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One of my yearly things I look forward to the most in this music journey, is Record Store Day. This year, once again they are going to have two different drops whereas last year there were four. As of now, I am still going through the fine tuning for a complete list of titles, and drop dates.
Many stores will be open for limited capacity shopping, per their own state’s restrictions and laws dictating to them what they can and cannot do. Others will allow folks in with an appointment only, while others may be full on open!
From the website:
We’ve spent the last few months watching the news, listening to health officials, talking with record stores, labels, and RSD organizers the world over, and because we still don’t have a magic 8-ball to tell us what things are going to look like in a few months, we’ve decided the smartest thing to do is bring back the concept of RSD Drops for 2021.
The RSD Drops will take place on June 12 and July 17 at participating stores worldwide.
These are street dates for special titles coming to participating indie record stores. As with the successful RSD Drops dates in 2020, the focus this year is on supporting indie record stores with sales, and saving the big parties, shows, in-stores, crowds and celebrations for (fingers crossed) Record Store Day 2022.
As they did last year for the three RSD Drops, stores will be handling sales and store procedures in the way they determine to be right for themselves and their community and that may mean something different than you’re used to. We recommend you check in with your local record stores –join their email lists, follow them on social media– so you’re as in the loop as possible.
We’ll be launching the List of titles for both RSD Drops dates soon.
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Bluegrass Heritage Festival – April 23 – 25th
Mile 0 festival – April 27th – May 1st
Larry Joe Taylor Festival – September 13 – 18th
James Wimmer Bristol Spring Bluegrass – April 9th – 10th
The Calf Fry – April 29th – May 1
Backwoods At Mullberry Mountain – August 26 – 29th
Red Dirt And Barbeque Festival – May 1st
DelFest – September 23-26th
Roots Under The Texas Sky – November 1 – 3rd
The Western Swing Out – May 28-31st
Dr. Ralph Stanley Memorial – May 26 – 29th
Valley Bluegrass Festival – May 1 and 2nd
Moonrunners Music Festival – October 9th and 10th
Texas Crab Festival – May 7 -9th
Bluegrass Island Festival – October 21 – 23rd
Plum Hollow Festival – May 27th – May 29th
Pickathon – July 30th – August 2nd
The Blue Ox – August 19 – 21st
Back 40 folk Festival – June 3 – 6th
Mountain Music Festival – June 3rd – 5th
Pondstock At Lake Hedke – June 10 – 12th
Stringbean Memorial Bluegrass Festival – June 17 – 19th
ROMP – June 23 – 26th
So Cal Hoedown – June 26th
Camp Greensky – June 3 – 5th
Telluride Bluegrass Festival – June 17 – 20th
Tailgates And Tallboys – June 3 – 4th
Moccasin Creek Music festival – June 17th – 21st
Laurel Cove Music Festival – June 11th – 12th
The Campout – June 18th – 20th
The Albino Skunk Festival – May 13th – 15th
Windy City Music Festival – July 9-11th
Floyd Fest – July 21 – 25th
Winnipeg Folk Festival – July 8 – 11th
Northwest String Summit – July 15th – 18th
Red Ants Pants – July 21 – 25th
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 16-19th
The Redwood Ramble – July 15-18th
Red Wing Roots Music Festival – July 9 – 11th
Under The Big Sky Festival – July 17 – 18th
Rockygrass Bluegrass Festival – July 22 – 25th
Master Musicians Festival – July 16-17th
Oyster Ridge Music Festival – July 23-25th
Podunk Bluegrass Festival – August 12-15th
Pickin’ In Parsons – August 3 – 7th
Braun Brothers Reunion – August 12 – 14th
Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival – August 13 – 15th
Fayetteville Roots – August 26 – 29th
Hoxeyville Music Festival – August 13-15th
Symco Hotrod Weekender – August 13th and 14th
Railbird Music Festival – August 20-21st
Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival – August 13 – 16th
Moondance Festival – August 13-16th
Viva Las Vegas – September 9-12th
Merlefest – September 16 – 19th
Americanafest – september 21 – 26th
Doyle Lawson Bluegrass Festival – September 24- 26th
Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival – September 19 – 26th
Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass – September 4th
Festival of The Horse – September – 10 – 12th
Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival – September 16 – 18th
Oldtone Roots Festival – September 12 – 14th
Bristol Rhythm And Roots – September 10 – 12th
Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival – September 12-20th
