John Lanham Jam Day is going full steam ahead this Saturday with an attempt to set a world record, even with a chance of rain looming. Organizers Barry and Randy Lanham are attempting to set the record for the biggest bluegrass band, asking at least 250 people to show up with their guitars, banjos, fiddles, and voices.
The full event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jim Lambert Pioneer Village in Yellow Creek Park (5710 KY 144).
The world record attempt is set for noon, when those participating will play and sing the song “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” together in the key of G.
Barry Lanham said they are keeping an eye on the forecast but are hopeful for clear skies or only scattered showers.
“Worst case scenario is that if a shower pops up, it may postpone the 12 p.m. record setting by 30 to 60 minutes or so, but we will still do it,” he said. “We encourage everyone to still come out, including all the musicians and singers playing in the band.”
The Lanhams have been in touch with Guinness World Records to make sure the attempt is official. A video invitation and explanation can be found on YouTube here.
“We need all bluegrass players of any age and any level to come out,” Lanham previously said. “Anybody that wants to be a part of this, whether you’re playing, singing, or you’re just listening. Everyone is invited.”
The mini-festival is hosted by brothers Barry and Randy as a way to honor the memory of their grandfather John, who was an old-time fiddle player and a well-known member of the Knottsville community.
The free community event includes music, food vendors, and old-time arts and crafts. Local luthiers will be making instruments on site as well. Arts and craft vendors will be not only selling items but showing attendees how they make the products.
The cabins, schoolhouse, and old barns at Pioneer Village will be open for touring.
Other things guests can expect include:
Food Vendors
- Food and drinks provided by the Knottsville Lions Club — free with donation
- Moon River Coffee Truck
- Kona Ice — 25% of sales goes to the shelters
- Jerry’s Kettle Corn.
Scheduled Entertainment under the pavilion
- 10 a.m. Open Mic
- 11 a.m. Fletcher Family
- 12:15 p.m. Barry Lanham and the Footstompin Express Open Dance
- 1 p.m. Kings Highway
- 2 p.m. Bluegrass Brothers
- 3 p.m. Shrimp N Grits
Activities
- All-day music jamming
- Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation will provide a petting zoo
- Walking trails scavenger hunt
- Pumpkin and rock painting
- Trick-or-treating candy bowls at different booths
Arts and Crafts
- Lucia Felty Soap Making
- Knotheads Custom Engravings
- Jessie Carter Unique Art
- Gholson Family art “Out of the Woods” and “Into the Meadow”
- Serendipity Farm1856/Sherry Dickens studio
- Wooden Painted Designs
- Artwork Orange
Daviess County Luthiers Club
Instrument makers Willis Howard, Mark Royal, Joe Christian, Rocky Northern, and John London will have live demonstrations and instruments for sale.
