News4U Online

            Spring isn’t only a time of rejuvenation in nature but a renewal of community and self. In Henderson and Owensboro this May bright, sharp notes will fill the air sparking frivolous activity and high spirits. Simply put: bluegrass is just damn fun music. Bluegrass bands from the tri-state area will be the driving force behind these shows. The two events are the Homegrown Bluegrass Festival in Henderson and the Bluegrass Show in Owensboro.

            When they say “homegrown” they are not messing around. This is truly a community event on May 15^th and 16^th in which all ages can come together through music, art and even an inflatable playground. Audubon State Park is host to this festival and a perfect setting for such an event. There are 10 bands scheduled including Bold Witness, Highway 41, Fields of Home and Brushfire. Local artists will be on hand to display and sell their wares. Expect to indulge in original and authentic works by these artists. The parks criterion for these artists is specifically unique to the fact. Time will be set aside for open mic so that any inspiring performer(s) can join in the fray.

            Owensboro’s Bluegrass Show is an intimate, indoor event at the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro on 407 W. 5^th Street at 7 p.m. on May 9.  The venue was formerly an old Episcopal church which was built in 1875 and features an antiquated architectural style prime for rich, acoustic sound. In 1973, the church was acquired by the T.W.O. Scheduled to perform are two of the area’s most known bluegrass acts River Bottom Band and King’s Highway. Tickets are $10 and proceeds go to benefit the United Way.  Make a request as soon as possible only 100 seats are available in the venue. Come out and be ready for some pickin’ and wailin’.

            In few cases is the environment for bluegrass so appropriate and satisfying. There is a large movement in revitalizing old style bluegrass and contrarily most of these bands, especially the bigger names have originating in the western U.S. Some of these bands are very talented but the true spirit of the music exists in a setting that these two events portray. Bluegrass is an underrated genre which has an energy and precision no other music can fully encompass and it is great to see this energy being kept alive on a local level. They don’t call it “The Bluegrass State” for nothing.