What the heck is a Beardo? A Beardo is a follower of Whispering Beard Folk Festival. Contrary to popular belief a beard is not required nor will you spontaneously grow one if you join this eclectic group of men and woman who follow the WBFF.

Whispering Beard Folk Festival is in its sophomore year of existence but don’t tell that to the six forward thinking founders and funders of this year’s event. The three day celebration’s lineup reads like a who’s who in Americana, Folk, Roots and Psychedelic rock in the Ohio Valley region. The Buffalo Killers (whose relentless touring and precise playing has lead them year after year on summer festival adventures with The Black Crowes), The Tillers, The Turkeys, Jake Speed and The Freddies, and countless other local acts will take spotlight at this years event. “We wanted to showcase local talent. Regardless of the size and evolvement of the festival, we want to give the local acts that supported us in the past first dibs for the event” says Matt Wabnitz – appropriately sporting a beard of course.

What started as a modestly attended party masked as a festival on a friends piece of property in 2008 has blossomed into a jam pack weekend of bluegrass jubilation that will reach its peak with national acts,Virginia’s The Hackensaw Boys, and Bluegrass Legend Mr. Peter Rowan (whose discography is longer than most small novels, or an OTR rap sheet if you are a Cincinnatian).

The Rolling alfalfa filled hills of Kentucky have always been home to Bluegrass music. That is nothing new. The hard working musicians from the 30’s and 40’s would gather with friends and family in the evenings to celebrate life achievements, or honor those who have past. What is new however is the rejuvenation of younger musicians flocking to the scene across the nation. And Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati are no exception.

When Matt Williams (another Beardo and founder/funder) was asked why he believed bluegrass music was so prominent in local areas, he promptly responded, “well…I guess it is because we can see, smell, touch, and feel the hills from here”. While that may be, the phenomenon has caught the interest of the ever elusive suburban crowds who turn out in droves at places like The Comet in Northside, and The Village Pub in Covington to see the weekly Bluegrass shows.

The weekend of August 28, 29, and 30 in Morning View, Ky is shaping up to be one of the best local festivals of the summer. Camp sites are available for those wanting to take a weekend to reflect back when music was simple and had meaning, and where a man’s beard was celebrated by all……

(our thanks to Mike Cipollone for this contribution)