Bean Blossom, Indiana (June 17, 2024) - The 59th Annual Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival commenced on Wednesday, June 12th in Bean Blossom, Indiana with the traditional Bean Supper and local entertainment including a white-hot set from Derek Dillman and friends that set the bar high for the weekend. Over 500 people were served at the dinner. Owner Rex Voils said that he'd never seen so many people at the Wednesday evening open jam, and there were even several encores. The vibe was positive and full of energy going into the first full day of main stage acts Thursday.
Thursday brought the first round of world-class bluegrass artists to play for a record-setting post-Covid shutdown audience. The staff was forced to use outdated wristbands from past years for the gate as the patrons continued to pour in. The shows were kicked off by a new band to the Festival from Oklahoma, Springstreet, and fans showed their approval from the audience, as well as on social media. Bean Blossom also welcomed recent Opry performers back to the stage again, The Price Sisters, The Kody Norris Show and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, and the evening was closed out with an outstanding set by ‘the voice’ Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.
Friday began with another day of perfect weather and excitement for a great lineup, workshops and the Ribbon Cutting at the brand-new Pickin’ Parlor, officiated by Ralph Stanley II. The bands included a newcomer from Wyoming, young Sage Palser and her band Prairie Wildfire, followed by return bands from past festivals, Larry Stephenson Band, Wilson Banjo Co., Southern Legacy and a closing set from Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys. Patrons attended workshops from artists including Ron Block and Clay Hess, as well as over 250 in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Pickin’ Parlor. Additional wristbands again had to be located as the venue sold out for a second day.
Saturday broke another record and introduced a new event to the festival with a Vererans Tribute that included a military flyover, 21-gun salute and address by Commander Baker of the US Navy. It was followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem delivered by Duane Sparks, of Fast Track. There was not a dry eye in the crowd. Throughout the day live music was enjoyed by the Red Mountain Boys, Hammertowne, Fast Track, Dale Ann Bradley, and Darin & Brooke Aldridge.
“It was a beautiful weekend for bluegrass and a beautiful weekend to pay tribute to Bill Monroe, to the history of this place, and to all it means to the music industry. I spoke to visitors from Alaska, California, Texas, Canada, Louisiana, Colorado, Arizona, basically all over the United States and beyond. It was amazing. We’re so glad to see all the new people coming out, plus the faithful Bill Monroe ‘bluegrassers’ returning ‘home.’ I couldn’t do any of this without our hard-working team, artists, vendors and everyone involved in pulling it all off. Does our hearts so good and we are very grateful.” - Rex Voils and Family
Over 1,000 people came through the Bill Monroe Music Park Hall Of Fame Museum & Gift Shop during the weekend and there were nearly 100 pickers at the new Pickin’ Parlor during the evenings. Keep an eye out for news of the big 60th Anniversary of Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival in 2025, coming soon on socials and the venue's website. It promises to be a great celebration with another outstanding lineup and activities.
