The Earl Scruggs Music Festival honors the life and legacy of American icon and musical legend, Earl Scruggs, who was born in the small Flint Hill community of nearby Cleveland County, NC. It was here in this region, surrounded by a musical family and a host of influences, where Mr. Scruggs laid the foundation for his influential and groundbreaking career. Best known for bringing the “Scruggs style” of playing the 5-string banjo to the world, he crossed musical boundaries and collaborated with artists across musical genres, creating an innovative body of work during his lifetime.

Bringing the best of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music together with fans who have a true appreciation for the music, the Earl Scruggs Music Festival is a multi-day celebration of Mr. Scruggs’ incredible contributions and the rich musical culture of the region.

The Earl Scruggs Music Festival is presented in partnership by the Earl Scruggs Center, a museum and cultural center located in Shelby, NC, and WNCW 88.7 radio station at Isothermal Community College, the greatest advocate of roots music in Western North Carolina. The inaugural festival will take place Labor Day weekend 2022 at the impressive Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC. This unique venue set at the foot of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains offers onsite camping, lodging, restaurants, experiences, and much more.

GENERAL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

Thursday:
6:00 to 9:00
Free concert onsite, restaurants open

Friday:
10 am – 12:30am

Saturday:
10:00 am – 1:00am

Sunday:
10:30 am – 7:00 pm

Gates Open
8:00am each morning

Schedule of Events:

Friday, September 1, 2023

FRIDAY : FLINT HILL

3:00pm-3:15pm: Welcome: J.T. Scruggs & Jerry Douglas

3:15pm-3:30pm: Banjo Blowout w/ Pete Wernick & Friends

4:00pm-5:00pm: Sister Sadie

5:30pm-7:00pm: The Earls of Leicester

7:30pm-9:00pm: Del McCoury Band

9:30pm-11:00pm: Infamous Stringdusters

*All artist schedules subject to change

FRIDAY : FOGGY MOUNTAIN

Presented by Come Hear NC

10:00am-11:30am: BRNHA* Fine Tuned Project
*Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Project

11:45am-12:15pm: The Wilder Flower

12:45pm-1:45pm: ETSU* Bluegrass Pride Band
*East Tennessee State University

2:00pm-3:00pm: Ages Past

4:00pm-5:00pm: Pretty Little Goat

5:30pm-6:30pm: Jake Blount

7:00pm-8:00pm: Henhouse Prowlers

8:30pm-9:30pm: Shawn Camp

10:30pm-12:00 am: Foggy Late Night: Armchair Boogie

*All artist schedules subject to change

FRIDAY : LEGENDS WORKSHOP

11:00am-12:00pm:  Secrets of Scruggs Style
“Secrets of Scruggs Style,” featuring Tony Trischka, the long-time Scruggs friend and banjo educator. Top-rank five-string men Charlie Cushman, of the Earls of Leicester, and Pete Wernick, co-founder of Hot Rize, will join Trischka in illuminating the basis of Scruggs’s revolutionary style, its fire and its subtleties. For absorbing the mind-boggling inner architecture of Scruggs’s playing, it’s the best show in town. Thomas Goldsmith brings ‘em on.

12:30pm-1:30pm: Bluegrass: Big Shows. Big Future?
Acts such as the Del McCoury Band and the Infamous Stringdusters, display hardcore bluegrass ties as well as counterculture appeal, as they draw big festival crowds and new fans. What’s coming next? Rob McCoury and Ronnie McCoury, and Deanie Richardson from Della Mae will discuss what the trend means for the music, the musicians and the fans. Thomas Goldsmith moderates.

*All artist schedules subject to change

Saturday, September 2, 2023

SATURDAY : FLINT HILL

11:45am-12:00pm: Welcome: J.T. Scruggs

12:00pm-1:00pm: Tony Trischka: From Flint Hill to the World; A Tribute to Earl Scruggs

1:30pm-2:30pm: Tray Wellington Band

3:00pm-4:00pm: Darin and Brooke Aldridge

5:00pm-6:00pm: Jon Stickley Trio

6:30pm-7:30pm: Jerry Douglas

8:00pm-9:00pm: Della Mae

9:30pm-11:00pm: Greensky Bluegrass

*All artist schedules subject to change

SATURDAY : FOGGY MOUNTAIN

10:00am-10:30am: PacJAM Ramblers

10:45am-11:15am: The Biscuit Eaters

11:30am-12:00pm: Newfound Gap

12:30pm-1:30pm: Into the Fog

2:00pm-3:00pm: Pete Wernick

3:30pm-5:00pm: The Earl Scruggs Revue Tribute Album: Live! From Austin City Limits featuring Tony Trischka Band & Friends

6:00pm-7:00pm: Zoe & Cloyd

7:15pm-8:30pm: I Draw Slow

8:45pm-10:30pm: Twisted Pine

11:00pm-12:30pm: Foggy Late NIght: Della Mae

*All artist schedules subject to change

SATURDAY: LEGENDS WORKSHOP

11:30am-12:30pm: High Lonesome Songs: Then & Now
Tunes written by bluegrass founders Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers became crucial to a distinctive, self-sustaining identity for the new music style. Thomas Goldsmith and award-winning songwriter/educator Louisa Branscomb chair a lively discussion as contemporary songwriting stars Jon Weisberger and Celia Woodsmith explore themes that made early bluegrass songs memorable, and the elements and influences that have since shaped the tunes.

1:00pm-2:00pm: Earl Scruggs: Music Man from the Piedmont
Our festival honoree didn’t just grow up and develop his style in Cleveland County. Earl Scruggs also felt a lifelong connection to the kinfolk, communities and countryside there and still shows up in the region’s best stories. With Earl’s nephew J.T. Scruggs, his friend Dean Jenks, veteran bluegrass journalist Penny Parsons and ESMF all-star Jerry Douglas. Thomas Goldsmith moderates the story fest.

*All artist schedules subject to change

Sunday, September 3, 2023

SUNDAY : FLINT HILL

12:15pm-1:30pm: Rissi Palmer

2:00pm-3:15pm: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

3:45pm-5:00pm: The Jerry Douglas Band

5:30pm-7:00pm: Emmylou Harris

*All artist schedules subject to change

SUNDAY : FOGGY MOUNTAIN

10:30am-11:30am: Gospel Brunch with Darin & Brooke Aldridge

12:00pm-1:00pm: Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth

1:30pm-2:30pm: The Blue Ridge Girls

3:00pm-4:00pm: The Foreign Landers

4:30pm-5:30pm: Zoe & Cloyd
 
7:00pm-8:00pm: Reedy River String Band

*All artist schedules subject to change

SUNDAY: LEGENDS WORKSHOP

1:00pm-1:45pm: Jerry Douglas: World-class Innovator
Resonator guitar standard-setter Jerry Douglas grew up on straightforward bluegrass and the influence of Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt and dobro man Josh Graves. But like his mentor Scruggs, Douglas developed a striking new approach to his instrument. He’s come to excel in mainstream country, advanced jazz, songwriter folk, Celtic music, blues, and the “new acoustic” style he co-founded. Thomas Goldsmith asks: How did Douglas make all this work and how deep does Scruggs’s influence still run?

*All artist schedules subject to change

EXPERIENCES SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY: EXPERIENCES

7:00pm until 7:30pm: Horse Jumping Demonstrations

Each day in the Tryon Stadium ring (behind Legends), there will be horse jumping demonstrations for festival goers to enjoy. Even if you're not an equestrian, you will enjoy watching these beautiful horses run through their jumps.

5:00pm until 7:00pm: Pickleball Social

- Open courts and no registration required.
- Join your fellow festival goers at Fitness Wide Open and join in our Thursday Pickle Ball Social.
- Players of all skill levels are welcome and paddles and balls are available to use at no charge.
- Pick up games or doubles tournaments are common depending on the turnout.
- This is a great way to be introduced to the game or just meet some fellow players and music lovers.

6:00pm until 9:00pm: Live Music on the Foggy Mountain Stage

- Open to the public and early festival arrivals.
- Seating is limited, bring a chair.
- A festival ticket is not required.
- Featuring live music from:
    -- Reedy River String Band - 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
    -- Pretty Little Goat 7:30 pm-9:00 pm

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Sips & Strings at Legends Club

- Tickets: $20 per person
- Limited capacity: 30 patrons
- Paint a custom music themed design with an expert instructor while sipping some delicious samples of wine while you paint.

Click here for Tickets

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Bourbon & Bluegrass featuring Travis Book at Legends Club Patio

- Tickets: $50 per person
- Limited capacity: 125 patrons.
- Enjoy an evening of live music featuring Travis Book of the Infamous Stringdusters in an intimate setting at the Legends Club. Tasters will sample 4 premium bourbons with tasting notes for each, learning about the different types of bourbon. The event will also feature light appetizers that will pair perfectly with your bourbon. A full cash bar will be available.
- Four bourbon samples provided.
- Light appetizers will be served.

Click here for Tickets

8:00 am - 4:00 pm: Open gym

- Free use of the gym from 8:00am to 4:00pm for all festival patrons without an extra fee.
- Explore the Wide Open Fitness Center at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and stay in shape all festival weekend. The gym features a variety of fitness equipment and space including a full CrossFit Gym, weight and cardio machines and plenty of room for various floor exercises in an indoor climate controlled space.

FRIDAY: EXPERIENCES

9:30 am: JAM Golf Tournament at Cleghorn Golf Club

- $400 per team or $100 per player.
- 9:30 Shotgun Start at Cleghorn Golf Club.
- Join us at the beautiful Cleghorn Golf Club just 4 miles from the festival for a charity golf tournament benefiting the Junior Appalachian Musicians. Sign up as a team of 4 or individually and enjoy 18 holes of golf with fellow music lovers. Registration includes your green fee, cart fee, range balls and lunch. Prizes for the top teams as well as longest drive and closest to the pin. Hole Sponsorships are available.

Click here to Apply

Learn more about the Junior Appalachia Musicians program by visiting https://jamkids.org/

5:00pm until 5:30pm: Horse Jumping Demonstrations

Each day in the Tryon Stadium ring (behind Legends), there will be horse jumping demonstrations for festival goers to enjoy. Even if you're not an equestrian, you will enjoy watching these beautiful horses run through their jumps.

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Trail Rides

- Meet at 8:30 am at the General Store.
- Cost: $95 per person max of 10 people per day.
- Enjoy a Tryon Western Adventure 1 Hour (9:00 am- 10:00 am) Trail Ride. Participants meet at the Tryon General Store where a guide will provide instructions and gear. The trail ride will explore the beautiful wooded trails of the Tryon International Equestrian Center, guided by local experts. No experience is required, minimum age of 10 years old.

Click here for Tickets

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Yoga

- No fee to attend with a festival wristband.
- Location: Wide Open Fitness Gym.

11:00 am - 1:00 pm: Intro to Pickleball in the Wide Open Fitness Gym

- No fee to attend with a festival wristband.
- No registration or additional fee required.

8:00 am - 4:00 pm: Open gym

- Free use of the gym from 8:00am to 4:00pm for all festival patrons without an extra fee.
- Explore the Wide Open Fitness Center at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and stay in shape all festival weekend. The gym features a variety of fitness equipment and space including a full CrossFit Gym, weight and cardio machines and plenty of room for various floor exercises in an indoor climate controlled space.

SATURDAY: EXPERIENCES

10:00am until 10:30am, 02:45pm until 03:15pm, 05:00pm until 05:30pm: Horse Jumping Demonstrations

Each day in the Tryon Stadium ring (behind Legends), there will be horse jumping demonstrations for festival goers to enjoy. Even if you're not an equestrian, you will enjoy watching these beautiful horses run through their jumps.

10:00 am - 11:00 am: Bluegrass Brunch at Legends Club featuring Zoe & Cloyd the Bluegrass Brunch is sponsored by Boyd Automotive

- Buffet with outdoor seating on Legends Patio.
- Price $25 per person.
- 200 seats available.
- Enjoy a gourmet brunch buffet at the Legends Club while listening to a private performance by Zoe & Cloyd on the Legends Stage. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some amazing music in an intimate and beautiful setting with a delicious gourmet brunch buffet.

Click here for Tickets

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Trail Rides

- Meet at 8:30 am at the General Store.
- Cost: $95 per person max of 10 people per day.
- Enjoy a Tryon Western Adventure 1 Hour (9:00 am- 10:00 am) Trail Ride. Participants meet at the Tryon General Store where a guide will provide instructions and gear. The trail ride will explore the beautiful wooded trails of the Tryon International Equestrian Center, guided by local experts. No experience is required, minimum age of 10 years old.

Click here for Tickets

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Yoga

- No fee to attend with a festival wristband.
- Location: Wide Open Fitness Gym.

8:00 am - 4:00 pm: Open gym

- Free use of the gym from 8:00am to 4:00pm for all festival patrons without an extra fee.
- Explore the Wide Open Fitness Center at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and stay in shape all festival weekend. The gym features a variety of fitness equipment and space including a full CrossFit Gym, weight and cardio machines and plenty of room for various floor exercises in an indoor climate controlled space.