New England Shake Up – September 24 – 26th
Freshgrass Bluegrass Festival – September 24-26th
Pickin’ In The Pines – September 17- 19th
Hoopla At Devil’s Backbone – September 25 – 27th
Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival – September 23 – 25th
Bluebird music Festival – September 25th and 26th
Firewater music Festival – Sept 30th – October 2nd
Locki’n Music Festival – October 1-4th
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass – October 1- 3rd
Hangtown Music Festival – October 21 – 24th
ACL Fest – October 1 – 10th
Old Settler’s Music Festival – October 21st – 24th
Old Mill Music Festival – November 6 and 7th
Moonshiner’s Ball – October 7 – 10th
Courtney Marie Andrews
April 22nd, 2021
The Basement East
Lilly Hiatt
April 23rd, 2021
The Basement East, Nashville Tn
Sunny Sweeney
April 23rd, 2021
The Southgate House Revival, Newport Ky
David Frizzell
April 24th, 2021
Shepherdsville City Park, Shepherdsville Ky at noon
Them Dirty Roses
April 30th, 2021
The Warehouse, Clarksville Tn at 7PM
Drew Holcomb And The Neighbors
May 2nd, 2021
The Caverns, Pelham, Tn 8PM
Jeff Shepherd
Justin Wells
May 8th, 2021
The Basement East, Nashville Tn 8PM
Blackberry Smoke
May 7th 8th and 14th, 2021
The Shed, Maryville, Tn at 6PM
John Moreland
May 8th, 2021
The Burl, Lexington Ky at 8PM
Craig Gerdes
May 11th, 2021
Bobby’s Idle hour, Nashville, Tn at 7PM
Riley Downing
Jaime Wyatt
May 12th, 2021
The Basement East, Nashville Tn
The Steel Woods
Friday. May 14th 2021
The Nashville Palace, Nashville Tn
Sadler Vaden
May 14th, 2021
The Basement East
Rowdy Johnson
Saturday, May 15th, 2021
Spillway, Bowling Green, Ky at 7PM
Alex Williams
May 15th, 2021
3rd And Lindsley, Nashville Tn
Wynonna Judd
May 15th, 2021
The City Winery, Nashville Tn
Charley Crockett
Jesse Daniel
May 18th and 19th, 2021
Lafayette’s Music Room, Memphis Tn
Joshua Ray Walker
May 19th, 2021
The City Winery, Nashville Tn
Charley Crockett
Jesse Daniel
May 21st, 2021
The Burl, Lexington Ky
Billy Strings
May 21 and 22nd,2021
The Lawn At Waterfront Park, Louisville Ky
Mandy Barnett
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Playing at Capitol Theater, Lebanon, TN at 7PM
Charley Crockett
Jesse Daniel
May 22nd, 2021
3rd And Lindsley, Nashville Tn, at 7PM
Ray Wylie Hubbard
May 22nd, 2021
The Shed, Maryville Tn, at 7PM
Nick Dittmeier And the Sawdusters
May 22nd, 2021
The Southgate House, Newport Ky
Brent Cobb
May 23rd, 2021
Music City Winery, Nashville Tn at 8PM
Margo Price
May 28th, 2021
The Caverns, Pelham Tn at 9PM
Nick Dittmeier And The Sawdusters
May 28th, 2021
Headliners Music Hall, Louisville Ky
Nick Dittmeier And The Sawdusters
May 29th, 2021
The Sutler, Nashville Tn
Mandolin Orange
June 5th and 6th, 2021
The Caverns, Pelham Tn 7PM
Gene Watson
June 11th, 2021
The Nashville Palace, Nashville Tn
Doug Stone
June 12th, 2021
Homestead Hall, Columbia Tn 8PM
49 Winchester
June 15th, 2021
3rd And Lindsley, Nashville Tn.
Ashley McBryde
June 18th, 2021
Mars Music Hall, Huntsville Alabama
Justin Wells
June 19th, 2021
The Burl, Lexington Ky
Wade Hayes
June 25th, 2021
Cahoots Dancehall And Honkeytonk, Lebanon Tn 8PM
BEAST IS BACK!
We are excited to see you again! The venue capacity is reduced by 74% to accommodate socially distanced tables/pods. If we are full this weekend, please join us another weekend. We will be open at this capacity at least Fridays and Saturdays until we can do full shows.
All guests, artists and staff are required to uphold The Basement East Core Safety Policy:
FACEMASKS are required for entry and must be worn at all times in common public areas (entry, restrooms, etc). While in a guest’s assigned pod, facemasks may be removed to allow eating and drinking. For the comfort of guests in nearby pods, facemasks are encouraged at all other times within the pod.
TEMPERATURE CHECKS at entry will measure for guests exceeding 100.4 degrees fahrenheit. Entry for guests with higher temperatures will be denied out of an abundance of caution for other guests.
SOCIAL DISTANCING 6’ or more from one another is required except when in one’s own pod. Guests are encouraged to remain in their pods at all times other than when using restrooms or visiting the food truck.
HAND HYGIENE is encouraged. Hand wash stations and hand sanitization stations are provided near entry, restrooms and bar.
SANITIZATION of frequent touch points in public areas (doors handles, counters and equipment) occurs routinely throughout the show.
SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING is encouraged of all guests. Any violations of the Core Safety Policy or behavior creating discomfort for guests or staff should be reported to venue staff.
