By Charles RomansCarter County TimesMany people think that bluegrass music is limited to the Appalachian region, and it is true that its roots are sunk deep in the rich soil of mountain hollers and valleys. But you don’t have to be from the Bluegrass State or even from any other state in America to love and appreciate the unique sound. The Shriner’s Bluegrass Festival in Olive Hill is proof of that, with people coming from around the globe to enjoy banjo, mandolin, and guitar played in a distinctly bluegrass fashion.The 2024 lineup included Hammertowne, Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Lacy Creek, Edgar Loudermilk Band, Tommy Webb Band, South Ridge, Kevin Prater Band, Authentic Unlimited, Dave Adkins, and more, with many others bringing their own instruments and playing before and after showtimes.The festival, now in year 33, was put on by the Carter County Shrine Club and ran from July 18 through July 20. Festival attendees could camp either with amenities or in primitive style, or simply pay admission at the gate and enjoy live music and food vendors. Proceeds from the event go to maintain the park and to the Shriner’s network of hospitals that provide free care to children under the age of 18. That network includes 18 orthopedic hospitals, three burn hospitals, and a spinal care hospital.“We have musicians come from all over,” Kenny Adkins said. “Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and a group from Indianna that has Kentucky roots.”Adkins said that the campground was near capacity with 155 (out of 170 spots) weekend campers. Those campers come from all across the region and beyond, and other visitors who weren’t camping came from even farther away, Adkins said.“We had a couple here from Amsterdam,” Adkins said. “They were traveling through the area and googled Bluegrass, and we popped up. So, they made a phone call and got lodging at the caves and came here to listen to some good bluegrass music.”Adkins said that people need to stop think that only Americans love bluegrass music. “It’s worldwide,” he said. “We had a couple of guys here from Denmark a few years ago. They were touring the states and were on their way from Nashville to Washington, D.C. Well, they loved bluegrass and Googled it and found our festival.” Adkins said the visitors ended up staying for two days of great music.As much as the festival is about great music and a wonderful venue, Adkins said the people who come to the festival have hearts as big as the music that drifts over the hills. “We passed the bucket last night,” Adkins said on Saturday. “We had one of the Shrine Kids here, and her mother told her story. And we raised about $2,200 with that.”At the age of eleven a local West Carter high school student was diagnosed with scoliosis, Adkins said. After x-rays and MRI’s, her doctor referred her to a hospital in Lexington. It was there that she was told that if she did not have surgery, she would in all likelihood end up in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. “But they did the surgery,” Adkins said. “And after the surgery and therapy, she was able to walk across the stage here herself.” Adkins said that helping the youngest and most vulnerable members of our communities and beyond are what Shriners are all about. And seeing the young lady overcome, and the generosity of people willing to help, is what makes everything they do worthwhile.Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
Thirty-three years of bluegrass
