How to go
What: Hylo Brown Bluegrass Festival
When: Bands begin playing at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Where: Goshen Memorial Park, Mechanicsburg
Cost: Free
In about a week, Mechanicsburg will invite music fans from across the state to celebrate the work of a local legend.
The Hylo Brown Bluegrass Festival is set to take place in the village’s Goshen Memorial Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.
This will be the second year the village celebrates the work of Frank “Hylo” Brown, said Matthew Smith, festival manager.
Brown was born in Kentucky and was known for his wide vocal range. After a long music career with his band the Timberliners, he retired in Mechanicsburg and died in 2003.
This year, the festival was able to book Jim Smoak, the only surviving member of the original Timberliners. Mike Daniels, who played banjo with Brown on his last tour, will also perform at this year’s festival Smith said.
“It’s cool because it kind of brings together the beginning of Hylo Brown’s career and the end of Hylo Brown’s career,” Smith said.
In all, the free festival will feature 10 bands, most of whom will perform for about 45 minutes. Featured performers, including Smoak and Daniels, will perform longer sets.
Brown’s daughter, Mandy Ward, will also be on hand. To remind people of her father’s career, she designed a handmade quilt that features his album covers over the years. It will be offered in a silent auction that will continue throughout the day.
Hylo Brown memorabilia, including his guitar and awards, will also be on display throughout the day.
Last year, the event drew more than 700 fans, but Smith is expecting more than 1,000 this year.
“Our goal is to eventually make the festival larger and longer,” he said.
Smith said the festival is free, but because organizing such a large event takes a lot of money, donations will be accepted throughout the day.
One issue Smith noticed already is that it’s been much easier to book bands. While organizers had to seek out performers last year, musicians have been sending in CDs and asking to be involved this time around.
“It gives us the opportunity to make sure the quality is there,” Smith said.
Although it was in its first year, the event drew music fans from across the region last year, Smith said. He noted one visitor drove 180 miles for the festival. Ideally, Smith said, the fest will continue to bring new visitors into the village.
“It’s a chance to be proud of our community and show it off to people who haven’t been here before,” he said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@cox ohio.com.
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