The Western Kentucky Sound Fest: Back Roads & Roots Festival is a multi-city celebration of the rich musical heritage of Western Kentucky and the artists, traditions, and communities that helped shape American music. From the bluegrass roots of Bill Monroe and Arnold Shultz to the country guitar of Merle Travis, the storytelling of John Prine, the harmonies of the Everly Brothers, the humor of Grandpa Jones, the blues legacy of W.C. Handy, and the gospel music of the Crabb Family, the festival brings together the many sounds and stories that make this region special. Through live performances, local musicians, historical storytelling, jam sessions, and community gatherings, the festival will connect generations, celebrate our musical roots, and introduce new audiences to the music that grew from Kentucky's back roads and traveled around the world. Hosted across multiple Western Kentucky communities, it will be a shared regional celebration of our past, our present, and the music still to come.

Bill Monroe Museum
May
14

Bill Monroe Museum

The Bill Monroe Museum in Rosine, Kentucky is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Visit Details

  • Address: 55 Amelia St, Rosine, KY 42370

  • Regular Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Weekend Hours: Saturday – Sunday: Closed

  • Admission Fees: $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 11. Yearly passes are available for $20.00 (individuals) or $25.00 (families).

  • Phone Number: 270-274-5012

If you are planning a trip, let me know if you would like information on nearby local attractions or annual bluegrass events in Rosine.

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Bill Monroe Homeplace
May
15

Bill Monroe Homeplace

Saturday May 15th Pickin on the Porch at the Bill Monroe Homeplace 1pm - 3pm

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Martwick Baptist Church Gospel Sundays
May
16

Martwick Baptist Church Gospel Sundays

Live Southern Gospel Music, FREE for everyone. Music starts at 5pm, supper to follow.

Martwick Baptist Church 8505 US Highway 62 E, Central City, KY 42330

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Anytime Exploration: Want to explore between scheduled events? These iconic, permanent music landmarks are open for self-guided visits throughout the weekend. Check individual site listings for their standard operating hours.

  • Arnold Shultz Gravesite Memorial

    Arnold was an exceptionally talented African American blues guitarist and fiddler widely recognized for his massive, foundational influence on bluegrass music and legendary country guitar styles

    Bell Street Cemetery 225 Bell St, Morgantown, KY 42261

  • Bill Monroe Gravesite Memorial

    Bill Monroe (1911–1996) was an American mandolinist, singer, and songwriter who created, shaped, and popularized bluegrass music, earning him the title "The Father of Bluegrass."

    Rosine Cemetery
    114 KY-1544, Rosine, KY 42370

  • Grandpa Jones Historic Marker

    Placed near his birthplace in the unincorporated community of Niagara/Robards area in Henderson County, KY, where he was born on October 20, 1913.

    15985 KY-136, Robards, Henderson County, Kentucky, 42452

  • W.C. Handy Historic Marker

    W.C. Handy, known as the "Father of the Blues," lived and worked in the Henderson Tourist Commission area during the 1890s, where he received his musical calling and met his wife.

    North Water Street (just north of 1st Street) along the riverfront

  • Four Legends Fountain

    Located directly across the street from Drakesboro City Hall, this unique monument and guitar fountain honors Mose Rager, Merle Travis, Ike Everly, and Kennedy Jones.

    212 West Mose Rager Boulevard, Drakesboro, KY 42337

  • Festival Square

    Festival Square in Central City, Kentucky, is the downtown music park featuring life-size bronze statues of music legends John Prine and The Everly Brothers (Don and Phil)

    101 W Broad St, Central City, KY 42330

  • Merle Travis Gravesite Memorial

    Merle Travis (1917–1983) was a legendary American country and western singer, songwriter, and groundbreaking guitarist from Rosewood, Kentucky

    Ebenezer Cemetery 1 Merle Travis Hwy, Drakesboro, KY 42337

  • Tex Atchison Gravesite

    Shelby David "Tex" Atchison was an acclaimed country, bluegrass, and Western swing musician whose career spanned radio, records, and Hollywood films.

    Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
    1816 Mt Pleasant Rd, Cromwell, KY 42333