What happens when you get over 1,000 bluegrass players and lovers down at the Louisville Galt House Hotel for the weekend? Come find out at the 8th Annual Itchin’ to Pick Festival, March 21-22.
From about a 150-mile radius of Louisville, participants head downtown with their banjos, fiddles, guitars, and mandolins for the bluegrass jamboree. At noon on Friday, the elegant, renovated, downtown hotel will come alive with spirited bluegrass music, as folks gather in the lobby, bar, and any other square-inch of public space to jam. The pickin' won’t stop until the wee hours of the morning and some fanatics will even keep playing through Sunday afternoon.
One can join the fun for a mere $5 donation. Whether it be to listen, people watch, have a space to jam with your bluegrass buddies, meet new people, make new friends, pick up a few licks, share a few tunes, learn some new songs, or swap some stories, you’ll get your money’s worth. Additionally, one can make reservations at the Galt House and request an “ITP special discount” by calling 1-800-THE-GALT.
ITP was born after a group of pickers realized there was a deficit of bluegrass festivals in the area during the winter season. The festival was created to fulfill those winter cravings for a warm good old-fashioned jam, or what they call the “Itchin’ to Pick Syndrome." ITP welcomes musicians of all levels, from novice to accomplished. And although there is no scheduled stage show, you’ll get your fair share of entertainment. What could be better than some spontaneous music-making with friends and strangers? Grab your ax and get down there! For more info, go to www.itchintopick.com.
Photo: Shutterstock / David Kay
About Alex Petersen
As a full time, board-certified music therapist, I get the privilege of using music to help and inspire others on a daily basis. I also perform in the community as a musician and songwriter. If I'm not out playing music, then I'm out enjoying it! You should too!
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