If it’s spring, then it’s time for the big bluegrass and gospel music festival at Guyton’s Mossy Oak Music Park.
Talking recently with the folks there, namely Rebecca Rose and Allen Lanier, about the upcoming special “Daughters of Bluegrass” festival April 13-17, the staff again is expecting and preparing for a record crowd at the 29th festival at their award-winning music venue.
The beautiful 34-acre park has all the amenities necessary to assure acoustic music lovers a memorable time as they are entertained by some of the finest touring bluegrass and gospel music groups in the country.
Park visitors will find more than 500 camp sites, a large covered pavilion that seats 770 and room for an additional 1,300 more surrounding the stage and beautifully landscaped grounds.
In addition, there’s a full kitchen, playground and recreation area, an on-site flea market, vendors, indoor handicap accessible restrooms, nearly two dozen swings surrounding the stage area, providing a relaxing seat as visitors enjoy the music, and other welcoming treats.
“We’re happy to have once again scheduled an outstanding array of musical talent, including no less than an amazing eight International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Female Vocalist of the Year recipients,” Rose said.
“You’d be hard pressed to find that much talent on a stage at any festival,” Rose added.
Festival visitors will enjoy such bluegrass and gospel IBMA music greats as: Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road, Dale Ann Bradley, Gina Britt, Melissa Lawrence, Stacy York, Frances Mooney and Fontanna Sunset, Grassline, The Gary Waldrep Band, The Joe Issac Band, the hosting Lonesome Whistle Band, and others. Also, each day a special “open stage” time is scheduled for other musicians and singers, many of which are more local and area talents.
The festival begins with a covered dish supper on Wednesday at 6 p.m., with entertainment on the big stage to follow at 7 p.m., and concludes with a special worship and music service Sunday morning.
“You don’t have to camp,” Lanier added. “We always welcome day traffic visitors to enjoy themselves. Everyone, campers and day visitors alike, just need to bring lawn chairs and an appetite for real, traditional bluegrass and gospel music.”
To reserve a camp site, and there are still a limited few left, or for additional information call 772-5142 or 772-3467, or visit the Web site at www.mossyoajmusicpark.com to learn more about the Park, as well as this and future events.
Full five-day festival tickets are $35; $20 for daily admission. Young people ages 12-15 are half price; under 12 are free. There are no additional parking or other fees. The program runs from noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday.
“And,” said Lanier, “thanks to Mayor Michael Garvin and the City Council, the traditional city-wide rummage sale will again be held in Historic Downtown Guyton on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with complimentary transportation from the Music Park to downtown.”
So, take your lawn chairs and expect to enjoy a family-oriented, alcohol-free event. Just follow the signs to Mossy Oak Music Park located on Old Louisville Road in Guyton next week for the 29th bluegrass and gospel music festival.
