Master Musicians Festival

06/05/2026

Somewhere between a backroad revival, a late-night bar scene, and a story you can't quite shake, you'll find Smilo & the Ghost. We are excited to have Smilo & the Ghost at MMF33! 💚

Smilo & the Ghost is an Americana-grit folk band born from the rustbelt and rooted in redemption. Fronted by singer-songwriter Tyler Smilo, the band blends raw lyricism with vintage tones, cinematic storytelling, and a touch of cosmic twang. Their sound drifts somewhere between dusty desert highways and dimly lit city bars — a fusion of folk, alt-country, and soul with deep emotional bite.

Formed in Erie, PA in 2016, Smilo & the Ghost have shared stages with Grammy winners, national acts, and underground legends alike. Their discography includes Ghost Writers, Fingers Crossed & Godspeed, and the live album Live from PACA, with their newest record Twang & Fire capturing both fire and fragility in a post-pandemic world. Smilo’s lyrics are deeply personal, often exploring recovery, survival, and the ghosts we carry — because he’s lived it.

More than a band, Smilo & the Ghost is a movement of misfits, musicians, and truth-tellers. Whether it’s on stage or on the record, the band invites you to feel something real — and maybe even find a piece of yourself in the process.

The band’s recording and performing personnel have included a “who’s who” of regional talent, currently condensed down to the core lineup:

Tyler Smilo – Guitar, Vocals

Adam McKillip – Mandolin, Vocals

Jassen Wilber – Bass Guitar

Dominick DeCecco- Banjo, Vocals

Catch Smilo & the Ghost on the Citizens National Bank Second Stage >>> Saturday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m.

MMF33 is presented by See Somerset,Lake Cumberland Tourism-Somerset-Pulaski County CVB, and DEG Live.

🎟 Weekend passes and daily tickets on sale now at mastermusiciansfestival.org

06/04/2026

ONE WEEK AWAY!!! Come celebrate at the MMF33 Kickoff Party on Thursday, June 11 from 6PM–8PM in Downtown Somerset at Fountain Square, and at The Tipsy Toad/The Mole Hole- Gourmet Chocolate & Gifts! Stop by to meet TREBLE! The brand new official mascot of Master Musicians Festival! 🎶💚 Make sure to snap some photos with our newest festival friend. 📸

We’ll also have:
• Limited edition Treble plushies for sale for $25
• A scavenger hunt with tickets & prizes
• Live music from Annie Boek of Ginny X
• $10 Italian dinners from The Italian Guy

Big thanks to The Buchanan Estate for presenting the event. We can’t wait to kick off MMF33 with you!
MMF33 is presented by See Somerset, Lake Cumberland Tourism-Somerset-Pulaski County CVB, and DEG Live.

Tickets to the 33rd Annual Master Musicians Festival are for sale at mastermusiciansfestival.org

06/03/2026

👀 Here is the list of performers for tonight's Master Musicians Festival Open Mic with theKentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum and hosted by Donovan Howard! The list is on no particular order with the exception of Donovan Howard. Performers will be drawn at random beginning at 7PM EST tonight at 80 & Main Brewing Company located at 601 N. Main St., in Somerset. There's going to be a lot of talent tonight so come out and support your local and regional music scene! See you there! 💚

Special thanks to tonight's open mic sponsor, Outcrop Equipment Sales & Rental and Bobcat of Somerset!

06/03/2026

🎤 OPEN MIC SIGN-UPS START NOW! Fill out the form via the link if you'd like to perform at tonight's Open Mic: https://forms.gle/cdMAZCAApEBQRwu1A Remember, there will not be any in-person sign-ups! The first 20 people to complete the form will secure a performance spot.

We’re excited to partner with the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum for a special night of music, connection, and community at 80 & Main Brewing Company located at 601 N. Main Street in Somerset!

🎤 Special Guest Host: Donovan Howard

🎶 Music begins at 7 PM sharp

This series is about our music community coming together, lifting each other up, and helping spread the word about the amazing artists and festivals happening across Kentucky.

Shout out to our June open mic sponsors, Outcrop Equipment Sales & Rental and Bobcat in Somerset!

See you there! 💚

06/01/2026

🎶 MMF Open Mic REMINDER! ✨ PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! 📍Location change!

The Master Musicians Festival Open Mic Series continues Wednesday, and we’re excited to partner with the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum for a special night of music, connection, and community.

