The Rosine Barn
A Bluegrass Haven
The Rosine Barn, a cherished musical heritage site in the heart of Kentucky, had humble beginnings in the early 1990s. It all started with the Ole Barn Jamboree, evolving from casual jam sessions in the old general store and growing into a renowned cultural landmark. This is the historical journey of the Rosine Barn, a testament to the power of community and music.
Early Roots
In August 1990, Eleanor and Hoyt Bratcher, the proprietors of the old Woosley’s General Store, extended their hours on Friday nights to offer musicians a space to play. While initially only a few people gathered for these jam sessions, the word quickly spread, and by the following spring they expanded to Saturday nights, drawing music enthusiasts from far and wide. With the ever-growing popularity of these jam sessions, the Bratchers and the musicians, now known as The Country Store Pickers, sought a larger space. They secured the use of an old barn adjacent to the general store with the blessing of Mrs. Edith Woosley. Thus, in the early spring of 1992, the Ole Barn Jamboree was born. This rustic barn would become the epicenter of Bluegrass music in the region.
A Stage For Legends
The Barn has hosted legendary musicians such as Bill Monroe, Mac Wiseman, Jim and Jessie McReynolds, Doug Crabb and the Crabb Family, James Monroe, and many of the Bluegrass Boys. It became a stage where iconic Bluegrass melodies filled the air. After the Bratchers retired in 1996, The Rosine Association, a local nonprofit of community members, began sponsoring the Friday night jamboree sessions and continues to work with the current owners to keep this historic tradition alive. The Rosine Barn is proud to host visitors from several states and international countries alike!
A Historic Landmark
In recognition of its cultural significance, the Rosine Barn found its place on the National Register of Historic Places. It retains its rustic charm and remains a weekly destination for Bluegrass enthusiasts. The New York Times named the Rosine Barn (#42) as a Best Place to Visit in 2016 and it was also featured as a destination worth visiting in the Boston Globe in 2013.
Present Day Tradition
Today, the barn echoes with the sounds of Bluegrass music every Friday night with the Rosine Barn Jamboree, starting at 6 p.m. Central Time. To help bolster more of the folk music heritage in the Western Kentucky region, the Rosine Barn is expanding its programming to include more shows, music sessions, and opportunities for musicians and music lovers and compliment the other music heritage sites in the region.
The Rosine Barn has grown into a treasured cultural gem and a pilgrimage site for Bluegrass aficionados and music lovers alike. With its rich history and continued commitment to the music, it remains a testament to the enduring power of community and the universal language of music.