It’s become a summertime tradition in Russell County, and this year marks the 22nd annual Lake Cumberland Bluegrass Festival.
Festival organizer Clarissa “Moochie” Hart says it’s hard to believe the event has been around for more than two decades. The festival spent its first couple of years at the Veterans Fairgrounds before moving to the KOA in eastern Russell County, where it has been held ever since.
Admission has changed over the years, from free admission in the early days to paying by the carload and now a more structured admission setup. But Moochie says one thing has never changed—the standard for the music. She says she only books performers she would personally pay to see and sit down and listen to.
Moochie says it’s that quality music that keeps people coming back year after year….
This year’s lineup includes Free Rein, Throwdown Thursday, Rounder’s Station, Lonesome Express Bluegrass, Coal Canyon, Hammertowne, and Blue Highway.
There will be some local connections on stage as well. Rounder’s Station features Jacob Irvin of Russell Springs and Russell County native Benny Johnson.
Moochie says there will be plenty of music throughout the festival and explains this year’s schedule and admission prices.
Putting on the Lake Cumberland Bluegrass Festival is also a family affair. Moochie says family members help with everything from parking cars and working the admission gate to transporting festival-goers by golf cart. And her mother gets involved by making the grand-prize quilt that is given away at the end of the festival.
Moochie also says the festival wouldn’t be possible without the support from numerous individuals and businesses through sponsorships and donations.
And for anyone still deciding whether to attend, Moochie has one final pitch.
And if you’re heading out to this year’s Lake Cumberland Bluegrass Festival on August 21st and 22nd, Moochie has one more reminder—don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs.