Growing up, I always wanted to be a bluegrass musician.

I never wanted to be a big star and leave Bowling Green, or anything like that, but I did want to make the people in my hometown feel good with my music. I studied to become an accomplished banjo player, which was my dream after watching Earl Scruggs. My brother, Gary, and I formed a bluegrass band when we were young, and enjoyed playing music in a lot of different venues and places. Believe it or not, we played “Concert in the Park” many times, but for some reason the invites stopped and we haven’t had that pleasure since around 1994.

Last weekend, a bluegrass contest/festival was held at Sugar Maple Square. This probably comes as a big surprise to most of you since none of the local media, especially this paper you are holding right now, decided to cover the story or print one word about this great event. Kind of makes you feel sort of excluded from the mainstream of my hometown.

I’m sure most of you are thinking “sour grapes” about now, but allow me one thing. Go to any bluegrass musician you see and ask them just how many shows they play in Bowling Green.

I double-dog dare you.

Jeff Hays

Bowling Green