🎤 Special Guest Host: Donovan Howard

To help keep things organized and make sure artists don’t travel in without knowing if they have a spot, there will be an online sign-up process for Wednesday’s open mic.

Here’s how it will work:
📝 Online sign-ups open at 10 AM Eastern on Wednesday
• We will post a sign-up form link on our page at 10 AM
• All sign-ups must be submitted through the online form (we will not be doing in-person signups this month)
• The first 20 people to complete the form will secure a performance spot

📣 At NOON, we will announce the first 20 performers who signed up and post the list publicly so everyone knows who is playing before heading out.

🎶 Music begins at 7 PM sharp️

This series is about our music community coming together, lifting each other up, and helping spread the word about the amazing artists and festivals happening across Kentucky.

Mark your calendars, keep an eye out for the 10 AM sign-up link on Wednesday, June 3, and come spend the evening with us in Somerset at80 & Main Brewing Companyy located at 601 N. Main Street. ❤️🎶

Shout out to our June open mic sponsors,Outcrop Equipment Sales & Rentall and Bobcat in Somerset!

05/29/2026

🎉 WE HAVE A WINNER!!! 🎉

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who liked, shared, and showed love for the Master Musicians Festival and Ashley - Somerset, KY giveaway! 💚🎶

With the help of our friends at Ashley - Somerset, KY and a special appearance from our new mascot Treble , we’re excited to officially announce that our VIP Weekend Giveaway winner is…

🥁 SAM SIMPSON!!! 🥁

Sam is taking home:
🔥 4 Weekend Passes
🏨 2-night hotel stay
🛍️ $100 merch credit
🪑 VIP seating setup by the main stage

Congratulations, Sam! Please send us a private message to claim your prize.

Thank you again to our partners Ashley - Somerset, KY, for helping make this giveaway possible.

We can’t wait to see everyone at this year’s festival! 🎶✨

MMF is presented by See Somerset, Lake Cumberland Tourism-Somerset-Pulaski County CVB and DEG Live!

See the full lineup and grab your tickets at mastermusiciansfestival.org

05/28/2026

Well…here’s the special announcement we teased earlier 👀 Come celebrate at the MMF33 Kickoff Party on Thursday, June 11 from 6PM–8PM in Downtown Somerset at Fountain Square, and at The Tipsy Toad/The Mole Hole- Gourmet Chocolate & Gifts! Stop by to meet TREBLE! The brand new official mascot of Master Musicians Festival! 🎶💚 Make sure to snap some photos with our newest festival friend. 📸

We’ll also have:
• Limited edition Treble plushies for sale for $25
• A scavenger hunt with tickets & prizes
• Live music from Annie Boek of Ginny X
• $10 Italian dinners from The Italian Guy

Big thanks to The Buchanan Estate for presenting the event. We can’t wait to kick off MMF33 with you!

MMF33 is presented by See Somerset, Lake Cumberland Tourism-Somerset-Pulaski County CVB, and DEG Live.

Tickets to the 33rd Annual Master Musicians Festival are for sale at mastermusiciansfestival.org

05/28/2026

LAST CHANCE! Have you entered yet? 👀 We’re giving away the ultimate VIP weekend at the 33rd annual Master Musicians Festival thanks to Ashley - Somerset, KY!

Make sure you:
✅ LIKE both pages
✅ SHARE the original giveaway post

One lucky winner will score:
🎟️ 4 Weekend Passes
🏨 2-night hotel stay
🛍️ $100 merch credit
🪑 VIP outdoor seating setup near the main stage

Winner announced tomorrow, Friday, May 29 at 2PM EST! Don’t miss your shot at the VIP festival weekend of the summer.

MMF33 is presented by See Somerset, Lake Cumberland Tourism-Somerset-Pulaski County CVB, and DEG Live.

05/28/2026

A new face is about to make some noise around here. 👀 We’ve got a special announcement dropping at 2PM, and someone is VERY excited about it. 🎼

05/28/2026

Thank you Gracie and Giselle, Seniors at Southwestern High School, for using your creativity and talent to support the upcoming 33rd Annual Master Musicians Festival! Special thanks to Mrs. May!

Great job representing your school and Master Musicians Festival so well! 🎶👏

One last project for the 2025-2026 school year! Our music loving seniors Gracie and Giselle jumped at the opportunity to work on banners for the 33rd annual Master Musicians Festival through an internship with Mrs. May!

MMF will be July 17 & 18th, be sure to check out their hard work!