Grammy-nominated fiddler Michael Cleveland — widely regarded as one of the most accomplished musicians in modern bluegrass — will be among the featured participants when KY Fried Pickin’ returns to Owensboro this weekend for a three-day gathering of traditional music, jam sessions, and workshops.
The annual event is set for March 19-21 at the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront, drawing musicians and bluegrass fans from across the region for a weekend dedicated to the craft of picking.
KY Fried Pickin’ is free to attend and is designed as a participatory event where musicians of all skill levels are encouraged to bring their instruments and join informal jam sessions throughout the hotel. During the weekend, hallways, lobbies, and gathering spaces often fill with the sounds of guitars, fiddles, mandolins, and banjos as players gather for spontaneous picking sessions.
Founded in 2017 by Mark Hargis, Mark Royal, and Kristy Whiteside, the event has grown into a regional gathering for traditional bluegrass musicians. Organizers say KY Fried Pickin’ has welcomed attendees from more than 13 states and two countries, helping establish Owensboro as a destination for bluegrass enthusiasts each year.
In addition to open jamming, the event will feature instructional workshops led by professional musicians.
Justin Clark of Nashville will lead a Tony Rice–style guitar workshop focused on the techniques and playing style popularized by the influential bluegrass guitarist.
A mandolin workshop will also be offered featuring Hargis, Emily Wilson, Cleveland, and Thomas Townsley. Wilson, of Denver, Colorado, is part of the Karasik Mandolin Project, an initiative dedicated to preserving the historic Lloyd Loar mandolin.
Cleveland, best known as the leader of the band Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, will also take part in the workshop, sharing insights from decades of touring and recording in the bluegrass genre.
The weekend will also include a One Mic Band Showcase highlighting bluegrass groups performing around a single microphone in the traditional style. Organizers said bands from across the region — including groups traveling from Louisville and Nashville — are expected to participate.
Performances for the showcase are scheduled Friday and Saturday evenings and will continue until 10 p.m. each night.
Organizers say the event is designed to celebrate bluegrass in its most authentic form.
“KY Fried Pickin’ is about bringing people together through music,” organizers said. “Whether you’re a professional musician, a student, or someone who simply loves bluegrass, it’s a place where everyone can share in the tradition of picking.”
Spectators are welcome to attend and listen, or bring an instrument and join the jam sessions happening throughout the weekend.
