By AUBREY SITZMAN
Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau

NASHVILLE — Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Uncle Pen Days Festival returns to Brown County for its 41st year, Sept. 23-26. Taking place at the “home of bluegrass music” itself, this festival will feature four full days of entertainment, including over 33 bands, music and instrument workshops, around the clock jam sessions, camping, food and the induction of Raymond Fairchild into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

Named after bluegrass trailblazer and legend Bill Monroe, this festival will honor Monroe’s unprecedented talent and impact on the history of the genre, as well as will showcase top bluegrass performers of today. Held at Bill Monroe’s Music Park and Campground, this festival’s unique venue is unlike any other around. With its relaxed atmosphere and rustic surroundings, Monroe’s “Mecca of Bluegrass,” provides the perfect locale for the festival and for celebrating some of the best in bluegrass.

A stellar lineup of performers will take the stage throughout the bluegrass bonanza, including Jesse McReynolds and Virginia Boys, Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain, Larry Sparks and Lonesome Ramblers, Dr. Ralph Stanley and Ralph Stanley II, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, Bobby Osborne and Rocky Top X Press, Ronnie Reno and Reno Tradition and many more.

Raymond Fairchild will be inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame Saturday, Sept. 26. The hall was established in 1984 by the “Father of Bluegrass” himself. Hand-picked by Monroe, inductees began to be added to the hall of fame for their substantial and enduring contributions to bluegrass music, a tradition that continues to this day despite Monroe’s death in 1996.

This year, Raymond Fairchild will be the esteemed inductee. Touted as the fastest banjo player in the world, Fairchild has dedicated 38 years of his life to making music. His one-of-a-kind blend of old-time mountain, country-western and bluegrass music has led him to develop a sound that is all his own. Known for his fancy and intricate picking abilities, Fairchild has won five consecutive Master of the Banjo Championships, earned two gold records, created his own line of banjos and still can be found dazzling crowds on his home turf at the Maggie Valley Opry House in N.C.

In addition to outstanding performances, the festival also will feature music and instrument workshops, food, vendors, camping, and more. Not to mention ongoing jam sessions, a guaranteed bonus that always can be found at Bill Monroe’s Music Park and Campground. Emcees for the 41st annual Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Uncle Pen Days Festival will be the legendary Tommy Lamb and infamous Sam Jackson, with sound for the event provided by Tom Feller and J and R Productions.

Tickets for the festival range from $25-$35 for daily tickets or $105 for full festival access all four days. Individuals 13-16 years old receive $5 off per day and children 12 and under are free. Each festival ticket includes admission to the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Country Star Museum, a tour of Uncle Pen’s cabin, plus all music and instrument workshops. Camping and ticket reservations can be made by calling (812) 988-6422.

Honor music legend Bill Monroe as you enjoy world-class bluegrass in Brown County, Sept. 23-26. For more information on the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Uncle Pen Days Festival, including tickets and a complete lineup of performers, visit www.billmonroemusicpark.com or call (812) 988-6422.