Grateful Dead Music Forum

I'll be in the smokey mountains in a few weeks. We'll be staying right outside of Pigeon Forge/Gaitlinburg.

I know it's kind of touristy but was wondering if anyone knows of a place where I can catch some good ole bluegrass or other music clubs that aren't my truck broke down type of country?
Any bands you know of coming that way? I'll be there July 19-26.
Thanks

I'm sorry to say that is a cultural vacuum. There was a Dylan, Willie Nelson concert scheduled there for that time but it was cancelled due to slow ticket sales. The best thing to do over there is go to see the Smokies play AA ball. A nice newer park and generally a good time. Kids do love it for the rides, go carts, waterpark, Dollywood etc... and the wives love the outlet malls. As far as music goes you may get lucky but mostly it is kitch tourist hillbilly stuff. Look online, anything note worthy will be listed. Check Knoxville also only 1 hour away from there, you can see the sun sphere from the World's fair (I hear it's full of wigs now)

Sorry guys, can't resist. It's that damn hillbilly thing.

Q. How do you know you're staying at a hillbilly motel?
A. When you tell the man at the desk," I got a leak in the sink and he says Go ahead."

Not sure about Pidgeon forge area, but there is a town on the Tenn./Geo. border called McCaysville that has impromptu bluegrass jams every Thursday?
Its called Pickin in the Park.
Its a really good time. there are about twenty pickup bands going throughout the park.
Also, If your into rafting the Chatooga river, where they filmed deliverance, is near a town called clayton Geo. Some great Class v rapids.
There is also a river called the Ocoee. This is where they held the olympic rafting events when they were in Atlanta
HTH
T

We got the Dollywood tix and will probably do some hiking and horseback riding. I new it would be some kitch shit but I thought there would be at least one decent music club.

Well we have a three story house with decks on each level so I guess it's the dead, , and killer views.

Cabin on a hill is the way to go!! Don't get hung up on the hillbilly thing, they are everywhere. I have family in N. Cali- biggest bunch of hillbilly rednecks I've ever seen - including Tennessee! If you find yourself 3 hours west in Nashville - PM me and I'll get you in front of some damn pickers!

The Hillbilly thing was me goofing around. I live in Buffalo and all I have to do is drive no more than 45 minutes in either direction and I'm sure to happen on a redneck. My sister lives in Memphis so I already know how to adapt to the slower pace, which vacation is all about anyway.

Thanks for the tips. I don't know if I'll get the chance to venture to far from the surrounding area but I'm on a mission to find some true bluegrass. I'll report my findings.

yall are jerks

alcorelectric wrote:Not sure about Pidgeon forge area, but there is a town on the Tenn./Geo. border called McCaysville that has impromptu bluegrass jams every Thursday?
Its called Pickin in the Park.
Its a really good time. there are about twenty pickup bands going throughout the park.
Also, If your into rafting the Chatooga river, where they filmed deliverance, is near a town called clayton Geo. Some great Class v rapids.
There is also a river called the Ocoee. This is where they held the olympic rafting events when they were in Atlanta
HTH
T

Former Cripple Creek guide here... way back in 1991! I "merc'ed" for just about everyone... HO, Cherokee, OO, OI, ORR, USA, OE and SEE.

Nolichucky would be the best option for you as far as being in the vicinity... Head south to the Nantahala if you have little kids in tow. The Ocoee if you are doing it as a partial day trip... you could link this with a ducky float down the Hiwassee if you don't mind a bit of "shrinkage". The French Broad is also an option... probably could catch some great music in Asheville while yer there!!!

Chatooga would be LONG drive... Even from the Ocoee this is a hike. Better choice would be north to the Gauley but you're only going to get a low water run in this time of year. New and the Cheat would be other options...

"When I get off this mountain, you know where I'm gonna go... Straight down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico"

I know this may be a little late but check out this place in maggie valley. It's the maggie valley music barn and its run by Ramond Fairchild the world famous banjo player.He and his band generally play shows on fri. and sat. night during the tourist season I have seen them a few times there and its worth a look. If nothing else you will be very impressed with his banjo playing. And by the way DONT buy the moonshine jelly he has for sale but do buy the cd Pickin in maggie valley recorded live in 74.

Well I'm in Gatinlinburg right now, 4500 feet up in a serious house overlooking the Smokey's. I won't be able to go to far from home so I'll be hitting the nitelife tomorrow and hopefully will stumble on sumpin'

RiverRat- sounds fun but I didn't understand one thing you said.