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3rd annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival announces official lineup for Labor Day Weekend 2024

From the good folks at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, which will return to Mill Spring, North Carolina on Aug. 30-Sept. 1 with a trifecta of outstanding talent, supreme amenities and family friendly entertainment.

This week organizers announced the 2024 lineup will include “Delta Dawn” hitmaker Tanya Tucker, seminal string band Old Crow Medicine Show, country and bluegrass mainstay Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Colorado jamgrass ensemble Yonder Mountain String Band, and many more first-class pickers. Held annually at Tryon International Equestrian Center, Scruggs Fest has quickly become a beloved tradition among fans of Earl Scruggs, the three-finger banjoist who pioneered one of the most popular musical techniques in history. Along with the aforementioned acts, Scruggs Fest looks forward to welcoming returning hosts Jerry Douglas and The Earls of Leicester, plus first-time guests The Steeldrivers, Mighty Poplar, Lindsay Lou, Miko Marks, and nearly a dozen others. See below for a complete 2024 lineup.

Now entering its third year, Earl Scruggs Music Festival was established in partnership with WNCW 88.7 at Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC and the Earl Scruggs Center located in Shelby, NC. According to Bluegrass Today, Scruggs Fest “has already risen to the top tier of annual music festivals.” WMOT in Nashville adds, “[Scruggs’ family] would have been impressed by this tribute to the most influential bluegrass musician in history;” while Grateful Web dubs the festival “a truly exceptional event.” With a standout lineup featuring the best in traditional roots music and progressive fusions, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will continue to illuminate the profound impact that Scruggs had on American culture, while uplifting fresh and noteworthy voices in the genre. A portion of proceeds will support the festival’s beneficiaries, the Earl Scruggs Center and Isothermal Community College, who serve Earl Scruggs’ home region of the Carolina Foothills with cultural programming through multiple channels.

Additional programming to be announced at a later date will include performances by Junior Appalachian Musicians, PacJAM, and more. The festival will once again take place at Tryon International Equestrian Center in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its roster of rotating events including world class equestrian competitions, festive holiday celebrations, concerts, and more, the immaculate campus will serve as a quintessential backdrop for the festival, which promises on-site lodging, dining, and comfortable amenities throughout the event weekend. 

Advance-price tickets are currently on sale, with a variety of General Admission and VIP packages available. VIP ticket packages include reserved seating in VIP-exclusive indoor and outdoor spaces, exclusive merchandise items, complimentary refreshments, and more. On-site camping and cabin rentals are also available for reservation via the festival website.

For more details and to stay up-to-date on all things Earl Scruggs Music Festival, visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/. 

WHAT: Earl Scruggs Music Festival
WHEN: Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2024
WHERE: Tryon International Equestrian Center, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
TICKETS: earlscruggsmusicfest.com/tickets 


About Earl Scruggs Center
The Earl Scruggs Center combines the life story of legendary five-string banjo master and Cleveland County native, Earl Scruggs, with the unique and engaging story of the history and cultural traditions of the region in which Scruggs was born and raised. It was in the nearby Flint Hill community where Scruggs learned to play banjo and perfected the three-finger playing style that has come to be known around the world as “Scruggs Style.” The Earl Scruggs Center explores Scruggs’ innovative career and the community that gave it shape while celebrating how he crossed musical boundaries and defined the voice of the banjo to the world. Mr. Scruggs embraced tradition while also adapting to the changing times and looking toward the future – themes that resonate throughout the Center. Engaging exhibits, special event space, and rich programming provide a uniquely rich experience for visitors.

About Tryon International Equestrian Center
Tryon International Equestrian Center is the ultimate international destination for all who love horses, outdoor living, and an active lifestyle. As host of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, Tryon International Equestrian Center offers first-class facilities for all FEI disciplines in addition to showcasing hunter/jumper, equitation, steeplechase, polo, and multi-discipline events in Mill Spring, NC. From carousel to competition, the mission of Tryon Resort is to celebrate the magic of the horse, grow equestrian sport, and increase access to this majestic animal. A haven for equestrian competitors and enthusiasts alike, Tryon Resort is an iconic, year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine and shopping, lodging getaways, and family entertainment.

