Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival Guide 2016 by The Newsleaders

AUG. 11-14, 2016

• EL RANCHO MAÑANA, RICHMOND, MINN. • WWW.MINNESOTABLUEGRASS.ORG

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

THE TRAVELING MCCOURYS The Travelin’ McCourys do not stand still. They are on the road –and online – entertaining audiences with live shows that include some of the best musicians and singers from all genres. It’s always different, always exciting and always great music. No other band today has the same credentials for playing traditional and progressive music. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo continue their father’s work – a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives.

And with fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful. But the band is now combining their sound with others to make something fresh and rejuvenating. They recently played with the Allman Brothers at Wanee Fest and then brought the house down at Warren Haynes’ Annual Christmas Jam, an invitation-only Southern Rock homecoming. Their jam with the Lee Boys was hailed by many as the highlight of the evening and – once word of the live video hit the streets – sent new fans online to watch a supercharged combination of sacred steel, R&B and bluegrass. They’ve also performed with Warren Haynes, Phish and they have a tour scheduled with the Lee Boys. Ronnie McCoury described it as “peanut butter and jelly.” It was just right. They can push forward so far because their roots are so deep. The band has

a confidence that comes only with having paid their dues with 20 years on the bluegrass road. Other groups and new fans hear this immediately – the tight rhythm, the soulful material and the confidence in taking bluegrass from the safety of the shore into uncharted waters. Ronnie says, “We like to go in and play traditional bluegrass music the way we do it with Dad, but we also like to be able to step into situations where we can really stretch out. If we need to plug in, we’ll plug in. We’re open to anything.” It’s that attitude, backed up by talent, that marks great musicians, traditional or progressive. The Travelin’ McCourys are 21st Century musical pilgrims and adventurers. They’re onto something new, just like Bill Monroe was in the 1940s, but now we can see and hear that adventure live or online. Go see them, or – if you hold still long enough – they’ll come to you.

Volunteers needed The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival depends on volunteers to serve your needs and fill more than 500 time slots to keep this festival operating smoothly. Prior to the festival, the volunteer MBOTMA Festival staff does the planning and preparatory work. During the festival, volunteers take tickets, sell shirts, watch the gates, provide handicap services, set up the grounds and clean up afterward. Can you help us? Please stop by the festival headquarters and check out the volunteer schedule for openings. And don’t forget to thank all the volunteers you see. For their efforts they receive a specially designed volunteer shirt, and they make new friends, learn new skills and have fun too.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

2016 MBOTMA FESTIVAL Welcome to the Year of Dance at the 37th annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival. This event is produced by the non-profit Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association and has been nominated four times as Event of the Year (2005, 2007, 2010 and 2013) by the International Bluegrass Music Association in Nashville. We are tremendously excited to have the Traveling McCourys, one of America’s top bluegrass bands; the Clay Hess Band; Pert Near Sandstone; the Canote Brothers; plus all the other mainstage acts. But this year we’re also excited about all the dance activity we have planned at all our venues. There will be square dances and barn dances, swing and honky-tonk dances, cajun/ zydeco and clogging, workshops and demos, and so much more.

We hope you’ll enjoy the more than 30 hours of main-stage concerts, daytime instrument collaborations and nightly dances in the Showcase Tent, fun and games in the Family Area, 20 hands-on workshops in the Workshop Area, new excitement at the Underground, dozens of food and merchant booths in the Marketplace, late-night shows at Ranch House Live, the Gathering Place and all the campground jam sessions. These activities are also made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. We also owe our thanks to our sponsors and our 400 volunteers (over 400!). Thank you all for keeping us going. Be there. Be square.