11:00 am: Pickleball doubles tournament at Wide Open Fitness Gym

- $5 per player, registration required.
Click here to Sign up
- If you haven’t played before, come learn to play on Friday and get some practice during the open gym. We have paddles and balls. Players come dressed in their own attire. The courts are indoor and climate controlled. If you don’t have a team we will pair you with another single.

SUNDAY: EXPERIENCES

10:30 am - 11:30 am: Bluegrass Gospel Set at the Foggy Mountain Stage with Darin & Brooke Aldridge

- Open to all.
- Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar at Foggy Mountain Stage.
- Brunch Specials offered before and during the gospel set at Rogers Diner.
Seating located in the stage area.
Brunch specials and breakfast available for purchase at Roger’s Diner.

12:30 pm until 01:00 pm: Horse Jumping Demonstrations

Each day in the Tryon Stadium ring (behind Legends), there will be horse jumping demonstrations for festival goers to enjoy. Even if you're not an equestrian, you will enjoy watching these beautiful horses run through their jumps.

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Trail Rides

- Meet at 8:30 am at the General Store.
- Cost: $95 per person max of 10 people per day.
- Enjoy a Tryon Western Adventure 1 Hour (9:00 am- 10:00 am) Trail Ride. Participants meet at the Tryon General Store where a guide will provide instructions and gear. The trail ride will explore the beautiful wooded trails of the Tryon International Equestrian Center, guided by local experts. No experience is required, minimum age of 10 years old.

Click here for Tickets

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Yoga

- No fee to attend with a festival wristband.
- Location: Wide Open Fitness Gym.

8:00 am - 4:00 pm: Open gym

- Free use of the gym from 8:00am to 4:00pm for all festival patrons without an extra fee.
- Explore the Wide Open Fitness Center at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and stay in shape all festival weekend. The gym features a variety of fitness equipment and space including a full CrossFit Gym, weight and cardio machines and plenty of room for various floor exercises in an indoor climate controlled space.

AMENITIES SCHEDULE:

TIEC RESTAURANTS:
Tryon Interntational Equestrian Center offers world class restaurants and bars.

Silo Bar: Th-Sun 3pm-1pm

Rogers Diner: Th-Sun 7am-11pm

Campagna: Th-Sun 11am-11pm

Legends: Th-Sun 11a-11pm

Blue Ginger (Sushi): Th-Sun 11am-9pm

Taco Mundo Th-Sun (near Silo Bar) 11am-4pm

General Store
(Starbucks, Sandwiches, Coffee, and general grocery items incl beer, wine, ice) 7am-11pm

Bears BBQ TIME: 11am-9pm

EARL EXPRESS SHUTTLE:
Friday: 10am - 1am
Saturday: 9am - 2am
Sunday: 9am - 6pm

CrossFit Wide Open Gym:
First floor International Pavilion - Tryon International Equestrian Center offers the Crossfit Wide Open Gym, which includes a game room, workout room, and courts for pickleball and dodgeball.

Open gym (no free w/ festival wristband) Fri, Sat, Sun from 8a-4:00p;

Yoga Class (no fee w/ festival wristband) @ 9a-10a Fri, Sat, Sun (beginners welcome);

Pickleball (no fee for open play; $5 fee for tournament, registration required)

REGISTER HERE

Thursday, Social 5p-8p;
Friday, Intro, 11a-1p;
Saturday, Tournament ($5/player, registration required, we will pair w/ team if you don’t have one) 11a-1p.

More info on Experiences Page and More info at fitnesswideopen.com

Land of Rhythm Kid Zone
The legacy lives on! Our Land of Rhythm Kid Zone offers kid-friendly activities, including face painting, games, an instrument “petting zoo”, and more! Thanks to our friends at @uptownshelby and @landofrhythm: Home of Earl Scruggs for hosting the Kid Zone as a way to celebrate Earl’s legacy and honor his commitment to teaching kids.

We are excited to share his story and passion for music with the next generation! Click the link in our bio for more details. Remember: Children 12 and under are admitted free to the festival with an adult with a General Admission pass!

Kid Zone Hours
Friday: 1pm - 6 pm
Saturday: 11am - 6 pm
Sunday: 12pm - 4 pm

Date:
September 1-3, 2023

Location:
Tryon International Equestrian Center,
25 International Boulevard,
Mill Spring, NC 28756.

Tickets: https://earlscruggsmusicfest.com/buy-tickets-2/

Click here for More Information