Liberty Square: A Lester Flatt Celebration in Sparta, Tennessee

Sparta, Tennessee, home of bluegrass legend Lester Flatt, will celebrate the icon's memory with a special event on the city's Liberty Square on Saturday, May 23rd beginning at 11:00am.
In 2007 the Tennessee State Legislature declared the 4th Saturday in May to be "Official Bluegrass Day in Tennessee" and in keeping with the branding of Sparta, Tennessee as "Bluegrass U.S.A.", the city will host its annual event, Liberty Square: A Lester Flatt Celebration beginning this year on May 23rd. Sparta, Tennessee has a rich bluegrass heritage and is not only the home of Lester Flatt but also the home of Benny Martin, Blake Williams (Lester Flatt & The Nashville Grass, Bill Monroe & The Blue Grass Boys, Williams & Clark Expedition), Josh Swift (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver) and many more great musicians and luthiers. It is also home to Oldham's Theater where Lester Flatt first watched the movie "Bonnie & Clyde", that featured Flatt & Scruggs' Grammy award winning "Foggy Mountain Breakdown".
In 2002, the City of Sparta erected a monument on the city's square in honor of Lester Flatt and another special presentation will take place this year as well. "We are proud of our heritage and the contributions Sparta citizens have made in the past to Bluegrass music and want to not only acknowledge that, but also recognize the people who are continuing to make contributions today", stated Sparta's mayor, Tommy Pedigo.

Liberty Square: A Lester Flatt Celebration will take place in Sparta, Tennessee on Saturday, May 23rd and will feature food and craft booths from local vendors as well as a classic car show and of course, bluegrass music. The event will begin at 11:00am and is free to the public. Bluegrass music will begin on the main stage in front of the historic Oldham's Theater at 2:30pm and will feature music by Sparta's own Williams & Clark Expedition, 2-time SPBGMA "Entertaining Group of the Year" Nothin' Fancy, and 7-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Rhonda Vincent. Sparta, Tennessee is centrally located 12 miles south of I-40 (Exit 288) between Nashville and Knoxville. For more information on Sparta, TN and Liberty Square: A Lester Flatt Celebration, including a complete schedule of performances, please visit www.SpartaTN.com or call 931-808-8083.