Sonic Music Festival And Sam Bush To Highlight Day Of Music In Bowling Green
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Kentucky Museum will transform into a hub of sound and celebration on Saturday, Sept. 6, hosting the Sonic Music Festival during the day and a special evening concert featuring Sam Bush, the internationally acclaimed bluegrass innovator and Bowling Green native.
A Festival Celebrating Kentucky’s Musical Legacy
From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Kentucky Museum will welcome the community to the Sonic Music Festival, a free outdoor event showcasing live performances, art, and local food. The festival is held in honor of the grand opening of Sonic Landscape: The Musical Legacy of Southcentral Kentucky, a new exhibition highlighting the region’s deep influence on American music — from early jazz and newgrass to hip-hop and country-rap.
Visitors can enjoy sets from artists including The Songfarmers, Jane Pearl, Jonell Mosser, Eddie Pennington, Alonzo Pennington, Caleb Coots, Michael Gough, John Martin, Bill Lloyd, and Kyle Frederick. Beyond the music, guests can take part in art-making activities, browse vinyl selections from Mellow Matt’s Music & More, and sample fare from food trucks like Big T’s Bar-B-Cue and Twisted Sisters Brunch & Lunch.
Sam Bush Returns To The Stage At Van Meter Hall
At 7 p.m., the spotlight turns to Sam Bush, often hailed as the “Father of Newgrass.” Born and raised in Bowling Green, Bush was inspired by his father’s fiddle playing and rose to prominence as a teenage fiddler before forming New Grass Revival in the early 1970s. His fusion of rock energy with bluegrass tradition helped reshape the genre and cemented his status as a pioneer of progressive bluegrass.
Bush, a WKU honorary doctorate recipient, last performed on campus a decade ago. His return to Van Meter Hall promises an evening of improvisation, heartfelt playing, and musical innovation that continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Admission is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Day To Honor Southcentral Kentucky’s Sound
The Sonic Music Festival and Sam Bush concert not only highlight Bowling Green’s rich music culture but also pay tribute to the countless artists, producers, and innovators who shaped Kentucky’s role in American music history. With its mix of local talent, community engagement, and a homecoming performance by a legendary figure, the event offers a perfect blend of celebration and reflection.
For music lovers, families, and students, September 6 stands as a day to immerse in the sounds of Kentucky’s past and future.
Stay tuned to ChicagoMusicGuide.com for more coverage of music festivals, artist spotlights, and concert news across the Midwest and beyond.