and high schools along their route. Visiting hospitals to bring joy and entertainment to those who could use a lift is something MFB loves to do. Getting to know MFB is easy; their humility, kindness and love of community shines through on stage and casual conversation. Above all else, MFB is thankful for the opportunities God has provided them through music.
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6:30PM - Nothin’ Fancy
From the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, comes one of the most entertaining bands in the bluegrass genre, Nothin’ Fancy. As a matter of fact, they’ve won SPBGMA’s award for Entertaining Group of the Year six times! Nothin’ Fancy formed as a bluegrass band in 1994 to compete in a bluegrass competition. Since then, they have grown in popularity, released 11 full length albums, and continue to perform at festivals across the United States and in international engagements. Their audiences have gathered at notable venues such as the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN; the Lincoln Center in New York City; and the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. They have been seen at Dollywood and are a regular fixture at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. They have successfully hosted their own Nothin’ Fancy Bluegrass Festival every year since 2001 in Buena Vista, VA on the fourth weekend of September. The festival has become a notable event for the Shenandoah Valley bluegrass scene and attracts acclaimed bluegrass bands and bluegrass music lovers from many corners of the U.S., Canada, and even overseas. The band is known for their smooth vocal blends, stirring performances and irrepressible humor. Mike Andes - mandolin, Mitchell Davis - banjo, Chris Sexton - fiddle, Caleb Cox – guitar, resophonic guitar and tenor and James Cox - bass
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8:15PM - Rhonda Vincent & the Rage
Bluegrass vocalist, fiddler and Grammy award winning Rhonda Vincent began her professional music career at the age of five, playing drums with her family’s band, the Sally Mountain Show and has spanned more than four decades. She picked up the mandolin at eight and the fiddle at ten, performing with the family band at festivals on weekends. Vincent first achieved success in the bluegrass genre in the 1970s and ‘80s, earning the respect of her mostly male peers for her mastery of the progressive chord structures and multi-range, fast paced vocals intrinsic to bluegrass music.
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After appearing on TNN’s nationally televised You Can Be a Star program in her mid-twenties, Vincent struck out on her own, singing with the Grand Ole Opry’s Jim Ed Brown, eventually leading to a deal with Rebel Records. Her work with Brown and her Rebel recordings caught the attention of Giant Nashville’s president, James Stroud, who signed Vincent to record two contemporary country albums. After her time at Giant, she moved to Rounder Records, and demonstrated her passion for the traditional music she grew up with, on Back Home Again. A car accident in December 1999 kept her from a planned trip to Nashville for auditions, so she hired her band (unusually named the Rage) through the Internet. Rhonda Vincent & the Rage have gained
popularity at bluegrass festivals since their formation, playing hard-driving, high-energy contemporary bluegrass music. “Busy City” and “Only Me” are from the album “Only Me” featuring duets Willie Nelson & the late Daryle Singletary. A 2 disc set featuring 6 bluegrass songs with music provided by The Rage: Hunter Berry - fiddle, Brent Burke - dobro, Mickey Harris - bass, Aaron McDaris - Banjo, Josh Williams - guitar and 6 country songs featuring the “ACM Steel Player of the Year” Mike Johnson - Steel Guitar, Tim Crouch - Fiddle, and many more world class musicians. “Only Me” Album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts. In 2000, The Wall Street Journal proclaimed Vincent “the new Queen of Bluegrass”.
FRIday
MAY 17TH
12:30PM - Amanda Cook
The Amanda Cook Band is a bluegrass band based out of the great state of Florida. Amanda formed the band in late 2013 after many years of playing in a band with her father. Amanda was determined to create her own sound, she stepped out on her own and released her first solo album One Stop Along the Road. The project made it to the top 150 Roots Music Bluegrass Album Charts for 2014 and 2015. The self-released album also brought Amanda significant regional attention and furthered the desire to grow her brand, resulting in the addition of a full touring band. In early 2017, Amanda signed with Mountain Fever Records and recorded her debut album on the label “Deep Water.” Amanda was excited for her 2nd album project, especially that she and band member Carolyne VanLierop co-wrote the title track. Since its release on November 3, 2017, “Deep Water” came out at #6 on the Bluegrass Billboard charts, #3 on the Roots Music Report and debuting at #7 on the Bluegrass Today charts, remaining in the top 15 for several weeks. The Amanda Cook Band has created quite a loyal fan-base. Amanda’s delivery of a soul wrenching song, her light-hearted, down-to-earth style and the tremendous musicianship backing her creates an undeniably strong connection with the audience. The Band is made up of the following musicians: Amanda Cook Lead Vocals and mandolin, Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo and vocals, Josh Faul, upright bass and vocals, and George Mason on fiddle and Brandon Bostic on guitar. This group has played together on and off for years and they have considerable experience playing on stage at numerous venues. The Amanda Cook Band offers a unique style on a great mix of both traditional and contemporary bluegrass. The band provides a fresh and upbeat mix of music that leaves audiences tapping their toes.
