For the past 31 years, the fourth weekend in July has meant it’s time for the best of bluegrass music and dancing to take center stage in Franklin during Bluegrass Along the Harpeth.
The traditional music of mountain life, modernized a bit over the years with the introduction of a couple new instruments, filled the air in and around downtown Franklin Friday and Saturday.
Friday’s crowd was the largest first-night attendance on record, said Tommy Jackson, event producer.
“Some small businesses and vendors said they’d never seen so many people on the square [on Friday night],” he said.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Larry Chunn and Step Ahead open the 31st annual Bluegrass Along the Harpeth on Friday. Pictured are Carl Caldwell on mandolin, Larry Chunn on guitar, Cheryl Chunn on fiddle and Chris Carter on banjo.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Larry Chunn and Step Ahead open the 31st annual Bluegrass Along the Harpeth Friday with the help of some of Tommy Jackson’s Rocky Top Revue Dancers.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Michael and Judah Robison with spider monkeys Leanna and Winston enjoying the bluegrass music Friday night.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
The dance space in front of the stage draws couples of all ages as Larry Chunn and Step Ahead open the 31st annual Bluegrass Along the Harpeth Friday.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Jalil and Della Settle enjoy some popcorn, a cold drink and music during Bluegrass Along the Harpeth.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Kids play on the cannons on Franklin’s downtown square during Bluegrass Along the Harpeth.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
A dad and daughter share a dance.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Tommy Jackson, organizer and host of Bluegrass Along the Harpeth, introduces his 93-year-old father, Charlie Jackson, who introduced him to bluegrass music.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Dancers help Tommy Jackson and his 93-year-old father, Charlie (far right), present Charlene Hazelwood with a Living Legend award for the help she continually provides to make the annual Bluegrass Along the Harpeth festival and competition a success.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Members of the Rocky Top Revue join Charlene Hazelwood, who was presented with the Living Legacy award by Tommy Jackson and his 93-year-old father, Charlie Jackson.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
The Rocky Top Revue dance team was on hand Friday night to perform a few award-winning dance routines.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Cheryl Chunn with the band Larry Chunn and Step Ahead, once a member of the Rocky Top Revue, shows she can still dance as she joins the current Rocky Top Revue team.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Cheryl Chunn with the band Larry Chunn and Step Ahead, once a member of the Rocky Top Revue, shows she still can dance as she joins the current Rocky Top Revue team in a dance.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Tommy Jackson joins the Rocky Top Revue dancers.
The attendees came from near and far to watch or be a part of the event. The award-winning Rocky Top Revue dancers performed, and the music included Larry Chunn and Step Ahead, headliner Tim Watson — “The Fiddle Man” — and about 60 bands and singers competing for prize money and titles.
Chunn, a Williamson County native, was born and raised in the Little Texas area of Peytonsville. At a very early age, he became a fan of Bill Monroe, who most influenced his music.
Jackson’s and Chunn’s relationship goes way back. Chunn joined the Rocky Top Revue team when he was 9 years old and met his future wife, Cheryl, also a dancer on another team, during competitions. She eventually joined the Rocky Top Revue before she and Chunn joined the Grand Ole Opry dancers, and she now plays fiddle for Step Ahead.
Watson has a big talent and personality and a unique performance style. He has traveled with Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Charlie Daniels and Willie Nelson, and one of his oldest and best friends is Loretta Lynn.
During his performance Friday, Watson told stories of his time with several well-known country and bluegrass bands.
“Tim is personable,” Jackson said. “When he talks, people listen, and when he plays, he is having fun — everyone in the band is having fun.”
Watson’s son, TJ, a member of ZZ Top for a time, joined his father’s band a few years ago. He plays the guitar, harmonica and sings.
Watson enjoyed his time Friday night so much he returned Saturday to close out the event.
Saturday’s heat and humidity affected the size of the crowd some, but more than 60 old-time string and bluegrass band competitors from all over the country played.
“It was hot — very hot,” Jackson said. “We had good crowds, but they were transitional because of the heat. People would come and go. It was steady, but good. At sundown, it got larger.”
Jackson enjoys getting out into the crowds and speaking with the spectators. He found people from all over the country.
“People from California and Colorado stopped me and asked for more information about the competitions,” he said. “They liked the way we handled [the competition], the organization and the clean family fun atmosphere.”
For those who missed Watson at the festival, he will perform at the Williamson County Fair on opening day Aug. 5. For more information about him, go to www.thefiddleman.com.