  
Back To News/PR Index | 
| Bluegrass Players, Fans Welcome Anytime in Owensboro | Bill Monroe was born barely 40 miles away in Rosine, and fans make pilgrimages to the western Kentucky town and pay homage to the father of bluegrass. In Owensboro, the music comes alive at events and impromptu sessions. “We invite anyone to bring
their instruments to Owensboro,” said Shannon Wetzel, executive director
of Visit Owensboro. “Music is abundant on our events calendar, and as a
bonus, you can usually find someone, somewhere interested in playing.”
Impromptu bluegrass jams are a staple of the entertainment scene in Owensboro. (Photo: Craig Lamb) Do just that at the International Bluegrass Music Museum, where visitors from near and far come to play. Some even make the trek across the globe to create special memories. “It’s not uncommon for international visitors to uncase instruments and play in the museum lobby. They come here specifically to experience a culture that is part of our lifestyle,” Wetzel said. Owensboro’s visitors have plenty of opportunities for playing and listening to bluegrass at these places and events. Owensboro Music Center: Come pick and play, watch and listen or shop at this revered music store. Jam sessions happen on the first Saturday of every month. Call to confirm times. (1303 Breckenridge St., 270-684-2156) Picking in the Park: Local musicians gather on the Ohio River shoreline for informal jam sessions at Allen Street Gazebo in Smothers Park. Upcoming events. are on July 25, Aug. 29 and Sept 26 at 7 p.m. (199 West Veterans Blvd.) Downtown Date Night: Share dinner at a trendy downtown restaurant and treat your date to live music of all kinds, including bluegrass, on the riverfront at Smothers Park. Downtown Date Night is a Thursday tradition, and music begins at 7 p.m., weather permitting. Bluegrass on the Banks: This monthly series on the first and third Tuesday runs through September. Music begins at 7 p.m. at Overlook Stage in Smothers Park. Friday After 5: At this summertime concert series, music flows from five venues, including the Bluegrass Jam stage. Bring your instrument, or listen to live music of all genres at Smothers Park. Friday After 5 continues through Sept. 4. Music begins at 6 p.m. Rosine Barn Jamboree: Enjoy an evening of bluegrass music every Friday through November in Rosine, the birthplace of Bill Monroe. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. (8205 Blue Moon of Kentucky Hwy., 270-363-3052) International Bluegrass Music Museum: Bring your instruments and jam on the first Thursday of the month beginning at 6 p.m. Call ahead to confirm dates and times. The museum is a shrine to the preservation of bluegrass, with interactive exhibits and displays of memorabilia from iconic stars. (117 Daviess St., 270-926-7891) Find out more about Owensboro and Daviess County at VisitOwensboro.com or call 800-489-1131. Stay informed of Owensboro events and happenings through Facebook at www.Facebook.com/VisitOwensboro. Contact:
Connect with Visit Owensboro via Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. |
|
