Colby, Kansas — July 18-20, 2008

Bluegrass Music
A New, Fresh Sound

Bluegrass music is suddenly exploding in popularity, with lots of country music performers crossing the line to make new bluegrass CD's. Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless, Vince Gill, Michael Martin Murphy, Travis Tritt and even Merle Haggard have all come out with bluegrass CD's or songs. Although most of these folks had their start in bluegrass music, they are returning to their roots because it's in their heart and it sells! Why? Bluegrass provides a positive messae of faith, family and love for people of all ages--in a world now bombarded with sometimes not-so-wholesome messages in rock, rap, and some country songs.

People who are first-time attendees to Pickin' on the Plains are frequently surprised and pleased they were with what is happening at the festival. They have often commented, "I didn't think I liked bluegrass, but this is GREAT!" Many people have a preconceived notion that "bluegrass" is strictly the old-style, old-sounding traditional music that began in the 1930's and was popular up to the 1960's, but they are pleasantly surprised to hear that although the traditional style is still appreciated and played, the genre has evolved to reach today's generation--to include something for everyone, with the crystal-clear sounds available with today's technology.

Traditional bands still perform the old gospel tunes and songs such as "Rocky Top", but some modern bands have a driving, "rock" sound, and some do songs from the 1950's to '60's and '70's era. The thing that brings all this together under the "bluegrass umbrella" is the blend of instruments used, which were originally implemented by Bill Monroe--a combination of any or all of: guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass and dobro. Traditionalists generally use mostly acoustic instruments, while more modern bands may use some electric instruments, and may even include drums.

Folk music, Celtic and early western music are often played at bluegrass festivals, as they all evolved on acoustic instruments back in the day when families played together for entertainment. The family ties remain strong in these circles and are, again, a positive influence on today's society.

Won't you join us today at Pickin' on the Plains, and discover one of the best secrets in our area? For more information, contact the Colby Convention & Visitors Bureau at 785-460-7643 or 1-800-611-8835.