Bluegrass Celebration Returns to Jerusalem Ridge October 1-4

When it comes to bluegrass festivals, you can't get any closer to the area Bill Monroe drew his inspiration from than the Monroe family farm.

That's precisely were the 8th annual Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration takes place, October 1-4th.

A visit to the beautifully restored home Bill Monroe grew up in is like a journey back through time. In fact, the peaceful little town of Rosine, Kentucky remains much the same today as it did more than 100 years ago. It's where Bill Monroe spent his formative years and where he rests today, just up the road in the Rosine cemetery.

Familiar names including his beloved Uncle Pen adorn the headstones. Permanant reminders of those who inspired music in his heart and filled the hills and valleys of the region he always called home.

October 1st will place another marker in the pages of Rosine's history, as the 8th annual Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration gets underway.

The event was first organized in 2002 by Campbell Mercer and the Bill Monroe Foundation to raise awareness of the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Music Foundation and the Rosine Project. Hundreds gather each year to honor and celebrate the life and music of the man who made it all possible.

The festival is held on Jerusalem Ridge, just outside of Rosine, KY., on highway 62 and will run for four full days from October 1st through October 4th, 2009.

At present more than 40 bands are scheduled to appear, including Ralph Stanley, Larry Sparks, Ronnie Reno and others.

Tickets are available by calling (270) 274-9181 or online at jerusalemridgefestival.org