Pine Mountain State Park is about to launch a summer concert series honoring Bluegrass.

Starting June 1 and extending through Sept. 7, the park will feature local Bluegrass bands who will perform live at the Laurel Cove Amphitheater. Bluegrass, Americana and Blues will all be represented at the series.

The shows are rain or shine and admission price is $12 flat, which includes a meal. The Mountain View Restaurant will be serving BBQ, catfish, and a selection of sides.

The first show will feature Blake Branscom. All shows will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.

The Appalachian region is home to many unique traditions and is steeped in American history and lore.

One such tradition is the creation of Bluegrass music, or as it was called in the past, “mountain music.” According to bluegrassheritage.org, the settlers of the region would write songs about their daily lives in finding a new home and exploring new land.

The origins of the “bluegrass” title came later in the 1930s with the Monroe Brothers — a popular country music act of the era. In the late 30s the brothers (Charlie and Bill) split to form their own individual bands. Bill, being from Kentucky, decided to use the states nickname of The Bluegrass State for the title of his new band, “Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.” This band is credit as the first real, true Bluegrass band, as they originated the sound of the genre.