Confederate Railroad
June 5th, 2021
The Shed, Maryville, Tn at 6PM
Patterson Hood
June 20th, 2021
City Winery, Nashville Tn
Trampled By Turtles
June 25th and 26th, 2021
The Caverns, Pelham Tnat 8PM
June 26th, 2021
The Shed, Maryville, Tn at 7PM
The Lost Dog Street Band
July 9th, 2021
Marathon Music Works, Nashville Tn at 8PM
Ward Davis
July 17th, 2021
The Shed, Maryville Tn at 6PM
The Steel Woods
July 23rd, 24th 2021
The Shed, Maryville Tn at 7PM
The Cadillac Three
August 14th 2021
The Shed, Maryville Tn at 7PM
Ricky Skaggs And Kentucky Thunder
August 14th 2021
Red Barn Convention Center, Ohio
Whiskey Myers
August 20th and 21st 2021
The Shed Maryville Tn at 7PM
The Bellamy Brothers
August 21st 2021
Red Barn Convention Center, Ohio
Gene Watson
August 28th 2021
Red Barn Convention Center, Ohio
The Cadillac Three
September 1st and 2nd
The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Tn at 8PM
Steve Earle
September 4th, 2021
Beaver Dam Ampitheatre, Beaver Dam Ky
Daryl Worley
September 26th, 2021
Red Barn Convention Center, Ohio
Emi Sunshine
October 2nd
Farmhouse Living Fair, Lebanon Tn
Ronnie McDowell
October 9th, 2021
Red Barn Convention Center, Ohio
Gene Watson
October 11th, 2021
Renfro Valley, Mt. Vernon Ky
Neal Mccoy
October 16th, 2021
Red Barn Convention Center, Ohio
Jo Dee Messina
October 23rd, 2021
Red Barn Convention Center, Ohio
The Supersuckers
October 29th, 2021
Growler’s, Memphis Tn
Shane Smith And The Saints
November 3rd, 2021
The Basement East, Nashville Tn
Southern Culture On The Skids
November 6th 2021
The Mercy Lounge, Nashville Tn at 7PM
The Mavericks
December 3rd and 4th 2021
The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Tn
Chris Stapleton
December 5th, 2021
Knoxville Tennessee,
2022 Dates:
Lost Dog Street Band
January 15th, 2022
Cannery Ballroom, Nashville Tn 8PM
04/23 Chase Rice
04/30 Lauren Daigle
06/23 Jo Koy
07/01 BLUEGRASS NIGHTS: Ricky Skaggs
07/08 BLUEGRASS NIGHTS: Rhonda Vincent
07/10 Bert Kreischer – 2 Shows
08/04 Happy Together Tour 2021
08/06 Randy Rogers Band
08/12 The Lone Bellow
09/01 The Cadillac Three
09/02 The Cadillac Three
09/03 Mandolin Orange
09/04 Mandolin Orange
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My dear friends over in Eastern Kentucky are brewing up an absolutely amazing festival right as we speak, and I am keeping a watchful eye upon this event. I covered this event for many years, before the covid basically stopped all life last year. Every single festival that I deal with on a yearly basis had cancelled for 2021, and even then some have once again moved to 2022.
The Master Musicians Festival has once again launched a fantastic campaign to make your July even hotter this year. I’m going to be talking about many of the musical acts that will be adorning the stages that weekend, and I’ll also delve into some of the different things to do there.
I’ve always been a huge advocate for this festival, because of the outstanding job they do on behalf of the community. See, this one isn’t your typical run of the mill festival here. They rely solely on sponsors and US to provide the revenue possible to continue to hire the talent.
For the last 6 months, I have been researching and making articles on how we can all do our part in resurrecting live music again. All of the smaller venue shows have returned, as well as larger shows now. NOW IS the most important time to come forth and financially, and physically support whatever music community you love…more to come.
The History Of Master Musicians Festival
2021 will be the 28th year for the premier summer event in the Lake Cumberland region. The 2018 festival headliner was the beloved singer-songwriter John Prine, while recent years featured Willie Nelson, The Counting Crows, and Steve Earle.
Named as a Kentucky Travel Industry Association’s Top 10 Summer Festivals & Event, and the Southeast Tourism Society’s (STS) Shining Example of the Year, the Master Musicians Festival is a premier event in the Lake Cumberland region and beyond.
This festival has remained true to its roots, paying special tribute to “Master Musicians” who have devoted much of their lives to preserving their musical heritage and whose contributions have had a significant effect in their musical genre. Musicians such as Willie Nelson, Howard Doc Watson, Odetta Vassar Clements, Guy Clark and J.D. Crowe have entertained thousands.
In addition to the headliners, the festival has featured some of the best new and upcoming artists, like Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, as well as local talent. Other performers have included Amanda Shires, Dawes, Mark O’Conner, “Pigmeat” Jarrett, Nickel Creek, Richie Haven, Punch Brothers, Robert Lockwood, Jean Ritchie, The Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show and hundreds of other captivating acts.
Over nearly three decades, the festival has averaged 3,000 – 6,000 attendees. MMF has tremendous community support, with an all-volunteer/working board of directors. Over 150 volunteers from across the county and many public/private partnerships work together each summer to ensure that the festival is a continuing success for the thousands that come to Somerset every year to see and hear true Master Musicians perform their magic8
The Master Musicians Festival endeavors each year to bring a wide variety of multi-cultural, multi-generational and multi-racial music to our eclectic stage – from the blues to bluegrass, from celtic to Haitian roots, from rock ‘n’ roll to jazz to progressive newgrass to country to Americana and everything in between – for the best ticket price around.
The Master Musicians Festival is led by a non-profit, all volunteer board of directors dedicated to bringing musical excellence to rural Kentucky.
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Jamie Lin Wilson has built a career on highlighting the details that most of us miss, a talent that also extends to reinterpreting the songs of others. In 2021 she’s releasing a set of covers — beginning with Mickey Newbury’s “T Total Tommy,” out tomorrow, April 9.
Recorded at Austin’s legendary Arlyn Studios, “T Total Tommy” is from Newbury’s 1969 album, Looks Like Rain. “To me, [“T Total Tommy”] touches on the overly poetic: the balance of trying too hard and being blocked, both feelings I know well,” Wilson told The Boot. “This song told me that I needed to sing it, and it did so by opening up new avenues of creativity and observation. Also, it has a really great groove.”
