But after years on the road, the truth is, we burned out. The "Bluegrass highway" had taken its toll. We grew weary of the business side of music, where a desire to protect what bluegrass was seemed to stifle what it could become. The joy began to fade, and we felt disconnected from the very world we had dedicated our lives to.
Then, just a couple of weeks ago, came the Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival. And it changed everything.
A Shift in Perspective
Attending the festival was a transformative experience. It was, without a doubt, one of the best Starvy Creeks we can remember, and it completely rekindled our passion. It reminded us why we first fell in love with this music and the pure joy of these gatherings.
A huge part of this shift was seeing the festival through fresh eyes—the eyes of our customers, our dedicated team at The Acoustic Shoppe, and most importantly, our own children. We were honored when Aaron McDaris and his family invited us to set up our mobile shop and sponsor the new Woodshed Tent. This tent became the heart of the festival's future: an inspiring space for people of all ages to learn, jam, and connect.
Thanks to the incredible efforts of Andrew Morton, Casey Freeland, Kelly Freeland, and so many others, it was bustling with a full schedule of education and fun. The energy extended long into the night with one of the most exciting additions: Bluegrass Karaoke. Each evening after the stage show ended, the Woodshed Tent came alive as anyone—from seasoned pickers to brave beginners—was invited to get up and perform a song with the incredible host band. It was pure, unfiltered community joy.
Watching our own kids soak it all in was particularly moving. The festival sparked such a fire in them that it led to a new banjo, a new guitar, and countless hours of practice in the weeks since. Witnessing their excitement firsthand solidified why these events are the lifeblood of acoustic music. They are where traditions are passed down, friendships are renewed, and the next generation finds its voice.
The Power of a Shared Vision
An experience like this is never a solo effort. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration. We are incredibly fortunate to be partnered with a group of amazing friends who share our vision. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our core team of planners: Casey Freeland, Andrew Morton, Kelly Freeland, and of course, Aaron McDaris and his family. Their passion and trust were the foundation of this success. Casey and the entire ‘Woodshed crew’ truly brought the tent to life, organizing classes, workshops, and those unforgettable karaoke nights. Seeing everyone working together was a blessing and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together.
Our Renewed Mission
This experience hasn't just been a personal revival; it has sharpened the focus of our mission here at The Acoustic Shoppe. We are more dedicated than ever to fostering the vibrant, welcoming community that is the true soul of acoustic music.
It has also sparked a new dream. We envision something even grander for the future—an event that feels like an Acoustic Shoppe Family reunion. Imagine a week-long celebration of all things acoustic: music, master-class instruction, and genuine community connection.
We are already buzzing with ideas for next year. This is the energy and community that bluegrass needs to thrive, and we can’t wait to see how it grows from here.
If you're ready to start planning for next year, go to starvycreek.com to get your tickets and camping spot!
Thank you for choosing The Acoustic Shoppe, and for being part of our community. It’s where the best music is always made.
