Bean Blossom - The Brown County Jamboree and Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festivals

Champaign, Ill. — Bean Blossom - The Brown County Jamboree and Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festivals is the title of a new book slated for a May, 2011 release by the University of Illinois Press.

Bean Blossom is authored by Thomas A. Adler, a former executive director of the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky, and a long time musician, folklorist, radio show host and Bean Blossom Festival attendee since 1968.

Adler's history of Bean Blossom traces the long and colorful life of the Brown County Jamboree and Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festival. In the book he discusses the development of bluegrass music, the many personalities involved in the bluegrass music scene, the interplay of local, regional, and national interests, and the meaning of this venue to the music's many performers—both professional and amateur—and its legions of fans.

Additional information:
Pre-order: From University of Illinois Press
Pre-order: From amazon.com
Pre-order: Elderly Instruments

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Reader Comments

Gary Hedrick

December 26, 2010 11:47 AM

I think folks that have an interest in Monroe items and Bean Blossom in specific, will find this book interesting. I know that he did a lot of interviewing of folks in and arround the area about the "early" days. He also seemed very interested in taking a detail look at the why and how of things.

Scott Tichenor

December 26, 2010 07:00 PM

I'm trying to get an advance copy of this one and think he'd make a superb interview for late spring, early summer about time the book comes out. Hopefully a bit of added exposure might help him sell a few more. Not a lot of guys on the planet that can write this kind of book.

Scott Tichenor

May 15, 2011 11:32 AM

The official release date for this new book from Thomas A. Adler published by the University of Illinois Press is today, May 15, but I'm told by the author that printing is running a bit late and they're expected at distribution points for shipping in two weeks. Still, pre-order points exist now and I've made those available on the Cafe home page. I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of the book several months back which I really enjoyed reading and have an exclusive interview with Mr. Adler that will publish on May 29, at which time the books should be shipping. It's a delightful read that will be of interest to anyone who is a fan of bluegrass history. Highly recommended.

Mandolin Cafe

May 15, 2018 08:09 AM

Noting the anniversary of the publication of this book in 2011. It's a good read packed full of many gems, bits of information. Highly recommended.