Canadian Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame
Bob Hayes & Peter Milner
Inducted: 2024
Bob Hayes and Peter Milner – Northern Region
In the 1990’s, Bob Hayes and Peter Milner were members of one of the earliest bluegrass bands in the Yukon – “Disturbin’ the Peace.” Their shared love of the music got them thinking the unthinkable, that they could start a bluegrass festival in a Territory with no bluegrass community or history. To make things more challenging, they decided to establish their festival in Haines Junction, a remote village with a population of 500, where Bob then lived.
So, start one they did. Fortunately, both were well loved and had no shortage of loyal friends who were promptly enlisted to help. The first “Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival” was presented in 2003, the Yukon embraced it and the festival has been going strong ever since.
Together they didn’t just start a festival. They started and ran a legendary festival. It quickly became a must-play festival for bluegrass bands. All passed the word that there was a gem up in the Yukon with the best scenery, the best organization, the best food and hospitality, the best vibe, and the warmest welcome. Bob, Peter, and their team couldn’t take credit for the scenery, but they were responsible for setting the standard for everything else. The festival was always going to have music and mountains. They added the magic.
Sadly, Peter passed away in 2005 and the CEO role fell to Bob who booked, produced and managed the festival until 2010. Bob went to join Peter in 2022.
Comments:
By: Dave Featherstone
On: Mar 11, 2024 at 12 47 PM
As noted in attachment, Bob was instrumental in starting the Kluane Mountain bluegrass festival, in the Yukon. Thus Bob was one of the first ambassadors to introduce bluegrass music to this area of the country.