THE CLAY HESS BAND Clay Hess. the leader of the Clay Hess Band, is from Athens, Ohio. His first introduction to many was as the lead guitarist for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, winning a Grammy Award during his tenure there. After departing Skaggs, Hess toured and recorded with several of the top bands in the genre. With the help of long-time friend and musical comrade Randy Kohrs, Clay recorded his critically acclaimed solo CD Rain with the title track going to #1 on the Bluegrassto-

Shuttle service

You may have noticed various shuttles at the festival. There are three main routes. One runs through the reserved camping area, one to the day parking lots and the south half of rough camping, and the third covers the north half of rough camping. All routes end at the main venue area dropoff point with-

day chart. The success of the project directly led to the formation of The Clay Hess Band in 2012. “Growing up in a musical family, it wasn’t hard to find an instrument laying around to plunk on. Hess said. “Pair that with having a desire to learn, a passion for music, and a wealth of people to learn from and you get a musician. “Having a family of talented players and singers is an advantage if you can keep your ears open and your mouth shut. I should

in easy walking to the Main Stage concert area, Marketplace Stage, Showcase Tent, Family Area, Workshop Area and the Gathering Place. The shuttles are free. But please, children should ride only when accompanied by an adult, no dogs are allowed and no smoking either. There are racks for your

have done more of both.” Today with The Clay Hess Band you can hear the result of all the jam sessions, bar gigs, bluegrass festivals and hours learning from relatives/ musicians/recordings. Known for his syncopated sense of timing, Hess always tries to keep you guessing what is coming next. The Clay Hess Band goes back into the studio this fall to record its sophomore effort. Join the mailing list to receive updates on releases or upcoming events.

coolers, instruments and lawn chairs. Look for the “shuttle stop” signs. Trolley stops are marked with a big “T” on the published festival maps. Shuttles will operate from 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday, 10 a.m. to midnight Friday; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

Festival rules and policies Under the terms of admission, you enter the grounds on your own responsibility and assume all related risks. All federal, state and local laws will apply.

The swimming beach is for campers’ use only. No lifeguard is on duty so please supervise your children. The beach closes at dusk. No glass, vehicles or pets are allowed on the beach.

Wristbands must be worn on wrists at all times.

The main concert area (including the Food Court, the Family Area, all public tents and buildings, and the trolleys) are non-smoking areas.

Admission to the festival grounds will be permitted between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. only Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 11-14. Advanced festival admission to the grounds will be permitted between 2-10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7 and between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 8-10. The gate will be closed to admission at all other times.

MONROE CROSSING Named in honor of Bill Monroe (The Father of Bluegrass Music), Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and heartfelt originals. Their superb musicianship and on-stage rapport have entertained audiences across the United States, Canada and Europe. Based in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, Monroe Crossing plays an average of 150 shows a year in intimate rooms, at major venues and outdoor festivals. They are favorites among bluegrass connoisseurs and non-bluegrass audiences alike. They love introducing newcomers to bluegrass music. Monroe Crossing is made up of five very

distinct personalities with differing musical backgrounds. When combined, their individual histories make for a unique ensemble sound. Band members are Derek Johnson – guitar and lead vocals; Lisa Fuglie – fiddle, mandolin, guitar and lead vocals; Matt Thompson – mandolin, fiddle and harmony vocals; Mark Anderson – bass and bass vocals; and David Robinson – banjo, dobro, harmonica and harmony vocals. Because they met through the music of Bill Monroe, they like to say they had a “Monroe Crossing.” Among its many honors, Monroe Crossing was awarded “Bluegrass Album of the Year” by the Minnesota Music Acad-

emy in 2003. In 2007, they were inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. They have twice been selected to showcase at the annual World of Bluegrass Convention hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Association, and they have appeared twice at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2016, Monroe Crossing will have the honor of being the first Minnesota bluegrass band ever to perform in South Korea. Whether playing traditional bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, original bluegrass or even songs outside the bluegrass genre, Monroe Crossing is one of the most active and most entertaining acts on the bluegrass scene today.

