Celebrating Julie Tucker’s Legacy in Bluegrass Festivals
2020 brought changes to Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass festivals with Julie Tucker being introduced as the new promoter of the annual Bluegrass Festivals created by Floyd & Fannie Salmon. The Powers family were recently new owners to the park and needed help promoting the festival.
Julie Tucker’s name was suggested to help nominate some bands for the 2020 festivals. Julie and husband, Mike, had been longtime attendees at the festivals as well as played at SLP many years with their band, East Mountain Bluegrass. Julie also had spent 7 years as cohost of the “World of Bluegrass” radio show and had many contacts throughout the industry.
SLP many years with their band, East Mountain Bluegrass. Julie also had spent 7 years as cohost of the “World of Bluegrass” radio show and had many contacts throughout the industry.
“It’s been a pleasure working with David & Leah, sort of a dream come true to have the opportunity to bring in my favorite bluegrass bands with the Powers family funding the talent. Salmon Lake Park is a special place for so many and we wanted to do all we could to help keep the festivals going. We’ve had lots of help with volunteers and encourage them to continue.” - Julie Tucker
Booking the lineup for the festival is fun but also challenging. It’s like putting together a puzzle. You need enough bands (pieces) to fill out the schedule for the 3 days, headliners to help with ticket sales, fan favorites from the surveys, don’t forget the local bands, etc. all while staying within a set budget. My business model was to bring in people that had never been to SLP and not forget the legends.
I was fortunate to produce 5years/10 festivals and highlights for me included bringing in friends Larry Cordle, Larry Stephenson, Joe Mullins, and Glen Harrell (Volume Five.) The New Tradition Reunion was a big success, and the band members seemed to enjoy it as much as the fans. Russell Moore & IIIRD Tyme Out was equally exciting as well as the newly formed edition of The Cox Family. Searching for young new talent and then seeing them appear on The Grand Old Opry a few years later brings a smile to my face and it’s been a delight to watch Cutter & Cash Singleton progress to their current level. I’m thankful for the opportunity but now it’s time to pass the duties back to the Powers and their team to continue the tradition,” said Tucker.
Longtime crowd pleasers, The Marksmen, will continue to bring gospel music to each festival as requested by Floyd & Fannie Salmon.
What’s Next for Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Festivals?
The SLP Gospel Festival will celebrate 28 years May 22, 23, 24, 2025. Lineup for the gospel festival will be announced in January.
The SLP Bluegrass Festival will celebrate 49 years October 23, 24, 25, 2025.
For more information on Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Festivals go to www.slpbluegrass.com.
While Julie has decided to retire and enjoy this next chapter of her life, her influence and contributions will always be woven into the spirit of these festivals. Her vision and hard work have left a lasting impact, and her dedication will continue to inspire the Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Team as we carry on the traditions she helped shape.
Looking ahead, the Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Team is excited to continue building on the foundation Julie helped establish. With your continued support, we are committed to bringing you the music, community, and tradition that make these festivals so special.
We are grateful for Julie’s tireless dedication and contributions to the bluegrass community. We wish Julie and Mike the best in their retirement and look forward to continuing the tradition they helped nurture.
Julie Tucker has retired from the Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass team as of November 20, 2024. For booking inquiries please email the Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Team at slpbluegrass@gmail.com.