It looks as if everyone seems to be attempting to faucet into Kentucky authenticity in music as of late, and we shouldn’t be shocked. It was Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, and Chris Stapleton who sparked the nation music revolution, and it’s the Bluegrass State that continues to seed so most of the greatest and quickest rising names in music at present. You possibly can both take heed to artists “impressed” by the Kentucky sound—or who synthesize it by way of the lumbering motions of the Music Row equipment in Nashville—or you may go on to the supply.
On the aspect of a hill at a state park in Bell County, Kentucky rests the Laurel Cove Amphitheater. Showing like one thing taken from a scene of a J.R.R. Tolkien novel, the pure amphitheater fitted with seats and stones for sitting appears to be like over a quaint stage, with a lagoon-like water function within the entrance. Lichens and moss adorn all the pieces, and in each nook and round each nook is a magical little spot to commune with nature.
However most vital to this little piece of Kentucky paradise is the Laurel Cove Pageant that commences every June. It would as nicely be the headwaters for real nation and roots music expertise from Kentucky, Appalachia, and past. In 2025, two of the three headliners we’re Kentucky natives: landmark generational songwriter Ian Noe, and surging Southern rock band Ole 60.
Resulting from inclement climate although, solely a kind of headliners received to carry out. Ian Noe ended up getting scrubbed Friday evening. However direct supporting artist Evan Honer held courtroom beneath a small pavilion with some very moist and really fortunate patrons getting an unplugged and acoustic set they received’t quickly overlook. Jonathan and Abigail Payton weren’t even on the lineup, however sang an acapella tune for the ages. Hill Nation Satan additionally carried out beneath the pavilion in moments that may absolutely be referenced in Laurel Cove lore for years to come back.
The rain largely held off for Ole 60 on Saturday evening, however water works weren’t fully absent. It’s the combo of strikingly emotional moments, mixed with unabashed euphoric thrives of rock that makes the Ole 60 expertise so compelling. Because the announcer mentioned forward of their set, after they first appeared on the scene like a thunderbolt, no person knew something about them … besides that they have been from Kentucky. For Laurel Cove, that’s qualification sufficient. Together with their authentic songs, Ole 60 additionally lined Pink Floyd’s “Want You Had been Right here” and Coldplay’s “Yellow.”
Setting the desk for Ole 60 was Oklahoma’s Kaitlin Butts, nevertheless it was a gaggle of younger ladies and a boy that threatened to steal the present. They have been standing on the aspect of the stage the entire present, singing and dancing alongside. Kaitlin walked over at one level and gave them their very own little personal present. Then on the very finish of the set, Kaitlin introduced all the youngsters out on stage, they usually danced off collectively to shut the set as the group went nuts.
Afterwards, Kaitlin frolicked with the youngsters (see video), signed a bunch of stuff for them, and made their little years. After which after the present, Kaitlin drove her personal tour van towing a trailer BACKWARDS all the best way down the mountain like a rattling boss as a result of there was nowhere to show round. The crew on the Laurel Cove Pageant couldn’t consider it. “She’s a badass!” one crew member mentioned.
It’s moments like this that folks will bear in mind, younger and outdated, for years to come back.
However the Laurel Cove Music Pageant is simply as a lot in regards to the opening and up-and-coming names to find as it’s the large night acts, if not much more.
London, Kentucky will not be too far up the highway from Laurel Cove in Pineville. However Jack Browning hails from the opposite London the place the King sits on his throne. In Kentucky, you’ve colonels, not Kings. However Browning, who made the longest journey to the fest by far, might be mistaken for a hilljack in the suitable gentle, and positively feels like one, chatting with the worldwide affect of Appalachia on music.
Not practically as distant, however nonetheless at a powerful distance, Noeline Hoffman got here down from Canada to hit the cove for a 3rd time, second as a performer, and first time on the principle stage. She truly shares a kinship with Jack Browning since they each launched tribute songs to fallen nation music artist Luke Bell, who although normally related to Wyoming, occurred to be born in Kentucky. They each carried out their variations of “The Bullfighter” on the weekend, however no person complained.
It was Noeline’s Hoffman’s speech in the course of her set that actually spelled out why small unbiased festivals like Laurel Cove are so vital.
“Laurel Cove ended up being crucial a part of my entire journey down right here to the US … I ended up at Laurel Cove on the very finish of my journey, and it fully modified my life, all of the artists, the folks and music that I met down right here. If I didn’t find yourself right here, I don’t know what my life would appear to be now. I do know it sounds dramatic, nevertheless it actually is true.”
This what it’s all about. That is the explanation these unbiased festivals are so very important, and make for superspreader occasions for high quality music for the reason that viewers is crammed with patrons who help artists nonetheless they’ll, and assist unfold the phrase about their favourite music. Bonnaroo and Stagecoach might need the large names, however they don’t have the camaraderie and group an occasion and site like Laurel Cove has.
Fortunate for Laurel Cove, the help outpaces the capability, and it sells out nearly instantly each single yr. However despite the fact that solely a thousand or so folks get to expertise the Laurel Cove Music Pageant in individual, the music and the moments resonate far past the little cove on a hill in Kentucky.
That’s why the pageant is taken into account one of many greatest fests in the US. That is the place music careers are launched and supported, and the place music and recollections unfold out from rural Kentucky to infuse America with real Appalachian soul.
All photographs by Kyle “Set off” Coroneos. For extra photographs, video, and media, comply with Saving Nation Music on Instagram. Apologies to any artists not pictured or talked about.
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