Foundation Forms To Purchase Indiana Historical Landmark

June 2, 2008 - PRLog -- Indianapolis, IN:   Bluegrass music fans around the world, even those who have never been to the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park in Bean Blossom, Indiana, appreciate the significant role this historic landmark continues to play in the evolution of Bluegrass music.  As recently reported, park owner Dwight Dillman has put the Bean Blossom festival grounds and museum up for sale with the understanding that the bluegrass music and traditions should continue.  The Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation has now formed to help make that dream happen.  The Foundation’s intent is to purchase the park and save the Mecca of Bluegrass Music for present and future generations.

"The Foundation’s approach creates the opportunity for the festival attendees to get involved and truly play an integral part in the future direction of the music park while assisting to hold on to the traditions of the park,” said Steve Johnson, President of the Foundation Board of Directors.  The Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation is a nonprofit foundation applying for I.R.C. Section 501(c)(3) status, so contributions may be tax deductible.  “I really think this is a good direction for the music park and creates a way to preserve the festival grounds for many future generations to enjoy the music that has existed for so long on the premises” said Dwight Dillman.

This legacy began in October 1951, when Grand Ole Opry star and the Father of Bluegrass Music, Bill Monroe traveled to a small town in Brown County, Indiana called Bean Blossom to perform at the Brown County Jamboree.  He immediately fell in love with the area and two months later purchased the property.  In June 1967, he started his first festival at the park that has continued uninterrupted ever since – making the annual June Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival the world’s oldest continuously running bluegrass festival.

Some of the biggest names in bluegrass music and stars of the Grand Ole Opry still continue to perform on the famous stage.  The park plays host to numerous events and festivals every year including the popular Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall Of Fame & Uncle Pen Days Festival held every September.

After Bill Monroe’s death in 1996, his former Blue Grass Boy band member, Dwight Dillman purchased the festival grounds and museum from James Monroe.  Dillman stated his purpose was to bring the festival back to the national prominence it enjoyed under Monroe, and to serve as a memorial to his former boss.  He made immediate improvements to the festival grounds while at the same time preserving the natural beauty of the hilly and wooded property.  Also shortly after Bill Monroe’s death, State Highway 135 that runs through Bean Blossom was designated the “Bill Monroe Memorial Highway” by the Indiana General Assembly, and the June festival was designated a Local Legacy by the Library of Congress.  The same event also won the prestigious Event of the Year in 2000 from the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Bean Blossom has played a vital role in American music history and culture that it was recently named by USA TODAY as one of the Top Ten Places to Hear Authentic American Music in the weekend magazine’s Summer Travel Report.

The Foundation Board of Directors and Advisory Committee members will be at the June festival to meet with the festival attendees to provide more information and answer questions. Interviews can be scheduled or other press inquiries can be made by contacting the Foundation Offices at 1-877-989-BBJF or by email at info@bbjfoundation.org   More information is available at the Foundation’s website at:  http://www.bbjfoundation.org

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Steve Johnson, President
Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation
5163 North State Road 135
Morgantown, IN  46160
Telephone: 1-877-989-BBJF
Email: info@bbjfoundation.org