SITE| THE OFFICIAL SITE |
A bunch of us drove down from NJ, in a questionable vehicle, and camped in one of the cornfields. As I recall, the Pagans were there as “unofficial” police, and I remember catching rides to the stage area from time to time. One of my enduring memories is of Johnny Hartford, who showed me this origami style bird made from leaves of some sort (possibly corn husks) that someone gave to him. It has endured in the annals of my memory as one of the best adventures I’ve had. Cheers! Nancy MacIntyreHollinshead $12 for a three day festival; no wonder I could afford it then. Unbelievable and I was there. I remember parking on the side of the road and hiking in for 5 miles just to get to the gate to get in. So many people and the music was great. I lived in Carroll County, VA and I had never seen that many people in one place. First time I got to see Bonnie Raitt. It was great! We helped so many folks to get to and from the festival and saw some that had been driving in circles for hours trying to find the way back to the main roads. One of my most memorable times ever!Selena King The festival that stands out above the rest was Stompin 76. Wow! I traveled there with 3 friends from NJ in a VW van, of course. We got there late at night. I remember seeing all the Pagans when we pulled into the grounds. We got stuck on the road close to the river and that is where we wound up camping. Not only was the music line up fantastic but since my boyfriend was a musician, I listened to many great jam sessions. Donna Segalla Steele We got there Thursday night about midnight and set up - wasn't a level spot anywhere, so I set my tent up so I would roll down against the side and not slide out the door. Each morning the PA would fire up with "Let Your Love Flow" by the Bellamy Bros. (anyone else remember that?). The creek that fed into the river was the place to be - everyone sharing the DrBrohnnans each morning. White Lightning was $4 a cup (dispensed via 16 oz Dairy Queen cups as I remember it) what a heavy head after THAT. Yep, that was SOME time. Clark Robbins |
Fri-Sun, August 6, 7, 8 1976 Welcome to the Official web site of Stompin 76, the legendary Bluegrass Music Festival held in the summer of the bicentennial year, North of the Bluegrass Capitol, Galax, VA, USA.
"The Woodstock Of Bluegrass"
|
I was there.One of the best times of my life.My only regret is that I didn't get to see every performer there.Wasn't sufficiently medicated,I guess.Thanks for the memories.Hope to get the "t-shirt".All the best! Dan Poteat What an epic weekend this must have been. I was too young to go with my Dad, but he gave me some pictures. He snapped this one I wanted to share with you. Keith Umberger My, oh my. Talked to an old friend today---and he had brought up our trek to Galax way back when. What memories came in to view when I saw this website.I was 15 when I went to Woodstock with my uncle------and 22 when I went to Stompin 76. I'm 56 now, and out of the mix—Stompin was the one that I most remember. We took off from Pennsylvania and Maryland and headed down 81. In the process of getting as close as possible, and trying to park----the 2 carloads got separated. I remember, we had to walk a couple miles to get anywhere near the music. And, as for the Pagans---I remember they were pretty much traffic overseers.And the music---no words---utopia.Thanks for the memories. Good stuff. Later Van Watched a documentary about Woodstock the other day and got me to thinking about Stompin 76. Left Maryland on Thursday, Aug 4, 1976 with 3 other guys in a 70 Chevy Impala. We took 20 cases of beer, some food and quite a few illegal smiles. We got caught in the big traffic jam like everyone else so we decided to split up. Many hours later we drove as far as we were allowed and pulled into a field and set up camp. Instantly met many new friends we never knew we had. Had the best time I ever had at any festival. Never saw a fight or any trouble. Did eventually run into our other two friends. This was probably the best 4 days of my party life. Wish I remembered more of it! Terry, Forest Hill MD Man, what memories. I was there all three, maybe four days. Grew up in southwest VA and went to many music festivals in the 70s, including Union Grove many times. Stompin 76 was by far the best. That festival was unbelievable. I spent most of my time watching the music and wondering around from camp to camp meeting new folks. The music was fantastic and the setting priceless. Thank you so much for putting that event together and I am sorry it was so hard on you Hal. With greatness comes a price. Doug, Reno, NV (now) |
I'd like to thank the throngs of wild people who went to Stompin 76, who are
still alive, and those of you who contacted me over the past years since the
net emerged.
For 3 days in August 1976, 8 mi. north of Galax, Va., on Lawson's Farm, we
called the New River Jam Site, just a stone's throw from the North Carolina
border, bluegrass and blues abounded. Outdoor Music festival lovers from all
parts gathered for that historic event. Stompin 76 was the bluegrass festival
that made bluegrass cool and exposed it to an entire eastern nation's youth
that year.
|
     |
    |
    |
|
Stompin 76 is a registered trademark
owned by Hal Abramson, 1976 - 2007. All rights reserved. For mail orders or to send correspondence, please make checks to and mail to: Customer Service: (731) 438-1597 |
