Some of the hottest groups in bluegrass music will perform live at the 8th Annual “Bluegrass Returns to Its Roots Festival” at RiverPark Center in Owensboro Thursday through Saturday April 2-4, 2009.

This year’s star-studded event will be presented at RiverPark Center’s Cannon Hall, seating up to 1,500 for each performance. The center is adjacent to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, where festival patrons will enjoy the nostalgia of exhibits spanning many years of bluegrass’ development. 

The talent on tap for this year’s festival includes Grammy and International Bluegrass Music Association award-winning musicians.

Among the artists set to participate are Dailey and Vincent (2008 winner of 6 IBMA awards, including Entertainer of the Year), Dale Ann Bradley (2008 IMBA Female Vocalist of the Year), Steep Canyon Rangers (2006 IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year), (Grammy nominated artist) J.D. Crowe and the New South, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeepers (2008, 2007 Instrumental Group of the Year), Bradley Walker (2007 Male Vocalist of the Year), Lonesome River Band, and The Josh Williams Band.

Michael Cleveland has won Fiddle Player of the Year six times and Instrumental Album of the Year three times and has won 12 IBMA awards. Lonesome River Band’s Sammy Shelor has won the Banjo Player of the Year four times. Josh Williams is the 2008 Guitar Player of the Year. More special guests and events will be announced.

In addition to the exceptional music presented during this year’s festival, guests can partake in special packages and tours including: IBMM tours, IBMM film presentations, bus tours to Rosine, Ky. (Bill Monroe’s childhood home), workshops, tours of the Owensboro Area Museum of Science and History, lunches and dinners at the world renowned Moonlite Bar-B-Q, clogging exhibitions, artist meet-and-greets and other exciting events.

The Owensboro Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau is offering affordable all-inclusive packages for guests wishing to take in the exciting events surrounding this bluegrass music extravaganza.

Special pricing for the two- and three-day inclusive packages are available through the CVB at www.visitowensboro.com or by calling 1-800-489-1131. For individual ticket and package prices to this year’s festival, guests should call the RiverPark Center Box office at 1-877-639-6978 or visit www.riverparkcenter.org. Ticket prices start at $30 for a one day pass or $75 for a three day pass.

For more information, media please call Travis Estes at 270-687-2770.

The Kentucky Department of Travel, an agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy.