NEWS

03/26/07
Cradle of Bluegrass Music Trail Announced - Kenny Bishop listed among performers
FRANKFORT, KY— Kentucky is the home of Bluegrass music and a great state park system. Put those two together and you have something special.

That’s the idea behind the “Cradle of Bluegrass Music Trail” – a series of four Bluegrass concerts held at three state resort parks and the Frankfort Convention Center. The headliner for the April 21 Frankfort Convention Center show will be the legendary Earl Scruggs, with a Kentucky legend, Tom T. Hall, serving as master of ceremonies.

The series also includes some well-known Kentucky musicians – Don Rigsby, Larry Cordle, Bobby Osborne, Grammy and Dove Award-nominated Kenny Bishop, Melvin Goins, the Grascals and J.D. Crowe and the New South.

“We’re excited about offering bluegrass concerts at our state resort parks,” said Parks Commissioner J.T. Miller. “We think this will add to the variety of entertainment and programming available at the parks.”

"Kentucky is my home," Kenny Bishop said. "Since being a part of a statewide campaign, and being involved in state government, I've come to appreciate, even more than I already did, the beauty and diversity of the landscape, the people and the music of our great commonwealth. I'm delighted to be a part of this great concert series, and even more thrilled to be on stage with so many legendary bluegrass and country artists."

The Grascals’ “Long List of Heartaches” album, nominated for a Grammy, is at the top of the National Bluegrass Survey, according to Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine. J.D. Crowe’s “Lefty’s Old Guitar” is second followed by “Hillbilly Heartache” by Don Rigsby and Midnight Call.

The series kicks off April 7 at Rough River Dam State Resort Park near Leitchfield. Following the Frankfort Convention Center show April 21, there will be an April 28 concert at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park near Prestonsburg and then a May 19 show at General Butler State Resort Park at Carrollton.

The concerts, sponsored by the Kentucky State Parks and America’s Bluegrass, Inc., all start at 1 p.m. local time and will feature a combination of Bluegrass and gospel music.

Lodging packages will be offered at the three state park locations that will include the concert, a night’s lodging, meals and an opportunity to meet the entertainers.

Ticket prices for the April 21 concert at Frankfort will be $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Prices for each of the three concerts at state resort parks will be $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Go to www.parks.ky.gov/bluegrass.htm for a complete list of performers, concert locations and ticket information.