Headquartered less than an hour south of Nashville in Murfreesboro, Gallagher Guitar Co. has an association with folk, bluegrass and string-band music that it’s no exaggeration to call “deep”: Late legendary picker Doc Watson’s “Ol Hoss” was one of founding luthier J.W. Gallagher’s first demonstration models. This year the company hosts its third string-centric celebration at Murfreesboro’s Walnut House studio and event space. Friday evening features a tribute to Watson with Don Gallagher and David Tipton, and the proceedings get started bright and early on Saturday with a flatpicking contest at 9 a.m. A host of student performances round out the morning, while players from around the region — highlights include Josh Rinkel, late of high-octane string band Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, and multi-instrumentalist and old-school print artist Heather Moulder — are on the docket for afternoon slots. Shadowgrass, Sicard Hollow and Airshow, three touring acts who specialize in pushing the boundaries of string-band music, play in the evening. See gallagherfest.com for ticketing and scheduling information.
May 15-16 at Walnut House
116 N. Walnut St., Murfreesboro