to leading his own talented and unique band, from the hills of Appalachia, creSituated in the hills of Eastern Ken- ating that Pure Kentucky Sound of the tucky, there is a small town of Belcher. The Kevin Prater Band. Listen closely and you might hear what The Kevin Prater Band grew from a is first thought to be the angels singing. long musical association between KevIt is the sweet, crystal clear, high tenor in Prater and Tom Timberlake. Beginvoice of Belcher’s own multi-talented son ning with the Timmy Cline Band in 1994 of Bluegrass. Add in his powerful and and continuing with Redwing in later precise Mandolin, a few licks of his Gui- years. Years into Kevin’s tenure with tar, Banjo, Bass and Dobro, you have the The James King Band, Tom began encomplete package of Kevin Prater. Kev- couraging Kevin to do his own music, in began his musical voyage at the age with his own band. Tom’s persistence of four. Encouraged and mentored by paid off. He put the fire under Kevin to his Uncle and biggest fan, Boone Es- pursue his dream of fronting his own tep. At age 10, he formed his first band band. Soon they were forming The Kev“Elkhorn Grass”. Elkhorn Grass en- in Prater Band comprised of Kevin Pratjoyed 11 years of touring together. Now, er on mandolin, Ryan Lester on guitar, over thirty years later, Kevin has traveled Danny Stiltner on bass, Jake Burrows on millions of miles, played in 49 States and banjo with older brother Adam Burrows 23 countries. Kevin has moved from be- on fiddle. ing one of the best sidemen in Bluegrass
2:15PM - Kevin Prater Band
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4:00PM - Trinity River Band
From the sunny state of Florida, the Trinity River Band lights the listeners’ way with their unmistakably powerful blend of sibling harmonies, golden songs, and enticingly intricate arrangements. They are chameleons of music, in the fact that they play across styles and genres to make something organically brilliant. Since their ever so humble beginnings, they have garnered much success in acoustic music, and they are not satisfied to stop there! They have so much to offer yet! The band is centered around the “trinity” of siblings Sarah Harris-Hall, Joshua Harris, and Brianna Harris. Sarah (the eldest) is the main vocalist, mandolinist, guitarist, and front person. Joshua is a world-class multi-instrumentalist, with his main (but not limited to) instruments being the resonator guitar, banjo and keyboard, as well as being a great vocalist. Brianna (the youngest) plays beyond her years as the violinist and is also an accomplished vocalist. The additional members of the band add the perfect touches to make these sisters and brother shine. Those members are Mike Harris on electric and acoustic guitar, Frank Kearns on the drums and percussion, and Lisa Harris on the electric bass. With influences drawn from almost every type of musical well there is, Trinity River Band masterfully mixes the water of broad-flowing genres (such as: Americana, Rock, Celtic, Christian, Folk, and Country) into a dazzling, serene lake of musical genius. There are, truly, only two categories of music- good and bad. Music is an art, so is therefore subjective to the listener, but these siblings do GOOD music no matter what label you put on it. It’s just simply Trinity River Band in their raw, creative, boundless, unbiased and honest musical form. It’s genuine and real, people know that, and it makes their fans love them even more!
