The International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky will host a reunion for members of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys along with their annual gathering of bluegrass pioneers during ROMP (River of Music Party), scheduled for June 23-26. The Recognition Ceremony will take place June 24 during The Legends Concert, which will feature Doc Watson and The Dillards. Fifty-eight legendary musicians are already confirmed to participate in the events, with more reservations coming in daily. To see who’s attending, go to www.bluegrassmuseum.org and click on “ROMP.” The annual flagship festival is an excellent opportunity to see many of your musical heroes in one place at one time, jam and visit with the greats, hear 35-40 top bands, and yes, help the museum. 

In other museum news, guitarist Ernie Evans (of Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike Band) has put out a national call for established bluegrass artists to assist IBMM through difficult financial times. He is asking each band to contribute the proceeds from one concert either in their home community or as a part of a performance series that will take place at the museum. Bands that have responded so far include The James King Band (Mar 26), Jack Hicks & Summertown Road (Apr 1), Kenny & Amanda Smith (Apr 15), Blue Moon Rising, Brand New Strings, Jeff & Vida, and Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, who will be releasing their new CD soon—the first to ever be recorded onsite at the museum.  Other bands are beginning to make plans to include a stop in Owensboro as they are en route to other destinations. Visit the museum’s website to keep ups with who is performing and when.

So far, all the shows are taking place at the Bluegrass Museum, 117 Daviess Street, inside the RiverPark Center Complex, Owensboro, Kentucky 42301. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved in advance by calling the museum at 270-926-7891. Seating is limited to 75 for each event. All shows will begin at 7 p.m. and will last 75-90 minutes. Refreshments will be served and everyone can tour the museum and sell their artist merchandise, as well.  Please help make this series a success by attending and by telling everyone you know.