Great music is on the way as Grayson Highlands State Park near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.
Also appearing will be the Wayne Henderson and Friends. Twenty guitar contestants will have the chance to win a handmade Henderson guitar, and $10,000 in scholarships will be presented to young musicians studying Appalachian music and the groups that support them.
A new feature will be an area featuring musical instrument builders Gerald Anderson, Jimmy Edmonds, Kevin Fore, Jackson Cunningham, and Jeff Sebens.
Guitarist Ronnie Reno leads the bluegrass band that bears the family name. With him will be banjo player Mike Scott, fiddler Jackie Miller, bassist Robin Smith and mandolinist John Maberry. The Quebe Sisters Band plays a mix of Texas swing, vintage jazz and swing and country shuffle and has been named the Group of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists. The Redhead Express, a nine-member family band who have a regular show in Branson, combine bluegrass, traditional, old-time, country, Irish and gospel along with clogging. The Galax-area Bogtrotters are known for their old-time music. And the four Peyton Brothers have been performing bluegrass and folk since 1972.
Performances run from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. A children’s area will feature lariat artist Doug Smith and his rope tricks, music, crafts and games.
10:30 – 11:30 | Guitar Competition
11:30 – 11:35 | Welcome
11:35 – 12:35 | Red Head Express
12:35 – 1:35 | The Peyton Brothers
1:35 – 1:40 | Announcement of Finalists
1:40 – 2:40 | New Ballard Branch Bog Trotters
2:40 – 3:10 | Guitar Finals
3:10 – 3:25 | Scholarship Presentations
3:25 – 4:25 | The Quebe Sisters Band
4:25 – 4:45 | Guitar Winners Presentation
4:45 – 5:45 | Ronnie Reno and the Reno Tradition
5:45 – ? | Wayne Henderson and Friends
Bring a chair or blanket and a picnic if you wish. Concessions will be available. Admission is $10, and children 12 and younger get in free. Park admission costs $3. A portion of proceeds will benefit scholarships for young musicians. Camping is permitted in the park. For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. The park is located on U.S. 58 midway between Independence and Damascus.