MUSICAL MUSTS As the Birthplace of Bluegrass and inspiration for countless composers and artists, Kentucky has music in its soul. Festival of the Bluegrass, Lexington Festival of the Bluegrass, Lexington Great American Brass Band Festival, Danville More than 20 brass bands and soloists from across Kentucky and around the country converge in Danville every June for a celebration of the storied tradition of bands in America that has flourished since before the Civil War. A parade, art festival, quilt show and Great American Brass Band Festival, Great American Picnic are part of the fun. Danville Bring your lawn chair or a blanket, sit back and settle into the sounds of bluegrass as one outstanding band after another takes to the stage during this toe-tapping jam at the Kentucky Horse Park campground. 859-253-0806 www.festivalofthebluegrass.com Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, Renfro Valley The big and emerging stars of classic country, Southern gospel and mountain bluegrass perform at this legendary music venue in “Kentucky’s Country Music Capital,” also home to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum. 859-319-8426 www.gabbf.org 800-765-7464 www.renfrovalley.com 606-256-1000 www.kentuckymusicmuseum.com The Stephen Foster Story, Bardstown The music of America’s first pop star and composer comes to life with lots of Broadway-style splash and spectacle. “Kentucky’s Official Outdoor Drama” is a timeless musical that is joined by a second family-friendly show each summer. Forecastle, Louisville. Forecastle, Louisville Tens of thousands of music lovers descend on Louisville’s gorgeous Waterfront Park annually in July to hear the top names in music as well as local artists. This three-day family-friendly festival also focuses on art, environmental activism and outdoor recreation. 865-523-2665 www.forecastlefest.com W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival, Henderson One of the largest free music festivals in the nation celebrates the legacy of the “Father of the Blues,” who spent nearly a decade of his life in Henderson. Hear national and local blues musicians, eat good barbecue and enjoy the beautiful riverfront view. 502-348-5971 www.stephenfoster.com For more, visit KentuckyTourism.com and click on See/Music & Arts! The Stephen Foster Story, Bardstown. 270-826-3128 www.handyblues.org kentuckytourism.com 23
Kentucky Official Visitor's Guide 2017 Kentucky Official Visitor's Guide: Page 23
