Frankfort Bluegrass Festival Returns July 13-14

FRANKFORT, IL — The 12th annual Frankfort Bluegrass Festival is almost here. The fest, which brings 40 performances by 15 bands to downtown Frankfort will be held July 13-14 at the Breidert Green and Prairie Park stages.

The fest will include award-winning bluegrass acts Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Jim Lauderdale & The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Miles Over Mountains, The Grateful String Band, Wheels North, Special Consensus and more, according to a release from organizers.

Bands will play from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Frankfort Bluegrass Festival is a former “Event of the Year” award holder as named by the International Bluegrass Musical Association.

Recipients of the 2020 IBMA Bluegrass Ramble Showcase Artist of the Year, South Korean bluegrass band Country GongBang performs Saturday and Sunday. The group, which was the winner of the 2023 IBMA International Band Performance Grant, plays contemporary bluegrass with a Korean twist, singing in both English and Korean, event organizers said.

“This is but one twist to the many stories that have brought us to our 12th annual Bluegrass Festival in Frankfort,” said Steve Haberichter, a founding member of the all-volunteer committee. “The extraordinary reach of bluegrass music throughout the world has been perpetuated by the IBMA to benefit all. We’re thrilled our audiences get to enjoy new artists in Frankfort every year. The evolution of our fest is a credit to the musicians, the mutual respect with our crowds and the volunteers who respond every year to make this event special.”

Four years removed from the challenges of dealing with a pandemic, the committee members who work year-round as organizers felt rewarded as the turnout and response was as strong as ever, according to a release.

“Our generous sponsors and supporters remained steadfast to our commitment to bring free, top quality, award-winning bluegrass music to our unique community,” said Amanda Thompson, a fest coordinator.

The fest also offers a kids activity area at the open green space in Prairie Park. The Kids Activity Area welcomes toddlers to teens to make crafts, play games, and enjoy the performances. Kids of all ages are encouraged to visit the Down Home Guitar tent to try out bluegrass instruments, event organizers said.

“As always our mission is to promote the preservation and education of bluegrass music, a true traditional American musical art form, in beautiful historic downtown Frankfort,” said Haberichter.

"We are very proud to host the Bluegrass Festival in our charming downtown and welcome visitors and music lovers from all over. The all volunteer committee has done an amazing job of assembling such talented performers and creating a family-friendly event. I think it captures the heart of American music and I am continually impressed by the outstanding musicianship, and I'm sure you will be too," Mayor Keith Ogle said.