Day 53, 54, & 55 of 166 Days of RV Adventures in the Summer of 2026

Sunday, June 28th was the last morning of the Remington Ryde Bluegrass Fest. It was a gospel open jam, a worship service, and then Billy Cox Gospel show. No pictures or videos, because all it did was rain, rain, rain! But the music was uplifting!

We packed up in the rain, never fun! We hugged our neighbor, and new friend Thelma and her 4-legged companion, Ginger. We headed north, again! To get out of Centre Hall, you either have to go way east to Lewisburg or up and over Mount Nittany. We chose the latter! 

Mount Nittany is a prominent geographic landmark in Centre County. It is a vital environmental and cultural symbol for Penn State University and the surrounding Nittany Valley. Standing at an elevation of 2,077 feet, it forms the inspiration behind Penn State’s famous "Nittany Lion" mascot. Nearly 1,000 acres of the mountain are preserved by the Mount Nittany Conservancy, offering over 8 miles of volunteer-maintained trails and multiple scenic overlooks that look down onto State College and Beaver Stadium. We got on PA 64 and took the 21 mile-long two lane state highway to avoid getting on I-80 before we get onto PA 287. You can still see the majestic mountain vistas from this route.

We also got to see the Amish coming from church in their buggies. The first one was all women and girls in an open wagon, as we were leaving our fuel stop. 

The second buggy, pulled over to let a long line of cars pass, on this two-lane roadway.

We had to get on 220, for a few miles. But, before we did we passed an old Texaco sign and a building with newer cars, but old gas pumps and signs.  I learned it is RC Bowman and Sons, a locally owned and operated used car dealership. 

Once we got on PA 287, we followed Larry's Creek for a long time. Larry's Creek is a 23-mile-long tributary of the West Branch Susquehanna River. It is highly regarded for its trout fishing (including brown and rainbow trout), canoeing, and scenic hunting camps. State Route 287 follows the creek's watershed through townships like Cogan House, Mifflin, and Salladasburg.

We went through Wellsboro and made it back to Ives Run. Wellsboro is the biggest town we have seen since we got on PA 287! We are back on site # 64. The same site 

The decal still looks great!

On Monday June 29th, I enjoyed a nice walk at Ives Run. The roads offer great spaces to walk and there is a portion of the lake to view at every turn. Two of my favorites spots to walk here are on the Railroad Grade Trail and the gravel roadway to the primitive camping sites. But, both have been wet, I don't enjoy walking on them in that state.

We enjoyed a leisurely morning after I got back from my walk. It was a day to catch up on cleaning the inside of the rig and catching the heat, from the sun, that we lacked in Centre Hall. It was the perfect "chill" day!

Tuesday June 30th is our last full day in PA until September.  and we headed to Mansfield. We did a Wal-Mart run, laundry and we hit a brewery for a beer and dinner.

Yorkholo Brewing Company opened at 4pm. We hung aound the 20-minutes and we stopped in. Yorkholo, pronounced "York Hollow", is a small artisan brewpub located in the north central region of Pennsylvania called the "Pennsylvania Wilds".  The brewery name comes from the York family dairy farm  established in 1861.  The farm had to shorten its name from York Hollow to Yorkholo due to the number of letters allowed when registering dairy cattle.

Ralph York ran the Yorkholo dairy farm his entire life until he retired and all the dairy cows were sold off.  The name of the brewery was chosen to continue the Yorkholo legacy.  When deciding on a logo that represented Yorkholo and quality, they couldn't think of anything better than the face of Ralph York. Funny, I thought the logo had FDR in it!

The list of beer selections were not as expansive as some other breweries. I loved the mug club mugs. They are made by a local potter in the area. 

Charlie was not sure what he wanted, because they did not have any of their own IPAs on tap. He tried an IPA from another brewery, but it was waaaaaay to hoppy. I suggested that Charlie get the Bungy Blonde Ale and I got the PA Grand Canyon Vanilla Porter. I am becoming quite the porter lover... LOL 

We ordered food. We wanted a pretzel, but it's a popular item and they were out. We settled on boneless chicken wings and fries. The vibe at this brewery was more of a college town. Our bartender and server, were one in the same. Brandon was great at both, he is a college student at Mansfield University.

Tomorrow, Wednesday July 1st, we head into NY for our 60-days there. Stay tuned for more Two Lane Adventures!

