If you love bluegrass music, and who doesn’t, you’ll want to be in Pigeon Forge during the second week of December for the Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival. It’s a mixture of two very popular reasons people flock to the area every year: Christmas and bluegrass.
Special guest Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver headline the 2012 Christmas in the Smokies Festival, December 12-15 at the Ramada Inn & Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge. Not only that, but festival-goers will get to take part in instrument workshops for $25 per class. To start the week out, Wednesday will feature workshops, square dancing, jamming and a free concert.
As mentioned, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver is renowned in the musical world. Their instrumentation and harmonies are second to none. Their old gospel sound takes you back to yesteryear and makes you feel like you’re in one of those old country churches clapping your hands and tapping your feet. Combine that with a powerful presentation and you’ve got one heck of a headliner for the Thursday, December 13 show.
The great bluegrass music doesn’t stop there, Marty Raybon, former frontman for the band Shenandoah, will leave people in awe this Christmas with his amazing bluegrass vocals. The Raybons band’s traditional tenor sound will be on full display during their Saturday night concert December 15th.
Headlining the Thursday and Saturday night festival slots will be Goldwing Express. Their shows have gained them notoriety in the United States and Canada as well. Not only do they harken back to their Native American heritage, Goldwing Express will mix it up with country, gospel and comedy performances during their show. It’s one that definitely should not be missed.
Also appearing on Saturday night, and Friday as well, is Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-press. Osborne is widely known for his talents on the mandolin and his hit song “Rocky Top” is especially well-regarded in these parts.
In all, the festival will feature 15 talented bluegrass artists including: Carolina Road, Your Host Band; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Marty Raybon, Goldwing Express, Ralph Stanley II, Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press, Gary Waldrep Band, Jerry Butler & The Blu-J’s, Remington, Ryde, Bluegrass Mountaineers, The Larkins, Reno Tradition, Mountain Faith, Hart Brothers and Bluegrass Gentleman.
TICKETS AND INFORMATION
Advance tickets for Artist Circle are $34 per days and $90 for three days. Reserved seats are $28 for per day and $75 for three days. General admission prices is $23 for per day and $60 for three days.
The show on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 is FREE to all Christmas In The Smokies ticket holders. You must at least purchase a one (1) day ticket to the festival to obtain a free ticket for Wednesday. For more information on tickets, call 919-779-5672. Children Under 12 are FREE.