All vehicles shall be parked in one of three places: 1.) day parking (if you are attending for the day); 2.) your campsite (if you are staying overnight), or 3.) in handicapped parking (by request only). All vehicles in day parking lots must be removed by midnight each day. Vehicles left overnight may be towed. Campfires are allowed only in campground-provided fire rings or suitable off-the-ground fire containers. Where fire rings are not installed, you must provide your own suitable offthe-ground fire container. Fires must not be left unattended. No firewood will be allowed to be brought into the campground. Campfire wood will be available for purchase on the grounds. No roping of sites is allowed in the rough camping area. Tents or vehicles must occupy space. Generator hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7 p.m. daily. No generator running is allowed at other times except in 24-hour generator area. Generators must be spark-arrested and meet guidelines for use within Minnesota state parks. Wash-Machine Field is a generator-free zone where generator use is not allowed at any time. Excessive noise, use of foul language or other rowdy behavior will not be tolerated and will be grounds for ejection. The Family Area should be considered a family affair. Please attend events with your children. No gas- or electric-powered cycles, dune buggies, go-carts, ATVs or other personal vehicles are allowed on the grounds. If you have special accessibility needs, please contact the festival administration at 1-800-635-3037 prior to the festival so we can best accommodate your needs. Use of private motorized handicapped vehicles is allowed under certain conditions. Use of bicycles is limited to daylight hours only.

Absolutely no fireworks of any kind are allowed on the festival grounds or in the campgrounds. No alcohol is allowed in the main concert/vending area. You may be asked to open containers for inspection upon entry. Pets are not allowed in the main concert/vending area. Pets must be leashed or enclosed in campers or cages in all other areas. Pets are not allowed on the beach. All debris from your pet must be picked up. The MBOTMA Festival reserves the right to ask any pet be removed from the premises if there are any problems or disturbances, especially barking. You may leave your chair in place all weekend, however the MBOTMA Festival will not be responsible for chairs or other items left unattended in the concert area. If you leave the concert area, we consider it to be “Minnesota nice” to allow others to occupy your chair until you return. Please, no sun umbrellas in the concert area. All individuals entering camp on Thursday are required to have a Thursday-Sunday ticket package. Individuals entering camp on Friday are required to have at least a Friday-Sunday ticket package. Individuals entering camp on Saturday are required to have a Saturday-Sunday ticket package. No camping will be allowed with singleday tickets. “Old Washmachine Field” is now generator free. The rough camping area will not be open until 2 p.m. on the Sunday prior to the opening of the festival. Prior to Thursday night, rough campers are subject to a per-night fee of $15/person (with a maximum of $30), payable to El Rancho Mañana. All campers under 18 years of age must camp with, and be supervised by, a responsible adult. Monte’s Meadow, and other portions of rough camping adjacent to the day parking area, is designated as a quiet camping area. Noise, including instrument playing, will not be allowed after 10 p.m. in these areas. Campers, please bag your garbage in yellow bags, aluminum in white bags and leave them along the road to be picked up nightly between 6 and 8 p.m.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

DICK KIMMEL & CO.

HORSENECKS Another old-time group we’ll have from the Northwest is the Horsenecks. With roots in Portland, Ore. and Liverpool, England, they describe their music as hard-hitting transcontinental old-time and early bluegrass stringband music. The core of the band, Gabrielle Macrae (Macrae Sisters) and Barry Southern (Liverpool’s Loose Moose String

Band), each play fiddle, banjo and guitar. They are well respected in the new generation of string-band players. One reviewer wrote, “The Horsenecks somehow manage to make you want to dance to the saddest song and cry to the happiest. Their harmonies blend beautifully and melt you into a puddle on the floor, a puddle that’s still trying to dance.”

Dick Kimmel & Co. is a four-piece bluegrass band based in southern Minnesota. Since the 1970s, Dick Kimmel’s bands have performed throughout North America and Europe. In 2008, this band received the National Traditional Country Music Association’s “Rising Legend Award.” Dick Kimmel & Co.’s style of bluegrass is laced with original songs that seem like classics. Recent CDs from Dick Kimmel & Co. include the award-winning bluegrass gospel recording, Dick Kimmel & Co. - My Lord Keeps A Record, recognized as one of the top bluegrass gospel recordings in 2005 by the International Bluegrass Music Association. In 2016, Dick Kimmel & Co. was featured on two recordings – Dick Kimmel – Corbett on the Couch and Tony Rook – The Road Back Home. Dick Kimmel has been performing bluegrass music since the 1950s. With his band, Dick handles lead and harmony vocals in addition to playing mandolin and occasionally guitar and clawhammer banjo. Dick has recorded more than two dozen albums, including seven CDs for Copper Creek Records. His solo recordings include Dick Kimmel – 25-Year Collection (Copper Creek Records CD0143), Dick Kimmel – Wild Turkey Rag (Copper Creek Records CD-0115),

his clawhammer banjo release, Dick Kimmel – Fishin’ Creek Blues (Copper Creek Records CD-0173) and a mandolin recording, Dick Kimmel – Corbett on the Couch (Dick Kimmel Music CD-201601). In a 1994 feature article, Bluegrass Unlimited referred to Dick as the “Ambassador of Bluegrass.” On stage, Dick’s emcee work paints a picture of bluegrass music and its colorful history from information he gained as a writer for international bluegrass music magazines.

Dick Kimmel is a triple Hall of Famer – a 2012 inductee into the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame, a 2010 inductee into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame and a 2008 inductee into America’s Old-Time Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2014, he received a nomination for SPBGMA’s Bluegrass Entertainer of the Year Award. The rest of the band includes Graham Sones, banjo and vocals; Tony Rook, guitar and vocals; and Terry Johnson, bass.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

CANOTE BROTHERS The Canote Brothers will grace the stage, bringing to us a taste of old-time and early country music from the Northwest. Hailing from Seattle, Jere and Greg Canote, actual twins, will bring us the sound of the brother duets. They like to think of themselves as carrying on the tradition of the Stanleys, Everlys and the Blue Sky Boys. They will bring forgotten fiddle tunes, swing classics and quirky novelty songs. As one reviewer put it, “Their

PERT NEAR SANDSTONE

Pert Near Sandstone has been exporting their brand of string-band music all over the country. Their energy is unmatched and they bring to the tradition many of their own compositions,

speaking to events in our current time. Members are Nate Sipe, mandolin, fiddle; Kevin Kniebel, banjo; J Lenz, acoustic guitar; Justin Bruhn, upright bass; and Matt Cartier, clogs and fiddle.

songs all have the ring of cock-eyed classics.” Fiddle, guitar, banjo and uke are just some of the instruments they play. Their website lists nine recordings and, since they’ve been playing more than a few years, there are probably more recordings, now out of print. (Remember cassettes and vinyl?) They were regulars on NPR’s Sandy Bradley’s Potluck for 13 years, a radio show that featured old-time and variety music. Another re-

viewer stated, “The humor, good-natured mischief and musical skills the Canotes share are so infectious it’s impossible

not to have a great time when they perform. They are always a treat, both as entertainers and musicians.”

HAND PICKED BLUEGRASS Hand Picked Bluegrass is a high-energy acoustic band playing everything from the traditional “high lonesome sound” of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys to the exciting sound of to-

day’s progressive bluegrass groups, as well as their own original music. Led by Joe and Susan Cronick, they have been a regular in the Wisconsin bluegrass scene for many years.

Armadillo Sound & Design Armadillo Sound & Design provides the high-quality sound reinforcement for both the Main Stage and the Showcase Tent at the Minnesota Bluegrass & OldTime Music Festival. The company was established in 1986 by Doug Lohman to specialize in providing production (sound and lights) for acoustic-music events. Lohman has more than 40 years experience as a musician, having performed many styles of music, such as hootenanny,

acoustic rock, country rock, blues, bluegrass, folk, swing and Cajun. Lohman brings to his love of music of all genres the production of sound, and his technicians focus on making the voices and instruments as clear as possible to allow the audience to fully appreciate what the performers are doing. This love for the music and attention to detail are what sets Armadillo apart. You can visit them at www. ArmadilloSound.com.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

