The place where Bluegrass happens!
The Pennyroyal Opera House is along Old National Road in Fairview.
Along Old National Road in the town of Fairview, Pennyroyal Opera House provides a family-friendly evening of entertaining bluegrass music over the years from October through May. Their season is about to begin!
Country Gentlemen Tribute Band – October 5
Their first show on October 5 features The Country Gentlemen Tribute Band with an awesome bluegrass sound.
Kevin Prater Band – October 12
Remington Ryde – October 19
Following weeks will feature such greats as The Kevin Prater Band with strong vocal harmonies and a crowd-pleaser Remington Ryde.
Cathy Gadd, a long-time organizer, painted this picture of Pennyroyal Opera House.
The historic building originally was home to the Methodist Church in the 1830s, then used as a Grange Hall. In 1910, it was purchased by the Pennyroyal Reunion Association. Since 1995, Pennyroyal Opera House is the place where Bluegrass happens.
This old postcard shows the Pennyroyal Distillery where medicinal oils were made.
The name Pennyroyal came about from a Pennyroyal Distillery that was located in Fairview in the early 1800s. There seemed to be an abundance in the Fairview area of the wild herb, pennyroyal, a member of the mint family. Pennyroyal herb oil was valued for its medicinal purposes.
Betty Eddy planted the seed for bluegrass at Fairview with Harold Dailey.
A chance encounter at 1st National Bank in Barnesville changed events in Fairview. Harold Dailey began working at the hospital there and one day, Betty Eddy, an employee of the bank, asked Harold if he had an idea for making some money for the Pennyroyal Reunion Association.
The stage is ready for the season to begin.
Since Harold played and enjoyed bluegrass, he suggested having a bluegrass show. In 1995, Harold, with some local help, organized the first bluegrass show at the Pennyroyal Opera House. In the beginning, their plan was to feature local bluegrass groups so they could have a place to showcase their talents.
Each concert draws a full house of people who love bluegrass.
From that humble beginning, the show blossomed into a nationally known place to hear and perform bluegrass. Today there is never a problem getting excellent bluegrass bands from all over the United States and Canada to stop by for an evening. They’ve even had bands call from England to request a time for performance.
Harold and Kenny Keylor reminisce about bands that have played on that stage.
While Harold started the show, Frank and Cathy Gadd have held the reins for many years recently. Since Harold’s retirement, he asked if he might become active again in organizing the bluegrass programs.
Harold plays electric acoustic bass in the bluegrass band, Almost Famous.
Harold says, “I’m glad to be back as I love bluegrass, play bluegrass and love to promote it.” Harold plays electric acoustic bass in a bluegrass band, Almost Famous.
Many from the Pennyroyal Reunion Association still help by providing the delicious home cooked food in the kitchen. Betty Eddy serves as treasurer and still bakes pies with favorites being custard, rhubarb, and peanut butter.
The poster from the first professional band that played there still hangs backstage.
This isn’t a large building or a large show, but it’s big on talent on Friday evenings. Since they’re right along Interstate 70, many big-name stars will stop for a pick-up-date on their way to their Saturday performance. It’s a great chance to meet some of your favorite bluegrass stars up close and personal.
Spend time before the show checking out the pictures on the walls.
There are pictures on the wall of some of those popular names who have played there in the past. The first professional band that played there was The Lonesome River Band. Other pictures include such greats as Bobby Osborne, The Grascals, IIIrd Tyme Out, Rhonda Vincent and Dave Evans.
For those nights when you want to listen to some top-notch bluegrass and can’t make it out to the show, sit back and listen on the radio. Their shows are carried live at 101.1 FM in Wheeling and 101.9 FM in Cambridge.
If you want to check out their full 2018 schedule, go to www.pennyroyalbluegrass.com. For booking information call Harold Dailey at 740-827-0957.
People have already placed their blankets on seats to save them for the next show. It’s a tradition!
Come early some Friday evening for some delicious food, then go upstairs and listen to some quality classic bluegrass, which puts soul into music.
Pennyroyal Opera House in Fairview can easily be reached off I-70 between Old Washington and St. Clairsville. Take exit 198 and this popular Bluegrass Music house can be found on the north side of the road very near the exit.
Gypsy Road Trip 
Comments on: "Pennyroyal Opera House in Fairview – Bluegrass at its Best" (4)
Bev, you always amaze me by the wonderful things you find to visit. The Pennyroyal Opera House sounds like a delightful place to visit. And the season has just begun: do you go often?
I wish people would look more closely at all the possibilities for places to visit that aren’t that far from home. I have attended Pennyroyal Opera House several times and since music is something I really enjoy, plan to go there again soon.
I love bluegrass too, but have not had many opportunities to hear the music played live. Another wonderful view of the American spirit as I got to know it when I was visiting your country. Thanks so much.
Thanks for stopping by Shimon. The age of the computer has made it so easy to learn about each other’s country and ways of life. Bluegrass certainly does express the American spirit.