Special tribute to Herschel Sizemore set for August
“I’m really excited to pay tribute to a great mandolin player and a great man as well as one of my dearest friends. His wonderful songs will live forever!” said Alan Bibey.
The Floyd Country Store is proud to present an evening in celebration of the late, great Herschel Sizemore. The Floyd Country Store, the Sizemore family along with Alan Bibey and Grasstowne, and New Standard Bluegrass will join forces to pay tribute to one of the legends of bluegrass music at the Floyd Country Store on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m.
Herschel Sizemore was an important and towering figure in the bluegrass world, primarily because he bridged the gap between the original pioneers and the more modern style of mandolin playing we hear today.
“I’m really excited to pay tribute to a great mandolin player and a great man as well as one of my dearest friends. His wonderful songs will live forever!” said Alan Bibey.
Mark J. Harris
Floyd County Farm Bureau
(540) 745-2021
335 E. Oxford St.
Floyd VA 24091
Sizemore is the composer of “Rebecca,” arguably one of the most famous and widely played mandolin instrumentals in bluegrass history. It is a “rite of passage” tune for nearly every student of the instrument. Its elegant melody and driving rhythm perfectly encapsulate the “Sizemore sound” — clean, melodic, and sophisticated.
While many players of his era focused on raw power or mimicry of Bill Monroe, Sizemore developed a distinct, polished style characterized by precision, clarity, innovation and more melodic complexity.
Later in his life, Sizemore became a revered teacher and mentor. He was incredibly generous with his knowledge, conducting workshops and producing instructional materials that codified his techniques for future generations. He didn't just play the music; he ensured that the standard of playing remained high for those who followed him.
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Spencer Blankenship from New Standard Bluegrass studied under Herschel Sizemore and says, “Herschel Sizemore as a mentor was a time span in my life that forged who I am today both musically and personally. Herschel’s style of mandolin echoed to me timing, tone, and note selection at its finest. He taught me how the mandolin fit within a bluegrass band as both a support and a lead instrument. Herschel and his wife Joyce inspired me. I am a better band member because of them both.”
Herschel performed with many significant bluegrass acts such as The Dixie Pals, The Bluegrass Alliance, The Country Grass, The Shenandoah Cut-Ups, Del McCoury and The Dixie Pals, and more.
Dylan Locke says, “Herschel was a dear friend to us here at The Floyd Country Store. He and Joyce were always encouraging and supportive and I feel very lucky to have spent some good time with Herschel in the last few years of his life. It feels appropriate to celebrate Herschel, the man he was and his incredible musical legacy by bringing some good friends together and having an evening of music and stories.”
Tickets for the tribute at the Floyd Country Store on Aug. 22 are $30 general admission and $35 reserved seating. Tickets for children 12 years old and younger are $15, as is watching the live stream at www.floydcountrystore.tv. Learn more here.
