Fletcher Bright Realty is one of the oldest and most respected names in Chattanooga real estate, with a history dating back to 1927. The founder Fletcher Bright instilled the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and exceptional service as cornerstones of his business.

Beloved by the community, Fletcher Bright was known as a husband, father, real estate mogul, and--a world-class fiddler!

That last quality was the inspiration behind the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival and is a vibrant part of Fletcher Bright's legacy.

Strike Up the Band: The Beginning Years of The 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival

What started as one man's passion for bluegrass music has gained popularity and has been named one of the Five Best Bluegrass Festivals in the Country by Great America Country.

Son George Bright has always dreamed of hosting a free bluegrass festival in Chattanooga. In 2006 his dream became a reality when he and Fletcher put on the first 3 Sisters Festival. George's three sisters – Lizzer Graham, Ann Monk, and Lucy Griffin – make up the three sisters referenced in the festival's name.

For 14 years, the 3 Sisters Festival has delighted Chattanooga residents. Every year the festival has been free admission to ensure everyone in the community has a chance to come and enjoy bluegrass music in the heart of Chattanooga, right on the river.

"My dad and brothers are just really passionate about bluegrass. They always loved it. They played their instruments constantly. My dad was in a band that he formed in high school, and that went on for his entire life," says Graham.

The band known as the Dismembered Tennesseans played together for over 72 years at charity events, local events, and across the country.

"They wanted to spread the love of bluegrass basically," says Graham.

To get the festival started, George connected with Carla Pritchard of Chattanooga Presents, who has produced the festival each year since its inception.

Hosted at Ross's Landing in early October, the 3 Sisters Festival has given locals the chance to listen to some of the best bluegrass musicians right by the Tennessee River.

The New Dismembered Tennesseans, which is a mix of the original band Fletcher Bright started and some new members, kick off the annual event every year. Many notable bluegrass bands including The Travelin' McCourys, Della Mae, the Kruger Brothers, Fireside Collective, Mountain Cove Bluegrass Band, Mandolin Orange, Steep Canyon Rangers, Chatham County Line, and the Berklee College of Music Fiddlers have taken the stage at the festival.

"We've had the same number of acts, the same size stage, and the crowd has definitely grown," says Graham. "The feeling hasn't changed."

"Part of that is we don't have other sponsors, so we can do exactly what we want to do. We just want to put on a good bluegrass festival, so that's what we do," added Graham.

Continuing Fletcher Bright's Legacy

Fletcher Bright passed away two years ago, but his vision for superb real estate services in Chattanooga and a celebration of bluegrass music lives on through his children and the festival.

Graham is a REALTOR® for Fletcher Bright Realty and carries not only a love of bluegrass thanks to her dad but a love of the Chattanooga community and provides top-tier real estate services to those in the area.

"For the community, it brings people together in a fun, old-fashioned way. It's a great family event. Everyone sits out on the lawn and listens to bluegrass music. It's good old-fashioned fun," says Graham.

While the company plays a huge role in the festival, the main goal is to share a love of music instead of drumming up business.

"If we get any boomerang business back from that, great. But that's not really the purpose," says Graham. "George and my dad just wanted to share their love of bluegrass music. He wanted to create some new bluegrass lovers," Graham added.

Even though the festival will not take place this year due to COVID-19, the influence the festival has had in the community is sure to live on. But do the sisters behind the name of the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival have any musical abilities like their dad?

"That's a big fat no," Graham laughed.

"The irony of it being named after us, is that we have zero music ability," added Griffin.

About Fletcher Bright Realty

A family business spanning three generations, Fletcher Bright Realty takes pride in a long history, a proven track record, and a tradition of exceptional service in the Chattanooga area. As a company, Fletcher Bright Realty is committed to "providing the most professional, committed, and personalized service in the industry."