Join us for the 8th annual Hazard Bluegrass Festival at the beautiful Perry County Park in Hazard, Kentucky, on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21. Enjoy traditional bluegrass music in the heart of the majestic mountains of Southeast Kentucky. Performances will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. An Open Stage will be available at noon on Saturday. Admission for the festival is FREE!
The line-up for this year’s festival includes a wealth of talent from several local and regional bands that are sure to get you moving.
Ramblin’ Grass is performing at the festival for their 8th consecutive year. Vernon Couch is the lead singer and driving force of Ramblin’ Grass. He is an ambassador of traditional bluegrass music wherever he goes and is always ready to entertain. Vernon often has several members of his family on stage with him and is doing a wonderful job of passing the bluegrass tradition on to the 3rd and 4th generations of the Couch family!
Salt Creek has a distinctive sound that is derived from the lead vocals of husband and wife team Gary and DJ Begley. Gary has a love of bluegrass music that is unmatched. Salt Creek performs regularly at festivals throughout the region and entertains crowds wherever they go. You’re sure to enjoy their performance.
Just Passing Through is a relatively new bluegrass band made up of several seasoned musicians. The band members include Derrick Martin, lead vocals and bass; Ronnie Long, tenor and baritone vocals and banjo; Derek Sparkman, baritone vocals and lead guitar; and Mitchell Shepherd, lead and tenor vocals and guitar. We are excited to welcome Just Passing Through to the Hazard Bluegrass Festival.
Johnny Browning and Cornbread Express is a phenomenal band that thrills crowds with hard driving bluegrass. They perform throughout the region and are building a reputation as a solid performer. The Cornbread Express line-up includes Johnny Browning, lead guitar and vocals; Scott Sutton, banjo; Larry Begley, mandolin, and Eddie Reynolds, bass.
Fast Lane is a talented band who has the distinction of performing the most requested song on WSGS, “Tina at the Teardrop Inn.” Original band members Brent and Brock Amburgy do a phenomenal job of preserving the roots of bluegrass while adding their own unique style. Their energized instrumentals and flawless harmonies make them a crowd favorite.
Boone Creek began playing bluegrass music as a memorial to family member Daniel Boone Shepherd. The band sticks close to the Stanley tradition and wows audiences wherever they perform. Band members include lead singer Randy Owens, bass player Thomas “The Train” Patrick; Tommy Hall on banjo, and Floyd Shepherd on guitar.
Mountain Melody is an exceptionally talented group that appreciates the roots of bluegrass music. The band boasts several brilliant instrumentalists and great vocals.
Members of Mountain Melody include Wayne Taylor on bass, Lola Taylor on guitar and lead vocals, Cindy Taylor on mandolin, Nicky Joe Johnson on guitar, and David Barnett on banjo. Their high energy performance is sure to get you moving! We are thrilled to have this outstanding group perform at the 2012 Hazard Bluegrass Festival.
Wolf Creek Grass performs regionally and is well received wherever they travel. Lead singer and guitarist Rob Cornett captivates audiences with his soulful vocals. Mike Kelly provides the drive with banjo and baritone and tenor vocals. Gary Joseph, founder of the Hazard Bluegrass Festival, adds mandolin and bass vocals. Terri Kelly keeps the band in time on bass. They will capture your hearts with their dedication to traditional bluegrass music and to the festival.
Perry County Park is located just off Highway 15 and is easily accessible. Signs will be posted throughout the area. The park provides primitive RV camping sites but no hook-ups are available. Several great summer activities can be found within the park grounds including miniature golf, tennis, swimming pool, walking track, skate park, picnic shelters and playground. Food and craft vendors will be available within the festival grounds. The festival is family friendly with no alcohol or drugs being permitted within park boundaries.
Make plans now to join us for the best in bluegrass music! For more information call 606-573-4552, 606-275-1231, or 606-273-0512.