Welcome to 

"Bluegrass in the Park" 

at Henry Fork River Regional Recreation Park.  This event is hosted by the Hickory Parks and Recreation Department

 with the help of Warren Yates of Leisure Unlimited, Inc.

Learn to play Bluegrass for free at www.projectsandhobbies.com 

Welcome to 2006 Bluegrass in the Park.  The purpose of this event is to promote and preserve Bluegrass, plus it's just all around good, clean fun.  This event is set up so that local bands perform for a crowd while other musicians gather in different areas close by  to play their music.  Bands will take turns playing for the audience over a PA system.  It doesn't matter if the band is a well known, established band or a new one formed right there on the spot; everyone will get the opportunity to take a turn in the spotlight!  There will be no competition, prizes, or cost for this event; just pure fun for everyone.  

In areas where this type of event takes place, a listener can enjoy one band at a time as they perform whether that band is on stage or just around the corner. It's fun to walk from one band to another until you find the one that you like and then you can decide where you want to spend most of your time.  This type of place is great for meeting people of the same interest whether it is to find a picking partner, learn to build instruments, find a teacher, find students if you are a teacher, etc.  In addition, it's a great place to find a great band for your next special event.  

The park is set up with charcoal grills and picnic tables so you can have a great cookout at the same time you are listening to music.  The area is covered, so the event will take place rain or shine.  There are seven soccer fields as well as a walking track for those that would rather hear their Bluegrass music from a distance.   In addition, there are two sets of playground equipment to keep the smaller kids busy plus there is lots of open space for Frisbee or kite flying.  Sodas and snacks should be for sale and the park is equipped with restrooms.  

It is my intention to make Hickory, North Carolina the capital of Bluegrass Music if the public would like to have it, but it is up to the public to show the interest and get involved.  What can each person do to help?  The answer is to come and enjoy it.  Take this information and share it with other people that share the same love of music.  I have said many times, "If every person in the world that is about to commit a crime would stop long enough to pick a tune on their banjo, the world would be crime free!"

Warren Yates

The Schedule for 2007

These events are on the second Sunday in every month.  Picking starts at 1:00 p.m., bands start open mic at 2:00 p.m.  Come early or you might miss it!

June 10

July 8

August 12

 

               To print off a brochure in order to post this event in your area, (Click Here)

 

 

To read a newspaper article about this, Click Here.

 

All bluegrass pickers and listeners are invited.  Bring your acoustic instrument(s) and join in.  The park has playground equipment for young children and a .7 mile walking track.  There are 46 picnic tables located underneath a shelter, but you may bring your own lawn chairs if you prefer.  If the turnout is good we may need the additional seating!  Concessions should be available; no alcohol is allowed in the park. Picking starts at 1:00 p.m. until the bands get tired.  Come early or you might miss it!

 

Contact Information:  Warren Yates bluegrass3@charter.net ,  Steve Jones 828-324-1200 stjones@ci.hickory.nc.us 

Henry Fork River Regional Recreation Park is located in the rolling hills of Hickory, NC just off of I-40 at exit 121.  The picture to the right is a view of the land just before you get to the park.

The park has many things to do including a walking trail, a playground for young children, and plenty of room for flying a remote airplane, a kite, playing catch or playing with a Frisbee!

For directions, click here

Click here to see a video of the May 23rd drive and music.

Check the weather for Hickory here

 

The picture to the right shows the shelter where most of the picking will be done.  Rain or shin, the picking will take place.

Traditional Bluegrass is an art of playing music with acoustic instruments.  The songs are universal (primarily) so it is easy for a group of unfamiliar musicians to gather and play as if they had played together for years. Bluegrass is often called Mountain Music even though it is popular everywhere.  The songs  often revolve around life in the hills; the good times, the bad times and the emotions that accompany them.  It allows us to live that "old time" life for a short while with out leaving the comforts of home.

Pictures above taken February 28, 2004 by Warren Yates

 

First Jam

Approximately 350 people attended!