Larry Sparks and Ralph Stanley II to Headline 2018 Stringbean Bluegrass Festival
TYNER, KY (June 7, 2018) — The 22nd Annual Stringbean Memorial Bluegrass Festival will be held Thursday, June 14 to Saturday, 16, 2018, at Stringbean Memorial Park in Tyner, KY.
Celebrating its 22nd year, the festival honors Jackson County native and beloved Grand Ole Opry star David ‘Stringbean’ Akemon. His unique stage attire, traditional claw hammer banjo style, and entertaining stage banter endeared him to fans around the world. 'The Kentucky Wonder' was best known for his musical comedic performances on the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry beginning in the 1940’s and on the television series “Hee Haw” until his tragic death in 1973.
David 'Stringbean' Akemon was recently inducted posthumously into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
With a rich history and beautiful locale at Stringbean Memorial Park, the festival has hosted the biggest stars in Bluegrass including the legendary Ralph Stanley who headlined the inaugural event in 1996. Other celebrated Bluegrass royalty brought in by festival founder Phillip Akemon include the Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent, 15-time Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs, Hall of Famers Del McCoury and Doyle Lawson, and 27-time IBMA Award winning band Blue Highway.
Hall of Famer Larry Sparks will headline the 2018 event, along with Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys. Also appearing are local favorites Laurel River Line and theLetterbox Boys, along with festival host Phillip Akemon and his band FlatLick.
Nineteen bands overall will perform at the three-day event, including Larry Sigmon & Martha Spencer, Sammy Adkins & the Sandy Hook Mountain Boys, Felix Brock & Gospel Harmony, Gray Hawk Boys, Bear Branch Bluegrass, Danny Lee Davis, Sunrise Ridge, Rounder's Spirit, McLain Family, Gary Strong, Joe LeMay & Sherri Reese, Crystal Water Band, and Southland Drive with Bluegrass Express WCYO 100.7 FM radio host Charlie Hall on banjo.
Ticket prices are $20 per day, or a Big 3-Day Pass for $55. Camping with electric is $25 per day, while Primitive Camping is Free with a festival ticket. All may be reserved at www.StringbeanPark.com.
A Church Service will also be hosted at Stringbean Park on Sunday, June 18, at 9:30 AM. Gospel music and a speaker will be featured at the Free Event, with everyone warmly welcome to attend.
For Directions, Daily Schedules, Tickets, Camping, and Official Festival Flyer, please go to www.StringbeanPark.com.
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Press Release courtesy:
Sherri George ~ Tour Manager and Publicist, Blue Highway