MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (GILBERT) -- For lovers of roots music, it’s pickin’ time on the Harpeth River. The inaugural Hoedown On The Harpeth music festival is set to take place Oct. 14-15 on the Hayshed Farm in Kingston Springs.
Hoedown On The Harpeth seeks to preserve and showcase the authentic sounds of classic country. Bluegrass, old time, western swing, & honky-tonking music will be celebrated for two days in an outdoor setting, something festival founder Robert Dunn believes has been a long time coming.
“To me, it’s a shame that Nashville does not have a field festival in Music City USA, especially one that highlights classic country music,” Dunn said. “We’ve got Bonaroo down the road, but it’s not quite to the roots of what made Nashville Tennessee the great city that it is.”
The lineup includes both local names and international artists, with renowned acoustic guitarist David Grier headlining the festival. Other names performing include Leroy Troy, Missy Raines and the New Hip, The Danberrys, and MTSU’s director for the Center of Popular Music Greg Reish, along with his fiddle partner Matt Brown.
“All but two bands of the seventeen are local artists from the Nashville area,” Dunn said.
It is highly encouraged at Hoedown On The Harpeth for festival goers to get in on the picking. Those who bring their favorite acoustic instrument and pay at the gate get $5 off their ticket price.
“I’m just really trying to encourage that picking party atmosphere out in the field,” Dunn said. “This is a good chance for all these Nashville [artists]. They’re usually traveling and never get to be in the same place at the same time, so it’s also going to be in that vein of good friends getting together and picking some music, so they can have fun together.”
From the music to the food and craft vendors, Hoedown On The Harpeth aims to keep the atmosphere as authentic as possible. It is intentionally scheduled to run during the full moon phase, so festival goers can enjoy the natural lighting. A barn dance will take place on both nights, as well as a surprise appearance by a local Harpeth band.
“If you don’t come out, you’re going to miss one of the best festivals that Nashville Tennessee has ever seen,” Dunn said.
For directions and more information about the festival visit HoedownOnTheHarpeth.com.