Bluegrass - History and Influence
Bluegrass music is an American southern style of acoustic string music. It is distinguished by its high energy, fast tempo sound. The typical bluegrass band includes 5-string banjo, flat-top guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and bass. The instruments are traditionally acoustic with the guitar and bass carrying the downbeat and providing the rhythmic foundation. Bluegrass songs are played with each melody instrument taking turns carrying the melody while the others revert to backing; this is in contrast to Old-time music, in which all instruments play the melody together.
Bluegrass music came out of the rural south after World War II, but its roots date back to the 1930s. The genre was named after Bill Monroe's band The Blue Grass Boys who began performing in the 1940s. Bluegrass songs were about issues important to everyday people.
Unlike country, bluegrass singing is usually high-pitched in the style of Bill Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass" who originated and perfected what is known as that "high, lonesome sound."
The BBB GeoTour (GC497)
Gather up the family and friends and plan a road trip to enjoy three old-fashioned Kentucky traditions with a side of geocaching. Barbecue Mutton smoked from wood, not from a sauce, and definitely not from a bottle. Bourbon, world-renowned Kentucky Bourbon, made from a local natural limestone water source then aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Bluegrass Music completes the trio as Owensboro Kentucky is just minutes away from the home place of Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass. We invite you to experience these three traditions through the Barbecue, Bourbon, and BlueGrass GeoTour; set within the award-winning Smothers Park, located on the Scenic Ohio River.
GeoTour Passport & Reward
Passports are no longer required to obtain a BBB GeoTour Geocoin! June 1st 2023 coins will be available to everyone. Check back then for a link to get a GeoTour Geocoin.
GeoTour Locations:
