Bean Blossom Celebrates Bluegrass Pioneer Bill Monroe

One of the oldest festivals in the world honors Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass music, in his adopted hometown of Bean Blossom, Indiana.

Monroe is credited with creating the bluegrass music genre, which took its name from his band, the Blue Grass Boys. The musician’s performing career spanned 60 years, and the town where he lived for many years now honors his achievements at the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground. The 55-acre park, located in Bean Blossom in Brown County, is home to the Brown County Jamboree, the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival.

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In 2014, the 48th Annual Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival – the oldest, continuously running bluegrass festival in the world – is slated for June 12-21. You can also celebrate Monroe’s birthday at the Bean Blossom Gospel Jubilees July 10-12 and 24-26, and at the Bean Blossom Blues Festival August 21-23. Monroe died in 1996.