“Last year, I went into the studio just for an experimental day. I took this song and a couple more, with the intent of sparking some sort of creativity by getting out of my comfort zone a little and having a great time making music with friends,” she continues. “I’ve always loved putting a fresh perspective and voice on other people’s words, and I hope I’ve done that here.”
“T Total Tommy” is the first release of three covers that Wilson has slated for 2021, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “Ways to be Wicked” and Lyle Lovett’s “South Texas Girl.”
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Wilson’s own songs tap into the poetic pieces of everyday life in a singularly familiar way, garnering comparisons to legendary writers including John Prine, Guy Clark and Emmylou Harris. Her rich character sketches narrate stories both close to her life at home with her family — she’s married to her college sweetheart and a mom to four kids — as well as what she’s observed in her time spent on the road. Rolling Stone Country notes that Wilson “sings with warmth and precision, telling stories of how to see the light when everything feels grey, or how to keep going when the road seems hopelessly long,” as evidenced on both of her critically-acclaimed full-length albums, 2018’s Jumping Over Rocks, and 2016’s Holidays & Wedding Rings. She’s become a sought-after collaborator in her home state of Texas and beyond, adding harmonies to projects from American Aquarium, Jack Ingram, Turnpike Troubadours and Mike & the Moonpies, as well as a long list of others. Before striking out on her solo career, Wilson fronted beloved bands the Gougers and the Trishas. She’s played stages at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Kerrville Folk Festival, AmericanaFest, Mile 0, Medicine Stone and the MusicFest, where she’s become a festival favorite for both her sets and what she adds to the stage when she sits in with friends. Her work has received praise from Billboard, No Depression, American Songwriter, among others. |
DelFest has added some incredible musicians to this year’s DelFest, including Railroad Earth, Béla Fleck My Bluegrass Heart featuring Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Mark Schatz, and Bryan Sutton, Cabinet, the Seldom Scene, Hawktail and Jacob Jolliff Band. DelFest returns to the beautiful Allegany Fairgrounds where it celebrates over 13 years of music along the Potomac River.
Unfortunately, the Infamous Stringdusters will be unable to perform this year, and tickets to their late night will be refunded automatically. No further action is required by ticketholders. We will be announcing this year’s late nights soon, so keep an eye out or sign up for our email list HERE to get the latest DelFest updates.
Tickets for this year’s festival go on sale tomorrow April 22, 2021 at noon EST.
We look forward to sharing more bands with you soon!
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Del Fest is one of the northeastern festivals that I have always made informational articles for each year. This festival community offered many online streaming concerts before they announced the actual festival dates for 2021.
Many festivals have announced a return this year, and this one is one of the more important ones to many. I will be reporting more on this festival, as well as tons more, with all the information you need to enjoy the festival.
By Joshua Wallace
The Ottoman Turks are back with the follow up to their 2019 self titled debut called Ottoman Turks II. This record leans more into the heavy rock aspects of their sound and gives us glimpses of country and rockabilly mixed in. If you miss the days when Hank 3 would do shows that would include both country and rock/metal in the same night, this is definitely a band to check out.
The album kicks off with “Wound Up”, which is a fun rocker with an infectious gang vocal chorus. It’s a fun way to start the record and this is a good one to get the blood pumping. Another favorite is “Vaquero” and this is another banger of a rock song. Clocking in at under 3 minutes, this song reminds me a lot of R.E.M.’s “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” but heavier. Joshua Ray Walker is on fire with the solo on this track and it’s a real jam from start to finish.
“Travelin’ Blues” is one of the more country songs on the record. It’s still a rocker at heart, but it has a bit of a shuffle to it and some extra twang thrown in. “35 To Life” switches things up a bit and goes into metal territory with a bit of a sludge inspired blues rock sound. I dig the vocals on this one and it just creates a different vibe at the middle point of the album. Finally, another highlight on this record is “Zootstack Lightning”. This is another killer guitar track with some crazy riffage from Joshua Ray Walker. It’s also a track that has Nathan Wells, Joshua Ray Walker and Billy Law taking verses. It’s tracks like this that show the range the band employs in their sound.
If you’re a fan of bands that can stretch their legs and hit multiple genres in one record, I highly recommend this one. The Ottoman Turks go from punk rock to rockabilly to country to sludge metal and heavy blues all in the span of 34 minutes. I have only touched on some of the tracks here, but if any of this intrigues you, give Ottoman Turks II a listen. You won’t be disappointed. This album is out everywhere as of April 2nd, 2021.
Favorite Tracks : Wound Up, Vaquero, Travelin’ Blues, 35 To Life, Zootstack Lightning, American Male
Check out the band’s Bandcamp page
Ottoman Turks – Ottoman Turks II (2021)
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Each year, I am always very supportive of the mighty festival out in California called Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Just about every festival had to reschedule for a 2021 date, and many of them had to take whatever dates their respected venue would allow. Another issue is different states have different laws for reopening public functions.
October 1 – 3rd their 19th annual free ( YES I SAID FREE ) festival, would have been their 20th if not for the pandemic, and they have not yet announced a lineup. When they do provide one, I’ll be one of the first ones publishing the information on here.
One of the many reasons that I love this festival is because of their versatile lineups, and their contributions to their community through music. Many of these independent festivals help the local music community, by juxtaposing local music acts with all of the national acts, thusly exposing more people to their music. Creating new fans is what it’s all about.
I try my best to stay in the loop in the Texas music community, and I use organizations like this one to do that. The Texas Regional Radio Report is one of the many resources I use to obtain information. In this article here, I will tell you why I like them so much.
