The Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies festival is scheduled to take place from November 19 to 21 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, specifically in Mills Auditorium. This three-day holiday event will feature various bluegrass acts, with Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road serving as the hosts. A highlight of the festival will be a performance by The Country Gentlemen Show on Friday, November 20.
The Country Gentlemen Show continues the musical heritage of the pioneering bluegrass group, the Country Gentlemen. The 2026 lineup for the festival also includes Authentic Unlimited, Junior Sisk, Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass, the Larry Stephenson Band, and Williamson Branch, along with many more acts.
The band known today as The Country Gentlemen Show was established in 2005 by Bill Yates, a longtime bassist for the original Country Gentlemen. Yates formed the group following the passing of Charlie Waller, initially intending it as a tribute to preserve the classic sound. Over time, the ensemble evolved beyond a tribute act, developing into a recording entity that keeps the distinctive Gentlemen sound alive for new listeners. Two years prior to this event, the group formally rebranded from the Country Gentlemen Tribute Band to its current name, The Country Gentlemen Show.
The present iteration of The Country Gentlemen Show includes Mike Phipps on guitar and lead vocals, Wayne Lanham on mandolin, Lynwood Lunsford on banjo, Darren Beachley on Dobro, and Eric Marshall on bass. The group is also preparing for the release of an all-gospel recording, which will be available through Huckleberry Records of Nashville.
Darren Beachley, who plays Dobro for the band, expressed enthusiasm about participating in the event. Beachley stated the band is "delighted to be back in Gatlinburg again with all the great bands" and expressed gratitude to Lorraine for the invitation, additionally noting the region's significance as a bluegrass hub.
The Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies festival provides an opportunity for both residents and visitors to experience traditional bluegrass music in the heart of Gatlinburg. The event features a diverse roster of artists and is hosted in a central location, making it accessible for attendees. The festival aims to maintain the tradition of bluegrass music in the region, bringing together established acts and those carrying on historical legacies.
The focus on the enduring legacy of groups like the Country Gentlemen highlights a broader commitment within the festival to both celebrate the genre's history and showcase its current practitioners. The presence of a host like Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, alongside a diverse lineup, further underlines the festival's role in the bluegrass community. The Gatlinburg Convention Center provides a substantial venue for such a multi-day event, accommodating various performances and attendees. The festival's scheduling across three days allows for a comprehensive experience of bluegrass music, with different acts performing each day. The blend of tribute and original recording acts ensures a varied program for enthusiasts.
