The 12th annual ROMP Festival, the bluegrass and Americana music fest known for its stellar line-ups, friendly camping atmosphere, and easy access to artists, takes place June 24-27, 2015 in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Appearing at this year’s ROMP are John Prine, the Punch Brothers, David Grisman and Del McCoury known as “Del & Dawg”, the Sam Bush Band, Leftover Salmon, and Hot Rize, along with the 2014 IBMA Entertainer of the Year and Instrumental Band of the Year, Balsam Range and Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen. These and dozens of national acts are being announced today on the festival’s web site,www.rompfest.com.
Original arts and crafts, farm-to-table healthy food vendors, and professionally-led children’s activities (including a spray park and playgrounds), endear audiences to ROMP. Above and beyond that, ROMP is beloved for its gorgeous setting. Yellow Creek Park, a 150-acre facility famous for its raptor rescue center, winding creek and fishing lake, sweeping tree-lines, nature trails and vast grassy fields, is very much part of the spirit and festival culture that brings thousands to ROMP each year.
The International Bluegrass Music Museum, producer of the event, will open new exhibits, host performances throughout the daytime, and present a film festival of documentaries the museum has produced on Bluegrass Music’s First Generation, including Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass Music. Museum admission is free to festival-goers.
A shuttle service takes ROMP attendees to and from Yellow Creek Park and the museum downtown. Shuttles operate from 10 AM to 5 PM. While in town, festivals-goers are encouraged to visit Owensboro’s new $230 million dollar downtown and riverfront district, quite the destination in and of itself.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam with ROMP artists day and night, or dance until dawn at awesome after parties, featuring national acts on the cabin stage in the park’s rustic Pioneer Village.
A full line-up of artist-led instrument workshops takes place throughout the day, giving musicians the chance to interact and teach fans and players of all ages and skill levels. Other workshops and forums include songwriting, clogging and flat-foot dancing, yoga (all levels), and healthy living through music.
ROMP, an annual fundraising event, supports the International Bluegrass Music Museum. Located in the RiverPark Center Complex in Owensboro, the Bluegrass Museum is the world’s only arts institution dedicated to the preservation of the international history of bluegrass music.
Tickets and camping passes are available online at www.rompfest.com, or by calling the Bluegrass Museum -270-926-7891