6:30PM - Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers
One of the busiest bands in bluegrass, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (JMRR) deliver first class entertainment, whether on stage or in the studio. For over a decade, JMRR have consistently delivered chart-topping and crowd-pleasing music, as evidenced by multiple International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards and Grand Ole Opry appearances on their resume. The award-winning band is pleased to announce the release of their sixth album in seven years for bluegrass music’s most historic record label, Rebel Records. The new album, entitled The Story We Tell, brings together a vibrant collection of songs new and old, celebrating the band’s respect for the past while always maintaining a fresh approach. The album’s opening track and first single, “Long Gone Out West Blues” takes listeners on a trip on horseback through the wild west. This high-energy song came to JMRR via Canadian folk duo, Pharis & Jason Romero. “The uniquely styled lyrics and the melody made it a natural for us and the challenge of a song with no chorus is something I love,” says Mullins. “It’s a powerful piece!” An instrumental and vocal powerhouse, the adrenaline is contagious, and proves an ample introduction to the new album from JMRR. JMRR includes Joe Mullins – banjo, Mike Terry – mandolin, Jason Barie – fiddle, Duane Sparks – guitar and Randy Barnes – bass. Together they were awarded IBMA’s 2018 Song of the Year for “If I’d Have Wrote That Song”. 12 - 2019 Bluegrass Islan d Festival
8:15PM - Seldom Scene
The Seldom Scene is an American bluegrass band formed in 1971 in Bethesda, Maryland. They have thrived on playing bluegrass a little differently than everyone else. If other bands used a fiddler, the Seldom Scene used a Dobro; if others relied on old standards, the Seldom Scene played rock classics like J.J. Cale’s “After Midnight.” Through skilled musicianship and an urban approach to bluegrass, the Seldom Scene have become one of the most influential -- if not the most influential -- bluegrass band of their time. The Scene has been instrumental in starting the progressive bluegrass movement as their shows include bluegrass versions of country music, rock, and even pop. What does it take for a bluegrass band to remain popular for more than four decades? For The Seldom Scene, it’s taken not only talented musicians, a signature sound, and a solid repertoire, but also a sheer sense of fun. The band currently consists of Dudley Connell (guitar/lead vocals), Ron Stewart (banjo/fiddle/guitar), Lou Reid (mandolin/tenor vocals), Fred Travers (dobro/lead vocals), and Ronnie Simpkins (bass/baritone vocals). Ben Eldridge’s son, Chris, also frequently performs with the group.
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SATURday
MAY 18TH 12:30PM - Gospel Plowboys
The Gospel Plowboys is a bluegrass gospel group that is dedicated to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and His saving grace. It is by His shed blood that we are saved. It was after about two years of diligent prayer that the group was formed. We dress in denim bib overalls, white shirts and red ties. These are the colors of Old Glory of course, but it goes further than that. It is in tribute to the 30’s that we do this. The group has standards that each member must adhere to. They must be born again Christians. This is first and foremost. They have to know who and what they are singing about. They must attend church and maintain a neat appearance. Though we strive hard to have great musicianship as well as great three and four part harmonies, it all really comes down to this – good Christian first, good musician second. It is our prayer that we can position ourselves where God can use us to touch others. We desire your prayers as we try our best to fulfill our motto: “Plowing the ground, planting the seed….that Christ died for you.” The Gospel Plowboys were formed by our dear friend David Murph. David was a family man, and friend to all he came in contact with. He had a passion for the mandolin and three and four part harmonies. But most of all, David had a passion for seeing people come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. David passed away from this earthly home May 4th, 2017 after a long series of health issues. It is our desire to keep David Murph’s dream and passion alive. One day we will sing together again in Heaven.
