Music of the mountains returning to Morristown

In the 1940s, a pioneer out of Kentucky named Bill Monroe – joined by his Blue Grass Boys – created a sound that would come to epitomize the Appalachian regions of the Southern United States Driven by Monroe’s cohorts Lester Flatts and Earl Scruggs, who became legends in their own right, the signature sounds of Bluegrass borrowed from Irish ballads, blues and jazz as well as traditional dance towns.

Played exclusively – at least in the early days – on acoustic instruments like fiddle, upright bass, banjo, mandolin and guitar, the genre emphasizes mastery of your instrument and the ability to improvise within the confines of the group. Vocals often emphasize a high reedy sounds, that creates a lonesome wail, appropriate for life in the high mountains.

Despite that high lonesome sound, Monroe called bluegrass the friendliest music in the world. “Bluegrass has brought more people together and made more friends than any music in the world,” he said. That friendly but lonesome sound will return to the Farmers Market and Green in Downtown Morristown for the Fourth Annual Bluegrass Festival.

On Saturday May 2, the grass of the Downtown Green will be distinctively blue as from noon to 7 p.m. the area will be filled with food, fund, crafts and music presented by The City of Morristown Parks and Recreation.

But the Parks and Rec Department isn’t just looking for guests to come and enjoy a day of pickin’ and grinnin’ and high reedy tones. Officials are looking for talented artists, skilled heritage crafters, and culinary creators who want to showcase their passion to an audience that loves all things local and handmade.

Parks and Recreation are seeking the following:

• Artisans and Crafters: High-quality handmade goods, from traditional woodwork to modern arts.

• Specialty Skilled Booths: Live demonstrations, heritage skills, or unique interactive talents.

• Food Vendors: Local flavors and festival favorites to keep our crowd fueled.

A “toe-tapping” lineup of musicians is being created for this year’s festival. The department wants the Green to be just as vibrant with the best talent the region has to offer.

Those who are ready to showcase their talent are warned not to wait by secure your spot in one of Morristown’s most anticipated spring events. Apply Online at www.mymorristown.com, or for more details, contact Jennifer Gentry at 423-586-0260 or jgentry@mymorristown.com.