Concert to celebrate pioneers of Missouri bluegrass

Local artists will highlight Missouri's pioneers of bluegrass Friday as they launch the Bluegrass Preservation Association.

C.J. Lewandowski, president of the Missouri Bluegrass Preservation Association, and Janice Martin, local bluegrass artist, invite the community to enjoy an indoor concert in honor of legendary bluegrass artists who paved the way at the Dixon Barn, 13015 Missouri 128 in Dixon.

"Our goal is to promote and preserve the history of Missouri bluegrass and to honor the pioneers who helped make today's music what it is," Martin said. "This is going to be a night of music history."

During the Pioneers of Missouri Bluegrass concert, six legendary bluegrass artists will be honored for leading the way in the world of bluegrass music.

Attendees will have the chance to meet Missouri's first female bluegrass artist, Mona Jones, as well as the Withers Family. Jones was part of 1950s band Bill Jones and the Bluegrass Travelers. Jones started the Bluegrass Pickin' Time festival, formerly held in Dixon.

Harold Rowden, leader of The Bluegrass Five, is another Missouri bluegrass pioneer who helped nurture many artists during the 1960s. Originally from Dixon, Rowden's music will be played by featured artists during the concert due to his inability to attend.

Rowden, along with three of the Withers brothers, will be honored with plaques and inducted into the Pioneer Bluegrass Hall of Fame hosted by the Bluegrass Preservation Association.

"The pioneers are like our mentors, and we want to show them appreciation for what they have done," Martin said.

Eventually, Martin plans to install a Missouri bluegrass and traditional country hall of fame in Jefferson City. The goal is to have memorabilia on site so the younger generation can see what it was like, she said.

Friday's event will also feature special performances from Dead End Road and Martin, of family band the Bluegrass Martins.

Food and drinks will be available. Doors open at 6 p.m., and performances start at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Martin at 573-462-0675.