I was finished going through my divorce in 2006, and in 2007 I began once again delving into the music to heal. MySpace and internet radio were other ways I found, I discovered Ryan Bingham, Son Volt and many others.
I could list thousands of bands that influenced me back then with Texas music, as well as Roots music. Currently all of these years later, I enjoy spending time studying and writing about Country Music and other genres, and I enjoy local music as well.
In 2004, they started this fine resource information project for upcoming talent, that people like me lust after to find new artists to feature. This is a chart based publication that has a purpose to help regional talent.
They feature TWO different charts to generate notice for the ones considered “Texas Red Dirt” and the “Texas Only” bands. They reflect the song activity of each individual artist, that best suit them.
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Miss Bri Bagwell has been one of the many women I have been enjoying in the “Texas red Dirt” market for many years. To be completely honest, I just call it all good music, and I try not to make boxes or lump people into those boxes.
Even though we haven’t heard a new album from her since 2018’s “In My Defense”, we do have a new single from her called “As Soon As You”. And even though we have a lapse in time for new music, she runs a very strict show schedule and performs many shows a year.
Are there any age restrictions?
All ages are welcome! Children under six gain free admission to the event. Children 6-12 years of age are half price, at the gate only.
Is the venue seating area in an actual cave?
The venue is not in an underground cave but it is adjacent to a roughly 100’ tall sandstone rock formation.The stage is underneath the overhang and the venue seating is open air.
What time is the shuttle?
4pm daily for VIP and 5 for GA.
Is there re-entry?
Once attendees are in the venue there is no re-entry with few exceptions.
Are there any provisions for handicapped?
Yes, please contact ahead of time to arrange accommodations.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is allowed in designated areas but please be considerate of your neighbors. Security may ask you to refrain from smoking if it bothers those around you.
What should I bring in with me?
Shawnee Cave Amphitheater is an outdoor music amphitheater that is a rain or shine event venue. Please bring a jacket, sunscreen, appropriate walking shoes, and bug spray. All items carried into the venue are subject to be searched by venue security. No food or beverage are allowed in the venue area!
What time do the event gates open?
12-3pm camping check in
3pm daily for VIP
5pm for General Admission Day users
What time should we arrive?
We encourage everyone to arrive early and allow enough time to get situated in your group’s personal area before the show begins.
Are Flow toys allowed?
Flow toys are allowed as long as they stay within the borders of your dedicated group space and are used safely, not bothering or endangering anyone in (or out of) your party. Note- keep fire toys at home.
What forms of payment do we accept?
Credit Card and Cash payments will be accepted with onsite ATMs.
COVID INFO
Are masks required?
Guests are required to provide and wear their own facemasks. The State of Illinois has a mask policy in effect, we will have a zero-tolerance policy on this. Anyone not following this rule will be asked to put on a mask or leave the venue.
What steps are being taken to enforce social distancing, & safe dancing?
We are selling LIMITED CAPACITY tickets to ensure people can spread out and properly distance both in the venue area and the campground. Upon arrival, a staff member will take guests temperatures, administer the COVID health screening, and explain the process verbally to guests. Staff will then give guests the Welcome Handout.
Guests are encouraged to show up with their party. Please limit any trips outside of your groups personal area to restroom needs and quick merchandise or concession visits. No congregating in other patron’s spaces.
6-foot markers will be placed in these approved common areas such as concessions, merch and restrooms.
5 Ambassadors will be throughout the venue to observe, remind, and facilitate our COVID safety standards.
VIP QUESTIONS
Can I buy a VIP upgrade at the venue?
Upgrades at the venue will be available until VIP packages are sold out.
What does The Rock VIP weekend experience ticket include?
*Closest viewing area for audience at the Cave Venue
*Early Venue Access beginning at 3pm
*Unlimited Access to The Rock- Shawnee Cave’s main stage VIP Lounge
*Exclusive Access to VIP Viewing Area at Main Stage
*Private VIP Comfort Stations
*$10 in Shawnee Cave merchandise money
*Shuttle Priority Pass
What does single day VIP upgrade tickets include?
*Closest viewing area for audience at the Cave Venue
*Early Venue Access beginning at 3pm
Unlimited Access to The Rock- Shawnee *Cave’s main stage VIP Lounge
*Exclusive Access to VIP Viewing Area at Main Stage
Private VIP Comfort Stations
$5 in Shawnee Cave merchandise money
Shuttle Priority Pass
What are Comfort Stations?
The Rock VIP Lounge is equipped with comfort stations that include private restroom facilities, concessions vendors, and cocktail tables.
CAMPING QUESTIONS
Shawnee Cave Amphitheater is proud to announce our onsite camping area.
Kids 6 and under are free. 6-12 1/2 price at the door
Each person in your party will need a camping pass for each night
If you are upgrading to an RV spot, only one RV upgrade will be needed per RV
Is the upper camping area walkable to the venue area?
Yes, there is a walkable path for folks who wish to walk down to the venue area. We will also be utilizing a shuttle to help those with mobility limitations, to better control the crowd, as well as provide shuttle services for VIP patrons.
What is the layout of the campground?
Our primitive campground area is in an open field with properly spaced campsites in order to meet COVID safety guidelines.
Are you allowed to drive out of the campground and leave the property?