Join the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association

This festival is produced by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association Inc., a non-profit organization with more than 1,000 members. You can find out how you can join and receive the benefits of membership such as ticket discounts, a subscription to Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine and more at the MBOTMA Raffle and Membership booth in the Main Stage Area. Anyone can join, and it’s a great way to get involved and support the preservation and promotion of bluegrass and old-time

string-band music in Minnesota. MBOTMA produces four other festivals in addition to this festival. MBOTMA’s Winter Bluegrass Weekend is the first weekend in March and held at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West in Plymouth. The Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff is always the weekend after Memorial Day right here at El Rancho Mañana. The Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience is the weekend before Thanksgiving at the Marriott Minneapolis West. And the Cabin Fever Festival is tentatively scheduled for March 17-19, 2017 in Duluth. MBOTMA also produces the Minnesota Bluegrass Duet Championships

at the Minnesota State Fair on Labor Day weekend and numerous concerts throughout the state as part of the Bluegrass Minnesota Community Concert Series and the Lonely Pines Concert Series. You don’t need to be a member to receive information about our events. Stop by the MBOTMA booth or call us at 800-635-3037 and ask to be on our mailing list to receive a postcard about any upcoming events in your area. Or email us at info@minnesotabluegrass. org and ask to receive our monthly email calendar of events. You can also keep track of everything happening on our website at www. minnesotabluegrass.org.

HOGSLOP STRING BAND From the Nashville area comes the Hogslop String Band. They first realized they had something special when they played together as a pickup band for a square

dance. Their repertoire relies heavily on Georgia and Middle Tennessee fiddle tunes. Their list of first-place awards in old-time/string band contests is very impres-

sive. One reviewer said, “Hogslop is the real deal groovilicious honkin’ old-time string band. Guaranteed old-time awesomeness with these fellas around!”

Stay nimble w/ morning yoga Lucy Weberling is the founder of Inner Smile Yoga located in Tulsa, Okla. She is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor educated at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Mass., and is registered with the Yoga Alliance. Both organizations are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of yoga teaching. Weberling is also a long- time bluegrass musician and festivalgoer, and is therefore well-versed in the rigors of the festival lifestyle. She will lead a morning yoga session at 10 a.m. both Friday and Saturday at the Showcase Tent. Come stretch your body, relax your mind, calm your spirit and prepare for another grueling festival day of fun.

THE REVELERS The Grammy-nominated Revelers hail from Lafayette, La.. Mixing cajun, zydeco, Louisiana swamp pop, western swing and jazz, the Revelers tear down the house with energy that will get you on your feet. Formed out of the ashes of the Red Stick Ramblers, the Revelers are rede-

fining what Southwest Louisiana music is all about. Members are Blake Miller, accordion, fiddle and vocals; Chas Justus, guitar and vocals; Daniel Coolik, fiddle, guitar and vocals; Glenn Fields, drums and vocals; Eric Frey, bass and vocals; and Chris Miller, saxophone.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

KING WILKIE’S DREAM What’s in a name? King Wilkie was Bill Monroe’s horse. King Wilkie’s Dream is a fiddle tune written by our own John Niemann. The band King Wilkie’s Dream has little to do with the subject matter of the tune but everything to do with the musical thoughts and emanations of its four members: John Niemann, guitar, fiddle, mandolin and vocals; Shane Zack, mandolin, guitar and vocals; Vaughn Asselstine, bass and vocals; and Robbi Po-

drug. fiddle and vocals. Bluegrass, blues, swing, Americana, country, tinpan alley, old time and just a little pop are all represented in the music that you may hear from KWD. To find out how that all fits together, we invite you to check out some of the video on this website. That is the best way to find out who King Wilkie’s Dream really is, or, better yet, come see a show. King Wilkie’s Dream does not worry about

achieving a particular level of drive or meandering in the wilderness of rhythm and vibe. The band sets out to stretch musically and creatively while entertaining in a way that transcends generations and connects with audiences. Whether it’s an original song, a well-worn traditional number or something from outside the genre of bluegrass, the tune receives the same attention to detail, resulting in the band’s New Sound, Big Noise.

