The 4th annual Franklin, Ky., Music Festival took place this last weekend and all I can say is “WOW!” For a smaller venue, this festival is a giant, packed with talent. From the stellar lineup, to the warm and inviting staff, this festival was one heck of good time. Friday’s performers included The Williams and Clark Expedition, The Hunger Mountain Boys, The James King Band, Bobby Osborne and The Queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent.

Wayne Southards, Kimberly Williams and Bobby Clark of Williams and Clark Expedition. Photo By Wendy Conner

The Williams and Clark Expedition gave a great performance both vocally and instrumentally, and Blake Williams can keep a crowd laughing with the best of them.

The Hunger Mountain Boys gave the crowd a taste of the old time mountain music, with a small three piece band, and some great “ancient tone” harmonies.

James King can flat out sing! James and the boys were definitely a crowd favorite on Friday.

I just love Bobby Osborne. Bobby has come a long way in establishing his own sound after the retirement of his brother Sonny. I was amazed at the quality of his singing and picking after all these years. He performed with the enthusiasm of someone half his age. A crowd favorite was his duet with Rhonda Vincent singing Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain”.

Hunter Berry and Josh Williams warming up backstage. Photo By Bob Dieterlen

What can be said about Rhonda Vincent and The Rage that hasn’t been said already? Rhonda puts on a show with more energy than anyone else on the scene these days. Rhonda and her super group of pickers wowed everyone at the show.

Saturday’s line-up consisted of host band The Williams and Clark Expedition, The Steep Canyon Rangers, and Cherryholmes. Also slated to appear on Saturday’s show were Marty Raybon and the John Cowan Band. Unfortunately, both performers had to cancel due to illness. This could have left a huge hole in the line up for Saturday, but the resolve and connections of the staff, led in part by Kimberly Williams of the host band Williams & Clark Expedition, brought us some of the best replacements on literally hours of short notice.

Appearing in place of Marty Raybon was David Pederson and 1946. Their 40s style bluegrass was much appreciated by the crowd.

Darrell Scott on stage at the Franklin, KY Music Festival. photo by Travis Tackett

Not being able to hear John Cowan (a founding member of New Grass Revival) was disappointing, but his band showed up without their leader, and had none other than Pat Flynn and Darrell Scott filling in. Their performance on Saturday was completely unrehearsed, and, to say the least, was amazing! It was like seeing an impromptu jam session with some very heavy weight pickers. Darrell Scott’s rendition of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” was particularly astounding. Thanks, Kimberly for finding such great talent on such short notice.

If you have not seen the Steep Canyon Rangers, you are missing the next up and coming stars on the Bluegrass circuit. Voted emerging artists of the year in 2006 by the IBMA, this talented group gives the crowd that traditional bluegrass sound with a new kind of energy that draws a crowd directly into their performance. These boys truly burned it up and left the crowd begging for more.

Steep Canyon Rangers on stage. photo by Wendy Conner

Crowd favorites Cherryholmes gave another 100 MPH performance. The technical skill of the kids in this group is incredible. And of course, they have to be one of the most entertaining groups to watch on stage. Again, they were another crowd favorite.

If you have not attended the Franklin Music Festival, make an effort to come in 2008. This festival is very well orchestrated with non-stop, top notch entertainment, a great family atmosphere and plenty of room for jamming after the shows. My hats off to the SC Vietnam Veterans, The Simpson County Historical Society, and the Franklin Music Festival, Inc. for putting on one of the best and “biggest” little festivals around.

The Franklin Music Festival has quickly become one of my favorite festivals to attend. Come join the excitement next year — on Sept. 5-6 2008.

You’ll be glad you did!