Department of Tourism
Bluegrass Music Week Celebrated in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Governor Ernie Fletcher has proclaimed the week of June 21 – 28 as “Bluegrass Music Week in Kentucky,” and a series of events are planned to celebrate the importance of “Bluegrass in the Bluegrass.”

The week of festivities kicks off with the reading of the proclamation today at the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro. This coincides with the start of ROMP, Owensboro’s River of Music Party, scheduled for June 21 – 23. Information is available at http://www.bluegrass-museum.org/riverofmusic/

On Monday, June 25, during the recording of “Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour” in Lexington, Governor Ernie Fletcher will conduct a ceremonial signing of House Bill 71 designating bluegrass music the official state music of Kentucky. This special “Celebration of Bluegrass Music” edition of the weekly Woodsongs radio and television program, hosted by musician Michael Johnathon, features Cherryholmes, J.D. Crowe and Kentucky Sassafras.  Further details on the performance and a live Web cast of the show are available at www.woodsongs.com.

This is a great time to shine the spotlight on bluegrass music,” said Governor Fletcher. “Both the bill and proclamation cement Kentucky as the proud, rightful birthplace of bluegrass music. Not only is bluegrass an art form enjoyed by worldwide audiences, it also has contributed to the burgeoning tourism business in Kentucky, now bringing more than ten billion dollars a year into the commonwealth.”

“Kentucky is home to artists with worldwide careers in bluegrass music,” added Tourism Commissioner Randy Fiveash. “These events help commemorate an important part of our musical heritage, and we’re honored to be the center of this global phenomenon.”

In addition to the proclamation and the ceremonial bill signing, other events are on tap for the week.

• June 21 – 23: The 7th annual Bluegrass Festival, Rudy Fest, will be held at the Carter County Fair Grounds, US 60 West, in Grayson. More information is available at www.rudyfest.om

• Friday, June 22: The Jessamine County Judge/Executive Wm. Neal Cassity will host the Annual Judge’s Cookout on the Courthouse Lawn at noon. Judge Cassity will recognize and thank the sponsors of the 2007 Annual J.D. Crowe Bluegrass Festival.  Those who attend the cookout will also have the opportunity to visit with some of the Crowe Festival’s featured artists, including the Moron Brothers, Dean Osborne, and J.D. Crowe. More information is available at 859-885-4500.

• Thursday, June 21 and 28 at 7 p.m.: Bluegrass, plus gospel and other music forms will be played at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

• Sunday, June 24: Easy Pickins will perform on the Belle of Louisville during the afternoon cruise. The Belle also is also offering bluegrass concerts throughout the summer. See www.belleoflouisville.org for details.

• In addition, on Saturday, June 30, just after the official week of celebrations concludes, the third annual Bluegrass at Blackacre will be held starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Blackacre Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead, 3200 Tucker Station Road in Louisville. 

For more information about Bluegrass Music Week in Kentucky and the Bluegrass State’s rich and diverse musical heritage, visit www.kentuckytourism.com

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The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy.