Sharing a 3rd human interest article written for past issue of The Bugle

Some key committee members

Article #8: Threshermen’s Bluegrass Festival                by Rebecca Sadler               9/14/10

The Threshermen’s Bluegrass Festival committee is extremely excited about the mixture of musical acts that will be performing September 24-26.

President Doyle Hurd, Sr., actually has the acts for 2011 already booked. “As President, I do the promoting and keep busy all year long with telephone calls to musicians and attending other festivals to scout new musical talent,” stated Hurd, Sr.

This festival got started by Pontiac’s Chamber of Commerce in 1992 and they sponsored for the first five years.

Mark Osman, emcee and Hurd, Sr., both relayed that “the first 3 to 4 years the attendance numbers stayed in the 200-300 range but that the attendance has gradually built to the current 2,000-2,500 range.”

Osman indicated, “The committee likes to emphasize we have a family-friendly atmosphere—suitable for all ages and all members—and no alcohol is allowed.”

“It is great low-cost entertainment and we also welcome with low fees campers to stay on the Central States Threshermen’s Reunion grounds,” mentioned Osman.

Besides local attendees, the bluegrass festival draws visitors from all over.

Hurd, Sr., commented, “We’ve been drawing folks from Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Wisconsin and even Kansas.”

Osman recalled, “Recently one of the drawing winners had traveled down from Canada.”

Even the past and current musical groups have come from near and far.

Osman reflected on a past performing group: “The Lewis Family comes from Georgia and they are well-known for their long history in gospel bluegrass.”

This year’s festival has 4 of the groups from here in Illinois. “There’s also James King group coming from Danville, VA; Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road hailing from North Carolina; and Kody Norris and The Watauga Mountain Boys traveling from TN,” added Osman about some of the other acts.

The committee is thrilled to have Dailey and Vincent. “Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent won at least 7 awards presented by the International Bluegrass Music Association last year,” reflected Hurd, Sr.

“What’s amazing is the last 2 years were their first years together as a duo,” added Hurd, Sr. [According to the group’s website they are leading the nominations again for this year’s IBMA award show.]

Hurd, Sr.’s son Doyle (Jay) Hurd, Jr. expressed, “Dailey and Vincent are awesome! Those awards won included best album, best song, new artist, and even entertainer of the year.”

In past years the festival has had other music industry giants.

“7 or 8 years ago, one of the group’s had a string bass player that was Dolly Parton’s bass player,” contributed Osman.

“From the Grand Ole Opry we’ve had nationally recognized Bobby Osborne [and Rocky Top X-Press], Jim and Jesse McReynolds [and the Virginia Boys], and Doyle Lawson [and Quicksilver],” added Hurd, Sr.

Quick to point out, Jay Hurd bragged about his dad: “Doyle Lawson and my dad grew up in the same town in TN and were in high school together.”

President Hurd’s involvement with the festival and being asked by the Chamber of Commerce to attend the very first meeting was due to his many years in the bluegrass circuit.

Hurd, Jr. recalled: “As a little one growing up, I traveled, sang, and learned to play with my parents in the bluegrass circuit and it was wonderful. I love the bluegrass family for their down-home attitudes.”

Down-home attitudes from nationally recognized talent seem hard to believe.

“Impromptu jam sessions are common on and off stage,” quipped both Hurd men.

As emcee, Osman is responsible to get each session started on time. “Start times are prompt but ending times aren’t. The groups love to play and getting them off the stage is sometimes difficult,” laughingly supplied Osman.

The schedule for the weekend festival along with admission costs, camping info, local lodging suggestions, etc can be found at their website: http://threshermenbluegrass.com.

Jane Diaz of Diaz Sign Art in Pontiac agreed about the music on and off the stage. “We’ve attended many times over the years. Talk about musicianship! It’s unbelievable! We enjoy going inside and listening but we really like walking around outside to hear the improv playing. They are all remarkable!”, claimed Diaz.

Linda Moore of rural Pontiac stated, “I love to attend the Bluegrass Festival—I love the music. I also enjoy meeting new people that come to the festival. I’ve attended several bluegrass festivals around the area but always enjoy the Pontiac festival the most.”

Other festival committee members are: Rosie Hurd, Karon Burton, Mel Abels, Eileen Fahsbender (finance), John Allison (Vice President), Ron and Marlene Gregory, and Melvin Gilmore along with Mark Osman and Doyle Hurd, Sr.

Festival President Hurd, Sr. has had the position for all 18 years. “I love doing it and love the crowd. It’s like a big family reunion and it’s a lot of fun,” summarized Hurd.

This event has earned a prestigious reputation in the bluegrass genre. Both Hurd men and Osman shared, “All the bands enjoy it as one of the best bluegrass shows and love coming to Pontiac.”