“I’m a Stage 5 lifer.”
Tom Knowlton (The Fretliners) during his 1st ever set on Stage 5, Saturday night 2025.
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“We play festivals all over the country and nobody has anything like this .. this is cool, this is unique. You have something very special here.”
Liam Purcell during his 1st ever set on Stage 5, Saturday night 2025.
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“A small miracle born 39 years ago from the far-sighted vision of Russell Brace who decided to turn his 1954 Chevrolet 4100 farm truck into a small stage and make it available to anyone who wanted to perform in the heart of the Walnut Valley Festival campground in Winfield, Kansas.”
Beppe Gambetta – Long time performer at Walnut Valley Festival & Stage 5.
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“Each year, musicians clamor to get a 30-minute spot on the back of the old green truck. Stage 5, once it is experienced first-hand, it is not likely soon to be forgotten”
Orin Friesen – IBMA Broadcaster of the Year 1990,
IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award 2012.
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Excerpt from a February 1998 Bluegrass Now Magazine interview by Don Kissil.
Don: Finally, are there some particular interesting experiences you have had while playing in America?
Beppe: Yes, there are many stories, but one I can remember well. Stage 5 is a special stage for non professional performers that is in the middle of the campground at the Winfield, Kansas Festival. It has a special, I don’t know, power, because goes on till two, three, five o’clock in the morning. When the main stage shows are finished, everyone who is really interested in music goes to this little place that has incredible power. The first year I went to Winfield, and I played at Stage 5 with a thousand people in front of me, I had some the maximum moments of intensity of my playing at this little stage. Because there people say, I don’t care if you are a professional or not, I would just like to visit with you and hear you play. That was one of many great moments I have experienced with American audiences. Beppe Gambetta
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“Stage 5” & the “5 Pick” design are registered trademarks of Stage 5.
