Sammy Shelor’s Banjo-rama will finish off the Patrick County Music Association’s (PCMA) Tri-Fest on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Rotary Building in Stuart. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the music will start at 6 p.m.
Because the show is sponsored by Hopkins Lumber, PCMA President Denny Alley said admission is free.
Shelor and his Lonesome River Band (LRB) will headline the event.
Alley said the group is one of the most famous bluegrass bands in the world.
“So, you get in for free for a show that’s usually about $30 a ticket,” Alley said.
Jay Adams, Clyde Bailey, Charlie Chaney, Barry Collins, Ronny Harrison, Doug Joyce, Larry Mabe, Darrell McCumbers, Hersie McMillian, Tommy Morse, Gene Parker, and Sidney Watson will also take the stage.
Led by Sammy Shelor, a member of the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame, the Lonesome River Band has released 15 recording projects since its formation in 1982.
Shelor has also received the International Bluegrass Music Association Banjo Player of the Year Award five times.
“Sammy was homegrown. He’s lived here all his life in Meadows of Dan,” Alley said.
Currently a six-piece set, the group has been comprised of more than 20 different members throughout the years and had over a dozen guests perform on its albums.
The group’s most recent album, “Outside Looking In,” was released in May 2019. Pre-orders are being accepted for its newest album “Heyday.”
Alley said attendance depends on the weather.
“Hundreds if the weather’s nice. People need to get there early if they want to get a seat, that’s all I’d tell them,” he said.
Admission is free. Lawn chairs are encouraged, and prizes will be awarded throughout the night.
Concessions will be available for purchase from the Patrick County Shooting Education Team, with proceeds used to teach firearm safety.
For more information or to watch past music performances, visit Facebook.com/PatrickCountyMusicAssociation.