Cedar Valley Bluegrass Festival slated for July 5-7 just west of Derby, IN

        I'm a bluegrass junkie. I love the music. I love the atmosphere. It's just good listening and fun.

        Again this year, Dennis Howell is hosting the Cedar Valley Festival. A release I wrote for Dennis follows. Sure hope to make it there on Saturday.

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        Cedar Valley again will host a three-day bluegrass festival July 5-7 in the shaded woods three miles west of the Ohio River.

Among the top bands featured at the event will be Karl Shifflet and Big Country Show, and Tommy Brown and County Line Grass.

Other bands scheduled include: Cowan Creek, Kings Highway, Don Stanley and Middle Creek, plus Blue Lonesome.

According to the group’s website, Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show is best known for their highly entertaining “retro” stage show. It captures - quite winningly- the irrepressible bounce and down-home, audience pleasing, good-naturedness of classic country & bluegrass acts of the 1940’s and 50’s. 

Hailing from Texas, a state with a rich musical heritage, they have managed to insert their own unique perspective, cultivating a sound that has brought them acclaim as one of the most identifiable and recognizable names in bluegrass music.

With family roots traced to Bill Monroe's home place of Ohio County, Kentucky, Tommy Brown cut his teeth, so to speak, on classic traditional bluegrass. A third generation musician, Tommy began pickin' the five-string banjo at age six. His musical abilities were recognized when he garnered both the Kentucky State and the Tennessee State Banjo Championships. In addition to banjo, Tommy is a masterful guitar and mandolin player. 

The Cedar Valley Festival was started by Dennis Howell in 1993, and in recent years, he has partnered with Mark Hargis of bluegrass group Kings Highway.

The festival will open July 5 with an open stage for both individuals and bands. Shows begin Friday evening and will continue throughout the day and evening on Saturday.

Tommy Brown and Kings Highway will play both nights. Cowan Creek is scheduled to play only Friday, while Don Stanley and Carl Shifflet will plan on only Saturday.

Camping is available and visitors should bring their own chairs. Food service will be available.

For more information on the festival, call 812-836-2311 or 270-314-3399, or visit the festival’s website at: cedarvalleybluegrass.net