John Hartford Memorial Festival brings bluegrass, newgrass and jamgrass to Lawrence County
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SPRINGVILLE — A bluegrass and folk music festival is coming to Lawrence County next month.
The John Hartford Memorial Festival will bring 40 bands, camping and family-friendly fun June 1-4 at the Lawrence County Recreational Park in Springville.
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John Hartford was one of America's most beloved songwriters, performers and musicians and wrote "Gentle on My Mind," which became a huge hit for Glen Campbell. Hartford regularly appeared on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" in 1967 and "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour." Hartford died in 2001 of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
The four-day event will have four stages and is expected to attract a couple thousand people. Previously, the festival was held in Brown County.
Tonya Chastain, executive director of Lawrence County Tourism Commission, said festival organizers chose the Lawrence County site for its large location and it already has one permanent stage.
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"We're very excited they are coming. This will be a very family friendly, pet friendly event. If you like bluegrass and folk music, this is for you," Chastain said.
"The new location will allow the multi-day festival to have a much larger camping area and room for everyone to spread out,” said Tom Burkhart, festival organizer. “Nearly eight times more acreage is going to give us all plenty of wiggle room and air space. It will help make the event more affordable to attend which includes free tent camping and free hot showers with every ticket."
Chastain is hopeful the festival is just the beginning.
"This is a great music festival and could be the kickoff that we could entertain the thought of having more music festivals in Lawrence County," she said.
About the John Hartford Memorial Festival
Hartford may not be widely known, but in music circles he's considered legendary. The festival was created in 2010 by John Hotze and Tom Burkhart and aims to preserve and continue the legacy, music and ideas of John Hartford. The multi-day event has been labeled “as one of the most laid back festivals in the US.”
The 2022 lineup
A diverse lineup will appeal to bluegrass, newgrass, jamgrass and old time fans. One band familiar to music lovers is the Dillards, who appeared on "The Andy Griffith Show" as the Darlings.
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On multiple stages the 2022 John Hartford Memorial features: Leftover Salmon, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Becky Buller Band, The Dillards, Henhouse Prowlers, Great American Taxi, Damn Tall Buildings, Chicago Farmer & the Fieldnotes, Wolfpen Branch, David Davis & The Warrior River Boys, The Lonesome Ace Stringband, The Sweet Lillies, Never Come Down, Stillhouse Junkies, Good Morning Bedlam, Phillip Steinmetz & His Sunny Tennesseans, One Way Traffic, Chain Station, New Old Cavalry, Deep Fried Pickle Project and Red Mountain Boys.
Ticket info
Organizers will follow CDC guidance and can accomplish this being outdoors in an expanded space with limited capacity. Tickets are now on sale, at https://www.hartfordfest.com/.
Weekend and daily passes are available. Tent camping is included. For those without tents, camping set up can be added through Dancing Dave’s. Additional activities include band and singer songwriters competition, workshops with performers. A jam camp for beginners, or seasoned veterans looking for expert advice, the Pete Wernick jam camp taught by Jeff Burke will be there. Food and beverages will sold on site or bring your own. Salt Creek Brewery will serve cold beverages at the beer hall. There will also be numerous arts and craft booths.
Contact Times-Mail Staff Writer Carol Johnson at cjohnson@tmnews.com or 812-277-7252.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: John Hartford Memorial Festival coming in June to Lawrence County
