The History of Blackstock Bluegrass

Board Members: Beth Traylor, Chairman; Frank Traylor; Leila Traylor; John Taylor; Jimmy Brice

Officers: President, Odell Boulware; Vice President, Brian Gibbons; Secretary, Frances Taylor; Treasurer, Beth Traylor.

When Blackstock Bluegrass was started in November, 1998, by Mack Traylor in the old lunchroom of Blackstock Gymnasium, there were 10 people who were “regulars” on Friday nights. As word got out, more pickers began to come and then the audience followed. We played in the lunchroom with a wood heater in winter and a small air conditioner in summer. As we grew we added fans to stir the heat or cool air. When we were overflowing the lunchroom, Mack said it was time to move out into the gymnasium. He built the stage and we began meeting in our current location. Our audience has grown from 10 to 150-200 people.

The shows getting ready to start.	The shows getting ready to start.

Our aim is to provide family oriented entertainment. We do not allow alcohol on the premises or smoking inside the building. The music is acoustic. We encourage anyone who is interested in performing to join us on the stage or to join a group picking outside or in the kitchen. The ages of our entertainers range from 5 years old into the 80’s; everyone is given a chance to perform.

The old …

…and the new.

The building is leased from the Blackstock Young Farmers. Mack, a member of the Young Farmers, had the goal of saving the building and providing a place for people to be entertained free of charge. Our group operates completely on donations from the public. We have been fortunate enough to be able to do some repairs on the building with our funds. The sills under the building have been repaired; the front of the building has been renovated; the wiring is being upgraded; we have added 2 oil heaters, 2 air conditioners and fans in the gym; and we are in the process of having all the windows repaired. The stage recently received a wiring upgrade as well.

A view from the rafters.

With the help of volunteers, we have been able to keep Mack’s dream alive.