Bluegrass Karaoke is back It was so much fun last year we wanted to do it again. Bluegrass Karaoke is back! This year it will be on Saturday starting at 5 p.m. in the Showcase Tent. With the King Wilke’s Dream as your back-up band, this will be your chance to get up and sing with some of the best. Festival attendees will get a chance to

pick a song and join the band onstage to show off their talents. This event is open to all ages that can carry a tune, an instrument or both. Participants will be encouraged to choose a vocal selection (within the realm of bluegrass or related “standards”), although instrumental pieces are also welcome. Sign-up will be

available starting at 9 a.m. Friday in the Gathering Place and should there be open spots after that time, you can find the sign-up sheet at the Showcase Tent starting at noon. Please note: these five-minute time slots are designed for individual performers. We hope you’ll join us for this great addition to our festival.

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Pushing Chain is a duo from northern Minnesota. They were formed in 2012 by Boyd Blomberg and Adam Moe. The duo, which has been performing together in various manifestations since 1997, plays Folky-Tonk music featuring Boyd on guitar and vocals, and Adam on the fiddle and vocals. Strong songwriting, tight harmonies and a gonzo approach have been winning fans for Pushing Chain across the Midwest and beyond. In 2014, Boyd won the Riverfalls Roots and Bluegrass Festival’s Upper Midwest Songwriter of the Year.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

A Showcase Tent preview

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Presented by

With its stage, large dance floor and room for several hundred people, the Showcase Tent provides an opportunity to hold some unique events as well as nightly dances. These so called “showcases” are special shows or demonstrations usually revolving around a theme or an instrument. Several performers of the same instrument but different bands, for example, are brought together to share the intricacies of their instrument. This is a forum for musicians to talk about their instruments, influences, techniques and style, as well as to demonstrate their craft in an informal manner. It is also a forum for festival attendees to ask questions and talk with the performers. At night, the Showcase Tent becomes a dance hall, and we have some great dances planned including square, oldtime barn, Cajun, swing, honky-tonk and even a polka dance. On Friday and Saturday mornings, it becomes an exercise yard with the return of Lucy Weberling and Inner Smiles Yoga. Below is the showcase tent schedule for the 2016 Minnesota

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Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival. THURSDAY • 7 p.m. Bluegrass Jam Camp student recitals FRIDAY • 10 a.m. Inner Smiles Yoga with Lucy Weberling • Noon Dick Kimmel (Dick Kimmel & Co.) • 1 p.m. Bluegrass Guitar Masters with Clay Hess (The Clay Hess Band), Tony Rook (Dick Kimmel & Co.), Derek Johnson (Monroe Crossing) and Bill Cagley • 2 p.m. Clogging Showcase with Poor Benny • 3 p.m. Ukulele Showcase with the Bartig Brothers • 4 p.m. Old-Time Fiddle Showcase with Casy Meikle (The Hogslop String Band), Kevin Martin (The Hogslop String Band), Clayton Shanilec (Poor Benny), and Greg Canote (The Canote Brothers). • 5 p.m. Harmony Singing Showcase: Monroe Crossing will showcase

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their talents in this harmony-singing session. • 7 p.m. Barn Dance with The Hogslop String Band and caller Terrence Smith • 8:30 p.m. Square Dance with The Canote Brothers and caller Corey Mohan • 9:30 p.m. Cajun Dance with music by The Revelers SATURDAY • 10 a.m. Inner Smiles Yoga with Lucy Weberling • 1 p.m. Cajun Dance Showcase with The Revelers. Learn the Cajun two-step and waltz with instructor Millie Biere. • 2 p.m. Bluegrass Fiddle Masters with Lisa Fuglie (Monroe Crossing), Mike Hildegrandt (Long Time Gone) and Adam Moe (Pushing Chain). • 3 p.m. Bluegrass Banjo