About WNCW 88.7, Isothermal Community College
WNCW is a listener-supported public media service of Isothermal Community College, which serves the community through advancing new musical discoveries, showcasing local and regional talent, and preserving and promoting the traditions of Appalachian and roots music in our area and beyond. The station’s eclectic mix includes Americana, Triple-A rock/acoustic, bluegrass, blues, jazz, reggae, world, and other roots music styles, in addition to weekly spotlights on jam bands, Frank Zappa, and more. Live artist interviews and performances are broadcast frequently from WNCW’s professional recording studio, “Studio B”. As the flagship bluegrass station, WNCW broadcasts contemporary, traditional, and historical bluegrass music for eight hours each Saturday. Listeners can find WNCW at 88.7 FM throughout most of its listening area, which includes Western NC, Upstate SC and Eastern Tennessee. Translators rebroadcast the signal at 101.3 in Charlotte, 97.3 in Greenville, 92.9 in Boone and 90.9 WSIF in Wilkesboro. The station also has a worldwide audience through its livestream at wncw.org
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Labor Day 2023 weekend brings a variety of outdoor music festivals to North Carolina, Virginia

Editor’s Note: This story originally ran in the Wake Weekly newspaper at this link.

As summer winds down, Labor Day weekend is heating up with a variety of outdoor music festivals from western North Carolina to Virginia. What better way to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers than hanging out with friends and listening to some old favorites, as well as being introduced to some new artists?

Following are just a few festivals featuring a variety of musical genres and activities to choose from:

The Earl Scruggs Music Festival

The Earl Scruggs Music Festival in Mill Spring, North Carolina, Sept. 1-3, is a celebration of the defining bluegrass banjo player Earl Scruggs. It features about 30 bluegrass, folk and Americana acts on two stages, including newgrass band Into the Fog, which has its roots in Wake Forest, where lead singer and band co-founder Brian Stephenson calls home, and Raleigh’s Tray Wellington Band. Other acts include Emmy Lou Harris, Del McCoury Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Earls of Leicester, Pete Wernick,Greensky Bluegrass, The Jerry Douglas Band, Della Mae, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Zoe and Cloyd, Rissi Palmer, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper and the Jon Stickley Trio. The festival also hosts a collection of food trucks, children’s activities, free horse jumping demonstrations and trail rides for a fee. The festival debuted in 2022 and is a collaboration between the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby and WNCW FM at Isothermal Community College in Rutherfordton. For a schedule and tickets visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/.

The Happy Valley Old-Time Fiddlers’ Convention

The Happy Valley Old-Time Fiddlers’ Convention at Jones Farm in Lenoir, North Carolina, is Sept. 1-3 and pays homage to the legends and stories of the Yadkin River Valley. The festival includes 11 categories of competition for old time and bluegrass bands and musicians and featured performances on Sunday, plus children’s activities, food vendors and more. In addition to competitors, artists include William Ritter and Sarah Ogletree, Burnett Sisters Band, Michael Reno Harrell, Strictly Clean and Decent, Rob McHale and Rodney Sutton. The 2023 festival is the 18th and final edition of the event, organizers say. Learn more at happyvalleyfiddlers.org/.

The 12th annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival

The 12th annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival set for Sept. 2-3 in High Point’s Oak Hollow Festival Park is sponsored by The Friends of John Coltrane, which works to preserve and celebrate the life and music of Coltrane and to enrich the lives of others through the introduction of jazz and other musical genres. Artists include Keb’ Mo’, Dave Koz, Maysa, Mr. Sipp, Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius, Norman Brown, Samara Joy, Chucho Valdes, Yellowjackets, Terri Lyne Carrington, Matthew Whitaker, and more. Learn more at coltranejazzfest.com

The 14th annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County

The 14th annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is set for Sept. 2-3 and celebrates African American culture through art, music, dance, food and community. Local and national musical acts are presented Saturday and Sunday on the main stage in addition to a juried art gallery, craft and food vendors, educational and hands-on activities in the Family Village, and more. The festivities kickoff Friday with Gladys Knight and Eric Benet  performing at the North Carolina Museum of Art. For tickets and more information visit www.aacfestival.org/

ProgDay

ProgDay, the world’s longest-running Progressive Rock Festival, is celebrating its 28th year and is set for Sept. 2-3 at Chapel Hill’s Storybrook Farm. The event will feature artists from all over the world including Karmic Juggernaut, A Light Sleeper, Moon Letters, Perfect, Red Fiction, tu:NER, We Used to Cut the Grass and You Bred Raptors? For tickets visit https://progday.net/.

