OWENSBORO, Ky. (June 4, 2015) — John Prine, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Balsam Range and Hot Rize are among dozens of award winning acts set to perform at this year’s ROMP Festival, June 24-27, in Owensboro.
ROMP is a four-day, traditional bluegrass festival with music, camping, concerts and impromptu jam sessions that attract top acts and thousands of fans. In 2012 ROMP was named event of the year by the International Bluegrass Music Association, which originated in Owensboro. The area is rich in bluegrass history, with the birthplace of Bill Monroe in nearby Rosine, Ky.
“Owensboro is the heart and soul of bluegrass music and its history and culture are celebrated during ROMP,” said Shannon Wetzel, executive director of Visit Owensboro. “In Owensboro we play bluegrass the year-round and this festival resonates our passion for the music.”
In its 12th year, ROMP is the main fundraising event for the International Bluegrass Music Museum, the world’s only facility dedicated to the preservation and history of bluegrass music and culture.
This year marks a turning point for bluegrass history and the museum. This fall is the groundbreaking for the $15 million International Bluegrass Music Center. The expansion will enhance the museum’s concept and mission.
The new facility will be twice the size of the current museum and will feature a 500-seat concert hall, a 2,000-seat outdoor concert area, a research library, teaching rooms and a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Ohio River.
A festival like none other, ROMP encourages attendees to bring their instruments and participate in jam sessions held throughout the venue site at Yellow Creek Park. Music plays day and night.
The Main Stage where 35 acts will perform is just part of the attraction. Elsewhere, is a huge array of artist workshops, giving musicians the chance to interact and teach players of all skills and ages about bluegrass. Other special events include a film festival, original arts and crafts, songwriting workshops, children’s activities and the infamous ROMP after-parties.
For tickets and information about ROMP go to http://www.rompfest.com.
Find out more about Owensboro and Daviess County at visitowensboro.com or call (270) 926-1100. Stay informed of Owensboro events and happenings through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VisitOwensboro.