March 4, 2010
MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT: Immediate

Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation Announces
April 17, 2010 Benefit Concert in Franklin, Indiana

Indianapolis, IN (March 3, 2010):  The Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation has announced the details of the upcoming BBJF Bluegrass Benefit Concert to be held April 17, 2010 from 3:00 pm - 10:00 p.m. at the Historic Artcraft Theatre located in Franklin, Indiana.  The concert includes performances by acclaimed bluegrass veteran and Rounder Recording artist, Charlie Sizemore with his band; Jett’s Creek, a national touring act based in Ohio; plus local favorites, New Harmony, Birch Creek, and Sugar Creek.  Tickets prices are: $20, $10 (ages 6-12) and free (under the age of 6) and can be purchased in advance or the day of the show at the Artcraft Theatre.  

All proceeds from the event will go to the Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation – a non profit foundation formed with the intent to purchase the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground located in Bean Blossom, Indiana and help preserve the park’s numerous music festivals and traditions.  Bluegrass music fans around the world, even those who have never been to the park, appreciate the significant role this historic landmark continues to play in the evolution of Bluegrass music.  All proceeds from this event will go toward purchasing the music park.

More about Bean Blossom:
This legacy began in October 1951, when Grand Ole Opry star and the Father of Bluegrass Music, Bill Monroe traveled to a small town in Brown County, Indiana called Bean Blossom to perform at the Brown County Jamboree.  He immediately fell in love with the area and two months later purchased the property.  In June 1967, he started his first festival at the park that has continued uninterrupted ever since – making the annual June Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival the world’s oldest continuously running bluegrass festival.  Some of the biggest names in bluegrass music and stars of the Grand Ole Opry still continue to perform on the famous stage.  The park plays host to numerous events and festivals every year including the popular Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall Of Fame & Uncle Pen Days Festival held every September.  After Bill Monroe’s death in 1996, his former Blue Grass Boy band member, Dwight Dillman purchased the festival grounds and museum from James Monroe.

State Highway 135 that runs through Bean Blossom was designated the “Bill Monroe Memorial Highway” by the Indiana General Assembly, and the annual June Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival was designated a Local Legacy by the Library of Congress.  The same event also won the prestigious Event of the Year in 2000 from the International Bluegrass Music Association.

The Foundation Board of Directors and Advisory Committee members will be at April 17, 2010 concert and the upcoming Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Festival to meet with attendees, provide more information and answer questions.   Interviews can be scheduled or other press inquiries can be made by contacting the Foundation Offices at 1-877-989-BBJF or by email at info@bbjfoundation.org   More information is available at the Foundation’s website at:  http://www.bbjfoundation.org

A poster of the April 17, 2010 concert can be downloaded in jpg or pdf formats.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Historic Artcraft Theater
57 N. Main Street
Franklin, IN 46131
Phone: 317-736-6823

Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation
5163 North State Road 135
Morgantown, IN  46160
Telephone: 1-877-989-BBJF
Email: info@bbjfoundation.org

Media Contact:
Hope River Entertainment
678.377.3298
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