John Hartford Memorial Festival Returning To Brown County
Back for a fifth year, the John Hartford Memorial Festival will bring together both musicians and music lovers to celebrate the life, music and legacy of the late John Hartford. Taking place May 28-30 at the historic Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground in Bean Blossom, this three-day, family-friendly festival will feature over 40 performers on three stages, around the clock campground jamming, a songwriting contest, and an Old Time Fiddle contest.
Dubbed the ‘most laid back festival in America,’ the John Hartford Memorial Festival is unlike any other. Keeping with John Hartford’s trail blazing spirit, this festival will include performances that are fresh and original, as well as from a wide variety of genres. Guests can bring their lawn chairs for the day or opt to camp on site for the entire weekend. Either way, this festival is a guaranteed good time.
A tribute to John Hartford, this festival honors the innovation and talent of a legend. It was Hartford’s unique musical style that paved the way for today’s updated version of bluegrass, better known as “Newgrass” or Americana music. Responsible for starting the music movement that forever changed the landscape of bluegrass, Hartford was a true visionary and artist.
A jam-packed line up of performers reflect Hartford’s impact on the contemporary music scene. Headliners for the festival include Hot Rize with Red Knuckles and the Trail Blazers, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Hackensaw Boys, Split Lip Rayfield, Jamie Hartford and Friends, Bawn in the Mash, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, The Larry Keel Experience, Rumpke Mountain Boys, and many more. A complete line-up of all 43 performers is available online at www.johnhartfordmemfest.com.
Music performances on the three main stages will be ongoing each day from late morning through late evening. Guests also can expect acoustic jamming to continue 24/7 at the campground throughout the duration of the festival. New music additions for 2015 include sound check parties on Wednesday night and Sunday morning music on the Hippy Hill Stage.
This year’s Old Time Fiddling Contest, a festival favorite, will be held Saturday, May 30 at 1 p.m. on the Boogie Stage, with the Songwriter Contest Showcase slated for Friday, May 29 on the Main Stage. Plenty of fun activities at the Cuckoo’s Nest, a children’s craft and activity area, will keep the kids busy as well. The Cuckoo’s Nest will be open Friday and Saturday from 12-5 p.m.
Three-day festival tickets can be purchased online in advance at www.johnhartfordmemfest.com/tickets for $110 or can be purchased at the gate for $125. Single-day tickets also are available online, ranging from $40 – $50, or can be purchased at the gate for $50 – $60. On site camping at beautiful Bill Monroe’s Campground will be available during the festival as well; camping cost is not included in ticket price.
With such a stellar music line-up and picturesque Brown County setting, no wonder it is America’s ‘most laid-back festival.’ Kick back, relax and experience the legacy of a legend at the John Hartford Memorial Festival this May.
For more information on festival activities, including music performances, camping, and tickets, please visit www.johnhartfordmemfest.com.