Dumplin Valley - Sept, 12 - 15 - Preview

The thirteenth annual Dumplin' Valley Bluegrass Festival will run from September 13 - 15 at Dumplin' Valley Farm RV Park in Kodak, TN. The park, now a year-round RV Park just a mile or two off Interstate 40 at the Sevierville Exit, has been home to this traditional bluegrass festival attracting people from the region and afar. Dumplin' Valley regularly attracts foreign visitors as well as those from many states. The festival is well run by promoters Joe and Mitzi Soward, always featuring a strong lineup of national and regional bands. This year is no exception.

The Site

Sunrise at Dumplin' Valley

The farm, favored with a view towards the not so distant Smokey Mountains and near the tourist attractions of Gatlinburg and Sevierville with lots of convenient shopping nearby, is not only a fine location for a festival, but for a longer stay to permit accessing the areas attractions.

The Lineup

Debut Performancs

The Crowe Brothers, from Maggie Valley, just across the border in North Carolina, The Crowe Brothers bring a traditional mountain style bluegrass sound with verve and professionalism. Longtime members of Raymond Fairchild's band they have been quite successful on their own during the past few years.

Josh Crowe

Wayne Crowe

The trio on Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, and Jerry Salley have been appearing together for several years offering a tuneful and exciting journey through their many songs. A frequent reaction from the audience is, "I didn't know he wrote that," as they enjoy each other's company while providing entertainment at its best.

Jackson, Cordle & Salley

  

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE FOR 2012

Wednesday, September 12

Potluck Dinner - 6pm

Thursday, September 13

Paul Williams & The Victory Trio - 1:30 & 5:30
Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier - 2:30 & 6:30
Lou Reid & Carolina - 3:30 & 7:30
-Supper Break- 4:30-5:30
Cordle, Jackson & Salley - 8:30

Friday, September 14

The Little Roy & Lizzy Show - Noon & 6:00
The Crowe Brothers - 1:00 & 7:00
Monroeville - 2:00 & 8:00
Balsam Range - 3:00 & 9:00
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage - 4:00 & 10:00
-Supper Break- 5:00-6:00

Saturday, September 15

Shadow Ridge - Noon & 6:00
Jerry Butler & The Blu-J's - 1:00 & 7:00
Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice - 2:00 & 8:00
Gibson Brothers - 3:00 & 9:00
Lonesome River Band - 4:00 & 10:00
-Supper Break- 5:00-6:00

**SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

With such a strong lineup, it's impossible to focus on highlights. With that said, the lineup features Dumplin' Valley favorites like Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier, Paul Williams and the Victory Trio, Little Roy & Lizzy, Lou Reid & Carolina, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, and the Lonesome River Band. Recipients of multiple IBMA nominations including Entertainer of the Year for 2012, the Gibson Brothers will appear on Saturday.  It's a well-rounded and enjoyable lineup to look forward to. You never know what might happen when Rhonda Vincent and Lizzy Long appear on the bill on the same day. Hang on!

Leigh Gibson

Eric Gibson

Sammy Shelor

Little Roy & Lizzy

Lou Reid

Christy Reid

Paul Williams

Rhonda Vincent

 Rising bands such as Balsam Range and Monroeville at excitement at versatility as well as a look at the future to the lineup. Both are returning after very successful appearances last year and each has a new CD to offer. Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice have their song "A Far Cry from Lester & Earl" nominated for song of the year at IBMA. These bands bring exciting drive, traditional sound, and innovative variations along with fine song writing from within the bands. 

Balsam Range

Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice

Matt Muncey & Daniel Salyer
Monroeville 

Jerry Butler & the Blu J's

Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier

Shadow Ridge

 The Environment

Dumplin' Valley features lots of jamming, one of the best Pot Luck suppers anywhere, held on Wednesday evening, an audience whose members know each other and who also welcome newcomers, excellent food and craft vendors, and a comfortable, covered performance area. Take a look:

Jamming Beneath the Silos

Emcee Freddy Smith & Friend

The Performance Shed

Lineup for the Pot Luck on Wednesday
Bluegrassers Know How to Eat! 

Plentiful Vendors

 Lots of Jams

Tickets & Location

Information about tickets can be found here. The Campground is spacious and provides a range of hookup situations at various prices.  Having made the commitment to expanding and advertising their year-round services, the Sowards are continuing to make improvements and expansion of services. This is a pleasant and comfortable place to camp. There are full hookup sites, although most are already reserved, clean, hot showers, water & electric sites, and almost unlimited rough camping. Call for more information: 865-397-7942 or email at: dumplingrass@comcast.net. For non-campers there are a number of motels in the vicinity at a variety of prices.

How to Find Dumplin' Valley

 Dumplin' Valley Bluegrass Festival is a fine late summer festival in eastern Tennessee. It's a great time to attend a bluegrass festival and combine it with a trip to see the Smokies and visit Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Plan to stay longer at the campground and make a real visit out of it. See you there!