Stringbean Memorial Bluegrass Festival

We appreciate everyone who made our
26th annual festival great
in 2023. 
Thanks to all the wonderful folks who came ...
to our great Bands ... and our wonderful Sponsors:
Citizen's Bank, Jackson Energy, Appalachian Wireless
and Jackson County Tourism!
We appreciate all of you!!

~~~~~~
 

Thanks to all who joined us
for our
26th Annual
Stringbean Memorial Bluegrass Festival

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The 26th Annual Stringbean Memorial Bluegrass Festival was held on June 15-16-17,  2023, at Stringbean Memorial Park at 1410 Oak Grove Church Road in Tyner, KY.   

Our festival honors Jackson County native and beloved Grand Ole Opry star David ‘Stringbean’ Akemon.  His unique stage attire, traditional claw hammer banjo style, and entertaining stage banter endeared him to fans around the world.  ’The Kentucky Wonder’ was best known for his musical comedic performances on the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry beginning in the 1940’s and on the television series “Hee Haw” until his tragic death in 1973. 

With a rich history and beautiful locale at Stringbean Memorial Park, the festival has hosted the biggest stars in Bluegrass including the legendary Ralph Stanley who headlined the inaugural event in 1996.  Other celebrated Bluegrass royalty brought in by festival founder Phillip Akemon include the Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent, Hall of Famer Larry Sparks, 14-time Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs, Hall of Famers Del McCoury and Doyle Lawson, and 28-time IBMA Award winning band Blue Highway.

Headliners for 2023 include Larry Cordle and Junior Sisk Band on Saturday, International Bluegrass Music Hall of Famer Larry Sparks & the Lonesome Ramblers on Friday, and Lonesome River Band on Thursday.   Local favorites Laurel River Line will also appear on Friday.  The full Festival Line-up of Artists and Daily Set Schedules will be posted soon our Schedule page.

Festival founder Phillip Akemon and our artists look forward to welcoming bluegrass music back to Stringbean Park and Eastern Kentucky for the 27th year of our festival next year in June 2024.  

How Sweet It Is!   Ya'll come!!