Frankfort Bluegrass Fest Tops Last Year's Award Winning Event

The industry has spoken and the rich sound of bluegrass music has catapulted Frankfort, IL into the global spotlight.

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) proclaimed Frankfort Bluegrass on the Green the 2018 “Event of the Year” during it awards ceremony gathering in Raleigh, North Carolina last September and last weekend's successful event bodes well for more recognition.

One year removed from the ultimate praise from peers, the organizing committee hardly rested on its laurels, but rather, hustled to top last year’s award-winning event and rallied new volunteers for another successful undertaking.

“Every year we hold ourselves to a higher standard which explains how we get such a talented lineup of musicians to perform, as well as fans from 50 states,” said April Jackson, a founding member and hospitality coordinator. “Event of the year recognition implies we are becoming the artists’ choice and that raises the level of excellence for everyone.”

A scheduled 40 performances by more than 20 national, regional and local bands graced two stages over the weekend in historic downtown Frankfort, Illinois. The non-profit, family-friendly event included children’s activities tents, a picker's tent, workshops and food offerings.

“Every year is better and better and it’s a credit all our volunteers and sponsors,” said Jennifer Wonnell, a volunteer coordinator. “Keeping this event free is a coordinated effort and we encourage people to visit the website and give us a few hours of time if you believe in our mission to keep the music free for all.”

Bluegrass music mirrors the United States rich melting pot of ethnicity. Bluegrass is steeped in music traditions from around the world, honed largely in Appalachia from the roots of traditional Irish, Scottish, English and African-American music.

From its storied beginning featuring the likes of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, New Grass Revival, and the Grateful Dead to the blossoming stars of today - Mumford & Sons, the Avett Brothers, and the Lumineers, bluegrass music has seen a continuous rise in popularity amongst American music listeners.

Last weekend's fest featured Grammy award-nominated bands Blue Highway and Chicago-based favorite Special Consensus band and everything else in between.

The lineup also included: Blue Highway, The Hillbenders, Head for the Hills, Special Consensus, Henhouse Prowlers, The Roland White Band, Nathan Blake Lynn, Miles over Mountains, The Grateful String Band, River Valley Rangers, HomeStretch Ride, and Fox Crossing String Band, John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, Junior Sisk, Nu-Blu, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, Barefoot Movement, Bluegrass Experience, Breaking Grass, Truman Ridge, Anderlick, Otto & Church, Dyer Switch Band and Georgia Rae Family Band.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for 2020. For more information, visit: www.frankfortbluegrassfest.com.