Florida Bluegrass Classic - Brooksville, FL - Feb. 17 - 23, 2020

Enjoy Great Music

in 

Covered Outdoor Comfort

The Florida Bluegrass Classic has a long history dating back to its early years at Dixieland RV Park in that famous Florida speed trap, Waldo, FL, which Ernie Evans took over in 2013, just as it was about to go broke. Over a period of three or four years, he resuscitated the event, even as the park continued to deteriorate, no longer able to handle the size crowds that were attracted despite being plagued with poor drainage and limited space. As a result, a search ensued and the Florida Classic Park, heretofore primarily the site of numerous dog shows and a Native American pow-wow, emerged. Set on a 50 acre site with a covered pavilion, over 250 RV sites with electric and water, and close to the necessary support systems, The Florida Bluegrass Classic was born five years ago. As the festival has developed, it's lineup, and the nature of the crowd it attracts has become increasingly varied and interesting. This year's lineup promises to offer a range of music from traditional bluegrass through classic country, to the Atlantic City style 1960's pop. Come to this event to enjoy the music, the fellowship, and the warmth of people coming together for a good time of music and fellowship.

The Lineup

in order of appearance - not repeated

Brian Smalley

Brian Smalley will be appearing on Tuesday evening for early-bird campers and ticket holders from the Brooksville region who come over for the evening. His music has been described thus, "Brian has borrowed from folksy flatpick guitar and new-grass as well as a touch of new-age acoustic music. He sings with a soulful, earthy yet energetic voice and his live performances tend to be just that: Lively! For the past eighteen years Brian has made music his sole occupation," These Tuesday shows always offer something new for most of the attendees, often exciting, but always interesting. If you can get to campground early, this show will be a good bet. 

Brian Smalley in Performance

Rodney Parker Hosts Open Mic

Rodney Parker will host Wednesday evening's open mic as well as sing a few tunes with the pick-up country band to be assembled for that purpose. A part of the EMS production team, be sure to say "Hello" and get to know him. 

Tuesday Open Mic

Sandy Back Porch

The Sandy Back Porch band comes from the central Florida, Orlando area of the state where they play classic bluegrass and country tunes, enjoy covering Johnny Cash/June Carter Cash duets, as well as having special purpose programs for Christmas and gospel music audiences. Look for a lively, hard-working band. 

Sandy Back Porch - Folsom Prison Blues

Justin Mason & Blue Night

Justin Mason has been a growing presence in Florida Bluegrass as a member of his family's band and now the name member of his own band, on the road, now, for about a year. Justin is an acute viewer of the bluegrass scene as well as a thoughtful analyst of the music itself. His hard work assisting with Evans Media Source festivals in a range of roles has helped him continue his development as both a band member and the band leader of Justin Mason & Blue Night This will our first view of this band, and we're looking forward to it. 

Justin Mason & Blue Night - 2019 Recap

Johnny Counterfit

The name Johnny Counterfit may give you a hint of what you're in for with this show on Thursday, the opening day of music at the Florida Bluegrass Classic, but there's very little information available on the Internet about this music impersonator/comedian. The Sneak Preview below should give you a hint about why you won't want to miss the first day of this three day musical event. 

Johnny Counterfit - Sneak Preview

David Church

David Church has had a long career in country music, with many years as a cast member on RFD-TV's Midwest Country program. According to his web site, "featured for over seven years."  Performing along with his wife Terri Lisa specializing in covering Hank Williams tunes while also presenting a range of country and bluegrass tunes. His web site emphasizes his and Terri's strong patriotism and their commit to featuring American made products on their merchandise table. 

David Church - Compilation

Remedy Tree

While primarily an inventive, exciting bluegrass band from Florida, centered in St. Augustine, Remedy Tree has appeared on The Blue Plate Special at WDVX, the prestigious roots FM radio station in Knoxville, TN. The band bills itself as "North Florida's progressive acoustic music band," but it sounds like a very good modern band to me. I'm ready to really enjoy this band as a good representative for this change-of-pace festival setting. 