Masters with David Robinson (Monroe Crossing), Barry St. Mane (Long Time Gone), and Graham Sones (Dick Kimmel & Co.). • 4 p.m. Bluegrass Mandolin Masters with Dick Kimmel (Dick Kimmel & Co.), Leo Rosenstein (Long Time Gone) and Shane Zack (King Wilkie’s Dream) • 5 p.m. Bluegrass Karaoke: It was so much fun last year we wanted to do it again. With King Wilkie’s Dream as your back-up band, this will be your chance to get up and sing with

some of the best. Festival attendees will get a chance to pick a song and join the band on stage to show off their talents. This event is open to all ages that can carry a tune, an instrument or both. Participants will be encouraged to choose a vocal selection (within the realm of bluegrass or related “standards”), although instrumental pieces are also options. Sign-up will be available starting on Friday at 9 a.m. in the Gathering Place, and at the Showcase Tent start-

ing Saturday at noon. Please note: these 5-minute time slots are designed for individual performers. Hosted by Ben Manning. • 7:30 p.m. Old-Time Dance with Poor Benny and caller Laura Idle • 9 p.m. Square Dance with The Horsenecks and caller Rina Rossi • 10:45 p.m. Cajun Dance with The Revelers SUNDAY • Noon – Dance Floor Teardown Party. Come help us tear down and pack up the dance floor for next year.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival 7:35 PM –

Friday 1:15 PM – One Ukulele 3:00 PM – Family Area Talent Show Winners 7:35 PM – Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers 9:20 PM – Ari Silver

THURSDAY ENTERT Main Stage Presented By

Evening Show

MC: Adam Kiesling 6:00 Halvorson Family Band 6:50 Bob & Lynn Dixon 7:35 Tweener 7:45 Rosby Corner 8:35* The Canote Brothers 9:40 Sarah Mae & Birkeland Boys 10:30 The Clay Hess Band 11:15 Close

Marketplace Family Fair

Music, games, prizes, and of course food in the marketplace from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Bring the family and enjoy this event to open the festival. 4:00 Northern Lights 5:00 Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers

Showcase Tent

7:00 Bluegrass Jamcamp Recitals

Ranch House Live

Open Mic in the Ranch House: Sign up at Gathering Place during the day or at the Ranch House during Live hours. 8:00, 8:35, 9:00, 9:35, 10:00, 10:35, 11:00, 11:35.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

Hands-on workshops Presented by My Favorite Guitars

Workshops at the Minnesota Bluegrass & OldTime Music Festival are meant to be “hands-on” workshops (H.O.W.). In other words, they are for people to bring their instrument, get it out and actually learn something they didn’t know before. That is not going to happen with just one instructor and a large crowd of people, so we limit each of these workshops to seven people who’ve registered in advance. That is why there are only eight chairs at each workshop tent. To sort out who gets to sit in one of those chairs, you must reserve a spot by signing up ahead of time at the workshop tent. Sign-up sheets for the day will be posted at the workshop tent at 9:45 a.m. each day. Advanced level workshops (tent A) are intended for players with several years experience and beginning level (tent B) workshops are intended for those just starting out. If you’re not lucky enough to be one of the seven, or you are interested but don’t have an instrument, you are welcome to “audit” the workshop by standing and observing from the back.

Banjo (Bluegrass) Workshops. Level A on Friday at 4 p.m. with Luke Montgomery (The Clay Hess Band), and on Saturday at 5 p.m. with Barry St. Mane (Long Time Gone). Level B on Friday at 4 p.m. with Graham Sones (Dick Kimmel & Co), and Saturday at 5 p.m. with Joe Cronick (Hand Picked Bluegrass). Banjo (Old-Time) Workshops. Level A on Saturday at 4 p.m. with Barry Southern (The Horsenecks). Level B on Saturday at 4 p.m. with Corey Mohan (Poor Benny). Bass (Bluegrass) Workshops. Level A on Friday at 2 p.m. with Irl Hees (The Clay Hess Band). Level B on Friday at 2 p.m. with Sarah Birkeland (Sarah Mae & The Birkeland Boys). Ukulele Workshops. All levels on Friday at 1 p.m. with the Bartig Brothers. Fiddle (Bluegrass) Workshops. Level A on Friday at 5 p.m. with Robbie Podrug (King Wilkie’s Dream), and on Saturday at noon with Mike Hildebrandt (Long Time Gone). Level B on Friday at 5 p.m. with Derek Birkeland (Sarah Mae & The Birke-

