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(MALVERN) — A Malvern music tradition that’s been around for more than a quarter of a century is being revived this weekend.
The Malvern Country Music Gathering will be held Friday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM at the Liberty Memorial Building, 501 Main Street, Malvern. Fred Larson will host the festival. On KMA’s “Morning Show” Tuesday morning, Larson said the event began in 1999 as a way to bring together local musical talent regardless of skill level.
“We’re really excited and we’ve been working hard. This is our 25th event and would have been our 26th, but due to COVID-19 we had to cancel it in 2020,” Larson said. said. “I have been in charge since 2011, and Earl and Ruth Smith, now of Pacific Junction, were the founders and I helped lay the groundwork for them for three years before taking over in 2011. Ta.”
Meals will also be served on Fridays starting around 5:30 p.m. The event’s main attractions include both acoustic and electric open stage jam shows on Friday from 7pm to 11pm and from 10am to 5:45pm. Saturday from 11:45pm to 11:00pm. Larson said the show features all types of music, from traditional music to country music to bluegrass and Civil War music.
“Everyone has a two-song format. Even if they’re backing on the main stage, when it’s their turn, or they want to read a poem, they’re going to hear two songs,” he said. said. “All types of instruments and all types of music are allowed.”
Larson said three “jam rooms” will also be available on both days. Jam sessions officially end at 11 p.m., but Larson said the music often continues into the early morning hours.
“The fun lasts as long as it takes, and sometimes we play all night. We played all night until nightfall before we stayed there, and we continued to have fun after all the formal activities were over. That’s what happened,” Larson emphasized. “You never know who’s going to be there, whether it’s a professional or an amateur. We support all kinds of music, just make your voice heard.”
Larson added that this year, a Veterans Day tribute will also be held Saturday at 5:45 p.m., an opportunity to recognize local veterans.
“This is something really special that we do and it takes about 45 minutes,” Larson said. “We have colors presented by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Martin Mundorf and his men are in charge this year.”
Donations are $3 on Friday night, $4 all day Saturday, and children 6 and under are free. All proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Liberty Construction Fund. You can listen to Fred Larson’s full interview below.
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