Mill Spring, NC – The 2nd Annual, three-day Earl Scruggs Music Festival at Tryon International Equestrian Center featured some of the finest bluegrass, roots, Newgrass, and Americana music by a solid list of talented musicians honoring the life and legacy of Earl Scruggs. The foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains were a perfect backdrop for the festival grounds, nearby to the small Flint Hill community of Cleveland County, NC where the legendary “Scruggs Style” banjo master was born.
Festival host Jerry Douglas shared this special message, “Earl Scruggs is possibly the first musician I remember hearing as a young boy riding to school with my dad and even at that early age, he made such an impression on me. I’m over the moon with gratitude that the Scruggs family and festival staff have asked me to be the host for this event that honors Earl’s musical legacy and contributions to the music that we love. All of the artists here owe so much to Earl for his example and the boundaries that he crossed, so it is really special that we can gather here, near the unique place that created him, with all of you to honor this incredible musician.”
The weekend was filled with heartfelt stories and beautiful collaborations. Friday night was no exception when the Del McCoury Band shined on stage. The nine-time awarded IBMA Entertainer of the Year shared his own memories with Earl and the band delivered a setlist that included local favorites “Asheville Turnaround” and “Sweet Appalachia”. Del McCoury introduced “Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms” with a nod to Scruggs, “…Earl would come in with a back up lick on that banjo that just knocked me off my feet, and I’m still off of them!”
DAY 1 PHOTO GALLERY
DAY 2 PHOTO GALLERY
The festival offered three stages of differing sizes for a range of experience: FLINT HILL presented by WLOS (main stage), FOGGY MOUNTAIN presented by Lakeside Mills, and LEGENDS WORKSHOP presented by Gibson Gives. The venue also hosted onsite camping, lodging, restaurants, and a family area with children’s activities. Exclusive experiences were available as well including trail rides, horse jumping demonstrations, pickle ball social, yoga classes, bourbon tasting and a golf tournament. Attendees were also encouraged to bring their own instruments to join the IBMA Jammin’ Area: Earl’s Pickin’ Pavilion.
One of the many treats over the weekend was The Earl Scruggs Revue Tribute over at the park plaza, gazebo-style Foggy Mountain Stage. Hosted by the Tony Trischka band, the set highlighted the Live! From Austin City Limits album and included several special guests such as Greensky Bluegrass, Jerry Douglas, Della Mae, Tray Wellington, I Draw Slow, and Michael Cleveland.
DAY 3 PHOTO GALLERY
Closing out the weekend on the Flint Hill stage was the 12-time Grammy Award winner, Emmylou Harris. She captivated the crowd with her revered voice, fun stories, and special fusion of country and rock genres she is known for. Aa a major influence on the direction of contemporary country music, Emmylou Harris holds an incredible catalog of work and continues to command the stage with both delicacy and strength.
Attendees took in the final sun-soaked moments of the festival with the Reedy River String Band over at the Foggy Mountain Stage. Hailing from Greenville, SC, the band delivered a set list packed full of foot-stomping originals and uniquely-styled covers to get the crowd dancing and send them home with one last pour of heart-warming music.
Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2023 was a truly special weekend.
The dates for the 3rd annual event are already set – August 30 to September 1, 2024 – so make plans now to attend! A limited allotment of early bird-priced weekend passes are ON SALE NOW. To be the first to know about details, including presales, giveaways, special offers, and lineup, join the newsletter list HERE.
Festival Dates: 9/01-9/03/2023
