The Jerusalem Ridge Festival

Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration 2009
Where the Spirit Touches the Soul
October 1-4, 2009

For Information- 1-270-274-9181 docmercer@earthlink.net
www.jerusalemridgefestival.org

 

Dear Friends !
Hello ! This is Campbell Mercer writing to you while sitting in the Monroe Foundation cedar cabin on Jerusalem Ridge, the birthplace of bluegrass music, where the Spirit Touches the Soul.

We hope you all are doing well. We have news for you !

In this issue:

 Band Schedules by the day are printed below! Times of day for your favorite bands will be released soon. Keep tabs on our website for updates and feel free to email us!
www.jerusalemridgefestival.org or mailto:docmercer@earthlink.net

 Note that the motels that are still have vacancies are highlighted in red the motel section below as are the full motels.

 Note that we have a new entry! The Lodge at Rough River State Park is only 25 miles away from Jerusalem Ridge and still has rooms as of today. They tell us the rooms are $ 75.00

 The Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration has been named one of the Top Events in America! Please visit www.topeventsusa.com for more info.
 Note that the man who answers so many of the emails lives in Vermont and is a true blue Bluegrass man.
I asked Andy to put together a list of FAQ or Frequently Asked Questions that he receives from you good people. Please read these questions and answers below. Tell us if they help you!
Back to the big man from Vermont. His name is Andy Berley. He, like so many of our volunteers, comes down to Kentucky (or up) every year and stays for over a month, working to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely. You're likely to see him walking his collie, Benny around the ridge while helping folks in and out of the handicap shuttles, or you may see him driving the Jerusalem Ridge school bus shuttle, or sitting on the back of the stage with headphones on helping to run the TV show audio. If you come in our house any of the 30 + days he is on Jerusalem Ridge, you'll see him reading books to our little boy Joe Carter.. Tell Andy thanks for all he does when you see him. How will you recognize him? He is about 7 feet tall, has a big beard, and a sweet, sweet collie that answers to "Ben".

 As of this week, room for parking and tent camping for the Celebration have been doubled thanks to the Julie letting me purchase the farm next door; the farm will be made available for the public to enjoy during the festival! This farm was originally owned by Uncle Pen's best friend, Clarence Wilson. Clarence played fiddle and banjo, and may have been the first banjo player young Bill Monroe ever heard. Uncle Pen lived on this farm for a couple of years with Clarence and assisted in farm work. The classic and historic picture of Uncle Pen on the front of Bill Monroe's Uncle Pen album was taken behind Clarence Wilson's house in the late 1920's. Julie and I didn't have the money to spare, but we couldn't imagine not preserving this part of the Clarence Wilson Farm. It is a vital part of the story of American Bluegrass.

 We have addresses for you to write to Ralph Stanley's wonderful and loving grandson. As you may recall he was seriously injured in an auto accident a few months ago and is still at home recovering. We pray he will be able to attend this years Celebration. Please send get well wishes to:
Nathan Stanley
7455 Dr. Ralph Stanley Highway
Coeburn, VA 24230

Also, I was wrong about Dr. Stanley's fiddler player, Dewey Brown. He was not injured seriously, but his wife did
break her leg. I understand she and her soon-to-be-born little baby are doing fine. Please write Dewey and Leslie
Brown at
Dewey & Leslie Brown
6583 Mt. Hermon Rock Creek Rd.
Snow Camp, NC 27349

 As I said last time and it bears repeating : Jerusalem Ridge is recovering from the historic ice storm that hit our state in February. It has taken thousands of man hours to clean up, and it is beautiful on Jerusalem Ridge once again. Thanks to James Casteel, Bill Stockton, Kenny Autry for their leadership in the clean up. We'll put photos on the web site soon to show what it looked like in February. Many of us in Kentucky went without electricity for weeks. The TV shows were made under generator power for most of March. As brother Ralph Stanley would say, "The Old Time Way is the only way." We definitely got back to the old way of doing many things and in many ways it was good for us.

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Band Line Up for Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration 2009

Ralph Stanley Fri
Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain Thur
Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers Sat
Ronnie Reno and the Reno Tradition Sat
McCormick Brothers Fri
Cumberland Highlanders Thur-Sun
Phillip Steinmetz and his Sunny Tennesseans Thur Fri Sat
David Davis and the Warrior River Boys Fri
Big Country Bluegrass Fri Sat
Tommy Brown and County Line Grass Fri-Sun
Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show Sat
Larry Gillis & his Hard Driving Bluegrass Band Thur
Ricky Prater and the Midnight Travelers Thur
Sammy Adkins and the Sandy Hook Mountain Boys Sat Sun
Al Jones and Carolina Rose with the Sprouse Brothers Sat
Sullivan Family Sun
Mike Webb and Charlie Collins Fri
Darrell Winkleman and Mountain Echoes Thur
Lilliemae and the Dixie Gospelaires Sun
Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers Fri
Clarence Kelly and Nu Cut Grass Sat
Glenn Bolick Thur, Fri
David Leatherman and the Stone County Boys Fri Sat
Eddie Pennington Fri
Larry and Cheryl Chunn Fri
Vince Combs and the Shade Tree Bluegrass Boys Thur
Kings Highway Thur-Sun
Bressler Brothers Sat
Joe and Mel Johnson with the Autry Brothers Fri, Sat
Davidson Brothers of Australia Fri
Men of the Week Thur
Frank Ray and Cedar Hill- Sat
Ramsey and Zeke and County Line Sat
Horse Branch Bluegrass Band Thur
Square dancing Sat
Kody Norris and the Watauga Mountain Boys Sat Sun
Uncle Doc Whilhite Thur
Southern Strangers Thur
Clyde and Marie Denny Sun
Jerusalem Ridge Thur & Sun
Doug and Sandy Sun
The Walker Family Sun

For updated scheduling information visit
www.jerusalemridgefestival.org
or call 1-270-274-9181

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JRBC 2009
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When where is the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration held?
A. It is held once a year. In 2009 it will be held October 1-4 at the Bill Monroe Home place in Rosine, KY

2. Is camping permitted at the festival?
A. Rough camping (NO hookups) onsite is free with ticket purchase. A water hydrant is available to fill water tanks and a truck is available to empty waste tanks for a small fee. No reservations are required.

3. Where can I camp if I need RV hookups?
A. The closest campground with hookups is the Ohio County Park in Hartford, about 9 miles west of the Ridge. They can be contacted at 270-298-4466. Rough River State Park is 25 miles away and their number is 270-257-2311. West KY RV park is also 25 miles away and their number is 270-757-0345.

4. Are generators allowed in the camping area?
A. The general rule regarding generators is that they not be a bother (fumes, noise, etc.) to neighboring campers. Campers are in close quarters so after hours operation of a generator may not always be possible. The quiet kind of generators are the only kinds allowed.

5. Is food & drink available at the festival?
A. There will be a number of quality food vendors onsite that cater to most any taste.

6. Is there assistance available to the mobility impaired?
A. Wheelchair accessible shuttle vans run continuously from the camping/parking area to the performance area. If additional assistance is needed, volunteers with golf carts are on hand to assist as required. There are wheelchair accessible porta-potties scattered throughout the site.

7. Can I use my own golf cart to get to the performance area?
A. For safety reasons private golf carts are not allowed out of the camping/parking area.

8. Are there showers available?
A. Yes

9. Are dogs allowed?
A. Friendly, quiet, non-threatening dogs are permitted onsite but must be leashed at all times. Please clean up after your pet.

10. Are alcoholic beverages allowed or available for purchase?
A. Rosine is located in a “dry” county where possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is illegal. Sheriffs’ deputies onsite will strictly enforce this law as it applies to public consumption.

11. What time does the entertainment start and where can I find out the performance schedule?
A. The music starts each day @ 10 AM and runs until approximately 10 PM. A continuously updated performance schedule can be found at our website: www.jerusalemridgefestival.org

12. Where can I get tickets?
A. Tickets can either be purchased in advance by phone (270-274-9181) or at the gate. Credit cards are accepted ONLY for advance sale. No credit cards are accepted at the gate.

13. Is there a “senior discount”?
A. Since a large number of our festival attendees are senior citizens, a discount has already been figured in.

14. Am I going to have any problems getting my large RV/old car/motorcycle/bicycle up the road to the festival?
A. If you made it all the way to Rosine Kentucky, the last mile should be no problem!


