Huck Finn Jubilee, June 15, 16, 17, 2012
Mojave Narrows Regional Park, 18000 Yates Road, Victorville, CA – http://huckfinn.com
In recent years, a ground swell of interest from dedicated fans has encouraged Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers to perform selected dates they now refer to as “The Gatlin Brothers Never Ending Reunion Tour.” This year, the famous trio who popularized the hit song “All the Gold in California” can be found performing at Huck Finn’s 36th Jubilee on Father’s Day, June 17.
The 6 pm concert highlights “A Great American Party” designed to rediscover the Good ol’ USA, and it takes place at Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville. Each year, families pack the camper with kids, banjos, and fishing poles and in the spirit of Mark Twain, run away for some old fashioned fun in the country.
Nearly 50 years of family harmonies, a Grammy for “Broken Lady” in 1976 and Academy of Country Music Award for “All the Gold in California” in 1979 sent the trio to the top of the country charts. There were more than a dozen top 40 hits including “Denver,” “Houston”(Mean That I’m One Day Closer To You),” and “Love Is Just A Game.”
Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin started singing in their little hometown of Abilene, Texas, and from there went on to make music history. Over the course of a four decade long career that has taken the Gatlin Brothers from dusty Texas stages to White House performances, Broadway and Grammy awards, there has been one unifying element, music.
Today, however, Larry Gatlin notes, “You know what Bob Dylan said,…things they are a changin’.” To the delight of Tucker, the Gatlin Brothers chose to perform on Father’s Day during the Jubilee.
Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, the Gatlin Brothers lit up major marques and packed concert halls across America. In concert, their performances became magical events, filled with incredible family harmonies and downright fun for both the trio and their audience. But, in 1992 they fell silent for nearly 20 years. “I always wanted to showcase the Gatlin Brothers, and when they stopped touring, I thought I’d missed my chance,” states Don Tucker, who in past years has shared great artists like Merle Haggard, Roger Miller and Earle Scruggs with Jubilee fans.
At this stage, the Gatlins have the best of both worlds, family and friends, plenty of work, as individuals and together.
Named Bluegrass Event of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in 2001, the Huck Finn Jubilee continues to showcase top names in Country and Bluegrass music. This year’s impressive lineup includes IBMA’s Entertainer of the Year, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Seldom Scene, Ronnie Reno and the Reno Tradition, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, Grammy Nominee, Lisa Haley, and Dry Branch Fire Squad among others.
A high desert tradition since 1976, The Huck Finn Jubilee not only features top name entertainment on main stage, but, it also hosts guitar, banjo, band and songwriting workshops in a more intimate setting. Musical jam sessions or pickin’ parties also run nearly all night long in special campgrounds on the park.
The 800 acre Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville, where the Jubilee is held, sits on an oasis resembling parkland found along the Mississippi River. To reach it, take the Bear Valley Road exit off I-15, then go east to Ridgecrest Ave., and turn north to the park.
The Jubilee’s website, www.huckfinn.com carries complete schedule, camping, special discount offers and ticket information. Other information on this Great American Family Event is available by calling 1-951-780-8810.
For more information: Don Tucker (951)780-8810 or huckfinn@huckfinn.com