May 29, 2008 issue
14th Annual Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival
Set For June 21
Performers Include Henderson, The Krüger Brothers and More
Story by David Brewer
The Krüger Brothers and Grand Ole Opry star George Hamilton IV are among the performers who will take the stage at the 14th Annual Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition. The rain-or-shine, family-friendly event is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at Grayson Highlands State Park, near Mouth of Wilson, Va.
Headliners on the festival’s main stage also include the New North Carolina Ramblers, the Harris Brothers, Robin Kessinger and Todd Hallawell, No Speed Limit and Wayne Henderson and Friends. Ten lucky guitar contestants will compete to win one of Henderson’s handmade guitars.
A resident of Rugby, Va., Henderson is a top-notch fingerpicking guitarist and world-renowned luthier with a long waiting list of top players awaiting one of his custom-built guitars. A portion of the festival proceeds will benefit scholarships for the Junior Appalachian Musician’s program that Henderson and Helen White co-founded.
Music will fill the air from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., while the children’s area will feature a number of performers, including lariat rope trick master Doug Smith, a magician, dulcimer lessons, music, crafts and games.
An internationally known country star, Hamilton got his start in 1956 with the song “A Rose and A Baby Ruth,” eventually earning a spot in the Grand Ole Opry in 1960 and fans around the world.
Inspired by the music of Doc Watson and other roots music legends, The Krüger Brothers moved to Wilkes County from their native Switzerland several years ago to be close to their idol and in the heartland of Appalachian music. The band delights audiences with their intrepid blend of bluegrass mastery and progressive acoustic styles.
The New North Carolina Ramblers have their roots in the traditional string music of the state’s Piedmont region, as well as incorporating the sounds of Southwest Virginia. The band features banjo player Kinney Rorrer, co-host of the Sunday afternoon public radio WVTF-FM’s Back to the Blue Ridge.
Lenoir’s Harris Brothers have been making a name with their old-time string band music mixed with blues, country and rock. Kessinger is one of the country’s leading flatpicking guitarists, and he will perform with finger-style guitarist Todd Hallawell. No Speed Limit is known for its hot bluegrass from Southwest Virginia.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and a picnic. Food and drink will also be for sale onsite. Camping is permitted in the park, on U.S. 58 midway between Independence, Va. and Damascus, Va.
Admission is $10 for adults and children 12 and under will be admitted free. There is also an additional $3 charge for park admission.
For full event details and directions, click to www.waynehenderson.org. Click to www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/gra.shtml for park info.
Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Grayson Highlands State Park
Cost: $10 for adults/Free for children 12 and under
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