The hills are alive with the sound of bluegrass. Spring has arrived in the Missouri Ozarks and with it, the annual Bluegrass & BBQ Festival all throughout May at Silver Dollar City in Branson. The festival, now in its 19th year, features 35 of the nation’s top bluegrass artists throughout the theme park’s various indoor and outdoor theaters.
Named Event of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association, top bluegrass artists take the stage during the festival’s 20-day run, including Grammy-winning “Queen of Bluegrass”Rhonda Vincentand her band, The Rage. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys performs alongside other popular bands such as The Grascals, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, The Cleverlys and Blue Highway.
“Guests will tap their toes to numerous artists all day, every day,” said Amanda Carson, producer of Bluegrass & BBQ. “We have chart-toppers to up-and-comers, along with longtime guest favorites and groups who are sure to become park staples in the future.”
Pitmasters work hard to hickory-smoke a variety of meats for up to 16 hours, including pulled pork, chicken, beef brisket and sausage, all part of the Bluegrass & BBQ tasting passport. New recipes and dishes such as ancho chili smoked pork belly skillet, barbecue chicken mac and cheese and a bourbon barbecue pulled-chicken sandwich with green apple slaw are a few select items from the passport, available for use at 22 eateries.
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Silver Dollar City continues to support and nurture the future of bluegrass music with the annual Silver Dollar City Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest on May 27. The best and brightest of young bluegrass musicians from across the nation will compete to win the top cash prize.
This also is the final season for the Fire in the Hole ride. Just across the street, 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the Silver Dollar Saloon Show. With odes to performances over the past 50 years peppered throughout the show, guests join in the fun with producers Roots and Koontz as they attempt to whisk together the Frontier Follies 50th Celebration, an endeavor that turns into a zany, folly-filled family show created exclusively for park.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.silverdollarcitycom.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
