The festival opens on Thursday May 9th at noon. The opening act was a local Denton NC girl, Caroline Owens. She is a 2X IBMA & SPBGMA nominated Bluegrass Vocalist, recording artist for Skyline Records, and publisher for Billy Blue Records.
The 2nd act today at The Malpass Brothers Country and Bluegrass Festival was The Kody Norris Show. The foundations of the electrifying four-piece band can be found within the roots of Kody Norris himself, as an inquisitive youngster from Mountain City, Tennessee. He spent hours sitting in the passenger seat of his Uncle's El Camino listening to The Stanley Brothers. They are the reigning SPBGMA Entertainers of the Year. Their attire is a throwback to the country with rhinestones and fringe. But their sound is definitely bluegrass!
The 3rd act today was The Baker Family. They are from central Missouri and they were on Season 12 of America's Got Talent! They are all talented, but the 23 year old Trustin Baker is a multi-state fiddle champion! Grand Master Fiddle Champion in 2018 and 2022. Also, 2022 Missouri State Fiddle Champion, 2021 Oklahoma State Banjo champion, 2017 Tennessee State Grand Champion, and 2016 Arkansas State Champion.
Junior Sisk and his band, Red Camel Collective, was the 4th act of the day. He is widely recognized as one of today's top bluegrass vocalists and is a constant reminder that traditional bluegrass is still alive and well. his bluegrass pedigree runs deep, influenced by a father who wrote songs and played guitar and a mother who sang. Sisk first learned to play around age 14. His early influences included The Stanley Brothers, Larry Sparks, and Dave Evans, but he often credits the Johnson Mountain Boys with inspiring him to pursue bluegrass professionally. Junior Sisk’s band is Heather Berry Mabe on guitar, Tony Mabe on banjo, Jonathan Dillon on mandolin, and Curt Love on bass. The band pays tribute to the man who brought them together with their name, taken from Junior’s song, The Man in Red Camels. It was a great set!
The first four acts played a second 45-minute set. The final act was the host band, The Malpass Brothers. They are best known as modern-day troubadours who carry the torch for traditional country music. It was a great 90-minute set to close out a great day of music!
Friday was day two of The Malpass Brothers Country & Bluegrass Festival opened with the husband and wife powerhouse of Kenny & Amanda Smith. They are partners in both life and in music. They met at a bluegrass festival in the late nineties. Kenny was playing for the Lonesome River band and Amanda was attending and gave him a demo CD with her phone number!
The 2nd act of day two of The Malpass Brothers Country & Bluegrass Festival was Little Roy & Lizzie. They offer the best of bluegrass, gospel and old time music. For 70 something, Roy sure can play the banjo!
The 3rd act on Friday was Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out. They are regulars on bluegrass radio. Their music has earned them many individual and group IBMA and SPBGMA award nominations including the prestigious IBMA Vocal Group of the Year award which they have won numerous times.
Kenny and Amanda Smith came on again as the 4th act. The 5th act was The Malpass Brothers. They played just before the dinner break. You can't beat their old time country and a bit of comedy too!
After the dinner break, Little Roy & Lizzie, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, and The Malpass Brothers all played a second set. The final act tonight was "the reunion" of The Bass Mountain Boys. The band was formed in 1974. They disbanded in 1996. They performed 2 reunion shows in 2008. This is their first performance in almost 16 years! They did not disappoint!
Saturday was the last day of The Malpass Brothers Country & Bluegrass Festival. The opening act was Cutter & Cash and the Kentucky Grass. They are a vibrant and captivating young bluegrass ensemble deeply rooted in their West Kentucky origins. Flashy describes the dress, for sure!
2nd act up on Saturday is one of my favorites, A Deeper Shade of Blue! They are North Carolina boys, from just east of Charlotte. Deeper Shade of Blue has been together for 21 years and self-produced six albums.
The 3rd act of Saturday's line up at The Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Festival was Authentic Unlimited. This group is composed, in part, by Jerry Cole, Eli Johnston, and Stephen Burwell, all former members of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver's last touring band before Doyle retired. They sure did bring us some great bluegrass! Who ever heard "It's a Wonderful World" done bluegrass style?! Awesome!!
Cutter & Cash and the Kentucky Grass are up for their 2nd set. They played "Dream Lover" bluegrass style, brilliant!
The host band, The Malpass Brothers, take the stage for their 1st set of the day. They are the last band before the dinner break. They are always enjoyable to listen to and entertaining!
Deeper Shade of Blue took the stage after our dinner break for their 2nd set. Their harmony is tight! They ended their set with an acoustic version of "How Great Thou Art." Another great set!
Authentic Unlimited just finished their 2nd set. What a great group of talented musicians! They offer a powerful and energetic approach to bluegrass music. After Doyle's retirement and his blessing and guidance, the three members of this group decided to pick up the torch and carry it forward.
The Malpass Brothers finished their last set. It's amazing, 6 sets over 3 days and not one duplicated song! Three of their little ones joined them on stage for the final set!
The closing act for The Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Festival is Gene Watson and his Farewell Party Band. He has not lost his touch! We saw him a few years ago at an Ernie Evans show in Brooksville. Still just as good! My favorite song tonight was "Old Porch Swing."
Cutter & Cash captured the Northern Lights, one night while they were jamming. I borrowed the picture from them!
We enjoyed 3 days of music at The Malpass Brothers Country and Bluegrass Festival. Talk about a first class line up of music! This festival sure does have it!
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