WILMINGTON — The Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival kicks off Friday, March 24 at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington.
This is a biannual acoustic music event each March and November celebrating its 26th production this spring. It’s a homecoming of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and fans gathering to commemorate bluegrass, a truly American style of music.
“Our spring 2017 festival is timed out perfectly for our all-star lineup. Sideline and Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show will be at the festival for their very first time, and both have new CDs gaining steam nationwide,” said festival producer Joe Mullins.
Two-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Entertainers of the Year The Gibson Brothers return to the Roberts Centre and they too have just released a new recording with all original songs.
Festival favorites Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out stop by in the middle of the band’s 25th Anniversary Tour.
Flatt Lonesome returns after winning a trophy case full of awards from IBMA and SPBGMA over the past six months.
Festival doors open Friday, March 24, at 10 a.m. with performances by host band and 2016 IBMA Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year winners Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Centerville High School’s Alternative Strings Orchestra; Heidi & Ryan; Sideline; IBMA’s Vocal Group of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year winners Flatt Lonesome; and the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry Dailey & Vincent.
The award-winning talent continues on Saturday, March 25, with performances by The Wayfarers; Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show; Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out; and The Gibson Brothers.
The Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival is an excellent family-friendly entertainment value. In addition to two full days of award-winning music, there will be a Jam Session Central area for pickers and everyone will have an opportunity enter to win door prizes as well as wonderful raffle prizes including a Deering Goodtime banjo, commemorative quilt, and tickets to the Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Bluegrass Classic. An instrument check, food, and various vendors offer value-added extras to all attendees in a smoke and alcohol-free environment.
Ticket sales at the door during the festival begin at 10 a.m. daily — $40 for general admission for one day and $70 for two days. General admission seating for children 16 and under is free with an adult ticket purchase. For more information visit www.somusicfest.com or call the box office at 937-372-5804.
