Bluegrass Festival Musician Comments

· Doyle Catron- The Tennessee Gentlemen ·

As a group, we have traveled thousands of miles, including Europe, and played hundreds of festivals over the years. It is very seldom that all elements come together to create the perfect event. Joe McClung and staff did exactly that. Of course, they did start off ahead of the game by having Eureka Springs, AR as the backdrop. What a town! The festival was organized to perfection. The sound system and technicians were super. The accommodations and meals were beyond compare. Providing a venue for the musicians to interact, jam, and unwind after the evening shows was a welcome plus. Thanks, Mr. Big, for making us feel like family.

From: Tennessee
Date posted: 10/06/2006

· Brian McClung ·

As part of Mr. Big's Bluegrass Band, it was an honor to be at this years festival. Not only did I get to see some old friends and meet new ones, like Donnie Catron, but to be able to sing with this type of talent really makes the festival festive. When a group like Ozark Alliance asks me to sing bass with them ( which is not hard to do ), is a real honor. To also be with pickers that play at my home, Dean Hinesley, Pam Kirby, G.W., Mr. Opry Land, Mark Jones and others, just makes it feel like I have never left Mountain View. Speaking of home, it is always such a great time to sing with my family and spend so much busy but quality time with them. Mr. Big is a task master but we do it as a labor of love for the music and of family. I can not wait till 2007 which will be even better than 2006.

From: Mountain View
Date posted: 10/03/2006

· The Dean Williams Family ·

On behalf of our Family, We are saying Thanks for letting us be a small part In the success of the August 2006 Bluegrass Festival. It really was one of the best Festivals, We have atttended this year. We talked about it for days after we got home.

The watermelon feast on Thursday evening was A high light for the beginning of the Four day event, There were many Bands playing and singing at Basin Park, lots of people were present and seem to enjoy themselves.

Mr. Spoon Man ' brought Two Family members with him this year, and was enjoyed by all who heard them.

The talent from all the featured Bands were as good as you'll find anywhere. There was a representation of local, regional and national big time label-artists such as Doc Watson, Marty Stuart, Tennessee Gentlemen and Cedar Hill. There were many other good talents and it took everyone to make It a big success.

We want to say a speical Thank You! To Joe McCLung 'MR. BIG' For the kindness and Hospitality that was shown to us and Everyone else, Is to be commended highly. He is a very kind and thoughtful man, And to all of Joe's Family who make you feel like you are among family. Thanks Joe ! You Guys are True Blue.

Thanks to the folks at the Swiss Holiday Resort for making us feel Welcome from the beginning, their kindness and hospitality is Appreciated. Thanks to the staff and all the supporters of the Downtown Auditorium, the Eureka Springs Festival Committee and to All who had a part in the planning of this Festival. Thank you for all the good food and water you furnished. WE certainly don't want to leave out anyone that had a part in this Great Family Entertainment Event , So I'll say Thanks To Everyone ! We're already looking foward to the 2007 Festival, so until then, God Bless Everyone.

From: Dover, Arkansas
Date posted: 09/21/2006

· The Park Family ·

Just wanted to thank Mr. Big and Kara for their wonderful reception and over and beyond the call of duty for the Eureka Springs Bluegrass Festival 2006. We still are amazed at the kindness and hospitality they showed to our family. We have gone to a lot of bluegrass festivals and I can say this festival in Eureka Springs is our favorite by far. The shows were very top notch, Marty Stuart blew us away, Cedar Hill one of our favorites and we had to leave but so wanted to see Doc Watson. The shows had great variety in the afternoon performances. I was so amazed at the talent that came into Eureka and jammed in center of town, the kind hearts that would let anyone come in and jam with them. It is a place to come bring the whole family and enjoy bluegrass at it's best in a unique setting all it's own, Eureka Springs Bluegrass Festival.

From:
Date posted: 09/14/2006

· The Larry Nelson Family ·

What can we say......the Eureka Springs Bluegrass Festival is very special......great music, delicious food & some of the nicest folks you'll ever meet!! Joe McClung (Mr. Big!) & all the gang at Swiss Holiday Resort make you feel at home from the minute you step in the door. The Auditorium is the perfect setting to enjoy the beautiful acoustic sounds of bluegrass. The staff & volunteers do an incredible job of putting everything together to make each show unforgettable!! Thanks so much, you all are very special! May God Bless, The Larry Nelson Family

From:
Date posted: 09/12/2006

· Bill Nesbitt ·

The Old School Bluegrass Band

An open letter from The Old School Bluegrass Band (www.oldschoolband.com):

The Old School Bluegrass Band (as we say, “From the Heart of the Middle of Central Arkansas”) recently had the privilege of participating in one of the best — if not the best — Bluegrass music events in the history of our state. The Eureka Springs Bluegrass Festival, while having been in existence only four years (still in its infancy as Bluegrass festivals go), has rapidly ascended to the top of the heap among festivals in Arkansas — or anywhere, for that matter. In our humble opinion, there are several reasons for this.

First, the talent over the history of the festival has been unsurpassed, even when averaging our lowly ensemble into the mix. This year, for example, there was as fine a representation of local, regional and national performers as you’ll find anywhere. Moreover, whether they be big-time-label-artists like Doc Watson and Marty Stuart, established festival bands like the Tennessee Gentlemen and Cedar Hill, or up-and-coming bands, they all bring their own brand of entertainment value to the table. No one takes a back seat, or needs to. Whether one was being dazzled by Doc’s guitar, blown away by Marty’s mandolin, brought to tears by Donnie Catron’s soaring vocals or simply amazed that kids so young (as in the Ozark Alliance) can perform like seasoned virtuosi — each day of the festival had its own unique musical offering.

Then there’s the setting. There simply is not a more beautiful village than Eureka Springs this side of Switzerland. Yet in addition to its sheer beauty, the mix of European charm, West Coast quirkiness and Ozark hillbilly informality puts Eureka in a class all by itself. And, somehow, on one rainy weekend in August 2006, Bluegrass music fit as perfectly into this scene as a long-missing piece from a jigsaw puzzle.

But it took a serious effort from many people to complete the puzzle. Musicians don’t simply show up in the same place for a weekend and pay each other to play. Money has to be put at risk and sweat has to be sacrificed. Joe McClung did both of these things to the limit. He has earned the title “Mr. Big” if only for the size of his heart. He is a true friend of the music. Thanks, Joe.

Sincerest thanks also go out to Kara White and the folks at the Swiss Holiday Resort for their kindness and hospitality. The staff and supporters of the Downtown Auditorium (the perfect room for Bluegrass), along with the Eureka Springs Festival Committee are to be thanked and commended for their fine, professional work. Special thanks to Sally Thackery, Ralph Wilson (Mr. Shrine), Mary Romano, Mary Jo Rose, Janet Alexander, Jude Farar, Sarai Aleshire, Dick Renko (our able stage manager), Shelli McClelland, Ron Sumner (Mr. Sound), Rudy Sanchez (Mr. Clean-up), and Norma Marcon (Ms. Vittles).

Again, thanks from The Old School Bluegrass Band to all who made the 2006 Eureka Springs Bluegrass Festival such an outstanding musical event. Kudos, all, and see you next time!

From:
Date posted: 09/10/2006

· MR. BIG ·

MR. BIG wants to thank everyone who helped make the BlueGrass Festival such a success/ Sad to see everyone go.
We have a large bluegrass family. Thanks again for being a part of this great family.

From: Eureka Springs
Date posted: 09/06/06

· Site Administrator ·

This is where the musician comments will appear as guests submit them and they are approved.

From: Eureka Springs
Date posted: 09/4/2006