Mike and Mary Robinson (who happen to be the Festival Promoters, sound crew, and MC) got to entertain the Black Prong crowd with their hilarious semi-autobiographical songs and touching Bluegrass Gospel signature tunes. You can easily tell that their experience preaching and working as MCs lends well to putting on a lively show. Danny Stewart, Keith Bass, Sandy Holdman and Cody Nieves did an outstanding job providing the house band for the show.

Keith Bass and The Florida Bluegrass Express closed out the program with their rip roaring Bluegrass style. The band consists of Keith, Laron, April and her daughter Katie. The family harmonies and smooth banjo playing had the fans’ toes tapping.

After the show, multiple jams popped up around the campground three of which were hosted by bands who are playing at the festival. Skeeter Creek, Keith Bass and Scattered Grass each had their own jams giving the opportunity for pickers on the campground to play with the folks they get to see on stage.

Saturday brings the main stage show, a 5k, great vendors and more large doses as Bluegrass Jamming, make your way out to Bronson Florida to enjoy a Bluegrass Picking good time.

The Baileys, hailing from the north Florida area gave a powerful performance. Every time I hear this band I think “wow they are good” which is difficult to do. It’s hard to continuously impress fans but the Baileys just have that drive that keeps the Bluegrass blood pumping.

Fresh off their brand new album Dirt Road, Scattered Grass made their first appearance in North Florida. They flashed their twin harmonies and classic Bluegrass feel that has made them popular across the state. The band has a special kind of charisma that has to be witnessed to understand.

Keith Bass and The Florida Bluegrass Express played for a second day and brought even more of their hard driving Bluegrass smile. It’s amazing how many years Keith has been bringing Bluegrass to the state of Florida but never seems to lose the energy he has that makes his music infectious. While the band can play all the traditional standards, they also mix in popular contemporary Bluegrass songs to keep your ears on their toes.

The night was capped off by a pot luck fellowship dinner and more top notch jamming across the park.

Sunday brings a Bluegrass Gospel songs and I’m sure some tear filled goodbyes and firm handshakes sealing agreements to pick again soon.

Special thanks to Mike and Mary Robinson for having Florida Bluegrass Network at the festival.

And thank you to Alan and Maureen Aulson for their hospitality and effort making this festival a reality.

Seeing a young festival like this has great success and even better people just fills you with hope for the future.