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Cumberland Highlanders TV Show
What about the summer season?! Carter Stanley's daughter, Karl Shiflett, lots of Dr. Ralph, the Highlanders, Stacy York, Joe Isaacs, Wayne Lewis, Phillip Steinmetz, Big Country Bluegrass, and so many more. And they are all going to be here in person the first 4 days of October!! This week's coming Monday on RFD TV see the great entertainer Gary Brewer with the Cumberland Highlanders high on a knob on the Bill Monroe Farm, and Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass perform from the 2008 Celebration.
www.cumberlandhighlandersshow.com

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Jerusalem Ridge Kentucky
Where the Spirit Touches the Soul

October 1-4, 2009

Please note that we are in the CENTRAL time zone

You can email anytime, or also call us Monday-Saturday at 270-274-9181 between 9 AM and 5 PM central time. If you have a pressing question you can try calling at other times but we may not be here, but please leave a message and we will return your cal

Airport Information
The closest airport is Evansville (75-80 miles) followed by Louisville (100 miles) and Nashville (115 miles). You can rent a car at all of these.
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Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration 2009
Where the Spirit Touches the Soul
October 1-4, 2009

TV Show and Event Information- 1-270-274-9181 docmercer@earthlink.net
www.jerusalemridgefestival.org

We want to remind y'all that there are 34 days until Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration 2009 ! This is the 8th annual celebration held at the very birthplace of this precious, yet rugged, American art form. Please join us under the trees within a stone's throw of the Monroe Home place as you listen to some of the greatest acts in bluegrass and old time mountain music.
Plan your Kentucky vacation this year at the festival honoring the Monroe Brothers and the other bluegrass pioneers right here on Jerusalem Ridge overlooking Rosine, Kentucky where it all began. Over 40 top bluegrass bands will perform over the 4-day event from October 1-4 led again by this years special guest, Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys playing on this year! The TOP name in Bluegrass ....really any kind of music! Please honor this living bluegrass legend, and the great one who has passed on, the Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe, and help support The Monroe Foundation's efforts to restore and preserve Jerusalem Ridge and the music it fostered. We operate as a 100% non-profit corporation. Your support and the support of the bands is what makes this dream, which was also Bill's dream, possible.

Bring Lawn Chairs (Canvas Captains Chairs work the best!)

Tickets
Four day pass $80, Three day $75, Thursday $25, Friday $30, Saturday $30 and Sunday $20.00

Directions
6 miles east of Beaver Dam, KY on Highway 62 and follow the signs. (Between Owensboro and Bowling Green) See detailed map on flyers or web site or email or call for more directions.) From the south proceed north from Bowling Green on the Natcher Parkway to the West Kentucky Parkway, then head west on the West Kentucky Parkway one exit to Beaver Dam. From the north proceed south on the Natcher Parkway through Owensboro and get off at Hartford KY. From the east take the Wendell Ford West Kentucky Parkway to Beaver Dam. From the west take the Wendell Ford West Kentucky Parkway east to Beaver Dam.


Parking
Plenty of Parking.


Shuttles
Shuttle service will be provided by GRITS transportation. These shuttles have sure pleased our previous festival attendees. The drivers are great folks and the shuttles are handicapped accessible with wheelchair lifts. The shuttles will take you from the parking area to the seating area unless you want to walk. (The walk can be from 200 to 600 yards depending on where you park) Shuttle will also run to Rosine, the Rosine Cemetery and the Beaver Dam antique district and downtown-about 7 miles. There is also a shuttle from the Ohio County Park to Jerusalem Ridge- about 10 miles.




Event Information- 1-270-274-9181
www.jerusalemridgefestival.org
docmercer@earthlink.net



Motels / Bed and Breakfasts
Owensboro has the most rooms and is about 33 miles from us. Very easy, beautiful drive on the uncrowded Natcher Parkway with new road surface. Closer hotels may be full. Bowling Green is open with lots of motel rooms and is about 50 miles from us. LOOK at the news entry at Rough River State Park. Elizabethtown is about the same distance and should have lots of rooms. We'll look those phone numbers up for you and send them your way in the next newsletter, and on the web site.

