Wide Open Bluegrass Festival all about good music -- and getting the best seat

For Stacy Price, it was a chance to get really close to the music. Literally.

The strings, the harmonies ... that is what draws the massive crowds. Those who are really serious about the music can’t get close enough. Stacy Price is from Tennessee and it's his first Wide Open Bluegrass Festival.

“It’s kind of like camping," Price said.

He’s already learned one of the secrets: claim your spot.

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"At least an hour before, if not better, to get up in front of the stage," Price said.

Here, the universal sign of claimed territory is the folding chair.

"They have their real estate and they want to make sure they get to see the show," said Pat Dickinson, owner of the Lincoln Theater, of the number of lawn chairs at the stage. "That's right. These chairs have been here since (Friday)."

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Dickinson and the Lincoln Theater are responsible for keeping the music playing on stages through downtown.

"You have to make sure things keep working," Dickinson said.

It is certainly working for the fans in attendance. Price said he will be back again next year, and he was geared for a full day in front of the stage.

"We had a good breakfast and we are here for the day, probably til 11:30 or 12 tonight," Peele said.

Even after the music on the stages wraps up, Bluegrass fans say you can still hear musicians playing in downtown hotels into the early morning.