Day 52 of 166 Days of RV Adventures in the Summer of 2026

Today is Saturday June 27th. Just as the weatherman had predicted it was a rainy, wet, damp and cold morning. Music was supposed to start at 11:00am, but they pushed everything back an hour. So, after the rain delay, RD started the Youth Showcase with the powerhouse group, Full Steam. 

I finally caught the  correct name for the guitar player of Full Steam, it is Easton Compton. He is the newest member,  but also the oldest at 16! He is known for his work in the youth acoustic duo The Boys From Bristol and now the traditional mountain bluegrass band Full Steam. His playing style is heavily influenced by bluegrass and Appalachian roots music, citing legends like The Stanley Brothers, Reno and Smiley, and the Johnson Mountain Boys. 

Leopold is also the fill-in mandolin player, WOW... he is very good for the "back-up" member! He is a rising young bluegrass mandolin player recognized as part of the "Next Generation" of bluegrass musicians. He comes from a highly musical family and performs alongside his siblings in their family group, the Cattywampus Quartet.

Next up on this dreary day was Caleb Bailey & Paine's Run. Caleb Bailey is a Virginia-based bluegrass singer, songwriter, and front man of the band Caleb Bailey & Paine's Run. Formed in 2021 following the success of his debut solo album Poplar & Pine. 

They are a high-energy traditional bluegrass group originating from Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Their 2022 follow-up album Camille. Camille includes a narrative track detailing historical storms and natural destruction in Nelson County, Virginia. Caleb has also put out popular singles under Turnberry Records, such as "Minneapolis Moline", a bluegrass story song about his Grandfather's old tractor! He teased a song for their second set about the Confederate White House in Richmond VA, "12th & Clay". That peeked my interest, as we just finished the 250th Anniversary of America (the Patriot Tour) with Yankee RV Tours.

As the rain picked up and then wind started to blow a bit, Remington Ryde came onto the stage. They were formed in 2005 in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. Led by guitarist and lead vocalist Ryan Frankhouser. He is widely known for starting the popular annual Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival, at the age of 22. 

The group has spent more than two decades touring extensively throughout the US and Canada. They perform over 100 dates a year and are known for their hard-driving, authentic mountain sound and engaging audience chemistry. They have earned 10 SPBGMA Award nominations, including a nod for Entertainers of the Year. The band includes Mathew Songmaker on fiddle, Richard Egolf on Bass, and father Steve Davy on mandolin and his son, Chance Davy on banjo.

With the rain still coming down, Larry Efaw & the Bluegrass Mountaineers took the stage for their third set of the weekend. I learned today , that they gave up one of their times on the stage for the young musicians that make up the band, Full Steam. 

The leader, Larry Efaw, is a fixture in the bluegrass world. However, his band is made up of several young players. Very good players, but young.

With the rain coming down a bit harder, the Junior Sisk Band took the stage. 

Junior Sisk and his band, Red Camel Collective, are one of my favorites. 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!

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, should be up now, before our dinner break, but her bus broke down. They are on their way, but will be late. Their bus is the third bus to breakdown this weekend for entertainers coming to the Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival. Yesterday, Fast Track and Ralph Stanley II both had bus issues. I am not sure who caught a ride with who after the shows yesterday, but there were a couple of bands that needed rides too!

After dinner break, at 6:00pm, Caleb Bailey & Paine's Run came on stage for their second set. They sang some traditional bluegrass numbers and gospel standards. They mixed in a few new tunes. Included in this set was an original song about United Flight 93, titled "United Flight 93". 

Caleb wrote this song that was released in 2021. He constructed the lyrics directly from witness statements and the inflight communications of the fourth plane hijacked on September 11, 2001 that crashed in Shankesville, PA. 

Right on time at 7:00pm, Remington Ryde took the stage for their second set. 

They did "This Little Light of Mine" and Rhonda Vincent's granddaughter, Faye, came on stage and stole the show!

As it got a bit warmer and the rain has stayed away at 8:00pm Larry Efaw & the Bluegrass Mountaineers came on stage.

There was no rain for Junior Sisk's Band for their second set. 

Heather Berry Mabe is an award-winning bluegrass, country, and gospel singer. Her exceptionally pure, "mountain-clear" vocals, she is the lead vocalist and co-founder of the breakout bluegrass band Red Camel Collective. She was the top female vocalist at the 2026 SPBGMA Awards in Nashville.