Remedy Tree - All Along

Zink & Company

Corey Zink has recently moved from his home in Massachusetts to become a featured cast member at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. Currently, on hiatus from Dollywood, he is touring with his band, featuring Jesse Brock on mandolin. The band also includes Joe Menzone, a fine banjo player from Connecticut and John Roc, from Massachusetts. For those who ask, "Do ya'll have bluegrass music up there?" the answer will be right in front of you with Corey's fine baritone voice, his song-writing, and his able band. Zink & Company. 

Zink & Company - 1940 Ford

Keith Bass and the Florida Bluegrass Express

Keith Bass

People often think of Florida in terms of citrus fruit and retirement housing, but Florida also ranks twelfth in the nation in number of ranches and head of cattle, according to one source. Keith Bass, in addition to being a first rate regional band leader, is a real cowboy, a ranch manager by vocation. Florida Bluebgrass express is a popular regional band that you'll enjoy. 

Keith Bass & Florida Bluegrass Express - I Loved 'Em Every One

Teea Goans

We first saw Teea Goans at the legendary Music City Roots in Nashille, about ten years ago. At that time she was a pleasant, but not yet seasoned country performer. My how times have changed! Goans has matured into a fine singer as evidenced by the video below. She has released four albums as well as being a featured cast member on RFD's "Country Family Reunion" and "Larry's Country Diner. Her promo material emphasizes her deep connections to traditional country music. 

Teea Goans - I Didn't Mean to Love You

The Atlantic City Boys

The Atlantic City Boys return to the Bluegrass Classic by popular demand with their high energy, audience-centered, Las Vegas style show featuring music a la Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Join the fun for this fine show which, at first, might seem out of place, but quickly finds its groove with the Bluegrass Classic crowd. 

The Atlantic City Boys - Official Promo

Kenny & Amanda Smith

Kenny Smith,  awarded IBMA Guitar Player of the Year and his wife Amanda, a Female Vocalist of the Year, team up as a tuneful duo presenting a range of bluegrass and ballad singing with impeccable picking and singing. Theirs is a love story that has inspired bluegrass fans for more than a decade as they have toured together. The warmth of their musicality and their relationship comes through with every note. 

Kenny & Amanda Smith - A Heart That Will Never Break Again

The Grascals

The Grascals began life as the house band in the Nashville's fabled Station Inn in 2004. Their lineage is so deep that bassist Terry Smith grew up working on Bill Monroe's farm. The band also toured with Dolly Parton for several years. While only two of the original members (Terry Smith and Danny Roberts) remain, the band continues to add fine new members. Kristin Scott Benson on Banjo has been named IBMA banjo player of the year five times, while the band itself has won multiple awards and nominations from IBMA, SPGMA, the Grammy's, and more. While retaining their allegiance to The Osborne Brothers and Jimmy Martin, their songs written from within the band continue to attract attention. Harley Allen's great song "Haggard,"  (below) currently tops the Bluegrass Unlimited charts. 

The Grascals - Haggard

Nothin Fancy

Nothin' Fancy has been entertaining bluegrass audiences for over twenty-five years with their combination of humor and very good pickin' and singin' bluegrass style. Leader Mike Andes continues to write strong songs, while adding a new generation of traditional music with the Cox brothers, Caleb, also a fine writer, and James. Chris Sexton, on fiddle brings the seriousness of a classically trained violinist to the often silly clowning to create a delightful mixture, which fans across the country and abroad continue to find enjoyable and interesting. Good fun!

Nothin' Fancy - Every Now and Then

Doug Stone

Doug Stone is primarily a baritone, ballad singer, working in the neotraditional country sound. He debuted in  1990 with a self-titled album. The single "I'd Be Better Off (In a Pine Box) spent twenty-six weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, topping at #4. He has released thirteen albums as well as the same number of videos, and has been featured in one film. During his career, Stone has had six #1 singles. Recently, Doug Stone has toured in a "Reliving the 90's Tour" Look for an enjoyable dish of country nostalgia. 

Doug Stone - I'd Be Better Off (In a Pine Box)

Jo Odum - MC

Jo Odum, a retired Georgia English teacher (but don't tell anyone) is a deeply experienced, knowledgable, and professional stage mistress of ceremonies at many Evans Media Source events in Florida and Georgia. She keeps events running smoothly, reminds the audience of upcoming events, points out the valuable contributions of the food and craft vendors, and maintains loose but effective order. Make sure you get to know her.

Ted Lehmann's Florida Bluegrass Classic Playlist

This is a Spotify Playlist for you to Sample More of the Artists' Work

The Details

In order to plan your time at the Bluegrass Classic, click for the Complete Schedule

Classic Car Show - Saturday Morning

Food Vendors

A variety of food and craft vendors supply food and some festival shopping delights.

Tickets: Tickets to the Florida Bluegrass Classic cost:

Thursday - $25.00

Friday - $30.00

Saturday - $35.00

Weekend Pass - $85.00

RV Camping

Camping: The Florida Bluegrass Classic is held on a large plot used for a variety of events within a few miles of Brooksville, FL  near exit 301 of I-75 heading west to Lockhart Rd. The site is topped by a covered building where most activities are held. The expansive campground has over 250 RV sites with electric and water as well as bathroom facilities with flush toilets and hot water. Camping Rates are:

30 Amp Electric - $27.00

50 Amp Electric - $32.00

Dump Station: Free

There is a three night minimum for campers.

Rough Camping

To Obtain Tickets or Camping Reservation: Call (386) 385-3500

Bring Your Own Seat - No High Back Seats!

Location: The Florida Bluegrass Class is located at the Florida Classic Park. Here's the address:

Florida Classic Park, Inc.

5360 Lockhart Rd

Brooksville, FL 34602

Ernie Evans

Sertoma Bluegrass Festival 2019 - March 20 - 24 - Preview

Evans Media Source will present its Spring Bluegrass Festival at Sertoma Youth Ranch from March 20th - 24th, 2019. Featuring a strong lineup of sell known national bands including this year's IBMA Entertainer of the Year, Balsam Range, some of Nashville's finest, and lots of great bluegrass music from across the spectrum. Held on the Sertoma Youth Ranch, located at 85 Myers Road, just outside Brooksville, FL, the site is a well-shaded grove of live oak trees equipped with hot showers, a covered performance shed, a first rate snack bar, as well as a range of food and craft vendors. Come early to enjoy the fellowship, jamming, and early activities as well which are always a feature of Ernie and Deb Evans festivals.

The Lineup

Balsam Range

Twice IBMA Entertainer of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year, Balsam Range offers a range of musical treats from haunting ballads to heartfelt gospel to driving rock with joy and conviction. One of the two of three finest bands currently touring, they have forged a huge record of accomplishment in their, for bluegrass, relatively brief twelve your career. Don't miss this exciting band! 

Balsam Range - Hobo Blues

Nothin' Fancy

Nothin' Fancy has grown its music, reduced its once trademark clowning, and broadened its repertoire as it has moved into the top ranks of hard-touring, extremely popular bluegrass bands. While they have foresaken some of the comedy and reduced their reliance on Country Gentlemen covers, they have grown musically at every position, Their recordings have received increasing amounts of serious airplay while they have maintained and grown their core audience. Always fun!

Nothin' Fancy - The Footsteps That I Follow

The Grascals

The Grascals have been one of the most energetic and enjoyable traditional bluegrass bands touring for nearly twenty years, now. From minute to minute they can tear your heart out and make you laugh while showing remarkable instrumental versatility; Kristin Scott Benson on banjo has been named IBMA Banjo Player of the Year four times. They owe much of their sound to vintage Osborne Brothers music, while remaining instantly recognizable. They hit the stage with high energy, maintaining their drive and musicality throughout their performance. Welcome them back to EMS shows this year. 

