North America Country Music Association, International’s Country Music Week Begins in Pigeon Forge, TN

Country music fans everywhere anticipate the North America Annual Country Music Week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This event, also known as the NACMAI, begins on March 8th and continues until March 14th. Bluegrass, gospel, and all other forms of country music will be at the event, so no country music fan will be left out. This also includes all fans interested in memorabilia showcases that will allow them to enjoy music from the past as well as current music.

All of this takes place at the Country Tonight Theater. For an entire week, this show is free to the public, but if you want to go any other time a fee is included. It’s an enjoyable event that is appropriate for all ages. Another event in the area going on at the same time is A Mountain Quiltfest, another annual event where over 20,000 quilters gather for workshops and classes at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center.

In addition to any events going on in the area, there are always many other things to do and see in a place like Pigeon Forge. Activities like the Smoky Mountain Picnic and Romantic Carriage Rides are available if one is interested in seeing the scenery the area offers with their family or significant other. For those interested in a bird’s eye view, there is breathtaking scenery from the view of a helicopter on the Helicopter Rides in the Smokies.

Musical Magic in Nashville, TN

A brand new sensation has opened up at the Grand Ole Opry.  Pickin’ and Grinnin’ featuring Mike Snider from the legendary HEE HAW is the comedic new show at the Opry. Snider will be performing his very own hilarous musical classics such as “The Fur Coat” and “Born to Shop.” In addition to the music and storytelling, there will also be magic. Magician Scott Cantrell goes on after Snider to amaze the audience with his performance. The show is sure to be an experience worth remembering. 

In addition to Pickin’ and Grinnin,’ the Grand Ole Opry has Opry Country Classics. The history of country music is turned into a live performance where country music favorites will be performing time honored classics for the audience. New and old country stars will be bringing joy to everyone in the Opry with their beautiful performances. 

The historic Ryman Auditorium where the Grand Ole Opry traditions began has the show Ryman Bluegrass Nights where bluegrass music is played and honored as we first got to know it in 1945. Current performers of bluegrass will be playing at Ryman Bluegrass Nights.

Nashville Hosts World of Bluegrass

It is time to plan ahead for your visit to Nashville for the International Bluegrass Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee. Fans of bluegrass music from all around the world will be coming to Nashville to celebrate the past year in bluegrass music.

The World of Bluegrass will be taking place in Nashville from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4. The week of celebration features three major events. One aspect of the event is the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Business Conference, which will be Sept. 28 to Oct. 1.

The two biggest events of the weeklong festival are the International Bluegrass Music Awards Show and the Bluegrass Fan Fest. The awards show will be at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 1. This year’s show will be hosted by Kathy Mattea. The awards show features live performances, tributes, and more in celebration of the world of bluegrass music. The Bluegrass Fan Fest is Oct. 2 to 4 at the Nashville Convention Center. The three day festival is focused on everything bluegrass. More than 60 artists will be performing over the three-day span, and there are also an exhibition hall, prizes, a fiddler championship, and a workshop stage.

The World of Bluegrass is a must-see event for fans of bluegrass music and anyone who just loves a good time with good music and is an annual attraction that draws thousands of visitors to the streets of Nashville.

Lodging is sure to go quickly as fans have already began reserving rooms close to the Nashville Convention Center and Ryman Auditorium, so if you are planning to go to this event, book your lodging quickly! We offer lodging options throughout Nashville, including many options near the Nashville Convention Center and Ryman Auditorium.

Fun Ideas For Your Summer in the Music City

No one questions that the Grand Ole Opry is the biggest music event in Nashville, TN, if not the country. But Nashville offers more than just the Grand Ole Opry to quench your thirst for music. Listed below are a few other places to check out on your summer visit to the Music City.

Tribute to the King

The King lives on on Nashville, TN with this tribute to one of the most cherished performers in music history! Award-winning performer John Beardsley does the King justice wtih his stunning reenactment of Elvis Presley’s musical career, which included dozens of world-famous songs over a span of 25 years. Beardsley sings about 30 of these songs, much to the acclaim of critics and fans from all over the globe. Don’t miss out on this truly unique experience to re-live the marvelous years of the one and only King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Ryman Bluegrass Nights

This year’s bluegrass series takes place every Thursday night from June 25 through July 30. The six-week event already has its list of scheduled performers for each evening:

June 25 – Doyle Lawson & Quiksilver; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
July 2 – Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
July 9 – Rhonda Vincent & The Rage; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
July 16 – Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys; Jim Lauderdale
July 23 – The Dan Tyminski Band; Steep Canyon Rangers
July 30 – Dailey & Vincent; The SteelDrivers

The biggest stars in the bluegrass genre are prepared to showcase their many talents with this six-concert series at Ryman Auditorium.

