The Eureka Springs Bluegrass Festival has announced a change in the headline act for the Auditorium show on Saturday, August 17th, 2013. Due to serious health issues, Jesse McReynolds will be unable to perform. But the show must go on and another Bluegrass legend, Bobby Osborne, will be filling McReynolds' place for the festival. Osborne and his band, the Rocky Top X-press, will now be performing as part of the 2½ hour show.
Osborne is best known for his collaborations with his brother Sonny Osborne in their band, the Osborne Brothers. The Osborne Brothers’ recordings of "Rocky Top", and "Kentucky" were named official state songs of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively.
The Bluegrass Festival kicks off with a Watermelon Social in Basin Spring Park presented by the Eureka Springs City Advertising & Promotion Commission. This event is an open jam and everyone is invited to bring their instruments and join in. Free watermelon & water will be provided.
Thursday through Saturday evening after the music around town, musicians will be having jam sessions at the Guest House International Swiss Holiday Resort at 2015 East Van Buren. Musicians will be scattered around the swimming pool, picnic area and chalet.
Free music starts at noon on Friday in Basin Spring Park. Acts will include: The Clark Family Trio featuring Bill Nesbitt, The Dragon Masters, Gary Allbritton & Friends, Eureka Springs Bluegrass Band, Mountain View Friends, and a return of the Clark Family Trio to wrap up the afternoon.
On Saturday the free music in Basin Spring Park kicks off with the Buffalo City Ramblers at noon, followed by Ozark Alliance, Buddy Griffin & Friends, The Clark Family, Pam Setser and Mountain View Friends, The Dragon Masters and the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band.
Saturday evening at The Auditorium at 36 S. Main Street, a whole host of performers will take the stage beginning at 7 p.m. Acts will include many of the musicians who are appearing in the park. Plus Tim Crouch, Arkansas Red, Ron Landers, Donny Catron, Retro & Smiling, and Spoon Man along with Bobby Osborne & the Rocky Top X-Press. Ticket prices for the show are $17.50 balcony or $22.50 orchestra and will be available at www.theauditorium.org or at the door for $22.50 and $27.50.