History of Bluegrass at The Sedalia Center

Dr. William O. McCabe Jr. was a family physician in Forrest, VA, and a native of Bedford County. He always loved Bluegrass, and in the 1970s, when his sons were playing, the family hosted Saturday evening sessions on their back porch.

The gatherings grew, and local players continued to form bands. When Dr. and Mrs. McCabe opened the Sedalia Center, Doc brought his two loves, draft horses and bluegrass music, to the venue.

Sedalia became a link in the chain of festivals that fans followed throughout the region. The campground remains the heart of the festival as a meeting place for family and old friends to visit and make music together. This is music that continues to be held through generations. Its particularities are protected and preserved in the traditional tunes.

The festival branched out to include national acts, but its informal atmosphere also gave young local players a venue to hone their talent.

The Doc McCabe Bluegrass Festival is rooted in the traditional music of the Appalachian region, providing entertainment and a commitment to the promotion and preservation of a unique regional art form.