Rhonda Vincent, seven time winner of IBMA's Female Vocalist of the Year performing at a previous SDC Bluegrass & BBQ Festival.

“Silver Dollar City’s festivals have a reputation for being world-class events and its Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, running from May 12 – 30, it is no exception,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Among the dozens of top Bluegrass performers from all over the nation who will be performing during the 19 days of the festival are ‘Rhonda Vincent,’ seven time winner of IBMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year; ‘Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out,’ 2010 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year and seven time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year  and ‘The Grascals,’ two time winner of IBMA’s Entertainer of the Year.”

Although subject to change, the list of artists and the dates of the scheduled performances are:

Gold Wing Express
May 12 – 13
Lindley Creek
May 12 – 13
The Martin Family Band
2011 SPBGMA Fiddle Performer of the Year May 12 – 13
Midnight Flight
May 12 – 13
The Kruger Brothers
May 12 – 15
Audie Blaylock & Redline
May 14 – 15
Brightwater Junction
May 14 – 15
Bull Harman & Bull’s Eye
2011 Midwest SPBGMA Instrumental Group of the Year, Bluegrass Band of the Year -Contemporary, Guitar Performer of the Year and Mandolin Performer of the Year
May 14 – 15
Sherman Mountain Boys
May 14 – 15
The Chapmans
May 14 – 16
Bluegrass Brigade
2011 Midwest SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year – Contemporary, Male Vocalist of the Year – Contemporary and Banjo Performer of the Year
May 16 – 17
The Harper Family
May 16 – 17
Hunt Family Bluegrass
May 16 – 17
Midwestern Town
2011 SPBGMA International Band Championship Winner
May 16 – 17
Next Best Thing
May 16 – 18
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
Seven time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year 2011 SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year –  Contemporary, and Entertainer of the Year
May 16 – 18
Darrin & Brooke Aldridge
May 17 – 19
Meyer Bluegrass Band
May 18 – 19
Redhead Express
May 18 – 19
Triple L Band
May 18 – 20
Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass
May 19 – 20
Missouri River Band
May 19 – 20
IIIrd Generation Bluegrass
May 19 – 21
Cedar Hill
May 20 -21
Louisiana Grass
May 20 – 21

The Red Head Express, Meghan, left with bass fiddle, LaRae, Kendra and Alisa.

Nothin’ Fancy
SPBGMA 2010, 2009 & 2008 Entertaining Group of the Year
May 20 – 23
The Pickin’ Chicks
May 21 – 22
Monroeville
May 21 – 23
The Link Family
May 21 – 24
The Cleverlys
May 21 & May 28
Kenny & Amanda Smith
Three time IBMA Award Winners & Grammy Nominee
May 22 – 23
Jed & Harry Clark Band
May 22 – 24
The Farnum Family
May 22 & May 30
The Kellys
May 23 -24
Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out
Seven time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year
2010 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year – Russell Moore
May 23 – 24
Mississippi Sawyers
May 23 – 24
The Bankester Family
May 24 – 25
The Hillbenders
2010 National Single Microphone Championship Winners
May 24 – 25
Larry Stephenson Band
Five time SPBGMA Male Vocalist
May 24 – 26
Blue Steel Rail
May 25 – 26
2011 Midwest SPBGMA Entertaining Group of the Year and Entertainer of the Year
May 25 – 26
The Grascals
2011 SPBGMA Instrumental Group of the Year, Mandolin Performer of the Year – Danny Roberts, Banjo Performer of the Year – Kristin Scott Benson
May 25 – 27
The Wintons
May 25 – 27
The Expedition Show
May 26 – 27
Lonesome Meadow
May 26 – 27
The Stockdale Family
May 26 – 30
Lonesome Road
May 27 – 28
Missouri Boatride
May 27 – 28
Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice
2011 SPBGMA Song of the Year – Train Without A Track
May 27 – 29
County Line Bluegrass
May 28 – 29
Southern Raised
May 28 – 30
The Spinney Brothers
May 28 – 30
Link Family Gospel Concert
May 29
Bluegrass Missourians
May 29 – 30
Petersen Family Band
Winners of 2010 Branson CAM Gospel Singoff
May 29 – 30
Tennessee Mafia Jug Band
May 30

Johnson points out that “BBQ” of the “Bluegrass & BBQ Festival” will be BBQ of every style, from Carolina vinegars and  smoky Texas-style to Memphis dry rubs, which will be served in “The House of BBQ.” The festivals BBQ offerings are in addtion to to Silver Dollar City’s signature BBQ dishes it serves on a daily basis in its “Lucky Silver Mine Restaurant” and the “Riverside Ribhouse.”

All of the activities involved with the Bluegrass & BBQ Festival are in addition to everything else the 1880’s theme park offers on a daily basis. It features 30 rides and attractions from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to their new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7; dozens of demonstrating craftsmen; unique shopping and some of the best live shows and entertainment available in Branson.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, which includes the Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, and or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com. Johnson points out that when you purchase your Silver Dollar City Tickets through BTC you get two full days for the price of one.