Five things to know before going to the Earl Scruggs Music Festival
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The Earl Scruggs Music Festival returns this weekend for the second year to provide a multi-day celebration of the musician’s contributions and the rich musical culture of the region.
Scruggs, dubbed the most influential and imitated banjo player in the world, was born on a 40-acre cotton farm in the Flint Hill community of Cleveland County.
The festival that carries his name takes place at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Springs Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
1. Time and tickets
Gates open at 8 a.m.
Here’s what you need to know before heading to the festival:
The venue is located at 25 International Blvd., Mill Springs.
Ticket prices start at $50 for one-day passes.
Parking is free with a shuttle service provided throughout the day. VIP parking is available.
2. Pets and cameras and bags
Dogs are not allowed, but personal cameras are. Commercial photographers must request a media credential.
No bags or purses will be allowed in the festival venue gates unless they are made of a clear plastic, vinyl or PVC.
No coolers are allowed.
3. Playing along is encouraged
All patrons may bring their instruments and join others at the IBMA Jammin’ Area: Earl’s Pickin’ Pavilion. BYO Instrument. All instrument cases will be subject to search at the festival gate.
Sessions will happen:
Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
4. For the kids
The Land of Rhythm Kid Zone offers kid-friendly activities, including face painting, games, an instrument “petting zoo” and more.
Children 12 and under are admitted free to the festival with an adult.
A portion of proceeds will support the festival’s beneficiaries, the Earl Scruggs Center and Isothermal Community College, that serve Earl Scruggs’ home region of the Carolina Foothills with cultural programming through multiple channels.
5. Illuminating the impact
The three-day festival aims to illuminate the impact that Scruggs had on American culture, while uplifting fresh and noteworthy voices in the genre. The festival was established in partnership with WNCW 88.7 at Isothermal Community College in Spindale, and the Earl Scruggs Center.
For more information, and the lineup of performers, go to earscruggsmusicfest.com.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Five things about the Earl Scruggs Music Festival
