By By Scottye Carter/The Meridian Star
July 26, 2001
The roots of bluegrass music go back to the 1920s, when acoustic instruments were all musicians had to play.
A typical high-energy bluegrass band can include the banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, Dobro and bass and sometimes musicians may use spoons, bones, washboards or harmonicas to give the music a unique sound.
Music fans in the area get a chance to enjoy the sounds of bluegrass music this weekend. Leo Broadhead is hosting the annual Sandy Ridge Bluegrass festival today through Saturday on Highway 45 behind Clarkdale school.
Broadhead has hosted the festival for nearly 18 years.
Broadhead said the festival is family-oriented and no alcohol will be sold. He encourages families to come out and bring picnics and coolers.
There is no charge for attend the concert unless you plan to camp.
The term "bluegrass" was not used to define the music style until the late 1940s. This energetic foot-tapping music can keep audiences enthralled, and Broadhead hopes this weekend's Sandy Ridge Bluegrass will excite and entertain local music fans.
Scottye Carter is a staff writer for The Meridian Star.