UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS FESTIVAL RETURNS JULY 10-12 in Murfreesboro

uncledavemacondaysOne of America’s premier traditional music festivals, the Uncle Dave Macon Days old-time music and dance festival, will return to Murfreesboro. Tenn. July 10-12. The annual celebration takes place in Cannonsburgh, an authentic pioneer village that is home to more than 20 restored log structures. The village is located at 312 South Front Street (just off of Northwest Broad Street) and is 30 minutes southeast of Nashville on Interstate 24 east, exit 78-B.

The family-oriented event annually draws more than 25,000 people during the three-day run. The Southeast Tourism Society has named the festival as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast for July, 2015.

In 1977, the festival was established first as a two-hour banjo picking on the lawn of the historic Rutherford County Courthouse to honor the memory and times of Uncle Dave Macon. Uncle Dave lived near Murfreesboro in the Kittrell community, and is considered one of the first Grand Ole Opry superstars. A master old-time banjo player and performer, he died in 1952, and was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966.

A purse of more than $15,000 will be at stake during the highly charged music and dance competitions. Sanctioned in 1986 by the U.S. House of Representatives, the festival is home to the National Old-Time Championships in banjo, clogging and buckdancing.

Gates open at 8 am on July 10 with the Matilda Macon Folk Arts Village, Dave Macon Artisan’s Court and Marketplace. Old-time Music and dance competitions begin at 1 pm on the Main Stage and the Dixie Dew Drop Stage. New this year are three featured concerts at sunset beginning with Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out at 6 pm followed by the 2015 Heritage Award Winner, Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys.

The festival continues July 11th with the famed Motorless Parade that travels down historic East Main Street, and ends at Cannonsburgh at 10 am. National old-time dance and banjo competitions continue throughout the day. On Saturday evening, the concert at sunset features the Hog Slop String Band, and the STEELDRIVERS, recipients of the 2015 Trail Blazer Award.

The festival wraps up on July 12th with the Gospel Showcase, Wilson Bank and Trust Antique Car Show, and Community Service Fair. The festival concludes with a set by Kristina Craig and Exit 148, and the final concert at sunset with Larry Cordell and Lonesome Standard Time.

Gates open at 8 am on Friday and Saturday and Sunday at noon. Admission is $10 for the general public, children 12 and under are free, seniors 55 and up are $5. Admission on Sunday is $5.

Other events taking place throughout the festival include: heritage activities for children, Dave Macon Marketplace, Matilda Macon Folk Arts Village with demonstrating craftsmen, mouth-watering local concessions, a juried arts and crafts show, living history demonstrations in the blacksmith shop, storytelling and shape-note singing in the chapel, and a historic photo exhibit.

For more information about the 2015 Uncle Dave Macon Festival and the schedule for each day go to www.uncledavemacondays.com or email: sponsorudm@gmail.com

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