Opry Country Classics

The newest addition to the Grand Ole Opry show, Opry Country Classics allows you to take a step back in time for an evening listening to some of the greatest songs from the most beloved artists in country music. Your favorite former tunes will be performed by the music legends themselves or by some of the genre’s up-and-coming artists. There is even an opportunity for square dancing. For added enjoyment, look into getting the Opry Country Classics / Grand Oly Opry combo ticket, where you’ll receive admission to both events.

Fun June Festivals in Gatlinburg

While Gatlinburg offers fun activities and entertainment year round, the summer festivals featured in the city are a great reason to visit. You can visit these events while also enjoying all of the other attractions in the city, which will make your vacation unique and memorable.

A unique annual event in the area is the Smoky Mountain Storytelling Festival. Containing events and features to appeal to visitors of all ages, this festival offers a weekend full of entertainment. The festival takes place June 4-6 and is located at the Country Tonite Theater. Aspects of the weekend include storytelling sessions with professional storytellers, a Haunts and Haints Trolley Tour, and the National Youth Storytelling Showcase. Sure to be a memorable weekend, this festival is a unique addition to any Gatlinburg vacation.

For bluegrass music lovers, the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival is a must-see festival. Happening on June 11-13, the festival takes place at Dumplin Ridge Farm in nearby Kodak, TN. Headliners of the festival include musical acts Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, The Grascals, The Bluegrass Brothers, and Greenbriar. Bluegrass workshops are also planned for the weekend, and an arts and crafts showcase and food vendors will also be on location. This picturesque farm in the Smoky Mountains is the perfect location to experience bluegrass, making this festival a great reason to come to Gatlinburg.

For travelers who are fans of both bluegrass and storytelling, the Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales in Downtown Gatlinburg is a perfect event. This event begins on June 12 and continues for the rest of the summer until August 8. Each night, performers will be placed throughout downtown for your entertainment. The acts you will see range from costumed dulcimer performers to storytellers a clogging act. With many of Gatlinburg’s attractions downtown, this festival will be the perfect addition to a vacation itinerary filled with shows.

We offer a wide range of hotels and attraction options for Gatlinburg that will complete your vacation. Whether spending a day at Dollywood or enjoying the music at the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show, you will be sure to have an exciting vacation in Gatlinburg.

Schedule Your Mt. Rushmore Trip During the Annual Black Hills Bluegrass Festival

While the terrific natural beauty of the Black Hills is reason enough to visit the Mt. Rushmore area of South Dakota, this June 26 through June 28 offers another reason with the 29th Annual Black Hills Bluegrass Festival. The longest running bluegrass and acoustic music festival in South Dakota, the Black Hills Bluegrass Festival welcomes music fans from all over the world to attend this three-day event.

The festivities begin on Friday evening with the First Night Performer’s Concert. This year’s event already has commitments from such musicians / groups as The Martins, Midnight Flight, Chuck Suchy, and The Greenman Band, plus the dancing team of the Care Country Cloggers. On Saturday morning, the Kids Bluegrass Workshop will provide kids with the opportunity to learn bluegrass music from local musicians. A Saturday afternoon performance is next, followed by the annual bluegrass picnic and the Saturday night performances. Wake up Sunday morning and attend the Gospel Music Show to cap off the weekend.

Of course, no trip to the Black Hills would feel complete without taking in some of the outstanding scenic beauty. So take some time for yourself to explore both the natural and man-made wonders of the Black Hills. The Mount Rushmore Tour offers a way to see both, as you will witness the Mt. Rushmore Monument, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Big Thunder Gold Mine in addition to the beautiful landscape.

The Black Hills Bluegrass Festival only comes around once a year. Act now and schedule your summer vacation in South Dakota during this popular event.