If you purchased a camping bundle, you will be allowed to leave and re-enter the campground area between the hours of 9-5pm. After 5pm no vehicle will be allowed to enter or exit the campground area. If you have a camping package and you wish to re-enter the venue after 5pm you will be directed to park in GA parking.
Are generators allowed?
Yes, if the exhaust is properly ventilated.
Is there swimming on the property?
No swimming on property. Check out Cedar Lake Beach or Lake Kinkaid for more information about local swimming areas
Is there water and electricity?
Primitive camping and primitive RV. No water and electric hook ups.
Is there hiking on site?
We currently do not have any hiking trails on property, but the Shawnee National Forest borders our property and has ample hiking opportunities that range in difficulty levels to accommodate your groups abilities.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not allowed in the venue area. If you have an RV upgrade and a way to secure your dog inside your RV during show it would be permitted in the campground as long as it was on leash at all times when outside the RV.
Here at Gary Hayes Country, we do not jumble a bunch of epexegesis and click bait together to generate hits on this site. In fact, we do a lot of direct information on our articles on behalf of all of the bands and venues.
I myself am an ardent advocate for ALL of the interdependent venues, located all over America. I have a ton of separate articles for these venues and festivals, and the thousands of bands that adorn their stages.
The Grey Eagle in Ashville North Carolina is another of the few venues we promote, that I have not been to yet. Time has always prohibited me from visiting this venue, as it has prohibited all of us on things.
The world of music is a vast, amazing mass of people and places that spans a large area. Getting the chance to get to all of these places, for all of these bands and artists isn’t always easy. In time, I shall indeed get to them all.
The Grey Eagle Announces Plans to Reopen Thursday, April 1st
Asheville’s longest running music venue and neighborhood taqueria will welcome guests for dining and socially distanced concerts after a winter hiatus
ASHEVILLE – Live music fans rejoice; Asheville’s beloved River Arts District music venue The Grey Eagle is set to emerge from winter hibernation this Thursday, April 1st. Following a short pandemic-induced hiatus, the city’s longest running live music establishment is ready to shake the frost off its bones and welcome fans back to its flagship location with heightened safety measures and a stacked calendar of socially distanced events on the horizon.
“We couldn’t be more excited to get back to it,” says venue owner Russ Keith. “Putting on shows and giving people the opportunity to enjoy live music in a safe environment is the heartbeat of our business; not to mention allowing artists the chance to perform and connect with their fans once again. Our industry has gone through a lot in the past year, but we’re relieved to have made it to this point, and now we’re just looking ahead toward the future.”
In anticipation of its grand reopening, The Grey Eagle has already announced a bevy of limited capacity, reserved seating events taking place both indoors (with generously-spaced tables and masks required) as well on its airy outdoor patio. Highlights include an intimate duo performance by Charleston’s Stop Light Observations (April 16 at 8:00 PM), a sold out double-header evening with Brent Cobb + Kendell Marvel (May 22 at 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM, respectively), and a special Father’s Day performance featuring Firecracker Jazz Band (June 20 at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM). Following a string of successful off-site events, The Grey Eagle looks forward to reviving its drive-in series with Big Something + Too Many Zooz at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds (May 28), with additional drive-ins to be announced soon. For a full lineup of calendar listings, visit www.thegreyeagle.com/calendar.
Although The Grey Eagle’s brick and mortar site has been closed to the public since December, the venue and its taqueria counterpart have had a surprisingly busy year. In late 2020, The Grey Eagle Taqueria welcomed two new locations under its wing, linking arms with both BearWaters Brewing Company in Maggie Valley, NC and Big Pillow Brewing in Hot Springs for exclusive food programming.
Now in its 26th year of operation, The Grey Eagle continues to deliver top notch live music experiences and delicious latin-inspired cuisine to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Stay tuned for additional show announcements and mark your calendars for The Grey Eagle and The Grey Eagle Taqueria’s grand reopening on April 1st. For up-to-date information on all things The Grey Eagle, including show listings, safety protocols, and more, visit www.thegreyeagle.com.
This brings me to another subject I wanted to talk about, which was the long awaited album from Mr. John Moreland called Live At The Grey Eagle. Mr. Gordon Wilson and Mr. John himself make this album, that was released in 2020 an instant classic, and a must have in your collection.
He delves deeply into his older albums, while using material from his “Big Bad Luv” album. The songs “Avalon” from his first album Earthbound Blues, and his 2012 second album called ‘In the throes” included songs like “Blacklist” and also “3:59 am”.
While he is obviously focused upon his more current albums, he equally maintains the relevance of his older songs. He breaks the album up with ( what is in my opinion ) his greatest song he has ever released, with a whopping 4 and a half minute performance of that song.
His live shows are a quality of wordsmith and poignant guitar playing, that would be ruined by a full band. This man was meant to play an intimate and acoustic setting….like this album
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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FINAL SONGWRITER SHOWCASE This SUNDAY!
The final songwriting showcase is Sunday April 18th at T-Birds Garage Pub and Melody Mountain Ranch
Doors open at 4PM, free admission, food. Get there early to support these artists, plus CROWD VOTES COUNT! Finalist performs at LJT Fest in September.
RHYMES & VINES
Next week the 16th Annual Rhymes & Vines Festival kicks off at Melody Mountain Ranch April 21-24. Tickets and camping on sale HERE or give us a call at 254-968-8505 from 10am – 3pm. We have a few electric and water sites still available. We are excited to see everyone.