Beaver Dam and Hartford (7-10 miles) FULL
Beaver Dam Inn -270-274-0851
Eagle Inn of Beaver Dam- 270-274-7121 (Formerly Budget Inn)
Historic Hillside B and B- 270-298-7121

Owensboro (30-36 miles) Vacancies Available
Ramada Inn of Owensboro-270-685-3941
Holiday Inn Express of Owensboro-270-685-2433
Sleep Inn of Owensboro-270-691-6200
Hampton Inn of Owensboro-270-926-2006
Budget Inn of Owensboro-270-683-7311
Motel 6 of Owensboro- -800-4MOTEL6
Knight’s Inn of Owensboro-270-683-3395
Days Inn of Owensboro-270-684-9621
Fairfield of Owensboro-270-688-8887
Helton House Bed & Breakfast Owensboro 270-926-7117

Morgantown (25-29 miles) FULL
Motel 6- 270-526-9481
Green River Lodge 270-526-6262

Falls of Rough 25 miles NEW NEW NEW Entry
Rough River State Park- Lodge Affordable
1-270-257-2311

Leitchfield (22-25 miles) FULL
Hatfield Inn- 270-259-0464
Countryside-270-259-4021

Central City (25-29 miles) FULL
Super 8 -270-757-1700
Coronado Motel- 270-754-1320
Best Western- 270-757-0222
Convention Inn- 270-338-9797
Days Inn- 270-754-1222 1-800-325-2525



Festival Camping
The beautiful camping on the Monroe Farm is free this year. No hook ups but central potable water and a truck to empty your holding tanks is provided. The truck driver charges a small fee to empty the tanks.
Recreate in you mind the way the Monroe's lived in 1839 when they arrive to Jerusalem Ridge in a covered wagon! Showers are available in the foundation office for $3.00


Camping with RV Hook Ups
Ohio County Park (10 miles) 270-298-4466
Western KY RV Park (25 miles) 270-757-0345
Rough River State Park (25 miles) 270-257-2311
Lake Malone State Park (60 miles) 270-657-2111
Audubon State Park (70 miles) 270-826-2247 (cottages also)
Bowling Green KOA (270) 843-1919
Beech Bend Park (270) 781-7634
Gasper River Retreat (270) 746-0410



Bowling Green

Newly Listed Information! Great town to stay in if you are coming from down south! Average distance is 15 miles further than Owensboro . Bowling Green is halfway between Nashville and Rosine on I-65 and the Natcher parkway.

Baymont (270) 843-3200
Bryce Inn (270) 563-5141
Best Value Inn (270) 781-9594 or (877) 781-2407
Best Western Motor Inn (270) 782-3800 or (800) 343-2937
Candlewood Inn & Suites - (888) CANDLEWOOD
Comfort Inn (270) 843-1163
Cardinal Motel (270) 842-0328
Continental Inn (270) 781-5200
Country Hearth Inn (270) 783-4443 or (877) 294-6491
Courtyard by Marriott (270) 783-8569 or (800) 321-2211
Crossland Motel (270) 842-0351
Days Inn (270) 781-6470 or (800) DAYS INN
Drury Inn (270) 842-7100 or (800) DRURY INN
Econo Lodge (270) 842-6730
Economy Inn (270) 842-0321
Fairfield Inn by Marriott (270) 782-6933 or (800) 228-2800
Hampton Inn (270) 842-4100 or (800) HAMPTON
Hilton Garden Inn - Opening August 2007 (800) HILTONS
Holiday Inn University Plaza (270) 745-0088
HomeTowne Suites (270) 846-3311
May Fair Motel (270) 782-3282
Microtel Inn (270) 745-9922 or (888) 771-7171
Motel 6 (270) 843-0140
News Inn (270) 781-3460 or (800) 443-3701
Quality Inn (270) 846-4588 or (800) 228-5151
Ramada Inn (270) 781-3000 or (800) 2 RAMADA
Red Roof Inn (270) 781-6550 or (800) 733-7663
Sleep Inn - Now Open! (270) 842-3800
Super 8 - Now Open! (270) 745-9986

Bowling Green Bed & Breakfasts
1869 Homestead B&B (270) 842-0510
Cave Spring Farm (270) 563-6941
Triple H Stables B&B (270) 779-2652 or (270) 529-3480 or (866) 935-2555
Victorian House B&B (270) 563-9403 or (800) 843-5210

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For more Festival News and Hotel info- www.jerusalemridgefestival.org or docmercer@earthlink.net - 270-274-9181
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Have a great week!
God Bless,

Doc Campbell Mercer & The Cumberland Highlanders, and the Monroe Foundation
PS- Don't forget to visit Rosine, the birthplace of American Bluegrass Music, with its every Friday night Jamboree at the old barn, and Owensboro, Kentucky the home of the International Bluegrass Music Museum and BBQ Capital of the World, just 30 minutes from Rosine and the Monroe Home Place.