A Weekend of Entertainment, Participation and Exhibits

Scruggs, The Carter Family and The Dillards). He notably pays homage to his influences (Don Reno, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, Earl Scruggs, Ligntnin’ Hopkins and Bill Monroe) in each and every performance with an added touch of personalized eclectic tunings. McEuen’s countless jams include street performers to Phish, Earl Scruggs, Levon Helm… and even on Sesame Street with a herd of goats and a cow! Arguably, McEuen’s most important legacy may be his initiating what Rolling Stone called “The most important record to come out of Nashville” and what the 2004 ZAGAT survey called “the most important record in country music” - Will the Circle Be Unbroken...

McEuen has assembled a unique cast for a special night to share the music and memories of the landmark Will the Circle Be Unbroken platinum album and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s incredible career. Joining John McEuen are the incredible String Wizards consisting of Les Thompson, an original NGDB founding member, John Cable, a NGDG member and John’s music partner for 25 years, Matt Cartsonis.

When the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band recorded Will the Circle Be Unbroken, initiated by founding member John McEuen, the icons of Bluegrass, Country and West coast country rock convened: Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, Jimmy Martin, Earl Scruggs, Vassar Clements and Maybelle Carter. Six hot August 1971 days leading to a magic time when three generations came together to produce the benchmark record relevant to this day. Still an Amazon top 20, Will the Circle Be Unbroken is in the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Library of Congress inducted the multi-platinum ‘Circle’ as one of the most important American recordings.

Billy Dean

(Sunday Evening)

Festival favorite, Billy Dean, a native of Quincy, Florida, is known by his peers as the “James Taylor of country music.” By the age of 10, he was playing in his dad’s country band. He was raised appreciating the value of music and has had many musical influences.

After attending college on a basketball scholarship, Billy moved to Nashville in 1983 and by 1990 had recorded his first Top 5 Hit “Only Here for A Little While.” Since then,

Billy has transcended genres with his unique repertoire earning numerous awards, including: The Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year for “Somewhere in My Broken Heart”, ACM New Male Vocalist of The Year, BMI Pop Awards, BMI Song Awards, BMI Million Air Plays Award, Country Music Television Rising Star Award, NSAI Song of The Year, and a Grammy for a “Country Tribute: Amazing Grace.” In 2017, Billy was inducted into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame, the highest honor bestowed by the state.

Billy’s appeal reaches beyond the music world. He has appeared on numerous television shows as well as made-for TV movies, including: Blue Valley Songbird, A Face to Kill For, Lois & Clark, One Life to Live, Diagnosis Murder, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, The Montel Show, and many others. He is currently on tour across the US.

After thirteen albums and eleven Top 10 singles spanning over a period of eighteen years, Billy founded the publishing company BDMG (Billy Dean Music Group). Billy continues to make contributions to the country music world by building brands with music and empowering children as a spokesperson for Averitt Cares for Kids, and Sunkist’s Take a Stand Program. His latest album “Billy Dean Live” was released in 2017. It features personal anecdotes and an array of his most beloved songs. Billy’s illustrious career has been recognized with a proclamation from the State of Tennessee House of Representatives.

The Lee Boys

(Saturday Evening)

The Lee Boys are one of America’s finest AfricanAmerican sacred steel ensembles. This family group consists of three brothers, Alvin Lee (guitar), Derrick Lee and Keith Lee (vocals) along with their three nephews,