50th Anniversary of the World´s 1st Bluegrass Festival

The Town of Luray is rolling out the red carpet as the world´s  bluegrass community gets set to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of  the first ever Bluegrass Festival.  The July 2, 3, 4, Oak Leaf  Bluegrass & Mountain Music Festival at Luray Caverns is the Shenandoah Valley´s largest bluegrass and mountain music festival and promises to be the must-attend family event for 2011.

Dr. Ralph Stanley’s meet and greet begins the veritable who’s who list of guest appearances by bluegrass and mountain music legends.  Performers include: Bill Clifton, the original 1961 festival organizer and promoter; Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group, who appear regularly on Garrison  Keillor´s “A Prairie Home Companion”; Shenandoah Valley based, Nothin´ Fancy have hosted their own festival in Buena Vista, Virginia since 2001, and won SPBGMA´s “Entertaining Group of the Year” three consecutive years in a row (2008, 2009, 2010);  and rounding out the performances: Bill Emerson & Sweet Dixie, Eddie & Martha Adcock, Harmonia Sacra Shape Note Singers, Heartland, Highlanders Old-time String Band,  Moondi Kline & Jimmy Gaudreau, Larry Stephenson Band, Madeline MacNeil, Me & Martha, Miller Brothers & Wild Horse, Page County Ramblers, Ralph Lee Smith, Shenandaoh Valley Minstrels, Shenandoah Drive, Steel Wheels, and Virginia Blue.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell recently issued a Certificate of Recognition proclaiming July 2011 as Virginia Bluegrass Festival Month.  He also recognized the Oak Leaf Bluegrass & Mountain Music Festival, for celebrating “the 50th anniversary of this important moment in Virginia´s history and the Commonwealth´s rich heritage of bluegrass music.”  There will be displays of 18th and 19th century arts and crafts, Shenandoah Valley wine and local beer tastings, a selection of Valley favorites and eclectic food vendors and children´s activities.  Attendees may take in plenty of jamming and field picking, music workshops and slow jams, mountain clogging expositions and on the eve of July 4th the Town of Luray will cap off the celebration with a fireworks display worthy of the occasion. Gate open at 9 each morning and rough camping is available.

The Luray Valley Museum at Luray Caverns is hosting the festival sponsored by the Shenandoah Music Trail, a 501(c)(3) all volunteer, non-profit organization supporting and promoting the music and heritage of the Shenandoah Valley.  The Oak Leaf Bluegrass & Mountain Music Festival is a Sanctioned Event for the National Park Service´s 75th Anniversary Celebration of the opening of the Skyline Drive.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call 540-209-3540 or see online www.shenandoahmusictrail.com.