Scott Burgess with Deeper Shade of Blue at the 2026 YeeHaw Music Fest – photo © Bill Warren
The 2026 YeeHaw Music Fest has drawn to a close. This is one of Florida’s longest running festivals, which had originated at YeeHaw Junction. It is now held at the Okeechobee Agri-Center. Ernie and Debi Evans took over promotion of the festival several years ago.
Justin Mason handled the MC duties and Troy Pope provided the sound.
New Florida band, Ian Lane and Southern Flavor, opened Friday’s show. Ian is a young fiddle player who is rapidly making his mark. He credits Keith Bass as being his mentor. This is a high energy show that is fun to watch and listen to.
Penny Creek has been a constant of Florida bluegrass for twenty years. Mandolinist Fritz Kraemer throws in a few “bad dad” jokes. The band is always a hit wherever they appear.
Buddy Jewell brought an Opry type show to the festival. He sang and then featured several guests. Ernie Evans sang, as did Troy Pope, Scott Burgess, and Lyndie Burris. John Apfelthaler played banjo on one of Buddy’s songs.
The Malpass Brothers closed out the Friday show. Their traditional country music show has become a staple at many festivals.
Saturday was kicked off by Deeper Shade of Blue. These guys have set a high bar for harmony. They did an acapella version of the National Anthem. Their arrangement rivals any done anywhere.
Florida’s own Dirt Road Dreams followed. Identical twins Moe and Spider had the audience laughing at their kibbitzing!! Expect the unexpected with them. The “Little Cannon,” Mary Kate jumps in leaving Justin speechless! Oh – their music is top shelf too.
Keith Bass and the Florida Bluegrass Express is one of Florida’s veteran bands. Keith added youngster Ian Lane to the band last year. Keith invited Logan Lobdell to play a couple banjo tunes with the band. This is another high energy show that needs to be seen. The audience demanded two encores from them.
Next year’s YeeHaw dates are January 21, 22, and 23, 2027.
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