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Bluegrass musicians and fans from across the region will gather in Owensboro this March for KY Fried Pickin’, a three-day celebration of traditional bluegrass music, jamming, and hands-on workshops.
The event will take place March 19–21 at the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront, bringing together professional musicians, students, and music lovers for a weekend dedicated to the art of bluegrass picking.
One of the most unique aspects of KY Fried Pickin’ is that the event is completely free to attend. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and take part in the many informal jam sessions that take place throughout the hotel all weekend long. Hallways, lobbies, and gathering spaces become filled with the sounds of guitars, fiddles, mandolins, and banjos as players of all skill levels join together to pick.
Since its founding in 2017 by Mark Hargis, Mark Royal, and Kristy Whiteside, KY Fried Pickin’ has grown into a regional gathering for bluegrass musicians. The event has welcomed attendees from over 13 states and two countries, making Owensboro a destination for traditional bluegrass enthusiasts each year.
In addition to the open jamming, the weekend will feature special instructional workshops. Justin Clark of Nashville, Tennessee will lead a Tony Rice-style guitar workshop, exploring the techniques and style that made the legendary guitarist one of the most influential figures in bluegrass music.
A mandolin workshop featuring Mark Hargis, Emily Wilson, Michael Cleveland, and Thomas Townsley will also be offered. Emily Wilson, from Denver, Colorado, performs with the Karasik Mandolin Project, an ensemble dedicated to the historic Lloyd Loar-era mandolin tradition. More information about the project can be found at https://karasiklloydloar.com/.
Grammy-nominated fiddler Michael Cleveland, best known for his band Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, will also participate in the workshop, bringing decades of performing experience to the event.
Workshop schedule:
Tony Rice Guitar Workshop with Justin Clark – Friday March 20th at 3 PM
Mandolin Workshop with Mark Hargis, Emily Wilson, Michael Cleveland, and Thomas Townsley – Saturday March 21st at 4 PM
KY Fried Pickin’ will also feature a One Mic Band Showcase, highlighting bluegrass groups performing around a single microphone in the classic traditional style. Band sign-ups are still ongoing, and the showcase will feature local bands as well as groups traveling from Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee. One Mic performances will take place Friday and Saturday evenings and continue until 10 PM each night.
“KY Fried Pickin’ is about bringing people together through music,” organizers said. “Whether you’re a professional musician, a student, or someone who simply loves bluegrass, it’s a place where everyone can share in the tradition of picking.”
Spectators are welcome to attend, listen, and enjoy the music, or bring an instrument and join the jams happening throughout the weekend.
Event Details:
KY Fried Pickin’
March 19–21
Holiday Inn Riverfront
Owensboro, Kentucky
Admission: Free and open to the public
For more information or band sign-ups:
Kristy Whiteside
bassgal10@att.net
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