At 10:00pm Rhonda Vincent and The Rage took the stage at the Remington Ryde Bluegrass Fest! Since they came here is a rental van, everyone in her band is playing on borrowed instruments! Rhonda Vincent and The Rage is one of the most decorated and celebrated groups in bluegrass music history. Fronted by multi-instrumentalist Rhonda Vincent—frequently referred to as the "Queen of Bluegrass". The band of musical brothers, not literally, but figuratively, is world-renowned for its blistering instrumentals, tight vocal harmonies, and relentless touring schedule (they will be in Vermont tomorrow.)

The thing I find amazing... is in 2021, Rhonda asked Zach Arnold to join the band at just 21! He has been a star on the rise in bluegrass since he first appeared as a member of ClayBank in 2016, when they won the RenoFest Band Competition when he was 16 years of age. He had been working as mandolinist with Sideline since the summer of 2019. Guitar is his first instrument so he should be right at home playing it with The Rage. With a strong and clear tenor voice and a firm grip on many musical instruments, even as a teen, it seems that big things are in the future for Zack in bluegrass. He quickly became her "right hand man". 

All the boys in the Rage left the stage and Heather Berry Mabe came back on stage with her guitar. 

Last year they sang this duet and this year Rhonda and Heather sang it again – unrehearsed, not done since 2025, WOW, just WOW!

Stay tuned for more Two Lane Adventures, bluegrass festivals are done for a while. We have a couple shows planned to see over the rest of the summer, but next festival will be Headin' Home Fest in Hazelhurst GA in October.

Day 51 of 166 Days of RV Adventures in the Summer of 2026 - Graduation and Bluegrass

Today, June 26th, we got to mix bluegrass and high school graduation!

12:00, noon the music started with the Open Mic. We only had Radio Bob and Bill, the accordion man, play some "old timey" music. 

At 12:30, Full Steam took the stage. They are five youngsters that have been part of the kids programs in past years. They are often introduced as "The Future of Bluegrass". It is a title they are proud to honor as they look to continue the music and traditions of their heroes. 

Full Steam comes together from across several states to perform the music they love! The original players all met at the International Bluegrass Music Awards' Kids on Bluegrass program and some came together as a band in 2025 to compete at the SPBGMA band competition. 

They take turns singing lead and all support each other with harmonies and instrumentals to deliver a stage show beyond their young years. On banjo today was Izaak Schwartz (14); on bass, Jerry Ankney, Jr. (13); on fiddle, is Mollie Longenecker (13); on guitar is Corbin Easton(14), and last but not least holding down the chop on mandolin, was Leopold Schwartz (14). Adam Burrows even joined them for one song. Mollie the fiddler was surprised and elated with the accompaniment!

At 1:00pm the Country Gentlemen Tribute Band came on. They are continuing to honor the legacy of this historic bluegrass ensemble by creatively adding the Country Gentlemen stamp to fresh and inventive material right alongside the timeless songs that are known and loved by legions of fans. Mike Phipps was on guitar and lead vocals. He began playing mandolin and singing while in his teens. The first bluegrass band he saw in person was The Country Gentlemen, who performed at his high school. His love of Classic Country Music and the influence of Bluegrass artists contributed highly to his current musical style. One of the more seasoned voices and instrumentalists in the world of Americana and bluegrass music, Darren Beachley approaches music like the wide-eyed twenty-something he was so long ago when he began his career. He was the lead singer and guitarist for Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver he became one of the most recognizable voices in the world.

Lynwood Lunsford is a familiar face to Bluegrass Music. In 2019 he joined The Country Gentlemen Show and has been here ever since. An established songwriter Lynwood has pinned over 100 titles with his most popular "Molly Rose" that has been recorded by Sand Mountain , Jeff Parker and Lorriane Jordan. Eric Marshall plays bass and was raised in an area known for its rich heritage of traditional mountain music. He grew up loving to sing. He and his brother started a bluegrass and gospel band, The Marshall Brothers. Eric has written and recorded over 50 of his own songs. Eric cites his biggest influences as Doyle Lawson, The Bluegrass Cardinals, Lost and Found and of course the Country Gentlemen! Wayne Lanham grew up listening to bluegrass and country music and was exposed to live performances early on with his Father. He started playing mandolin as a teen and over the years has developed his own fluid sound. With the Country Gentlemen being a favorite band while learning to play, his mandolin style was greatly influenced by players like John Duffey and Doyle Lawson. Though baritone is his favorite, singing one of the lower parts beneath a tenor or high lead line to help make a great trio blend is what brings it home and pulls the music together, and it feels great to be able to sing a lot of the Country Gentlemen songs. 

At 2:00pm Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road played another set today. Randy Graham joined Carolina Road today on guitar. He is a bluegrass mandolinist, bassist, and high-tenor vocalist who helped shape the genre's vocal harmonies through his work with The Bluegrass Cardinals. Graham pivoted to playing bass and singing for the elite bluegrass gospel group, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Later, he reunited with David Parmley to form the band Continental Divide, cementing his legacy as a top-tier harmony singer.

Adam Burrows joined in for a two fiddle tune. He is a highly accomplished bluegrass and traditional old-time fiddle player and vocalist. Known for his high tenor to deep bass vocal range and energetic "sawing" fiddle style, he is a prominent performer on the bluegrass festival circuit.

At 3:00pm, Gail Towle's and Patty Steven's favorite Bluegrass Band came on stage, Nothin' Fancy. They are a highly celebrated, award-winning bluegrass band formed in 1994 in Virginia. They are renowned across the acoustic music community for their intricate vocal harmonies, stellar instrumentation, lighthearted stage humor, and their distinctive bright yellow tour bus. Over their decades-long career, they have released over 10 full-length albums and have earned the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) "Entertaining Group of the Year" award six times.

Mike Andes began performing publicly at age 14. Mike will tell you his music ability is God-given. He plays by ear and has never had any lessons or professional training. In 1994, was a founding member of Nothin’ Fancy. Mike always wanted a full-time career in music and Nothin’ Fancy has given him the opportunity to fulfill this goal. During his time with Nothin’ Fancy, Mike has been nominated for Mandolin Player of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Individual Entertainer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year through the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA). Multi-instrumentalist Chris Sexton is usually seen with a fiddle, and sometimes contributes to the vocals. He debuted with the band in 1998. He appeared as a guest on the band's second and third self-released albums and joined the band in the summer of 2000. Although his first instrument was a mandolin, Chris soon focused his energies on the violin. Throughout middle and high school, he grew as a violinist in symphony orchestras, the All-Virginia Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Apprenticeship Program, while keeping his bluegrass roots. 

Jacob Flick is a student at East Tennessee State University. He is majoring in Appalachian studies with a concentration in bluegrass, and is among a new generation of bluegrass musicians who are pursuing the study of the music in institutes of higher learning. Jacob has been a fan of Nothin’ Fancy for years, and considered playing with Nothin’ Fancy “a dream job” ever since. The crew of Nothin’ Fancy are happy to make that dream a reality! Curt Gausman is returning to bluegrass after a stint off the road with bands based out of Northern Virginia in the 1980s. He enjoyed success as a charter bus tour coordinator operating his own tour bus company until the pandemic of 2020. Curt came to the Nothin’ Fancy festival and delivered some impressive tenor on his audition with strong rhythm guitar to back it up. He joined them at several performances and the responses from the crowd over Curt’s seasoned voice and affable smiles were enough to earn his place with Nothin’ Fancy. Jenkins is the fresh face to Nothin' Fancy and carries the torch of bluegrass music in his heart. Jenkins is an entertainer both on the stage and while hanging out with you in the fields of bluegrass festivals far and wide, and he only asks that if you're going to throw tomatoes at him, remember to take them out of the can first. 

At 4:00pm the Little Roy & Lizzy Show was on stage. They are a highly energetic, award-winning bluegrass, gospel, and country music group based out of Lincolnton, Georgia. Formed in 2009, the band is fronted by legendary multi-instrumentalist Little Roy Lewis and virtuoso vocalist & musician Lizzy Long. 

Little Roy Lewis is a bluegrass icon who played for 58 years with his family's legendary group, The Lewis Family ("The First Family of Bluegrass Gospel"). He is a master of the banjo, guitar, and autoharp, and is inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. Lizzy Long is the daughter of Little Roy. She is a multi-Dove Award-winning vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who plays fiddle, banjo, guitar, autoharp, bass, and mandolin. Mentored by bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs, her solo album Blueberry Pie peaked at number two on the Billboard bluegrass chart.

Every member of their band are multi-instrumentalists... just look at these pictures!

