Golden Pond, KY – Musicians and music lovers from all over the mid-South are tuning up for the annual Pickin’ Party Old-Time Music Festival, scheduled for Memorial Day weekend at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. Old-time country, bluegrass, and gospel music will once again echo throughout The Homeplace, a living history farm located in the Tennessee portion of LBL.
“The Pickin’ Party has made a name for itself throughout the region as an event that promotes and keeps Kentucky and Tennessee music traditions alive,” said Homeplace Special Events Coordinator, Cindy Earls. “It’s exciting to see the level of talent displayed during this weekend, especially the young musicians who are so dedicated in preserving the traditions of their ancestors. It’s a wonderful way to experience and learn about the region’s musical heritage.”
This year’s event will be emceed by old-time music and 23 year Kentucky Opry veteran, Scottie Henson. The two-day event, May 28th and 29th, will include music workshops, jamming sessions, and energized performances of old-time fiddle and banjo–singing and bluegrass music will all be available for visitors to enjoy. Join us as we welcome back old favorites like folk musician Mark Dvorak and old-time string bands the Dixie Volunteers and Cumberland River Plowboys. Musicians also scheduled to appear include Dan Knowles–renowned claw hammer banjo player, Bawn in the Mash, Common Thread, Steephill Travelers, Red River Breeze, and Nathan Blake Lynn. Bring your banjo, guitar, fiddle, or harmonica and join in on the fun during daily open mic sessions. Or you may prefer to sit and play beneath the shade trees among fellow pickers and visitors.
There will also be opportunities for participants to see how traditional musical instruments are made. Visit Kelly and Susan Amsden at the Single Pen House, keeping the traditional sound of the hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, and bowed psaltery alive for future generations with handcrafted instruments. At the Tool Barn, Mike Holmes, who learned furniture making from his grandfather, uses his skills to create hand-carved mandolins. Dan Knowles will exhibit his hand made and restored instruments, enjoy his collection of strange, unique, and antique instruments. Mini-workshops throughout the weekend: Susan and Kelly Amsden will teach a beginner’s Mountain Dulcimer workshop at 1:30pm and Hammered Dulcimer at 3:00pm, daily. Dan Knowles will teach a beginner’s Claw Hammer Banjo workshop at 3:00pm on Saturday, and 2:00pm on Sunday.
Throughout the day, stroll through the historic buildings, fields and gardens, and talk with the 1850 farm family as they go about their daily chores. The Homeplace includes 16 historic log structures furnished in the style of the mid-19th century. Children’s activities of the 1850s will take place at 1:00pm and 3:00pm throughout the weekend. Interpreters in period clothing will help bring the site to life.
The event is scheduled from 10:00am to 7:00pm, Saturday, May 28th, and 11:00am to 6:00pm, Sunday, May 29th. Saturday admission is $6.00 ages 13 and up, $4.00 ages 5-12, and free for ages 4 and under. Sunday admission is $5.00 ages 13 and up, $3.00 ages 5-12, and free for 4 and under. Admission includes same day admission to The Homeplace. Festival foods and ice-cold drinks will be available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs, ground blankets, picnic baskets, and umbrellas–in the event of rain. There are several options for overnight accommodations; camping is available at LBL and at private campgrounds in the area. Lodging is also available at state resort parks and motels in the surrounding area.
About Land Between The Lakes
Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, maps, updates on programs and policies, safety information, and temporary trail and road closures.
