(official event flyer)
I’ve never been down to Cross Plains, Tennessee, for this festival, but I hear great things. Can’t this year either as I have prior obligations, so I’ll try to make it next year.
If you look closely at the flyer, you’ll notice three bands very familiar and involved in Rosine.
King’s Highway, South Union and Ridgetop Ramblers are regulars at The Rosine Barn Jamboree and/or the Jerusalem Ridge Festival.
Seems like King’s Highway has been on the Bluegrass scene here in Ohio County since the beginning of, and maybe even before, The Rosine Project in the early 2000’s.
Band leader Mark Hargis, from Henderson, Ky, has been helping Rosine all this time. He should be appreciated for his contributions to our cause.
And, of course, King’s Highway guitarist and vocalist Josh Johnston is a local, Horse Branch man who’s done well for himself. I particularly enjoy his high tenor harmonies.
King’s Highway bass player Kristy Whiteside, from Fordsville, has played bass for The Caney Creek Gang (CCG) numerous times. She’s always looking for ways to help Rosine.
King’s Highway banjer man Mike Fulkerson has played with CCG as well. He and his wife, bassist Christi Fulkerson, also play with Kenneth & Angie Newell. Mike and Christi live down in Springfield, Tn.
South Union banjer man Larry Hill, from Greenville, Ky, doubles on the five-string with CCG. Larry helps me out at Open Mic at the barn quite a bit, too. I definitely appreciate that because I need all the help I can get.
South Union bass man David Dye has local ties, too. His sister JoNell Woolen sings nearly every Friday night during the Floyd Stewart & Friends segment. I graduated high school with David’s nephew Phillip Dye.
I’m always excited when the Ridgetop Ramblers appear on The Rosine Barn Jamboree schedule once or twice each year. From Ridgetop, Tennessee, they’re a favorite at the barn.
Their niche is taking classic rock songs and playing them Bluegrass style. It’s not all they do, but I consider it their calling card.
Last but not least, right there on the flyer is yet another extremely close connection with Rosine, specifically The Autry Brothers.
Look close! Closer! See it? It’s actually not an it; it’s a him. I’ll give you a hint: Red Jacket.
Yep! There he is! Bluegrass Boy Michael Feagan, one of the best fiddlers around. Mike fiddles with The Tennessee Bluegrass Band now.
How is Mr. Feagan connected to the Autry Brothers? Well, if you’ve heard our 2008 Walkin’ Jerusalem Ridge cd, you’ve heard Mike because he did all the fiddling on that project.
On top of that, he even sang some bass on one track: “Goin’ Up Home.”
Mike Feagan has also played the Jerusalem Ridge Festival with The Caney Creek Gang several times. You couldn’t ask for a better dude.
Someday soon, if his busy road schedule will allow it, I’ll interview him for a blog post feature.
(from last year’s Kilgore Station)
If you don’t know him, that’s Dennis Cook at Kilgore Station 2024 with a lady who won tickets to the Jerusalem Ridge Festival.
Dennis will be there again this year 2025 manning the Jerusalem Ridge Festival booth.
Dennis is Bill Monroe Foundation Chairman and Chairman of The Rosine Association; both are unpaid positions. Nobody works harder for Rosine without compensation than Dennis.
Here’s this year’s Kilgore Station lineup…
(from Facebook)
Well, there you have it! A powerful lineup! I wish I could be there in Cross Plains, Tennessee, Saturday, May 17, but alas, I cannot.
But maybe you can?! If you’re not busy, go check it out! For sure, you will not regret it!