If you’ve ever found yourself in Scottsville, it’s likely been for a catfish feast at Harper’s Restaurant or maybe for First Fridays on the Square. Whatever your reason, we think we’ve got another reason you’ll want to consider.
Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills and woodland of Allen County sits Dugas Park, a privately-owned community park designed and created by the Turner Dugas Family. Here you’ll find some of the best hiking trails around and a first-class playground for the kiddos to explore. But right over the hill sits a world-class amphitheater, silently waiting to be awakened with live music. Hugged tightly by gorgeous Kentucky landscape, the professional-grade stage forms a concert venue that can accommodate up to 2,000 music fans. In its lifetime, it has most commonly been used as a wedding venue, but the Allen County-Scottsville Arts Council has a new vision for life. Recognizing a major opportunity, the Council has quickly reserved it for their latest project celebrating Scottsville’s rich music history, NorroFest, an Americana music festival, in honor of the late Norro Wilson.
Norro Wilson: A Most Famous Scottsvillian
Norro Wilson was born and raised in Scottsville, a graduate of WKU and later one of Nashville’s most well-known names in the music industry when it comes to singer-songwriters and producers.
Early in his career, Norro cut his teeth on projects like David Houston’s hit “Delta Dawn” and “The Most Beautiful Girl” sung by Charlie Rich. Later, his reputation as the best song-plugger around led him to a home at Warner Bros. Records where he was pivotal in the discovery of musicians such as Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain and Keith Whitley.
And even though Norro passed in 2017, the ACS Arts Council strongly believes he is worthy of the namesake of their new music festival endeavor, NorroFest.
2022’s Lineup
Last year’s inaugural launch of NorroFest saw local group, The Josephines, take the stage, along with acts Alexa Rose and Off the Wagon. This year, the Arts Council has worked to bring even more quality acts to Scottsville at an excellent value. (We honestly can’t believe the lineup for a $20 early bird price!)
On October 22 at Dugas Park in Scottsville, you can catch the following acts:
Kyle Daniel – Local up-and-coming singer Kyle Daniel takes the stage, delivering his message via bright country melodies and a wall of electric guitar. (We’re digging his latest “Everybody’s Talkin’.”)
Vera Soules-Mabson and the Positive Movement Band – Loaded with funk, the Positive Movement Band out of Lexington, Kentucky brings home another Scottsville musician, Vera Soules-Mabson, with a set saturated in soul sure to get you in a good-feeling vibe.
The Cleverlys – Don’t be fooled by this faux-family band, they are all accomplished musicians, putting their unique bluegrass spin on cover songs across a range of genres. Hear songs from the Black Eyed Peas and others.
Sundy Best – Front-porch melodies and lyrics grown out of the rocky topsoil of Eastern Kentucky Appalachian come with Sundy Best. This Kentucky duo’s roots run deep and they are sure to fill the hollers around the Amphitheater with boot-stomping melodies.
If you’re looking for live music on a beautiful fall day, look no further than NorroFest! Tickets are on sale now online at an early-bird price of $20 at norrofest.com. Tickets will also be for sale at the gate for $25. Food trucks will be on-site for all your hunger cravings. Coolers and lawn chairs are welcomed.
For a speedy entry to the event, the Arts Council is encouraging online ticket sales prior to the day of the festival. Go to norrofest.com to purchase your tickets today.
-submitted by NorroFest
