The Great American Bluegrass Jam returns to Owensboro next month, offering bluegrass lovers a little something of everything to enjoy. The 3-day event includes free jam sessions, the Kentucky State Fiddle Championship, a Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder concert, and plenty more. The U.S. Postal Service will also be hosting a ceremony to celebrate their upcoming new stamp called “Bluegrass Forever.”
The Great American Bluegrass Jam will run March 15-17. While most events will be held downtown, there are also a few excursions included in the festivities.
The U.S.P.S. stamp ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on March 15 at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum to kick things off. That event is free to attend.
Then at 7 p.m. will be at concert by Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder at the Hall of Fame. Tickets are on sale here, starting at $58. Ricky Skaggs is a 15-time Grammy award-winning bluegrass performer who has produced several No. 1 songs, including “Cajun Moon” and “Lovin’ Only Me.”
On March 16 will be the Kentucky Fried Pickin’ Hotel Jam at the Holiday Inn downtown, where guests will have the opportunity to pick with others from across the country. Jam sessions will be taking place around the clock for anyone to join in.
Meanwhile, the Kentucky State Fiddle Championship will run March 16-17 at the Hall of Fame. There is no fee to enter, and people interested in competing can register here. Same-day registrations are also accepted. Areas of competition include Flatpick Guitar, Fiddle (Junior Junior, Junior, Adult, and Senior), Mandolin, Bluegrass Banjo, Dancing (Junior and Senior), and the Championship Fiddle-Off.
Guests will also have the opportunity to sign up for an excursion to the birthplace of Bill Monroe, the “Father of Bluegrass.” The journey starts at the Bill Monroe Homeplace where he was born on the family farm and lived until moving in with his beloved Uncle Pen, whose cabin high on the hill will be the next stop. Other stops include the Rosine Cemetery, the Rosine barn for lunch and a little music, and the new Bill Monroe Museum.
Excursions to the Green River Distilling Co. will be also be available, with transportation from the Holiday Inn. Downtown businesses will be spotlighted to guests with a full map and listings of ongoing events, live music, specials, and more.
For more information about the Great American Bluegrass Jam, visit the event website here.
