Popular Country & Folk Events Near Columbus 

Hitch up those blue jeans, pop on a cowboy hat, dust off your boots, and get ready to see some of the best country and folk artists. Chris Stapleton has been winning Grammy awards left and right while the Florida Georgia Line has teamed with Hank Williams Jr. to provide an imaginative new intro for Monday Night Football. What was once relegated to cable stations and oprys has now become part of popular culture.

History of Country & Folk

Dating back to beginning of the United States, American folk music found its twangy origins in the Appalachians. Scottish, Irish, and English immigrants would blend and bend tunes from across the ocean to create a distinct sound. Featuring banjos, guitars, and fiddles along with makeshift instruments, this lively music laid the groundwork for modern bluegrass, folk, and country. The 1920s saw the true differentiation of country and folk thanks to performers like Fiddlin' John Carson and Jimmie Rodgers (also known as "The Singing Brakeman," "The Blue Yodeler," and "The Father of Country Music"). After that, the Carter Family, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash came along to transform the genre even more.

Present Day

Today’s folk and country performers range from the eternal folkster Bob Dylan to alt-country acts like Old Crow Medicine Show and Drive-By Truckers. And don’t forget about the pop side of country with stars like Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, and Tim McGraw. Other artists such as Sam Hunt, Eric Church, the Zac Brown Band, and Dierks Bentley are all on tour and coming to a town near you.

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