CLEVELAND, Tenn. — The crowd behind the 25th Street Hardee’s this evening will be bluegrass music fans.

The eighth annual White Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival is Saturday and Sunday at the Tri-State Exhibition Center.

But before all that starts, bluegrass bands can just show up at 5 p.m. today at Hardee’s and take part in the 6 p.m. bluegrass competition. The winner gets to open the festival Saturday.

Festival headliners are the Dan Tyminski Band on Saturday and The Grascals on Sunday.

Music and movie fans will recognize Mr. Tyminski as the voice of George Clooney as he sings “Man Of Constant Sorrow” in the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou,’’ said Melissa Woody, festival co-chairwoman.

Mr. Tyminski has been a member of Alison Krauss’ band, Union Station, for 13 years.

The Grascals were the Bluegrass Music Association’s entertainers of the year for 2006 and 2007. The band includes several music awards winners.

“Festival co-chair John Everhart books our talent, and each year he raises the bar,’’ Ms. Woody said.

Hardee’s will bring a limited number of biscuits Sunday morning and others will bring the jam, their voices and instruments, according to Mr. Everhart.

Comments