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  • Members of Powers Branch Grass will hold a celebration of 35 years dedicated to bluegrass, gospel and country music Saturday on Powers Branch Road off Hwy. 11. Photo submitted

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August 26, 2010

Powers Branch Road to celebrate 35 years of music

The Times-Tribune

CORBIN — By Megan Williamson / Staff Writer

Those who have attended music gatherings at Powers Branch Road near Barbourville will celebrate 35 years of the gatherings this Saturday.

For 35 years, hundreds have gathered at Caleb and Melia Powers’ place off of Hwy. 11 for the gatherings. Some began successful bluegrass music careers there.

The gatherings usually host about seven Bluegrass bands, musicians and singers to hang around and enjoy themselves and the music they love.

This time, however, is a little different.

On top of celebrating a love of Bluegrass, country and gospel music, Saturday’s gathering will also honor Bob Ingram, a friend who recently passed away.

Ingram wrote an appeal to Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White at the beginning of the year which made this past Tuesday, August 24, “Caleb and Melia Powers Day of Appreciation.” Ingram had attended the Bluegrass music get-togethers for many years before his death.

Melia Powers said that, unlike most other events, this one will have a potluck dinner. Those who wish to attend may bring any food they desire, and eat however much they want.

Merita Thompson, who has attended as well as sang at the events for many years, said a “roast” of Caleb and Melia Powers will take place. Friends of the pair will tell tales about past gatherings and good times. “The camaraderie gives me goosebumps,” said Thompson.

Powers and Thompson said Bluegrass and gospel bands will include groups like Johnny Vaught and Southbound Highway, George Brock and Larry Partin, Virgil Bowlin and Peerless Mountain and many others.

“They’ve taken young fledgling, budding musicians and given them a place to play,” said Thompson. That includes Larry Sparks whom Thompson said was a winner of the International Bluegrass Award and got his start at the gatherings decades ago.

Melia Powers said she and her husband plan to have these events as long as they can.

Those who wish to attend the free event may bring their own quilt or lawnchairs.

The event will take begin at 4 p.m. Saturday. For directions, contact Caleb and Melia Powers at 549-4289.

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