After 39 years, Bluegrass Festival returns to Moorefield

By Vanta Coda III, RealWV

It has been 39 years since a bluegrass festival was last held in the Eastern Branch of West Virginia. The 1985 flood caused extensive damage to certain areas, leading to the absence of the festival for more than three decades.

Inspired by memories of the festival from previous years, the Keplinger family, with the use of Ward Malcolm’s land, decided to convert a multi-acre cattle grazing field into a concert venue, hosting the festival from July 18 – 21.

“It was a crazy idea at first,” said William Keplinger. “But as we cleared everything and started building piece by piece, it became a reality.”

The Keplinger family prepared the event grounds themselves – the family constructed the bandstand, backstage complex, and other amenities on the property. 

“We have been out here since March getting everything ready,” said Connie Keplinger, daughter of William. “Over the months, we’ve had a lot of family, friends, and volunteers come to help us prepare for this event.”

While they were preparing for the festival, the Keplingers successfully booked several renowned bluegrass bands for the three-day event. Additionally, their band, ‘Keplinger’s N2PICKIN’, performed on all three days. 

Those in attendance got to experience a special treat, when Bluegrass legend, Brandon Rickman, got to perform onstage with both of his sons, Briar (14) and Chet (12). For the Rickman boys, the festival is not a time they will soon forget, as it was their first performance in front of such an audience with their father.

“Chet started playing the fiddle two years ago, then moved on to guitar, bass, and banjo,” said Brandon. “I’ve never pushed this life onto them. I mean, they’ve been growing up around it their whole life. I’ve taken them everywhere with me, from 49 states to backstage at the Opry, and they never showed any musical interest until we got here, so it’s kind of a new thing for them.”

With the presence of such young talent on stage, the Keplingers hope to inspire a new generation of bluegrass musicians. They have even set up a learning area for people interested in learning to play bluegrass instruments. 

“We hope that younger people use this event as a learning experience that might ignite a passion in them,” said Kenneth Keplinger. “Because after us, this is the next generation.”