A few reminders:
Taking place on Saturday 4/24, we will once again have the popular World Champion Jalapeno Popper Cook-Off from 12 pm to 2pm. We have a few spots remaining if you would like to enter.
All the details and signup information can be found here. http://larryjoetaylor.com/rhymes_and_vines/cookoff.htm
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Right now, I am focusing on music festivals information. Lineups are changing daily, as they are all striving to book last year’s advertised lineup. While that is a noble and fan worthy concept, it is just simply not possible for the bands to be at all of them at once. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the lineup slightly changed when you arrive.
What I will be doing further on in the year, is publish a separate article for each one of these festivals, however I will be making extra articles with all of the information you need to start planning your experience.
Rockabilly has a TON of Legendary festivals that have paved the way for many smaller ones. The Viva Las Vegas rockabilly Weekender is the KING of them, as they are currently the largest Rockabilly festival in the world.
This one annually invokes over 20,000 people to the event, for not only music, but car shows and fashion shows as well. Bowling, Tattoo expos, even sober and singles meetings. The only thing they do not have are info panels like Americanafest has.
Like the other festivals I am promoting this year, I’ll be writing more on each individual festival according to the year portion. So near the time of each festival, keep in touch with us.
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I know that with great certainty that many of you will be logging on to my website for the many articles about the festivals, as they all announce their intention to have an actual festival in 2021. Now mind you, some of them have announced their decision to cancel the 2021 season.
Americanafest is one of my TOP 5 favorite mega festivals of all time. Not only do you get the best bang for your bucks, as it involves hundreds of acts for one price, but it also gives you a plethora of industry information.
Basically, everyone is in town during that week, whether it is from the Nashville scene or Texas music front. There are informational panels going on, and so much knowledge being shared….and the networking is beyond integral for someone like me. For two reasons, as a journalist I need the connections, and as a music fan…I LOVE to listen and learn.
Whether they know who I am or not, whether they care who I am or not, I GET TO stand around and LISTEN to what they have to say, and learn from them. See, one side of this music thing YOU don’t see is the business side of it, like I get to see. THIS FESTIVAL encompasses that side of the business, that people like me fail from not knowing…and that’s exactly why I learn it!
Each year, I try my best to come out and get involved in every way I can there on their behalf. I am currently now supporting all of the venues, and bands, trying to put money into the local music economy and preaching the word of supporting local music. So, we will be posting more information SOON!
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“The coolest music scene today.” – The New York Times
The annual event brings together fans and music industry professionals alike, offering four days of celebration through seminars, panels and networking opportunities by day and raw, intimate showcases each night.
Our 21st annual AMERICANAFEST will take place September 22-25, 2021, gathering thousands of artists, fans, and industry professionals from all over the world in Nashville, TN. 2021 promises to once again be the must-attend event for anyone who loves the melting pot of Americana’s influences including roots, folk, country, blues and soul-based music. Each year, AMERICANAFEST brings together legendary artists, the next generation of rising stars, fans, and industry professionals for multiple days of music and education.
Our conference portion features numerous panels, seminars, exclusive day time performances, and much more, proudly providing Nashville’s most educational music industry forum. This special event covers the interests and needs of artists, managers, labels, radio stations, publishers, agents, promoters, retailers, legal and business affairs executives, merchandisers and new media professionals – all enthusiastically attended and presented by music industry leaders. And FYI, you do not have to be a member of the Americana Music Association or in the music industry to purchase a Conference + Festival Pass and attend all the events. We encourage all music lovers to be a part of the conference experience.
If you choose not to be a part of the entire AMERICANAFEST experience through a Conference + Festival Pass, then our Festival Pass is the option for you. For four nights, AMERICANAFEST will feature hundreds of live performances at Nashville’s most prominent venues and much, much, more! However, passes do not guarantee entry if venue is at capacity. If there is a must-see band on your list we suggest arriving to the venue early.
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As usual during a normal year, I am ardently working on more festivals that I can handle, however I do it anyways and I pull it off quite well. I will be making additional posts for these festivals, as well as my monthly informational posts.
As you can read below, they (like almost every festival) are trying very hard to keep the same lineup as they had for 2020, when they decided to postpone. This year will not only be their 20th anniversary, this will also further solidify their place in the community as THE premiere Roots Music festival.
Many times I have wrote about the intense significance of the history of the Country Music that was recorded here. Much like Memphis, the music CAME FROM Bristol, and the earliest recordings in time came from this area.
“The Big Bang” of Country Music came from this era in the late 1920’s, and is one of the areas of music history I study in an intense fashion. These wonderful folks always have and still do to this day uphold and cherish the values and dignity of THE MUSIC here.
What makes me so excited about this festival is that it spans such a vast area of the entire Virginia and Tennessee border, utilizing 20 outdoor stages and indoor venues. When you combine that with the museum, and all of the other attractions, you have a haven for Country Music lovers like me.
2021 Bristol Rhythm Lineup Announced
Bristol, Tenn./Va. (March 31, 2021) – The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) has announced its full roster of talent slated to appear at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion this September, including Philadelphia indie-rock stalwart Dr. Dog, who will join Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Tanya Tucker, Blackberry Smoke, Yola, The SteelDrivers, Rhonda Vincent, and Hayes Carll as headlining acts for the 20th anniversary event. The Steel Woods, Son Little, the Lonesome River Band, Ian Noe, and Charley Crockett are but a few of the acts announced today. BCM was forced to cancel the festival in 2020 due to the pandemic, but are hopeful the event will happen as planned in Historic Downtown Bristol this year.
“We worked hard to keep our lineup as consistent as we could with the lineup we had hoped to have at last year’s cancelled event, but the pandemic forced us to make some difficult decisions,” said Leah Ross, BCM Executive Director. BCM is the parent nonprofit organization of Bristol Rhythm, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Radio Bristol.
The Festival has approximately 100 bands on the roster for this year’s three-day Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, an event which draws more than 40,000 people to Historic Downtown Bristol each year. An independent study of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in 2015 revealed that the festival pumps more than $16 million into the region’s economy.
“The music and tourism industries have been hit hard by COVID-19, and our Downtown businesses are struggling to survive,” added Ross. “We hope our festival provides a boost to Bristol’s economy to help get us back on track.”
BCM has also extended the deadline for food and craft vendors to turn in applications if they want to be considered for this year’s Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Vendors now have until April 30 to fill out the online form at BristolRhythm.com. Vendors who were accepted for last year’s cancelled event will need to re-apply this year.
Scheduled for September 10-12, 2021 in Historic Downtown Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is a celebration of the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings, the music that brought country music, The Carter Family, and Jimmie Rodgers to the mainstream and created what scholars now refer to as the “big bang” of country music.
“We are ready to welcome our friends and family back to Bristol. We are ready for live music to make a comeback on State Street!”
The entire Bristol Rhythm for 2021 lineup is as follows:
Weekend passes to the 20th annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival are on sale now for $100 plus tax and fees, with a simple payment plan that gives guests the option of purchasing in monthly installments. For more information visit BristolRhythm.com.
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🎉 50th Anniversary Merch 🎉 Keep an eye out for more items this summer!
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Bluegrass Heritage Festival – April 23 – 25th
Mile 0 festival – April 27th – May 1st
Larry Joe Taylor Festival – September 13 – 18th
James Wimmer Bristol Spring Bluegrass – April 9th – 10th
The Calf Fry – April 29th – May 1
Backwoods At Mullberry Mountain – August 26 – 29th
Red Dirt And Barbeque Festival – May 1st
DelFest – September 23-26th
Roots Under The Texas Sky – November 1 – 3rd
The Western Swing Out – May 28-31st
Dr. Ralph Stanley Memorial – May 26 – 29th
Valley Bluegrass Festival – May 1 and 2nd
Moonrunners Music Festival – October 9th and 10th
Texas Crab Festival – May 7 -9th
Bluegrass Island Festival – October 21 – 23rd
Plum Hollow Festival – May 27th – May 29th
Pickathon – July 30th – August 2nd
The Blue Ox – August 19 – 21st
Back 40 folk Festival – June 3 – 6th
Mountain Music Festival – June 3rd – 5th
Pondstock At Lake Hedke – June 10 – 12th
Stringbean Memorial Bluegrass Festival – June 17 – 19th
ROMP – June 23 – 26th
So Cal Hoedown – June 26th
Camp Greensky – June 3 – 5th
Telluride Bluegrass Festival – June 17 – 20th
Tailgates And Tallboys – June 3 – 4th
Moccasin Creek Music festival – June 17th – 21st
Laurel Cove Music Festival – June 11th – 12th
The Campout – June 18th – 20th
The Albino Skunk Festival – May 13th – 15th
Windy City Music Festival – July 9-11th
Floyd Fest – July 21 – 25th
Winnipeg Folk Festival – July 8 – 11th
Northwest String Summit – July 15th – 18th
Red Ants Pants – July 21 – 25th
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 16-19th
The Redwood Ramble – July 15-18th
Red Wing Roots Music Festival – July 9 – 11th
Under The Big Sky Festival – July 17 – 18th
Rockygrass Bluegrass Festival – July 22 – 25th
Master Musicians Festival – July 16-17th
Oyster Ridge Music Festival – July 23-25th
Podunk Bluegrass Festival – August 12-15th
Pickin’ In Parsons – August 3 – 7th
Braun Brothers Reunion – August 12 – 14th
Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival – August 13 – 15th
Fayetteville Roots – August 26 – 29th
Hoxeyville Music Festival – August 13-15th
Symco Hotrod Weekender – August 13th and 14th
Railbird Music Festival – August 20-21st
Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival – August 13 – 16th
Moondance Festival – August 13-16th
Viva Las Vegas – September 9-12th
Merlefest – September 16 – 19th
Americanafest – september 21 – 26th
Doyle Lawson Bluegrass Festival – September 24- 26th
Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival – September 19 – 26th
Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass – September 4th
Festival of The Horse – September – 10 – 12th
Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival – September 16 – 18th
Oldtone Roots Festival – September 12 – 14th
Bristol Rhythm And Roots – September 10 – 12th
Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival – September 12-20th
New England Shake Up – September 24 – 26th
Freshgrass Bluegrass Festival – September 24-26th
Pickin’ In The Pines – September 17- 19th
Hoopla At Devil’s Backbone – September 25 – 27th
Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival – September 23 – 25th
Bluebird music Festival – September 25th and 26th
Firewater music Festival – Sept 30th – October 2nd
Locki’n Music Festival – October 1-4th
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass – October 1- 3rd
Hangtown Music Festival – October 21 – 24th
ACL Fest – October 1 – 10th
Old Settler’s Music Festival – October 21st – 24th
Old Mill Music Festival – November 6 and 7th
Moonshiner’s Ball – October 7 – 10th