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Thursday, November 14

3:30 pm Welcome
4:00 pm Artist Show Case
5:15 pm Country Grass with Larry Cordle
6:30 pm Williamson Branch
7:45 pm Larry Stephenson Band
9:00 pm Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road

ARTIST SHOWCASE
Donna Ulisse, Daryl Mosley
Jerry Salley, Larry Cordle
Rick Stanley

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Friday, November 15

11:30 am New Outlook
12:30 pm Larry Efaw & Bluegrass Mountaineers
1:30 pm Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
2:30 pm Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road
3:30 pm New Outlook
4:15 pm Supper Break
5:30 pm Davis Bradley
6:00 pm Larry Efaw & Bluegrass Mountaineers
7:00 pm Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
8:00 pm Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road
9:00 pm Larry Sparks and Lonesome Ramblers

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Saturday, November 16

11:30 am Billy & The Kids
12:00 pm Headin’ Home Bluegrass
1:00 pm Kentucky Just Us
2:00 pm Dean Osborne Band
3:00 pm Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road
4:00 pm Supper Break
5:15 pm Kim Robins Band
6:15 pm Dale Ann Bradley
7:15 pm Deeper Shade of Blue
8:30 pm Little Roy and Lizzy Show

Larry Sparks and Lonesome Ramblers: Honoring the Legacy of Bluegrass Music

 Friday, November 15, 2024

In the heart of the bluegrass music world, one name stands out as a true legend and torchbearer of the genre – Larry Sparks. With his band, the Lonesome Ramblers, Sparks has left an indelible mark on the bluegrass landscape, captivating audiences with soulful performances and preserving the essence of traditional bluegrass music. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers, their impact on the genre, and why they remain beloved by fans worldwide.

The Legacy of Larry Sparks
Larry Sparks was born in Lebanon, Ohio, on September 25, 1947. His love for music developed at a young age, and he quickly found his calling in bluegrass. In the early 1960s, Sparks began performing with local bands before catching the attention of Ralph Stanley, a bluegrass pioneer. Sparks' rich, distinctive voice and expert guitar playing made him an invaluable member of the Clinch Mountain Boys, Ralph Stanley's renowned band.

The Formation of Lonesome Ramblers
In 1969, after spending several years with the Clinch Mountain Boys, Larry Sparks stepped out on his own and formed the Lonesome Ramblers. The band's lineup may have evolved over the years, but Sparks remained the heart and soul of the group. The Lonesome Ramblers became known for their tight harmonies, traditional sound, and heartfelt performances that resonated deeply with fans of all ages.

The Signature Sound of Larry Sparks
Larry Sparks' music is rooted in the traditional style of bluegrass. His powerful voice, filled with emotion and sincerity, carries the weight of decades of bluegrass history. His guitar playing is characterized by intricate fingerpicking and a profound understanding of the genre's rhythms. Sparks' dedication to keeping bluegrass authentic and true to its origins earned him the title of "The International Ambassador of Bluegrass Music."

Timeless Hits and Recognition
Throughout his career, Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers have released numerous albums, each contributing to the preservation of bluegrass music. Some of his most well-known songs include "John Deere Tractor," "Blue Virginia Blues," and "Tennessee 1949." Over the years, Sparks has received numerous accolades, including multiple International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards and inductions into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

Impact on Future Generations
Beyond his awards and recognition, Larry Sparks' greatest impact lies in inspiring future generations of bluegrass musicians. His dedication to the traditional sound, heartfelt lyrics, and exceptional musicianship has served as a guiding light for countless aspiring bluegrass artists. Through his mentorship and continued performances, Sparks ensures that the legacy of bluegrass remains alive and well.

Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers have proven to be more than just musicians; they are torchbearers of bluegrass music's rich heritage. Their soulful performances, traditional sound, and passion for the genre have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. As we continue to celebrate and appreciate the magic of bluegrass, we owe a debt of gratitude to Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers for keeping the music alive and inspiring future generations to carry on the tradition.

So, the next time you find yourself tapping your foot to a classic bluegrass tune, remember the man who has dedicated his life to preserving the essence of this treasured genre – Larry Sparks, the International Ambassador of Bluegrass Music.

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Paul Williams: A Luminary Legacy in Bluegrass and ...
Larry Stephenson Band
 

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Hotels in Gatlinburg
Limited rooms with group rates. 

Courtyard
Marriott Downtown

Right across the street

865-436-2008

315 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Website

Hampton
Inn

5-minute walk/FREE Breakfast

 865-436-4933

967 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN, 37738

Website

Sidney James
Mountain Lodge

Trolly available to many attractions

865-436-7851

610 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Website

Microtel Inn
and Suites

Right across the street

865-436-0107

211 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738

Website

Glenstone
Lodge

5-minute walk

865-436-9361

504 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Website

Reagan Resorts
865-436-5607

Gillette
Hotel

Right across from the entrance

865-436-5601

235 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Website

Baymont by Wyndham
865-325-9751

LeConte Motor Lodge
A Ramada by Wyndham

In front of the Convention Center on the main strip

865-436-5032

929 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Website

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
865-412-1004

Super 8
865-436-2222

Gatlinburg Town Square
865-436-2039

Econo Lodge
865-436-7991

green border bottomMore Information About 
Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies

Advanced Ticket Prices
 
3 Day Reserved $100
3 Day General $90
One Day General $40
 
Credit card charges
Not included in the ticket price 
$3 for 3 days or $2 per day
 
Parking 
 
Parking at hotels is free
 
Parking lots walking distance of Gatlinburg Convention Center and Mills Auditorium - $5 to $20

More Information Here
Campgrounds
 
(5 Minutes Out)

Leconte Campground
865-436-4990

Twin Creek Campground
800-252-8077
 
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Mills Auditorium
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234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN

For Tickets to Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies

BUY TICKETS HERE or call Krissy at 919-609-6740 Mon-Fri 3:30 pm till 6 pm (leave a message anytime) or use the contact form here. For band information, call 919-779-5672 Ext 1