Photos by Stephen Brandt Stephen Brandt Clockwise, from left: Curly Ray Cline with Bobby Osborne Jack Cooke and Red Allen; Red Allen and the Kentuckians; Don Stover; Curly Ray Cline with Bobby Osborne; Jim McReynolds (with unidentified), Joe Val, and Jesse McReynolds.

A lot of memories of this bluegrass festival since the very beginning in 1976 when I was 12 years old. I was too shy to approach the musicians and my dad took me around and told Ricky Skaggs that I would like a few autographs for the picture book they put out that year. well, Ricky took me under his wing and brought me backstage and got most everybody to sign my book, and shake my hand. I still remember how large Bill Monroe's hands were, and how did he play the mandolin so effortlessly? My dad asked him to show me something on the mandolin, and I will never forget him barking out three chords and calling out G, C and D, very quickly and deliberately. I still strive for that distinctive Monroe bark. Quite a man he was.

I was always impressed with the manners, showmanship, and friendly attitude of all these musicians. They were like family to me.

With thirty years now passed, It is time to remember those days and miss all those that have passed away in the past years. Don Stover, Red Allen, Harley Allen, Stoney Cooper, Jim McReynolds, Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe, Joe Val, Curley Ray Cline amoung others, of which I will remember later.

I remember the lightning striking the man in the field, I saw the flash and heard the boom, not knowing someone was hit until the next day when the sun came out and we returned to the field. The mud slides were something else too.

I also remember my dad offering to buy Bill Monroe dinner at the festival and he ate an entire chicken. A big man! He still amazes me with his many musical talents every day, and hearing those recordings from the 40's on up still are as exciting as the first time I heard them.

With that, I wish you all a happy anniversary, and thank-you for great memories.

— Stephen Brandt, Sharon, CT