ABOUT THE BIG BEND BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION
The Big Bend Bluegrass Association, representing the Big Bend region of Far West Texas, is a non-profit organization formed to encourage the promotion, preservation, and enjoyment of bluegrass, old-time, and traditional old-time music in the Big Bend Region of Far West Texas through public performances, workshops, educational programs, and historic preservation efforts. Big Bend Bluegrass is an affiliate of the Play It Forward!® program, which promotes music literacy and performance skills among deserving youth. Here is the story about how and why the association came to be.
How It All Began
By: Cynthia Ferguson Perdue
The history of the Big Bend Bluegrass Association is intertwined with the story of my dad, Harold Eugene Ferguson, who also served as the mayor of Wickett, Texas, and a small business owner. From his early days playing the mandolin in Arkansas to forming the “Arkansas Travelers” and later organizing the Wickett Bluegrass Festival, he was passionate about playing music.
Growing up in Arkansas, Dad found his passion for the mandolin early. While picking cotton, he’d dash home to plaly, then return to the fields to pick a row or two and run in to play again. Eventually, Dad, his brother and friends, formed the “Arkansas Travelers” (Dad in the middle, back row in photo).
Though dad could not read music, he could play just about any instrument. His mandolin style was very unique. He got the opportunity to play in Nashville, Tennessee and was invited to return. However, his commitment to serving our country took priority and he never returned to Nashville.
After serving in the Navy, Harold moved to West Texas to work in the oilfield, living in Kermit and Monahans, Texas. Dad and his childhood friend, Ed Wicker, who lived in Wink, Texas, and a member of the Arkansas Travelers, would get together and play music when they could. Eventually, they decided to start playing at dance halls and lodges again.
Dad seized every opportunity to play music, delighting people in rest homes and small venues. He played for the joy it brought, not for money. Eventually, Mom and I also started performing with him.
COUNTRY dANCES TO bLUEGRASS FESTIVALS
Country music was the genre Dad loved to play. He was introduced to Bluegrass music by his musician friends. West Texas was host to two small festivals. One was the Big Lake Bluegrass Festival, and the other was the Andrews Bluegrass Festival. Both festivals were a hit, drawing big crowds and creating a family-friendly vibe with plenty of jamming. This inspired dad to start a festival in our hometown of Wickett, Texas that thrived for twenty-one years.
The Wickett bluegrass festival ran strong for 19 years until his sudden passing. Mom and I continued for two more years, but COVID-19 shut the event down, making the 21st Wickett Bluegrass Festival the last. Dad loved playing music, even performing with us for the Lion’s Club on October 22, 2016, just before he passed on November 7, 2016. His favorite instrument was his beloved Martin D-35.
During this time, I moved to Far West Texas into the Big Bend area, landing in Alpine, Texas. I found the area to be rich in music and the arts, and I thought it would be the perfect place to introduce a bluegrass festival. The Big Bend Bluegrass Association was formed in 2021 to preserve and promote the bluegrass genre and to cherish my dad’s love of music.
BIG BEND BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION MISSION STATEMENT
As a nonprofit organization, the Big Bend Bluegrass Association encourages the promotion, preservation, and enjoyment of bluegrass, old-time, and traditional music in the Big Bend Region of Far West Texas through public performances, workshops, educational programs, and historic preservation efforts.
Big Bend Bluegrass Association is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers, promoting bluegrass, country and gospel music in Far West Texas. All contributions are greatly appreciated.