For almost 75 years the sounds of Bluegrass have been found on the back roads and hidden paths of Person County. Acoustic string rhythms mix with stunning vocal harmonies to form the perfect union of song.
The Malpass Brothers, a rising band with local ties, represent the next generation of Bluegrass. They are as authentic as stone-ground grits, country ham and red-eye gravy….and just as good. If you’re not already a fan of classic bluegrass or country music when you take your seat, you will be by the time you leave.
As young boys, Christopher and Taylor Malpass soaked up the music of their granddad’s phonograph records. Christopher earned his first talent show trophy at age 7, and Taylor was playing mandolin by the time he was 10. Today, they promote the work and music of classic country artists they treasure while creating new music and making their own mark.
The Malpass Brothers toured with the late Don Helms, former steel guitarist for Hank Williams. They opened for mentor and iconic music legend Merle Haggard for a number of years, and they have appeared on stages from the Shetland Islands to Ryman Auditorium to Merlefest.
These guys are the real deal, folks. Under the big hair and behind the funny, off-the-cuff quips is some serious talent and a smooth vocal blend. This music is steeped in the legacy of Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, and Hank Williams, Sr. Count on some classic country. Count on some old-time traditional gospels. Count on some new Malpass tunes. Count on lines at the CD table
This year, you can count on seeing the Malpass Brother live in concert as they perform at the Pickin’ By The Lake Bluegrass Festival on September 7th from Noon until 9:00 p.m. This marks the seventh year in a row that Person County will come together to celebrate this beautiful music at an equally beautiful place, Mayo Lake
So grab a blanket, maybe a lawn chair or two and make plans to joins us by the lake this September. You’ll hear some great vocal harmonies. You’ll be amazed at the holding height of some good hairspray.
Because, as we like to say, music is better in Person.
THE SPECIFICS:
Tickets are $25 online (https://foundation.piedmontcc.edu/pickintickets) and $30 at the gate. Children under 12 are free.
Camping is available. For more information, contact Mayo Lake Park at 336-597-7806.
Blanks and lawn chairs are suggested, and food trucks will be available.
For more information, visit www.piedmontcc.edu/pickin, call 336-322-2105 or email alumni@piedmontcc.edu.