The 14th annual Front Porch Fest

The 14th annual Front Porch Fest is a family friendly festival set for Aug. 31-Sept. 3 at Spirithaven Farm in Stuart, Virginia. This year’s musical lineup includes Butcher Brown, Jimkata, Dangermuffin, DJ Williams, Sun-Dried Vibes, Cailtin Krisko & The Broadcast, Big Daddy Love, The Plate Scrapers, The Judy Chops, Urban Soil, The Wilson Springs Hotel and many more, according to organizers. In addition to 30-plus bands, Front Porch Fest features an array of children’s activities, yoga, campsite jams, on-site camping, craft brews and foods, and more. For tickets, volunteering, vending and sponsorship opportunities visit frontporchfest.com/

Appaloosa Roots Music Festival

MerleFest’s favorite house band Celtic rockers Scythian hosts Appaloosa Roots Music Festival in Front Royal, Virginia, on Sept. 2-3. The lineup features an exciting mix of artists from various genres including the Triangle’s own Chatham Rabbits, Blue Highway, Screaming Orphans, Carbon Leaf, Christian Lopez and many more. For tickets and more information, visit appaloosafestival.com/


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Earl Scruggs Music Festival to finally take off over Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 2-4

In 2019, I was on hand at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s annual conference and festival for Jerry Douglas’s announcement about the new Earl Scruggs Music Festival to be held over Labor Day Weekend in 2020.

Nearly three years later, festival organizers are thrilled to announce that the inaugural event will be held Sept. 2-4 at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

The star-studded lineup includes Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, The Earls of Leicester, Leftover Salmon, Alison Brown, Town Mountain and festival host Jerry Douglas. In addition, the festival features a choice display of North Carolina talent including Rissi Palmer, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Balsam Range and more (see complete lineup below.)

The festival is partnering with internationally recognized roots music brand The Bluegrass Situation to present a tribute to one of the most iconic Earl Scruggs Revue albums, “Live at Kansas State.” Dexterous bluegrass quintet Fireside Collective (also slated for a Friday night set of original music) will lead an all-star outfit in a revival of the 1972 recording with special guest, ESMF artist-in-residence Douglas, plus a slew of surprise cameos. The landmark event will take place Saturday afternoon (Sept. 3) on the Foggy Mountain Stage. Facilitating world-class showcases across festival stages and musical events in all corners of the country, The Bluegrass Situation is a prime collaborator for Earl Scruggs Music Festival, and organizers look forward to building on the partnership in the years to come.

While first-rate live music remains at the forefront of ESMF programming, organizers have also curated a series of interactive workshops for those who are looking to round out their festival experience. Thought-provoking presentations like “Earl’s Nashville Years,” moderated by journalist and guitarist Tommy Goldsmith and featuring insight from Sam Bush, Béla Fleck and Jerry Douglas, “Meet the Authors” with WMOT producer and writer Craig Havighurst, Tommy Goldsmith, veteran music and arts critic David Menconi and more will take place on the Legends Workshop Stage throughout the weekend.

Weekend and single-day passes to Earl Scruggs Music Festival are on sale now via the festival’s website. A limited number of General Admission and Grandstand Weekend tickets are still available at the current pricing level of $200 and $250, respectively. Patron VIP passes are now sold out. To explore premium options, purchase tickets, and stay up-to-date on all things Earl Scruggs Music Festival, visit earlscruggsmusicfestival.com.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2022 Lineup
Hosted by Jerry Douglas
Featuring:
The Earls of Leicester
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Sam Bush Band
Bela Fleck My Bluegrass Heart
Alison Brown
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Leftover Salmon
Balsam Range
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Town Mountain
Chatham County Line
Acoustic Syndicate
Fireside Collective
Dom Flemons
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Becky Buller Band
Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth
Lakota John
Chatham Rabbits
Jon Stickley Trio
Fireside Collective
Unspoken Tradition
The Barefoot Movement
Rissi Palmer
Bella White

About Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Established in partnership with WNCW 88.7 at Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC and the Earl Scruggs Center located in Shelby, NC, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will celebrate the legacy of an American music legend who pioneered a unique style of banjo picking, coined “Scruggs style.” His collaborations with Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys, as well as Lester Flatt and the Foggy Mountain Boys helped to christen the bluegrass genre in the late 1940s. With a standout lineup featuring the best in traditional roots music and progressive fusions, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will illuminate the profound impact that Scruggs had on American culture, while uplifting fresh and noteworthy voices in the genre. A portion of proceeds will support the festival’s beneficiaries, the Earl Scruggs Center and Isothermal Community College, who serve Earl Scruggs’ home region of the Carolina Foothills with cultural programming through multiple channels.


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Inaugural Earl Scruggs Music Festival set for Sept. 4-5, 2020 in Mill Spring, N.C.

RALEIGH — One of Grammy award-winning Dobro player Jerry Douglas’ earliest memories is hearing Earl Scruggs play banjo on the radio in his childhood Cleveland home.
“I doubt I would be a musician now if it hadn’t been for that sound,” Douglas told a group gathered at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) annual conference and music festival in the Raleigh Convention Center on Friday, Sept. 27, for the announcement of the inaugural Earl Scruggs Music Festival set for Sept. 4-5, 2020, at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Douglas continued, “Little did I know that later in life he would be my friend.A s far as I’m concerned this festival named in his honor is far overdue. But I also believe that’s the way Earl would want it to be. We can only hope that we can make him proud in how we perceive his legacy to the world.”

Douglas, who started his group the Earls of Leicester as a tribute to Scruggs, will act as musician in resident for the festival.

Scruggs, who has deep ties to North Carolina, popularized a three-finger banjo picking style that became a defining characteristic of bluegrass music.
The two-day event that will feature music from bluegrass, folk, blues, roots and Americana styles to celebrate Scruggs is a collaboration between the Earl Scruggs Center located in Shelby and WNCW radio station located on the campus of Isothermal Community College. The festival will benefit both the radio station and the college.
In addition to Douglas, the initial lineup includes Marty Stuart, Alison Brown, Dom Flemons, Radney Foster, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, The Barefoot Movement and Unspoken Tradition. Both Foster and Unspoken Tradition performed as part of the announcement that was made by festival director Steve Johnson, formerly of MerleFest.

Few other artists in American history have had such an impact as Scruggs, according to a festival press release. His work in 1946/47 with Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys and later with Flatt and Scruggs helped create an entire genre of music. His banjo playing was so fresh and different for the time that it was christened the “Scruggs style” of banjo and is still the most prominent banjo performance style in the world.

“Earl was my uncle, so I knew him a long time,” says JT Scruggs, a board member of the Earl Scruggs Center. “The first Earl Scruggs Music Festival presents an opportunity to bring exposure and new visitors to the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, North Carolina. The proceeds from the festival will also help to keep the center in good financial shape. The festival will bring great music and many different groups to the region. And I hope that people will hear things about Earl that they may have never heard before as all the artists share their personal stories. I know that Earl would be proud of what we are doing and that we are remembering him through the festival.”

Noah Wall of The Barefoot Movement grew up in North Carolina.

“I feel so lucky to have that in common with legends like Earl Scruggs,” he said. “He was such a trailblazer, not just a pioneer of bluegrass, but he also pushed the boundaries of traditional music. I don’t think he set out to be different for the sake of standing out, I think he did it for sake of the music itself. He just sought after good music, music that moved him, and that is so inspiring to me.”

In October, two new acts — Acoustic Syndicate and Blue Highway– were announced. More artists, both national and North Carolina-based, will be added over the coming months. The festival will feature more than 20 artists and three stages in a beautiful setting at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, according to organizers. Camping, lodging, restaurants and other amenities will be available onsite.
For tickets and more information, visit www.earlscruggsmusicfestival.com/ and