2:15PM - Deer Creek Boys
The Deer Creek Boys offer what Mountain Fever Records has described as “a youthful, edging on contemporary approach to bluegrass”, but definitely stay rooted in the traditional mindset. Bluegrass legend Terry Baucom has been quoted saying “I like to listen to these guys because they play the kind of bluegrass I dig.” They were originally formed when brothers Justin Tomlin (guitar) and Jason “Sweet Tater” Tomlin (bass) and best friend Cason Ogden (mandolin) started picking locally in their native Amherst, Virginia and have since added North Carolina banjo picker Andy Lowe to round out their sound. They have been a favorite of the festival circuit ever since emerging on the scene! With stints in Nothin’ Fancy, Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice, and the Bluegrass Brothers on the band’s résumé, the Deer Creek Boys are a powerful blend of energetic picking, hard-hitting harmonies, and top-notch songwriting. In April of 2016, the band released their major-label debut, What Goes Up, on Mountain Fever Records. The album received instant success, landing three separate songs on the Bluegrass Today radio charts and making it to the second round of the IBMA “Emerging Artist of the Year” award category. What Goes Up even received a bid into the initial round of the Grammy Awards voting in 2017, for “Best Bluegrass Album.” The Deer Creek Boys were selected as one of the World of Bluegrass showcase artists at the 2017 IBMA Convention. Promoters will want to get their hands on these crowd pleasers at every available opportunity! 14 - 2019 Blu egrass Islan d Festival
4:00PM - Darin & Brooke Aldridge Husband and wife duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge draw on the traditions of their native North Carolina, the savvy of a young, gifted band and their own dedication to ingenuity to create the most adventurous album of their career with their latest critically acclaimed release, Faster & Farther. The duo has placed several tracks at the top of the charts on Americana/ Roots, SiriusXM, Bluegrass and Gospel charts. They have received multiple nominations from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPGBMA) and Inspirational Country Music (ICM). Both highly acclaimed vocalists in their own right (Brooke is the reigning IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year and nominated again this year), Darin and Brooke combine rich harmonies with impeccable musicianship to create the unmistakable sound that has made them one of the hottest young acts in
acoustic music and they’ve surrounded themselves with a band of equally amazing pickers. Darin spent 6 years as a member of the acclaimed County Gentleman and is a highly sought-after multi-instrumentalist. Brooke has been lauded for having one of the most powerful voices in music of any genre. 2017 saw them accelerating their schedule, appearing in places they had never been before, highlighted by a
coveted main stage appearance at Merlefest as well as a repeat visit to Grass Valley Festival as well as Songs of the Mountain for a nationally syndicated PBS appearance. Brooke was named the International Bluegrass Music Association’s “Female Vocalist of the Year”, Darin was named the IBMA’s “Momentum Mentor of the Year” and fiddler Carley Arrowood was named the IBMA’s “Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year”.
Their 2019 schedule is filling quickly, with them playing many of the most prestigious festivals in the genre. Brooke won the IBMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year honors for the second year in a row (this has happened only 7 times in the awards history) and they have their single, “I’m Going Under” nominated for the “Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year” by the IBMA. They will release their new album in the Spring of 2019.
6:30PM - Po’ Ramblin’ Boys At a time when most people feel constantly distracted by technology and barraged by the news, authenticity and straightforward honesty are paramount. There’s something about the music of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys that cuts right through the noise of the world and speaks plainly to the soul. Formed in the Smoky Mountains, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are at once exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect from a tattooed East Tennessee Bluegrass outfit. No strangers to hard work, the boys are as much at home riding in their 1965 GM Tour bus as they are crawling underneath to fix it when it needs maintenance. But they take pride in being ambassadors of their genre, and the group has brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, with stunning results. “I think to a certain extent everyone is just craving music that they can feel, and any music that feels real will reach any audience” says CJ Lewandowski, the groups founder, “We want to put bluegrass right where it’s least expected.” Lewandowski was working at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Sevierville, TN when the band first formed. The distillery employed musicians to play for visitors seven days a week, and Lewandowski, who primarily plays Mandolin and sings, was occasionally hired to fill in when the entertainment didn’t show. Eventually, the distillery approached him about forming a band for a full time
slot, so he reached out to long time music friends Jereme Brown, who plays banjo for the group, and Josh Rinkel, who plays guitar. “Jereme was doing a lot of welding work at that time, and Josh was running a sign company”, says Lewandowski, “I think we were all ready to do something new, something with our music but we didn’t know when or how”. Bassist Jasper Lorentzen happened to be working in
the tasting room at the distillery, and he turned out to be the perfect final addition to the band. The four friends played multiple times a week for a year and half, honing their band sound, meanwhile word was spreading about their music. “The first gig we played out of town was a festival in Alberta, Canada, and a week later we went on a two week tour of Europe, it was crazy”, says Lewandowski.
