Bluegrass in the gatlinburg/pigeon forge area

**LoneStarMandolin** · Jun-10-2008, 11:51am

family headed to the Smokies for a family vacation. anybody know of a good place where some pickin' goes on in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area? maybe there's an instrument builder in the area with a small shop worth checking out? any of those over-hyped Branson-style shows got any bluegrass in them and worth checking out?

any and all ideas welcome. thanks.

**adgefan** · Jun-10-2008, 12:03pm

When I was in Gatlinburg a few years back they had bluegrass music playing on speakers all down the main street. There was also a fair bit of gospel music and banjo picking going on at Dollywood.

I haven't been there myself but Smoky Mountain Guitars is in Pigeon Forge and has a good selection of mandolins judging by their website.

I'll be in that area again this October so I'd also love to hear about any other bluegrass that might be around.

**MikeEdgerton** · Jun-10-2008, 12:12pm

Actually there have been several folks that have asked this same question, many went unanswered but this one contains some information.

**Albert Whiting** · Jun-10-2008, 2:02pm

Down by Ernest Tubbs Record Shop in PF there is a gazebo alot of people play. Also there are things going on at Dollywood, just check the schedule. If you go to Dixie Stampede there is a bluegrass show and there are several people who have played there that are great musicians. I dont know the current lineup for the band but Richard Bennett has played there, Darrel Webb, and others. Also there is a music store in Sevierville that is gigantic and they have tons of instruments and all that stuff. I cant remember the name of it but it is an awesome store. Smoky Guitars is a good shop with some good mandos and some pretty cool parts and accessories. SO if you hit those places there will be some of what youre looking for or at least have info to aid you on your quest.

**earthsave** · Jun-11-2008, 11:08am

Lost Mill String Band and Joe and his wife formerly of Joe's Pizza from around these parts have moved down to that area. They might know about jams.

Search Lost Mill String Band, Jerry and Joan Paul to see what they might have on their website. They are more old time, but should know about the scene.

Like mentioned above, a lot of bluegrass bands roll through Dollywood.