Ricky Skaggs prepares for show on Sugarloaf Mountain

CHILLICOTHE— "Oh, the people would come from far away they'd dance all night till the break of day."

Normally when you hear Ricky Skaggs singing this lyric you think of Uncle Pen but soon when you think of a performance that is "high on the hill and above the town" you are going to think of Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder as they perform on Sugarloaf Mountain.

Skaggs is a country and bluegrass singer who has been performing for the majority of his life, winning 15 Grammy Awards, eight awards from the  Country Music Association and many more. What started as a little boy playing the mandolin has turned into a decades-long career that has heavily influenced music today. At 70 years old he is still performing multiple times a week while on tour.

"I had a deep knowing in my heart that I wanted to play music for the rest of my life," said Skaggs of his first performance on stage at six years old.

The band Kentucky Thunder accompanies Skaggs in his performances and is made up of several talented musicians who play everything from the bass to the banjo. He likes the bluegrass style as it gives the band a chance to shine and showcase their talent.

"I've got this wonderful wonderful band," said Skaggs. "They are absolutely phenomenal."

Growing up in the "holler" in Kentucky Skaggs has a love for small towns and small-town crowds. He said he is excited to come back to Chillicothe and perform.

"Small towns really have great people," said Skaggs. "I'm looking forward to coming to Chillicothe again."

Outdoor performances, Skaggs said, are where bluegrass music belongs and while the band is excited to play on the mountain playing outdoors in the summer causes some issues they have to prepare for. The instruments don't always love the humidity and Skaggs jokes the show may pause for him to clean his glasses and swat bugs from his hair.

Overall, Skaggs said those in attendance can expect a lot of fun and laughs at the family-friendly show. He encourages parents with children interested in music to bring them so they can see the band perform and possibly get interested in instruments like the fiddle or banjo.

"If you have kids that love music... bring them out to see this band," said Skaggs. "I just think peoples gonna really enjoy the show."

Tickets are still available for purchase online for the Aug. 4 performance of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder on Sugarloaf Mountain.

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Ricky Skaggs prepares for show on Sugarloaf Mountain