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys passion for bluegrass is as clear as it is contagious. With a heavy touring schedule across the United States and Europe and recently signed record deal with the esteemed Rounder Records, the Boys are well on their way to becoming the quintessential bluegrass band of their generation. Despite all of their recent success, they maintain a humble perspective. 2019 Blu egrass Islan d Festival - 15
Coming Soon r e t l a S ir W
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8:15PM - Town Mountain
Raw, soulful, and with plenty of swagger, Town Mountain has earned raves for their hard-driving sound, their in-house songwriting and the honk...y-tonk edge that permeates their exhilarating live performances, whether in a packed club or at a sold-out festival. The hearty base of Town Mountain’s music is the first and second generation of bluegrass spiced with country, old school rock ‘n’ roll, and boogie-woogie. It’s what else goes into the mix that brings it all to life both on stage and on record and reflects the group’s wide-ranging influences – from the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia and the ethereal lyrics of Robert Hunter, to the honest, vintage country of Willie, Waylon, and Merle. Town Mountain is Langlais, Barker, vocalist/guitarist Robert Greer, fiddle player Bobby Britt, and bassist Zach Smith. Since releasing their debut album Original Bluegrass and Roots Country in 2007, Town Mountain have made a name for themselves in bluegrass and roots circuits and have amassed a sizable catalog of original songs. They’ve toured with a who’s who of like-minded artists, including Ralph Stanley and His Clinch Mountain Boys, the Del McCoury Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Yonder Mountain String Band, and many others. Southern Crescent debuted at number four on Billboard’s Bluegrass Chart, and held strong in the Americana Music Association’s Radio Chart Top Forty for 10 weeks. In 2016, Town Mountain made their Grand Ole Opry debut, performing both at the Opry House and at the famed Ryman Auditorium. With New Freedom Blues, Town Mountain has found a way to build off their past accomplishments and deep musical roots and to craft something new, exciting, and unapologetically authentic in terms of who they are as musicians and as people. Langlais sums it up well, saying, “This album illustrates the fact that bluegrass music will continue to be an ever-changing genre.”
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CHRISTMAS IN THE SMOKIES
Bluegrass Festival
TICKETS & INFO: Jordan Entertainment, Inc. 101 Timber Pointe Lane Garner, NC 27529 | 919-779-5672 CITSBluegrass@gmail.com
December 11 - 14, 2019
Smoky Mountain Convention Center 4010 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
Thurs
Sat
LORRAINE JORDAN & CAROLINA ROAD
Thurs
Sat Sat
DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER
PAUL WILLIAMS & VICTORY TRIO
Wed
Fri
LARRY SPARKS & THE LONESOME RAMBLERS
Fri
Fri LARRY CORDLE & LONESOME STANDARD TIME
Thurs Wed
AMANDA COOK BAND
JOE MULLINS & THE RADIO RAMBLERS
Thurs TRUE
GRASS SHOW
JUNIOR SISK & DANNY PAISLEY
Sat
DEWEY & LESLIE BROWN
Sat
REMINGTON RYDE
Sat
J erry B utler
Sat
THE KING JAMES BOYS
Sat
Fri
CAROLINA BLUE
Thurs
Wha ley Da ughters of B luegra ss B ra d Huds on Da nny S ta nley Stev e Wils on
Sat
Thurs
Wed J imbo Fri
Sat
DAVID PARMLEY & CARDINAL TRADITION
GARRETT NEWTON BAND
Thurs
Sat
WILLIAMSON BRANCH
Wed
LARRY EFAW & BLUEGRASS MOUNTAINEERS
Fri
Thurs Sat
GARY WALDREP BAND
FRANCES MOONEY & FONTANNA SUNSET
Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys
WED - Tim White's Song of the Mountains Road Show HOTEL LODGING 1-800-309-0816 Smoky Mountain Resorts Ask for the Bluegrass rate. The resort owns and operates six local hotels near the festival site. River Plantation RV Park 800-758-5267 104 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
Booking Info: citsbluegrass@gmail.com
BluegrassChristmasInTheSmokies.com
YOUR HOST BAND
Sound by GBS Productions and MC ROYCE JORDAN
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BIG THANKS TO OUR 2019 SPONSORS!
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In Loving Memory of
Illa Cahoon Ambrose February 26, 1941 – May 15, 2015
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