‘Yeehaw Music Fest’ Celebrates Bluegrass in the Sunshine State

The Yeehaw Music Fest, celebrating bluegrass and country music, runs from Jan. 18 to Jan. 20. (Brian A Jackson/Shutterstock)

Traditional country music’s biggest stars are set to perform for the Yeehaw Music Fest in Okeechobee, Florida, from Jan. 18 to Jan. 20. This three-day event brings the best of today’s musicians together to celebrate the enduring legacies of bluegrass and classic country genres.

Each year, the festival features live music, craft vendors, and informal jam sessions. For this year’s event, attendees can expect even more from Yeehaw Music Fest hosts.

Pillars of the Traditional Music Community

The festival kicks off Thursday, Jan. 18, with a full lineup of music starting at noon. Day one of the concert features two performances by Grammy award-winning bluegrass musician Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, with her first set beginning at 3 p.m., and her headlining set taking place at 8:30 p.m.

The multi-instrumentalist often opts for her mandolin while on stage and is known for her impressive chord pairings and dynamic songwriting. Her powerful vocals have landed her duets with the likes of Dolly Parton and Alan Jackson. With more than 40 years of professional experience under her belt, her lengthy career was celebrated when she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2020.

Rhonda Vincent, whose headlining set taking place at 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 18, is photographed performing in New York City on Dec. 5, 2019. (Jason Mendez/Getty Images)

Often referred to as the “New Queen of Bluegrass,” Vincent is a pillar among the American roots music community. In 2018, she won Best Bluegrass Album at the Grammy Awards for her live album, “All The Rage.”

Live music continues into Friday, and on Saturday, legendary bluegrass band The Grascals takes the stage.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, the six-piece bluegrass band brings their polished, acoustic sound to the festival with a performance slated for 6:30 p.m. All accomplished musicians in their own right, the fast-playing group is also known for their intense banjo work headed up by musician Kristin Scott Benson. Founding member Jamie Johnson (not to be confused with country music’s Jamey Johnson) is also back with the group following a multi-year hiatus.

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Jaelee Roberts father, Danny Roberts (center left) is the guitarist for the American Bluegrass band "The Grascalls." (Larry Bunn/The Grascals)

The Grascals are one of the bluegrass genre’s most influential acts, and they have long had crossover appeal with the country genre. They’ve toured with the legendary Hank Williams, Jr., and have collaborated with country crooner Vince Gill. The group has also had the honor of performing at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for a “Bluegrass Nights” special event.

Classic Country Showcase and More

Aside from the live performances taking place in the covered concert area at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center, jam sessions are also expected throughout the multi-day event. A historic staple of the bluegrass genre, jam sessions have always been an integral part of its development among the American music landscape. There will be plenty of opportunities to participate in a friendly, pop-up jam while at the festival, as well as pull up a chair and enjoy one of these intimate impromptu performances.

Musician Wade Hayes, who will be leading the Classic Country Showcase on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m., is photographed performing during the Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert on July 6, 2013. (Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

Country artist Wade Hayes will also host the “Classic Country Showcase,” an hour-long performance featuring musicians honoring the genre’s traditional roots. This special event gets underway on Friday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m., just before The Malpass Brothers’ headlining set at 8:30 p.m., which closes out the day’s music lineup.

Honoring Traditional American Music

Craft and food vendors will also be scattered throughout the venue’s fairgrounds. Camping spots are available to those traveling by RV. Attendees staying through Saturday night can treat themselves to a 10 a.m. “Gospel Sing” on Sunday.

From bluegrass and classic country to gospel and Americana, the Yeehaw Music Fest honors traditional American music still so influential today. The festivities highlight the importance of preserving these distinct genres and continuing to celebrate their cultural significance.

Tickets are available now, with multiple options, including single day admission.

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