Brown County Bluegrass Music

The Brown County Jamboree began informally in Bean Blossom as a free outdoor show featuring local musicians. Gradually commercialized and professionally promoted, it drew large crowds by 1941, including attendees from other states. The rural music park brought live country music to thousands of people and increased exposure for its musicians. Bill Monroe, award-winning “Father of Bluegrass Music,” took charge of the music park by 1952. He continued the Jamboree shows and hosted an annual festival starting in 1967. By 1971, it included international performers, and by 1976 drew over 30.000 attendees. Monroe died in 1996, but the festival continues at the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park.

Indiana · United States