Cheers erupted from the crowd as the first line up announcement was made for the 4th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival (JHMF), during the morning Chompdown at their annual Fall Festival & Pickin’ Party that recently occurred. For those who may not know, Chompdown is a pot luck-style gathering where volunteers cook up fresh food and goodies for all to enjoy, adding a community feel to a public event.
Peter Rowan, Pokey LaFarge, and Pert Near Sandstone will be performing at the 2014 festival, happening May 29-31, at Bill Monroe’s Music Park & Campground, in Bean Blossom, IN. The festival is off to a strong start with an all-star lineup, with many more great acts to be announced in the near future. Last year’s event hosted over 50 bands, and always includes an appearance and performance from John Hartford’s son, Jamie Hartford. Jamie’s fine pickin’, singing, and representation of his father’s songs can give you the feeling that John Hartford himself is on the stage performing.
Heading into its fourth year, the John Hartford Memorial Festival is on a mission to preserve and continue the legacy, music, and ideals of John Hartford; one of America’s most beloved songwriters, performers, and musicians. Tradition and progression come together at the festival, as the event creator, John Hotze, intends and believes Hartford would want. “All the musicians and bands who perform at the fest bring a very different style of what we now call Americana music to Bean Blossom, which I think John would love and enjoy being part of if he was still alive,” shared Hotze.
John Hartford won Grammy awards in three different decades and recorded a catalog of more than 30 albums. He wrote one of the most popular songs of all time, “Gentle On My Mind,” which is one of the most played songs in the history of recorded music and was recorded over 400 times. John was also a father, author, artist, steamboat pilot, disc jockey, calligrapher, dancer, folklorist, and historian.
The John Hartford Memorial Festival is a 3-day, family-friendly music festival that takes place in beautiful southern Indiana at the Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground in Bean Blossom, IN. The park offers cabin rentals, shaded camping, electric hook ups for RVs, hot showers, a fishing pond, playground, golf cart rentals and more, and is conveniently located next to Brown County State Park. Campground and campfire acoustic pickin’ is encouraged and a usual sighting around the festival.
Three-day tickets for the 4th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival are on sale now for only$75. Camping and cabin rentals are additional and paid separately. For a limited time, JHMF is offering an exclusive, groundbreaking ticket special where you pay $25 (non-refundable down payment) upfront, and pay the remaining balance by May 1, 2014. That’s an unprecedented deal that won’t be sticking around long. Ticket prices go up January 1, 2014, so get your tickets now to get the best deal.
“I don’t know of any festival that makes it that easy to have so much fun,” said singer-songwriter Wil Maring, who most notably performs as a duo with former Bluegrass Boy and two-time national fingerpicking and flatpicking guitar champion, Robert Bowlin.
There will be a Chompdown on Saturday, May 31 from 10 am – Noon for all to participate in, and a Children’s Tent with planned activities. Pickers and players are invited to participate in the Old-Time Fiddling Contest and the John Hartford Songwriting Contest with cash prizes and more.
Order your tickets today to get the discounted price! Visit the website for further details and tickets. www.
About the Artists
Grammy-award winner Peter Rowan is a singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades. From his early years playing under the tutelage of the Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe, to his time in Old & In the Way, and breakout as a solo musician and bandleader, Rowan has built a devoted, international fan base through a solid stream of records, collaborative projects, and constant touring. www.peter-rowan.com
Pokey LaFarge is a musician, songwriter, bandleader, entertainer, innovator, and preservationist, whose well-rounded arsenal of talents has placed him at the forefront of American music. Over the last decade, LaFarge has won the hearts of music lovers across the globe with his creative mix of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing, all while writing songs that ring true and fine in both spirit and sound. www.pokeylafarge.net
Pert Near Sandstone rejuvenates American stringband music with raw energy, quickly becoming a force on the roots music scene. Their tightly-crafted original music lends itself to the modern audience, incorporating old-time and bluegrass traditions. Take old time music off the back porch, throw out the hillbilly reputation, and put it in the hands of a group of guys that like to work hard and play even harder. www.pertnearsandstone.
