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Lonesome River Band to Headline Wayne Henderson Music Festival in Virginia June 18

 

The Lonesome River Band headlines the 22nd annual Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition, a family-friendly event set for Saturday, June 18, at Grayson Highlands State Park near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.

Also performing will be the BeauSoleil Duo (Michael and David Doucet), Terry Baucom and the Dukes of Drive, and Wayne Henderson and Friends, and there will be a special singer-songwriter session with Dori Freeman and Jane Kramer. Twenty contestants will play to have the chance to win a handmade Henderson guitar, and scholarships will be presented to young musicians studying Appalachian music and the groups that support them. The festival will present $23,550 this year, and has presented more than $160,500 in scholarships since 1995.

The outdoor festival features an impressive variety of acoustic music. The Lonesome River Band is led by five-time IBMA banjo player of the year Sammy Shelor. Brothers Michael and David Doucet will perform as a duo, bringing the Louisiana flavor of their band BeauSoleil. Terry Baucom and the Dukes of Drive is thriving off their recent hit “The Rock.” And Dori Freeman of Galax and Jane Kramer of Asheville will kick off the performances with a special singer-songwriter session. Wayne Henderson, of Rubgy, Virginia, is well-known for his guitars crafted for Doc Watson, Eric Clapton and other musicians, a unique picking style and his love of sharing the music. Performances run from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bring a chair or blanket and a chair (though no high-back chairs allowed). Meals, ice cream and a variety of concessions will be available, and picnic lunches are welcome. A children’s area will feature free events including lariat artist Doug Smith and his rope tricks, along with music, crafts and games. Admission is $20, and children 12 and younger get in free. A portion of proceeds will benefit scholarships for young musicians. A state park parking fee will be charged. The festival is open, rain or shine. Full details at www.waynehenderson.org.