19th Annual Pickin’ Party Old-time Music Festival at The Homeplace
It’s that time of year again! The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm will host their Pickin’ Party Old-Time Music Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11, 2017, from 10 am to 5:30 pm at Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Festival and farm admission is $7 ages 13 and up, $5 ages 5-12, and free for ages 4 and under.
“Hear some of the best string bands and old time musicians and singers in the south,” says Cindy Earls, Lead Interpreter at the Homeplace 1850s Farm. “We have local performer, songwriter and folklorist Nathan Blake Lynn; and fiddler Josh Coffey to serve as master of ceremonies for this festival in the hollow. We also ask that everyone thank our sponsors–Kentucky Machine and Engineering in Cadiz, KY, and Murray State’s WKMS, who help make this event possible.”
Old-time music is a tradition of our ancestors in this part of the country, brought with them from the old world, then changed to reflect their new world. Old-time music is our connection to the past; we can hear the voices of our forefathers telling stories of hardships and sorrows, as well as celebrations and joys.
This year’s lineup includes crowd favorites as well as newcomers:
- Phillip Steinmetz and His Sunny Tennesseans
- Mark Dvorak
- Common Thread
- The Dixie Volunteers
- Wheel House Rousters
- All Strung Out
Mandolin builder Mike Holmes also works his craft all weekend and offers his handmade mandolins for sale. In the event of rain, the Pickin’ Party moves to the indoor theater.
Afternoons on the farm also feature children’s 1850s play time, weaving, blacksmithing, meet our oxen and knitting in public. Visitors are encouraged to bring their knitting needles and knit while listening to music straight from the past.
Bring lawn chairs or ground blankets to relax under the cool shade trees while enjoying old-time music. The festival offers open mic opportunities for local musicians and attendees. Festival food is available for purchase at the farm.
Visitors may bring their instruments for jamming and open mic sessions on both days at the Homeplace.
Land Between the Lakes provides several options for overnight accommodations for those wishing to stay on the recreation area. See more information about our local communities – https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/visit/community.
To find more information about Land Between the Lakes, log on to the official website at www.landbetweenthelakes.us or call 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.
See Also: Top 10 Things I Love About The Homeplace in the Land Between the Lakes
Woodlands Nature Station: Free Pass Day in Honor of National Get Outdoors Day
Gorgeous Red-Tailed Hawk at Woodlands Nature Station
Woodlands Nature Station (open from 10 am-5 pm) will waive admission fees Saturday, June 10, 2017, at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, in honor of National Get Outdoors Day.
Grab your camera and experience native gardens and rescued wildlife in the Nature Station’s beautiful backyard!
Activities and Events:
- Visitors may observe a bald eagle during a “Bald Is Beautiful” program from 11:30 am-12 pm.
- Discover the “Jedi” skills of Mother Nature’s finest students during May the Forest Be With You programs from 2:30-3:15 pm.
- Watch the Parade of Raptors at 4:30 pm, as staff escort the owls and hawk to their night time enclosures.
- Additional animal programs take place throughout the day.
Fourth graders may take advantage of free admission to the Nature Station and Homeplace 1850s Farm every day. For more details about passes for Fourth Graders, click here.
For information about Land Between the Lakes, log on to the official website at www.landbetweenthelakes.us or call 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.
Golden Pond Planetarium Ramps up Shows for Summer
The Golden Pond Planetarium at Land Between The Lakes has a lot in store for the 2016 summer season. Laser and evening planetarium showings, and Star Parties, offer activities after 5pm starting in May, and lasting all summer.
The planetarium dazzles visitors with multi-colored laser light shows synchronized to popular music across the 40-foot dome. Seasoned astronomers guide and educate children and adults. They use telescopes to observe the dark night sky.
Evening Planetarium Shows and Star Parties: Members of the West Kentucky Amateur Astronomers host Star Parties, weather permitting. Free telescope viewings follow the 8pm show beginning in June.
- May 28; 6:30pm planetarium show; 8pm Star Party
- June 4 and 18
- July 2 and 16
- Aug 6 and 20
Laser Lights Music Shows: The Planetarium projector beams intense and colorful laser light designs and animations on the dome. Featured artists include Metallica, U2, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, George Strait, The Beach Boys, Shania Twain, The Beatles, and many more. Doors open 30 minutes before show times.
- 5pm and 6:30pm on Saturday nights beginning Saturday, May 7
- 5:30pm and 7pm on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights beginning Friday, June 3
- 8pm bonus laser shows June 11 and 25; July 9, 23, and 30; August 13 and 27
Enhance your laser lights show experience with special 3D laser viewing glasses available in the gift shop.
Due to safety concerns, doors close after shows begin. Discount and Fun Cards are not accepted for laser shows. For a complete schedule of evening laser shows, visit the Planetarium page on the Land Between the Lake’s Official website.
You can also learn more by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.