The Bluegrass Ramble is devoted to three hours of the best of bluegrass and old-time acoustic country music, both from national and regional bands and balladeers. The first Bluegrass band was formed in 1945 by country music pioneer Bill Monroe when he hired a young banjo picker from North Carolina named Earl Scruggs.

The Ramble also features 15-minute monthly radio performances by Canada’s Tom Wilson and Border Bluegrass, Bill and Maggie Anderson from Virginia, Central New York’s Diamond Someday and Kentucky’s Joe LaMay and Sherri Reese.

Knowlton, who lives in Liverpool, is known as “Mr. Bluegrass of Central New York.” He hosted the first all-bluegrass radio show in New York City in 1960. Knowlton arrived in Syracuse as a U.S. Air Force public affairs officer. In 1997, he was named “Broadcast Personality of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association. He emcees at least 13 Bluegrass festivals every year and writes liner notes for bluegrass and old-time country music artists.

Bill Knowlton’s Bluegrass Ramble airs Sundays from 9 p.m. to midnight on Classic FM: 91.3 in Syracuse, 89.5 in Utica, and 90.9 in Watertown. It can also be heard three hours earlier on Sundays, from 6-9 p.m. on WCNY Community FM.

Pack Your Car and Head to the 51st Bluegrass Ramble Picnic!

Sunday, Aug. 4 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dwyer Memorial Park in Little York, NY

Calling all Bluegrass fans and anyone who loves a good time during our Central New York summer! Mark your calendar for Bill Knowlton’s 51st Bluegrass Ramble Picnic, the longest-running bluegrass music festival in New York, Pennsylvania, and New England. It’s a time for people of all ages to enjoy a day filled with great bluegrass bands from far and wide, performing in a beautiful Cortland County lakeside setting.

Attendees will enjoy live music from 16 bluegrass acts, all of whom donate their musical services. Jam sessions will also take place around the venue. Food will be available for purchase, but picnic-goers are also welcome to their own. Additionally, there will be a raffle featuring a brand-new guitar generously donated by Ithaca Guitar Works as the prize.

2024 Bluegrass Ramble Picnic Bands:

• Acoustic Desserts
• Atta Boys
• Delaney Brothers (Host Band)
• Gospel Way
• Joe Davoli & Harvey Nusbaum
• Joe LaMay & Sherri Reese
• Kubick’s Rubes
• Lonesome Road Ramblers
• New Snip City
• Northwater
• Orleans County String Band
• Playing in Traffic
• Plexigrass
• Salmon River Boys
• Simmerin’ Stew
• The Atkinson Family

For newcomers, Bill suggests the following:

1. Bring a chair, blanket, and your favorite snacks

2. Plan to arrive early if you want front row seats!

3. There will be food & beverage vendors, so be sure to bring cash!

4. Bring a camera to capture the day

5. Fun for everyone, from 1 to 100+!

Follow Bill Knowlton’s Bluegrass Ramble on Facebook for the latest updates!

And don’t forget to tune in for Bill Knowlton’s Bluegrass Ramble every Sunday at 9 p.m. on Classic FM and 6 p.m. on Community FM.