After the dinner break, the second set for the Country Gentleman Show, had the guys all dressed up! Our friend, Billy Lee Cox, joined them for a song. He is an award-winning bluegrass musician and National Banjo Champion. He is recognized for his driving 5-string banjo style. Making it his career didn’t happen until after a stint in the Air Force. He got a gig playing with Chief Powhatan, one of the most colorful bluegrass acts of the 1970s and ’80s. Billy learned a great deal watching the Chief, as a natural entertainer. He is best known for his 15-year tenure touring with the prominent bluegrass band Remington Ryde. That explains his love of this festival!

Lorraine Jordan & Country Grass played tonight, since their set was rained out last night! It is their take of classic country hits with a little bluegrass flair. 

Modern technology also allowed us to watch our granddaughter in NY graduate! Congrats Natalee! You are destined for great things!

Graduating from a small school is so cool, because they highlight each student! Grandpa and I counted 7 or 8 awards and scholarships! Way to go, kiddo!

Watching this BIG moment in her life was awesome!

I loved the candles representing the class of 2026 and their bright futures!

Each senior "signed off" from high school in their senior video!

Larry Efaw & Bluegrass Mountaineers were up next. Larry is the promoter of this festival. They are an acclaimed traditional bluegrass band known for keeping the authentic, hard-driving "mountain sound" of first-generation bluegrass alive. Deeply rooted in the style of the Stanley Brothers, the band represents multiple generations of the Efaw family, who originally brought their musical heritage from Appalachia up into Ohio. They have nearly a fifty-year history. 

The band was started by Larry’s Dad, the late Ed Efaw. Larry grew up immersed in the music and first took the stage with his father's band at just 10 years old. Larry’s grandson, Chris Wilcox keeps the family tradition alive as the band’s guitar player. He has also started singing a few leads!

The sky was on fire tonight! 

Nothin' Fancy came out for their second set. 

They did a few "old tunes" but focused this set on some of their newer releases.

The last act up tonight at 10:00pm was the Little Roy & Lizzy Show. 

They are great entertainers and people!

Stay tuned for more bluegrass and Two Lane Adventures!

Day 50 of 166 Days of RV Adventures in the Summer of 2026

Today, Thursday June 25th is day 2 of the Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival. We had a post office run to make this morning and then we chilled with our camping neighbor, Thelma and her four-legged friend, Ginger.

Music began at noon - 1st Act is Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Roads. She is known as the “Lady of Tradition” in the Bluegrass community. She has made an indelible mark not only on North Carolina music culture, but within the greater Bluegrass culture. To say Lorraine is an original would be the understatement. She not only thinks outside of the box, she builds new boxes. She was behind "Back to the Well,” the 2006 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Recorded Event of the Year. She also was awarded the Society for Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America’s (SPBGMA) “Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year,” 2015. Success is a way of life for Lorraine Jordan. It’s all about a drive and determination that has taken her from the local music scene in Eastern North Carolina to the Grand Ole Opry stage and stellar performances in 40 states and 13 countries. She’s also determined to make your next event a success.

To say she is a chart topper, is an understatement. She has had three #1 hits on Bluegrass charts; the latest “True Grass” stayed at #1 an astounding four consecutive months and on the charts for nearly a year-and-a-half. Also four straight months at #1 with the hit single "Bill Monroe's Ol Mandolin" on the National Bluegrass Chart. She produced and performed the successful collaborative recording “Country Grass,” which featured such legendary greats as John Anderson, Lynn Anderson, Jim Ed Brown, John Conlee, Crystal Gayle, Lee Greenwood, The Kentucky Headhunters, Michael Martin Murphey, Eddy Raven, Marty Raybon, Ronnie Reno, and TG Sheppard.

Lorraine’s handpicked Carolina Road band is comprised of well-known musicians: Ben Greene, banjo; Warren Blair, fiddle & bass vocals; Kevin Lamm, bass fiddle; Allen Dyer, guitar; and Tim Tew, dobro. They all have played with a “Who’s Who” in the industry, including Charlie Moore, The Bluegrass Cardinals, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, James King, Lost & Found, David Parmley & Continental Divide, and Don Rigsby, to name just a few. Their stellar musicianship and versatility ensure award-winning powerhouse performances of every song. 

The 2nd act up was the Kody Norris Show. Whatever you do, don't call The Kody Norris Show 'retro'. They ain’t retro. They have something different. They have something uniquely theirs. They have something that makes them stand out. While the reigning SPBGMA Entertainers of the Year are known for the rhinestones that shine from their lapels and the fringe that hangs from their collars seem to conjure up memories of times gone by, The Kody Norris Show are very much directing their gaze forever forward.

