Banjo Pioneer Earl Scruggs
Earl Scruggs, born in Shelby, North Carolina, was a banjo pioneer who helped develop and popularize bluegrass music. According to the Earl Scruggs Center, "Like Jazz, Bluegrass was developed from a mixing of cultures and influences." Scruggs built upon the work of North Carolina musicians creating a purely American music form, developing a revolutionary playing style with picking rolls and timing patterns.
Scruggs's partnership with Lester Flatt changed how Americans encountered this music. They hosted one of the first music television shows in the early 1950s and recorded the Beverly Hillbillies television show theme song. Earl Scruggs crossed musical boundaries, bridged generations, and earned dozens of awards and Hall of Fame honors.
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival in Mill Spring
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival in Mill Spring honors this musical pioneer each Labor Day weekend. The three day event is held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring. Top bluegrass, Americana, and roots artists gather to celebrate Scruggs' contributions to the region's rich musical culture. It's a great reason to visit the First Peak of the Blue Ridge.
Stages and Lineup
Multiple stages let you move between performances, from headliners to jam sessions. Each stage is just a short walk from the next. In recent years, more than 40 performers have participated. Artists scheduled to perform at the festival have incldued The Avett Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass, The Del McCoury Band, Béla Fleck, Alison Brown Quintet, and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage Mountain Grass Unit.
Check the event's website for current information.
Insider Info on Parking, Vendors, and Activities
According to a recent festival-goer, parking and shuttles make getting around easy. The venue offers restaurants, food vendors, shopping, artist tents, and restrooms throughout the grounds. Families appreciate the children's area, and on-site camping is available. Tickets range from general admission to VIP, with day passes or full weekend options. Covered and indoor seating provide comfort in any weather.
Tickets
Ticket options range from general admission to VIP, with day passes or weekend packages available. Check the website for prices.
Where to Stay
Camping is offered on-site. You can also find lodging at the First Peak Vistor Center's website.
More Music History in the First Peak
The First Peak of the Blue Ridge region claims another music legend: Nina Simone. Her childhood in Tryon has been preserved and the town has a a Nina Simone Plaza. Read more about Nina Simone.