Upcoming Events

WBT Briarhoppers
 

In 1934 WBT Radio announcer Charles Crutchfield formed a spur-of -the-moment musical group to satisfy a potential sponsor looking for a “Hillbilly” radio program to showcase its products.   Known as the WBT Briarhoppers, this group went on to become one of the longest lasting bluegrass/country ensembles in America, staying on the air until 1951 and continues to perform today. The 50,000-watt radio show was heard from "Maine to Miami" five days a week with their programs beamed to US Soldiers fighting in the European Theater via CBS Radio. The Briarhoppers have received many awards for their work, including the North Carolina Brown Hudson Folklore Award,  the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award, the North Carolina Legislature's Joint Resolution Bill 2058 saluting the band's achievements, and entry into the WBT Radio Hall of Fame.

The legacy of the Briarhoppers continues today with Fiddlin’ Dwight Moody who started playing with Homer A. Briarhopper in 1947.Tom Warlick is the group’s bass player and does Ole Time Radios Spots on the show. Richard Hollis, the Carolinas finest dobro player also plays guitar for the band, Alana Flowers is the groups banjo player and sings lead vocals, Hannah Flowers plays fiddle and sings parts, Dillon Flowers plays mandolin and guitar.

The Hickory Grove Methodist Men welcome the WBT Briarhoppers to our 5th Annual Gospel Bluegrass & Bluegrass Festival.

George Hamilton IV

Proclaimed the International Ambassador of Country Music thanks to his performances around the world during the 70’s, George Hamilton IV began his career in the late 50’s not as a country artist but as a teen-oriented pop star. After his first hit "a Rose and a Baby Ruth," hit number six on the pop charts in 1956, he toured with Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers but cracked the pop Top Ten only one more time. Instead, Hamilton moved to the country charts by 1959, where nine of his hits spent time in the Top Ten, including his number one hit "Abilene".

 George was born July 19, 1937, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was raised on the Westerns of Gene Autry and began playing guitar at age 12. While still a freshman at the University of North Carolina he met John D. Loudermilk, then a struggling songwriter. With a contract in hand from Colonial Record Label, Hamilton recorded "A Rose and a Baby Ruth", in 1956, and was picked up by ABC- Paramount later that year. After it hit number 6 on the pop charts, ABC signed Hamilton to a regular contract.

 George Hamilton IV is celebrating his 50th year as a member of "The Grand Ole Opry" in Nashville Tennessee.

 The Hickory Grove Methodist Men welcome George to their 5th Annual Bluegrass Gospel & Bluegrass Festival.

Pinetuckett

 Pinetuckett is a four piece Bluegrass & Gospel Band based out of Monroe, North Carolina. They have had a long career playing for festival, churches, corporations and other events. Jerry Furr is the Founder and leader of the group and plays fiddle, mandolin and sings parts, Bill Ligon sings lead and plays guitar, Rev. Ken Parsons sings different parts and plays banjo and guitar, David Melton sings  bass and  parts and plays bass for the group.

The Hickory Grove Methodist Men welcome the Pinetuckett to our 5th Annual Gospel Bluegrass & Bluegrass Festival.

I am Dwight Moody, member of Hickory Grove Methodist Men. The members welcome Amantha Mill to share the stage for the celebration of their 5th Annual Bluegrass & Bluegrass Gospel Festival.

 Come Join Us for Family Fun and a Lot of Picking & Grinning!!