Their latest project, "Spirit of America" releases tomorrow. They played several singles including “Purple Heart,” and more!

Besides Kody, the quartet is made up of Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, Kody's wife and "sweetie," who drives the band's rich sound on the fiddle and mandolin. Charlie Lowman, known as "Cousin Charlie," holds down the rhythm on the upright bass and offers lead vocals on some songs. The youngest member of the group, who provides banjo picking and vocal harmonies, is Jim Hensley. The 14-year-old musician officially joined the band in January 2026 after filling in for several months following the departure of former banjoist Josiah Tyree. his invitation to join the band came on stage at the SPBGMA Awards to become a permanent member of the group.

The 3rd act up, was supposed to kick off today but bus trouble delayed them. Fast Track is an acclaimed, veteran bluegrass band formed in 2019 following the sudden retirement of long-time bandleader David Parmley. 

Known for a tight, star-studded traditional sound with a modern touch, the group features industry veterans. Their banjo player, Dale Perry, stayed with the bus. So, Ben Greene filled in on banjo. Shayne Bartley was on mandolin; Randy Barnes on bass fiddle; Steve Day was on fiddle and Duane Sparks on guitar. Fast Track are highly decorated within the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) circles and are regular contenders for Best Bluegrass Album, most notably for their acclaimed release, IV.

The 4th act up today was Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys. They are a Grammy Award-winning bluegrass group led by Ralph Stanley II. Yes, he is the son of the legendary banjo player and bluegrass pioneer Dr. Ralph Stanley. Following his father’s passing in 2016, Ralph II honored his father's wishes and officially took the helm of the historic band. Under his leadership, the group continues to preserve the soulful, traditional Appalachian "Stanley style" of bluegrass while successfully infusing fresh, modern energy and original material into their performances. I learned today that one of my favorite songs, "Polly's Revenge" is their song. It went #1 in 48-hours, that is incredible!

Today we had Ralph Stanley II on guitar. He is the leader of the band that is in it's 80th year. He was accompanied by Stanley Efaw on mandolin & fiddle, he is the son of this festival's promoter, Larry Efaw. John Golden was filling in on bass fiddle. Curtis Coleman was on banjo, he used to play with Larry Efaw and the Bluegrass Mountaineers before venturing out on his own.

The 5th act was Lonesome River Band, they were formed in 1982, before I graduated from high-school! They are an award-winning American contemporary bluegrass band originally formed in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. They are widely respected as one of the most influential acts in modern bluegrass music, renowned for their powerhouse vocals, driving rhythm, and tight harmonies.

The band has undergone numerous personnel shifts over its multi-decade history and features no remaining original members. The current group is anchored by veteran leadership and immense instrumental talent. Sammy Shelor is the bandleader and banjo player who joined in 1990. He is a 5-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year and a recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Bluegrass and Banjo. 

Jesse Smathers sings lead vocals and plays guitar. He has been with the band for more than 10-years. Adam Miller also sings lead vocals and plays the mandolin. He came to the band in 2021. Kameron Keller plays the bass and joined the band in 2021. On fiddle is Mike Hartgrove, a National Fiddlers Hall of Fame inductee. Over his five-decade career, he has performed and recorded with iconic groups including The Bluegrass Cardinals, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and IIIrd Tyme Out (of which he is a founding member). Early in his career, he also played country music alongside legends like George Jones and Mo Bandy. 

After the dinner break, we were back to the original schedule. Fast Track got their set in before the skies opened up and we had a rain delay. Thank God for friends! I walked back to the RV so we could call Gary & Sheryl back, shortly before the rain started!

It was dark for a while, but then the sun kept peeking through the clouds!

Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys came up for their second set after the rains stopped. It was a shortened set with two songs dedicated to young performers. 

Corbin Easton came up and played a Ralph Stanley II song.

Leo in the red & white cap on the banjo and his friend, I did not catch his name, on the mandolin. They were awesome!

The Kody Norris Show was up next. They shed their "Spirit of America" outfits for my favorite purple and orange set! This full set was just as good as the first one! They are good people, they are giving Fast Track a lift back to Nashville on their bus.

They were setting up for the Lorraine Jordan Country Grass set when the rain came back with lightening. Lightening shuts down the show. I came back to the RV and it feels like the rain has settled in for the night, so have I!

Stay tuned for more bluegrass and Two Lane Adventures!