The Grascals - Windy City

Don Rigsby

Since his early years with The Lonesome River Band, Don Rigsby's tenor voice has been one of the most recognizable in bluegrass. His performance in January with his current band was filled with energy, fine singing, and solid emcee work by Rigsby himself. As a music educator for many years at Moorehead State in Kentucky, as a singer and instrumentalist, and as a force in the music, Rigsby has stood firmly and proudly for traditional musical values of bluegrass music. 

Don Rigsby - Daddy Was a Moonshine Man

Donna Ulisse

Donna Ulisse has grown into a powerhouse performer! Her versatility as a song writer has morphed into a series of well attended workshops as stand-alone events where she works with nascent and experienced writers to grow themselves. Her performances on stage have grown from tentative to extraordinary as she takes the stage with confidence to tell her story in wonderfully melodic songs written with art and delivered with high artistry. Her IBMA award winning song writing combine with one of the most pleasing, mellow voices in any music to deliver wonderful shows. 

Donna Ulisse - Whispering Pines

t

Larry Stephenson

e

After thirty years with his own band and at least ten more with others, Larry Stephenson's clear, bright tenor voice remains undimmed. It seems to come clear and clean from somewhere deep within without ever seeming forced or difficult, as if he just opens his mouth and the notes flow out. His current, very young, band provides strong support with Nick Dauphinais on guitar. Derek Vaden has ably brought his fine banjo and strong harmony singing to the band, replacing the irreplaceable Kenny Ingram. Larry continues to add new material to the solid body of traditional bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music his many fans know and love. . 

e Larry Stephenson Band - Patches

Larry Efaw's Bluegrass Mountaineers - 

Larry Efaw and the Bluegrass Mountaineers are a Kentucky-based, traditional bluegrass band offering lots of fast bluegrass music which will set your feet tapping. Active mostly in the mid-west and mid-south, this appearance will give some people not familiar with his music a chance to get to know him. 

Larry Efaw & The Bluegrass Mount

Darrell Webb

Darrell Webb returns to Sertoma this year after last  years extremely well-received high intensity performance of his wide ranging, powerful music. He brings with him a new band, but with all the old enthusiasm. Darrell grew up in bluegrass. His music reflects the ancient tones as well as contemporary trends in the wider world of music, making him a rich resource for the bluegrass world. 

Darrell Webb - Crossroads

Rebekah Long

Rebekah Long brings her experience as a fine bass player with Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike for several years and as an experienced sound engineer working for Tom & Dixie Hall to forming and touring with her own band. We haven't seen Rebekah on a bluegrass stage in several years, but expect her to show continued growth and maybe some surprises, which very much include loads of talent!

Rebekah Long -I'll Never Make It Home Tonight

Brad Hudson

Brad Hudson, after stints with Lorraine Jordan as well as with Sideline and guest appearances with a number of other bands, has gone out on his own with his own band. He's a versatile musician, skilled on guitar and Dobro and a fine singer. 

Brad Hudson - Brand New Heartbreak

Jo Odum - Emcee

Here's a link to the entire activity schedule for the Sertoma Bluegrass Festival:

http://tinyurl.com/y5dckazj

The Details

Tickets: Four day advanced ticket prices (ends March 1) at $65.00

               Four day at the Gate is $75.00 is $75.00

               Wednesday admission is free with a three day ticket.

               Thursday tickets are $25.00

               Friday tickets are $30.00

               Saturday tickets are $35.00 

               Sunday (morning gospel sing) is free with a ticket

               Youth tickets (age 10 - 15) sell for $15.00 for the weekend or $5.00 per day

                Children 9 and under are free.

Vendors

Camping: Camping with hookups (water & electric) costs $25,00 per night

                  Dry camping is $13,00 per  night with almost unlimited space. 

                  Free hot showers and flush toilets are available.

Nearby Motels: A number of motels are clustered around the Route 98 exit of I-75 (Brooksville). The Days Inn of Brooksville is offering a Special Rate for those attending the Sertoma Bluegrass Festival. It is located 8.3. miles from the Sertoma Youth Ranch

                  

In order to arrange tickets and/or camping call or email Evans Media Sourse at:

               (386) 385-3500 or email: eanddmedia@gmail.com

               Send checks payable to Evans Media Source to:

               119 Clearwater Road, Satsuma, FL 32189

                     

How to Get to Sertoma Youth Ranch

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Ernie Evans

Deb Evans w/Berna Lu Gibson

Promises to be a great show! See you there.....

Florida Bluegrass Classic - Brooksville, FL - February 18 - 24, 2019 - Preview

The Florida Bluegrass Classic, produced Evans Media Source will run from February 18 - 24, 2019 at Florida Classic Park, located at 5360 Lockhart Road near Brooksville, Florida. Featuring a solid mix of classic country artists, first rate bluegrass bands, on a large campground with numerous water/electric (30 amp) sites, and activities throughout the event, this festival offers an excellent change of pace for bluegrass fans, as well as lots of nostalgia for country music fans and twentieth century cover groups. Plan to join the fun at this centrally located and pleasant site. Here's the story:

The Music

Moe Bandy

Moe Bandy is a country singer who reached his greatest levels of popularity during the 1970's. Born in Mississippi, he moved to San Antonio, TX as a child, where he became more interested in the rodeo than in music. He emerged as a major country singer with his unadorned style just as country was moving towards more lush sounding country style developed in Nashville. The nostalgia for "real country" has revived his career and reputation. 

Moe Band - Someday Soon

IIIrd Tyme Out

Russell Moore is the founder and has served as lead singer in IIIrd Tyme Out, one of bluegrass music's most popular and enduring bands for over twenty-five years. The band continues to tour and present traditional bluegrass combined with a range of country and grassed popular music to great appreciation of old and new fans. Now located in Georgia, Russell is a native of Texas. Both sets of roots show and are appreciated in his music, as well as much more.

Gentle on My Mind

Atlantic City Boys

The Atlantic City Boys are a highly entertaining band combining recorded music with their own fine vocal stylings of popular rock and roll music from the sixties and seventies featuring the sounds of The Jersey Boys, Franki Valli, The Beach Boys and other vocal quartets of the period. They are lively, involving the audience in their show and creating a show environment reminding audiences of the days they themselves were younger and more active. Ernie Evans' son appears with one of the touring groups comprising the Atlantic City Boys and appears with them at some of their performances as Ernie's festivals. 

2018 Promo Video

The Grascals

The Grascals emerged fifteen years ago from a group of sidemen appearing at Nashville's Station Inn. The band had an immediate high impact, recording several major bluegrass hits, and earning a number of IBMA awards. Three of the founding members, Terry Eldridge, Terry Smith, and Danny Roberts, continue to tour with the band, while new members have helped to continue the distinctive sound and vibe of this hard driving and enjoyable band. Kristin Scott Benson has been named IBMA Banjo Player of the Year four times. We haven't seen this band in Florida for a few years, so enjoy the show at the Bluegrass Classic.

Delia

Sam Pacetti

Influenced by the Chet Atkins and Merle Travis, Sam Pacetti became a guitar player during his teen years as he came under the influence of the singer/songwriter style. He is recognized for his virtuoso guitar play and passionate songs. He has recently toured in Colorado, as well as playing regularly in and around his home base in St. Augustine. 

Sam Pacetti - Medley of Standards

Buddy Jewell

Buddy Jewell comes from Lapanto, AR, whrere he first learned to play guitar as a young teenager, and came under the influence of singers like Trace Adkins. Jewell was the first winner of singing competition Nashville Star, signing a recording contract with Columbia Records. He also worked in Nashville as a demo singer, recording over 5000 songs. He has had a number of charting singles and one album reaching number one on the national charts. 

Help Pour Out the Rain

David & Terri Church

David Church has been a featured performer on RFD-TV's Midwest Country for some years. He's had several songs chart at Reverbnation and has a busy national schedule of appearances. Along with his wife Teri Lisa, he will be presenting classic country songs, with a particular emphasis on the music of Hank Williams, Sr. He was well received last year at The Bluegrass Classic with a guest appearance. 

