John Hartford
Memorial Festival ~by Paige Langenderfer
B
May 29–June 1, 2019
ean Blossom’s annual John Hartford Memorial Festival touts itself as “The Most Laid Back Festival in America.” It might be laid back, but it also features a fast-moving line-up of some of the most talented bands in the country. The ninth annual four-day music festival will take place May 29 through June 1 at the Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground. Event organizers suggest buying tickets online soon at <johnhartfordmemfest.com> as tickets go fast. “We definitely have a very loyal core crowd that comes back every year,” said event organizer Tom Burkhart. “It’s almost like coming back to your family.” Burkhart said countless lifelong relationships have started at the festival. “We’ve had proposals and even weddings at the festival,” he said. “A lot of people say the festival has changed their life. People really like the beautiful, historic venue, the vibe and being around other like-minded people—and listening to outstanding music.” While it is hard to pick a favorite, Burkhart said he is “super excited” to see Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands perform.
48 Our Brown County • May/June 2019
photos by Cindy Steele
Led by Grammy Award-winning musician Laurie Lewis, the band’s latest album was nominated for the Best Bluegrass Recording Grammy in 2017. “Laurie Lewis is a west coast bluegrass phenomenon and this is the first time she has been in this area for a long time,” Burkhart said. Another band making a first time appearance at the festival will be JigJam, a multi-award winning quartet from the heart of the midlands in Ireland. Blending the best of traditional Irish music with Bluegrass and Americana in a new genre which has been branded as ‘I-Grass’ (Irish influenced Bluegrass), their onstage energy, along with their virtuosic musical ability, has captivated audiences throughout the world. “They really are up and coming,” Burkhart said. “That’s the great thing about this festival. You can come and see your favorite performers or maybe your new favorite performers you have never heard of.” Among numerous festival performers, attendees will see Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien Band, Della Mae, Vince Herman, Great American Taxi, Larry Keel Experience, and the Rumpke Mountain Boys.
