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Thread initiated by Ellen Carter on 8/11/02.

I have been a huge fan of Poppy Mountain even recruiting friends and family, however I must voice a concern. Recently, I have noticed that all though there are quality bands performing, the quality is not what it used to be. I have no problem paying 60.00 for a week but I do have a problem when I paid less money and saw a better line up in fewer days at the Olive Hill shrine festival. It seems like it is more about the money than actually providing quality entertainment. Please help me understand and please think about this. Poppy Mountain is the largest festival but has the least quality line up. What happened? Just a concerned bluegrass fan!

I agree. Although this a great festival my husband and I totally avoided last years events for this same reasons.

by Jessica Workman

I can see your point but I do not completely agree. ALTHOUGH I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE BANDS LIKE RHONDA VINCENT, BLUE HIGHWAY, ROCK COUNTY, AND WHAT ABOUT THAT FANTASTIC LOU REID. Again, over all it is a fantastic festival but sometimes feel disappointed that some of my fave bands are not scheduled.......but that wont keep me away........GO POPPY MOUNTAIN>

by Mandy Willard

It seems to me that the better the bands the least u have them..For example GOLDWING EXPRESS..They were probably one of the biggest crowd pleasers and they got jipped on playing how many times..What about this year?? I think u need to pay attention to who brings in the people and who the people want to see..It is a GREAT festival and i wouldnt miss it, but hey,,bring back GOLDWING..

by Carole Hamilton

I agree with the poor lineup.Although the bands on the schedule to play are high quality musicians, they are not some of the bigger names in bluegrass that you hear today. But none the less, i am looking forward to this years show and cain't wait to get there.See ya in about 4 weeks, and as always............HAPPY POPPY!!!!!!!!!!

by steve sullivan

Is it just the name of the band that brings folks out to poppy Mountain? I look at the showcase and see some great talent lined up. For example, Jeff Blankenship of "Just Bluegrass" will be featured in an upcoming issue of "The Banjo Newsletter." They are playing Thursday the 19th. at 7pm. The vocals of the lead singer would give Ricky Skaggs or John Cowan a run for their money any day. Some of the big names are big only because they have been in the business so long. Come on out and have some fun!!!

by Lee Surgener

Ok......
I really have something to say about these comments. For one, you say that the price is going up. Well, The band prices go up everyyear too!!! You people also need to realize that getting people to play is hard too, there are serveral other festivals going on at this time too.
I read that you all say that you wouldn't stop coming to Poppy which is great. I hope that you don't. There also needs to be a time for other groups to come up in Bluegrass besides Lou Reid, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, and Rock County. I think that Poppy is the perfect opportunity for younger groups just as the known ones.
I just think that Poppy has a great lineup and that PoppyTim did a fantasic job once again!!!
And I just hope that you don't stop coming just because a certain group isn't there~!!!
by SOmEoNe!

by Just Someone~~~

Goldwing express IS on the schedule, maybe a late addition?... Anyway, I generally agree that it is disappointing that some of the truly huge names in bluegrass aren't on the schedule (like a Ricky Skaggs who was born not THAT far from Poppy Mountain and could probably be talked into coming if touring isn't in conflict, hint) but there are still some truly great bands and huge names here (IIIrd Tyme Out, Orbourne Brothers, Ralph Stanley!, Melvin Goins, the Rarely Herd, ...) so perhaps this is over-blown. Plus, I think the nature of the festival is totally set up to have a healthy mix of established talent and up-and-comers; kind of a community feel where different eras, backgrounds and styles of playing can blend.

by Lance

I understand everything that has been said but the point still remains clear Poppy Mountain is the largest festival and should have the largest line up.........this festival is huge and it is not like every band doesn't want to be there? It's the same time every year....It was my understanding that Ray Deaton with Third Time Out does all the booking of bands? Is that correct? Most will agree coming to Poppy Mountain is simply about the love of the music. It is a huge money maker for someone and that is WONDERFUL!! However, if it keeps trending the way it has the last few years it may see its guests declining. I myself have continued to come in hopes things would change to only see each year that it does not!!!! Do not take offense. Seize this as an opportunity to change what's wrong.

by Shawn Bellew

I agree that the line up isn't what it was the first year I attended which was 2000. I had a hard time trying to figure out when to go eat there were so many of the top favorite bands. Last year I had plenty of time in between who I wanted to see. I don't think Ray Deaton does the band selection totally anymore. I still love Poppy Mountain but it is ashame to not have an equal lineup as years past, especially when the crowd keeps getting bigger. I would love to see Bluehighway, Lynn Morris Band, Continental Divide, Longview ,Rhonda Vincent. I still can't wait to go, I love the atomosphere. See Ya'll in about a week!

by Gwen

it is easy to sit at home and complain about the line-up but these people do a hell of a job getting some of the biggest and best names in bluegrass music compiled.let all these people bitching take over the reins and we will just see what kind of show they put together. i think the whole thing is phenomenal and cant wait to attend. keep up the good work!!!!!

by todd/kris

by judy from cville

What you all are not understanding is that there is bands that will not come to Poppy Mt. because they have played in the area a couple of times already this year and the want to spread out there dates and you can't get them. Also there is other festivals and shows going on at the same time poppy mt. is going on and bands can't break there contracts to come to the mountain. The 2003 line up is killer. IIIrd Time Out, LRB, Rhonda, Country Gent., Doc, Seldom Scene, James King, Big Country, Erine Thacker, Strangers, Liberty Pike, Nothing Fancy, Chapmans, Larry Stevenson, Dave Evans, Gary Brewer, "Poppy" Mountain Heart, Missy Raines, and so many more. I am sure that there is a bunch more coming too, cause this is Feb when I am writing this and they add bands up till like June. Yea I would love to see some others but at the same time there are enough band there for me to enjoy. I love poppy mt. and Poppy Tim is quite possibly the coolest person alive and I know that he will do a Hell of a job with the bands this year.

by A little bird

I have read all of the entries in this topic. As I have said many times, this festival is a terrific entertainment value. There are a lot of wonderful festivals, and each one is different. Poppy Mountain is right in the middle of the heart of Bluegrass Music, and I believe it is a wonderful thing for so many smaller, less popular bands to have a chance to show us their stuff. I would never have heard Mountain Heart or Blue Highway or Nickel Creek (how about those kids?) for the first time if our friends at Poppy Mountain had not seen fit to include them in the show. You don't have to love every band that plays on the Main Stage, but at least give them a listen. You might actually get to love them.

by a Poppy Mountain Old-timer

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