Florida State Bluegrass Festival

March 31st - April 2nd, 2016 & CHILI COOK-OFF

Forest Capital State Park Highway 19 South - Perry, FL

Featuring: Sideline, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, Pure & Simple, FL State Bluegrass Bsnd and More.

TICKETS Thursday $10 - Friday $15 - Saturday $20

Three Day Pass: $20 Advance - $25 Gate

Music, Free Music Workshops, Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors, Chili Cook-off Competition, and MOON PIES!!

Underneath the pines in Taylor County during the month of April you will find Bluegrass! The Florida State Bluegrass Festival (1st Weekend in April Annually) is held every year drawing thousands to our quaint little town for toe tapping, foot stomping music. Mark your calendars and join us for some of the best entertainment you will find. Nationally recognized groups join us on the stage to bring electrifying performances. We have featured greats like the Grascals, Rhonda Vincent, Mountain Heart, Cherryholmes, Cadillac Sky, Valerie Smith, Randy Khors, Ernie Evans, IIIrd Tyme Out and much more! In addition to great bluegrass music, during this event we spice things up a bit by featuring one of the most renowned Chili Cook-off events in North Florida with participants competing for cash prizes! The April event is a three day event packed full of music continually, craft vendors, food vendors, and free music workshops for ticket holders as well as activities for children. Also home of the Moon Pie Princesses who will pass out free Moon Pies to attendees throughout the weekend and will present the World’s Largest Moon Pie Friday Night! Tickets are always reasonable and children under 18 get in free! Join us in Taylor County for one of most sought after events in the Southeastern United States. Voted by the IBMA as one of the country’s best events in 2006 and nominated again in 2011. This event was voted one of the TOP 20 Events in the entire Southeastern United States in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

This years music

Carolina Road

Pinecastle recording artists Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road have a distinct sound and charismatic stage show, which sets them apart from many traditional bluegrass bands. Affectionately known as the “Lady of Tradition” in bluegrass, Lorraine has fronted Carolina Road for over 15 years. The band’s distinct sound and old time flair can be attributed to the bluegrass-rich area of North Carolina from which they hail and borrow their name.

Sideline

Sideline is a powerful group of seasoned pros which has been getting busier and busier since this "side project" became a main gig for its members. Sideline consists of Steve Dilling (banjo), Skip Cherryholmes (guitar), Jason Moore (bass), Brian Aldridge (mandolin), and Nathan Aldridge (fiddle).

Florida State Bluegrass Band

Ernie Evans and The Florida State Bluegrass Band represent what fans expect from bluegrass music today–an ability to bridge the gap between contemporary and traditional styles. Known for their strong lead vocals, classic hits, and ability to entertain their audiences, The Florida State Bluegrass Band is rapidly gaining a widespread fan base across the United States.

Pure & Simple

Band Members: Travis Perry-Dobro/Tenor Vocals, Steve Kirkland-Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vocals, Mike Hutto-Lead Guitar/Baritone Vocals, Greg Whigham-Banjo, John Corbin-Bass, Ronnie Retherford-Mandolin.
Hometown: Dothan, Alabama

Band of Ruhks

Some things have a magic all their own. The musical collaboration between Ronnie Bowman, Don Rigsby and Kenny Smith is one of these things. These three men made music together in the 1990’s as members of The Lonesome River Band. Their work there was critically acclaimed and during the apex of the group’s popularity. In 2001, each of them embarked on their own personal musical journeys that led to new heights and influences.