Returning to Mill Spring, NC this Labor Day Weekend (September 1-3), Earl Scruggs Music Festival looks forward to welcoming Emmylou Harris, Greensky Bluegrass, Del McCoury Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, and dozens more to the hallowed grounds of Tryon International Equestrian Center. Today, the festival is proud to reveal its full 2023 schedule, which includes a newly-minted lineup of exclusive workshops featuring members of Della Mae, The Earls of Leicester, and others. See above for a day-by-day breakdown.
For many festival attendees, digging deeper into the music makes the experience even more meaningful. Five free festival workshops taking place on the intimate Legends Stage offer fans a chance to hear stories and deep background from top genre stars, as well as some grassroots figures they’ll never forget. A biographer of Earl Scruggs, journalist and musician Thomas Goldsmith has assembled a compelling docket of discussion topics, including “Secrets of Scruggs Style," featuring Tony Trischka, top-rank five-string men Charlie Cushman of The Earls of Leicester, and Pete Wernick, co-founder of Hot Rize; “High Lonesome and Beyond: The Evolution of Bluegrass Songwriting,” accompanied by award-winning songwriter and educator Louisa Branscomb, featuring GRAMMY-winning songwriter Jon Weisberger and Della Mae’s GRAMMY-nominated vocalist and songwriter Celia Woodsmith; plus more. Visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/legends-workshop/ to explore Legends Stage workshops.
Last year, Earl Scruggs Music Festival debuted the first-ever Earl Scruggs Revue tribute set, hosted by award-winning outfit Fireside Collective. Performing the legendary Live at Kansas State album in its entirety, the marathon performance was a hit among both Earl Scruggs archivists and general enthusiasts alike. Presented by The Bluegrass Situation, the 2023 installment will feature Tony Trischka Band & Friends delivering The Earl Scruggs Revue’s 1977 Live! From Austin City Limits recording, alongside festival host and artist-in-residence Jerry Douglas, plus a slew of surprise cameos. The not-to-be-missed event takes place at 3:30 PM Saturday afternoon (September 2) on the Foggy Mountain Stage.
Coming to the palisades of the Blue Ridge Mountains this Labor Day Weekend, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will celebrate a Cleveland County native whose innovative banjo technique transformed the course of American music. Produced in collaboration with the Earl Scruggs Center, WNCW 88.7, and Isothermal Community College, the groundbreaking event supports a two-fold mission to underwrite educational programming and community outreach in Earl’s home region while carrying his legacy into the context of modern culture. Festival goers will see his far-reaching impact on full display, with a legion of his successors representing the very best in bluegrass, old-time, and Americana across three music-filled days.
Weekend and One-Day passes to Earl Scruggs Music Festival are available now, with prices increasing September 1. For more details and to stay up-to-date on all things Earl Scruggs Music Festival, visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/.
WHAT: Earl Scruggs Music Festival
WHEN: September 1-3, 2023
WHERE: Tryon International Equestrian Center (25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC)
TICKETS: earlscruggsmusicfest.com/buy-tickets-2/
FESTIVAL WEBSITE: earlscruggsmusicfest.com
