When I was growing up in Ohio County, Owensboro was a big deal. It was a big city, it had many amenities and cool stuff to do, and that included music. Back then, it was live shows at the Executive Inn where a who's who of country and pop stars would take the stage in a showroom that held hundreds.

As time went on, the Executive Inn was no more, but Owensboro kept the live music coming with Friday After 5 and the introduction of the River of Music Party or ROMP. Rolling Stone, which now has a site dedicated exclusively to country music, has stood up and they have taken notice by naming Owensboro as one of the best destinations for country music fans.

The magazine has named seven destinations which include of course at number one, Nashville, followed by Southwest Virginia, Austin, TX, Cheyenne, WY, Branson, MO, Owensboro, and Pigeon Forge, TN.

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Here is what Rolling Stone contributor Becky Pokora has to say about Owensboro:

"What this western Kentucky town lacks in fame, it makes up for in music. As the home of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, it’s the ideal place to dig into country music’s roots. This signature attraction teaches visitors about bluegrass sounds and rhythms, famous musicians, and hosts power performers for on-site concerts. You can tour Owensboro as a day trip from Nashville if time is short, but spending the weekend lets you stay for the Friday After 5 concert series.

Owensboro also hosts the annual ROMP Fest, with workshops on songwriting, instruments, clogging, jamming and more. Performances range from nationally acclaimed artists to more casual jam sessions. Bluegrass fans should schedule their trip accordingly and plan on staying a few days to take it all in."

I would say that's a pretty good assessment. Did Rolling Stone get it right? I think this is a big deal.

 

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