Medley - Promo

Michael Reno Harrell

Although I had heard Michael Reno Harrell on Knoxville's WDVX-FM from the porch of our home in New Hampshire, I couldn't imagine who this person was, as he set up for his Tuesday opener at the first Bluegrass Classic...until he struck his first chord and completely captivated the audience for a full hour. Noted nationally as a story teller, he's been featured story-teller at the National Story-Telling Festival in Jonesborough, NC. Combining his wonderful songs with his unique style of story-telling provides a rare treat. He'll be in the lineup on Friday, largely because of the very positive responses he's had at his two previous performances at EMS events. 

The Nickel

Roxeen & Dalrymple

Roxeen & Dalrymple are a folk/bluegrass duo from Nova Scotia, Canada. Some of you may recognize Gary Dalrymple as the mandolin player and hard-working side-kick of the Spinney Brothers. They present a pleasant program, sing well together, as well as mixing easily and comfortably with each other and the audience. 

So Lonesome I Could Die

The Swing Sisters

The Swing Sisters sing close harmony songs from 1940's - 1960's and beyond in a style reminiscent of, perhaps, the Andrews Sisters, whom I remember well. Based in Melbourne, FL, this group looks and sounds like fun. Not to be confused with a British group of the same name. 

It Don't Mean a Thing, If It Ain't Got That Swing

Nothin Fancy

Mike Andes - Singer, Songwriter, Emcee

Nothin' Fancy survived for more than twenty years as a band specializing in strong covers of Country Gentlemen songs, entertaining clowning, and novelty songs written by Mike Andes, as well as Chris Sexton's fine fiddle work which turned out to be broadening and simultaneously funny. A few years ago, after some band changes, they upped the ante, earned a contract with an important bluegrass label, and picked up a pair of brothers, Caleb and James Cox, who were serious about bluegrass and got Nothin' Fancy, too. The result has been a strong move to higher reaches in the bluegrass world. Much of their future will depend on who they hire to play banjo, the one hole remaining. They have already reduced the clowning and improved the music. The next move is up to them.

Simon Crutchfield's Grave

Blue River Grass

Composed of a bluegrass couple from Maine, and a father-daughter pairing who are long-time Florida residents, Blue River Grass brings a group familiar to jammers at Florida festivals to the Classic stage. They'll be fun and tuneful, presenting traditional bluegrass music.

Veteran emcee Jo Odom will keep the festivities moving along. At this time, a replacement for the late Les Sears has not yet been found.

Jo Odom

In addition to the music, a tribute to the military and/or civilian emergency providers will take place on Saturday. Also local Classic and Antique Car enthusiasts will exhibit on Saturday.

On Sunday, Jan Ladd and her team will present a morning Gospel Sing as the closing event of this fine festival.

The Details:

Tickets: You can still purchase advanced tickets at a sale price of $65 for the entire weekend until February 1. After that tickets for the entire weeken will cost $70.00 by phone or at the gate. 

Daily ticket prices are: Thursday =  $25, Friday and/or Saturday = $30.00, Sunday is free.

 Children 12 and under are free with an adult. 

Camping:  The campground is located on the side of a gently sloping hill. There are many campsites available for rough camping, 30 amp, and 50 amp users. A free dump station is available on site and pump outs can be arranged. I advise that RVers arrive with full water tanks, as the pressure is rather low with several rigs sharing each standpipe. Camping opens February 20th.

Electric costs: 30 amp = $27.00 per night (must buy three nights), 50 amp =$32.00

The Site: The performance area features a long covered building with a stage set to one side to provide more seat seats. It's only a few steps to a flush toilet facility. There are a few shaded sites around the perimeter, but most are in the open sunshine, usually welcome at this time of year. 

Vendors: A number of food, craft, and instrument vendors sell and display at this festival. Take time to enjoy some good fair food or to shop for crafts or gear. 

How to Get to Florida Classic Park

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Florida Classic Park

Debi Evans

Ernie Evans

See You There!