The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Gathering in the Gap is a music festival celebrating the rich tradition of old-time, Americana, and bluegrass music found in Southwest Virginia.
Great musicians will always find a way to make good music, but for great musicians to make great music, they must form a bond – one that, more often than not, goes beyond the purely musical to the personal. For The Grascals, that bond has been forged at the intersection of personal friendships, shared professional resumes, and an appreciation for the innovative mingling of bluegrass and country music that has been a hallmark of the Nashville scene for more than forty years. As their releases prove, The Grascals’ rare musical empathy gives them an unerring ear for just the right touch to illuminate each offering’s deepest spirit – whether they’re digging into one of their original songs or reworking a bluegrass classic or pop standard.
Vocally, the trio of Terry Eldredge, Jamie Johnson and Terry Smith are tighter than ever, cutting loose on driving solo vocals and soaring trios with equal fire and passion. As an instrumental unit, The Grascals have never sounded sharper, with mandolin ace Danny Roberts, fiddler Jeremy Abshire and banjo player Kristin Scott Benson leading the charge. As a result, their cutting-edge modern bluegrass is delivered with a deep knowledge of, and admiration for, the work of the music’s founding fathers. Timely yet timeless, The Grascals make music that is entirely relevant to the here and now, yet immersed in traditional values of soul and musicianship. It’s a unique sound that has earned two of their previous releases (The Grascals, 2005 and Long List of Heartaches, 2006) Grammy® nominations for International Bluegrass Music Association's Best Bluegrass Album.
The Grascals are among the most beloved and acclaimed bands on today’s bluegrass scene, having won International Bluegrass Music Association’s Emerging Artist of the Year award in 2005 and its Entertainer of the Year honor in both 2006 and 2007.
For more information about Gathering in the Gap, including a schedule of performances, competitions, and workshops, please visit the festival website or call the museum at 276-523-1322.
For general park information visit our click here.