Summer Kickoff with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder

15-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs brings his signature bluegrass sound to Ariel-Foundation Park for the 2025 Summer Kickoff! A key figure in modern bluegrass, Skaggs has spent decades shaping the genre while honoring its deep roots. Accompanied by his award-winning band, Kentucky Thunder, he delivers a performance defined by masterful musicianship and a rich catalog of songs that have influenced generations of artists.

Skaggs’ career is easily among the most significant in recent country music history. If Skaggs’ burgeoning trophy case full of awards wasn’t already enough evidence of that fact, consider that legendary guitarist Chet Atkins once credited Skaggs with “single-handedly saving country music.” His life’s path has taken him to various musical genres, from where it all began in bluegrass music, to striking out on new musical journeys, while still leaving his musical roots intact.

Ricky Skaggs is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and is a 15-time GRAMMY winner!

Sponsored by Ariel Corporation

Summer Kickoff with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder is a ticketed event. Only ticket holders will be able to access the Schnormeier Event Center, including the view of the stage, bars, food trucks, and restrooms. This event will not be visible to anyone not in the Schnormeier Event Center.

You may also like the following events from Ariel-Foundation Park:

• This Thursday, 29th May, 07:00 pm, Sip and Savor: Ohio Wine Sunset Social in Mount Vernon
• This July, 4th July, 05:00 pm, FREE July 4th Celebration Featuring Creedence Revived Join us in celebrating 10 years! in Mount Vernon