Festival photo contest

Who wouldn’t want to win two four-day tickets to the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival? If you like to take photos, then this is your chance to enter your best shot in our photo contest and win tickets to our 2017 festival. Anyone can enter. Just submit your photo JPG to editor@minnesotabluegrass.org by Nov. 1. Photos can be of any aspect of the 2016 Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, from acts on the main stage to random pic-

tures of jams at campsites. Only one photo will be accepted per person. Photos need to be 300dpi high resolution JPGs, and all submissions will become property of MBOTMA. The MBOTMA Festival Staff will review all entries and nominate the best to be contest finalists. These finalists will be displayed at the Harvest Jam Saturday Nov. 21. During the banquet reception and dinner, participants will vote on a winner. So start taking those pics now!

land Boys), day at noon Bordner (No Band). Fiddle Workshops.

and Saturwith Lindsey Man’s String (Old-Time) Level A on

Saturday at 1 p.m. with Greg Canote (The Canote Brothers). Level B on Saturday at 1 p.m. with Gabrielle Macrae (The Horsenecks). Guitar (Bluegrass) Workshops. Level A on Friday at 3 p.m. with Brennen Hess (The Clay Hess Band), and on Saturday at 2 p.m. with Boyd Blomberg (Pushing Chain). Level B on Friday at 3 p.m. with Tony Rook (Dick Kimmel & Co.), and on Saturday at 2 p.m. with Susan Cronick and Eddie Biebel (Hand Picked Bluegrass). Guitar (Old-Time) Workshops. Level A on

Friday at noon with Jere Canote (The Canote Brothers). Level B on Friday at noon with Bob Dixon (Bob and Lynn Dixon). Mandolin (Bluegrass) Workshops. Level A on Friday at 11 a.m. with Nick Keen (The Clay Hess Band), and on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Nick Keen (The Clay Hess Band). Level B on Friday at 11 a.m. with Shane Zack (King Wilkie’s Dream), and on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Matt Thompson (Monroe Crossing). Harmony Singing Workshops. All levels on Saturday at 3 p.m. with

13 Bob and Lynn Dixon (Bob and Lynn Dixon). Friday at 11 a.m. (beginner) and 3 p.m. (intermediate); Saturday noon (young folks) and 3 p.m. (beginner). Bill Cagley will host slow jams on both Friday and Saturday. These are a great way for beginners to get a taste of playing with others. Bill will intro all the songs, call out the chords as you go and generally lead everyone through a great time. The young folks’ jam will be in the Family Area and the others at the Gathering Place.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

BOB & LYNN DIXON

POOR BENNY Experienced festival performers and dance musicians (and dancers as well) Dave, Clayton and Corey play the classic chestnuts of the old-time repertoire. We pull back the veil to reveal

obscure and rarely heard tunes, as well. Hard-driving fiddle, ballads, morality and mortality tales and funny songs too. And, not to forget, the flying feet of Clayton Schanilec add to the fun.

Bob and Lynn Dixon will keep on learning old songs and dance tunes for as long as they are allowed, sharing their favorites with everyone who wants to listen or dance along. They love playing for people and send thanks to all of you who listen to live music. Along with their sweet duet harmonies, Bob plays guitar and mandolin, Lynn the fiddle and guitar. If there is room, Bob might add in 12-string guitar or low-tuned guitar. Their music draws heavily from the early days of recording in America – The Carter Family, the Delmore brothers, Charlie Poole, Ernest Stoneman, and the like – old songs that never grow old.

Both Bob and Lynn were fully immersed in the ’60s folk boom when they met in a college music-theory class. Although involved in many kinds of music, more and more of their time is spent playing and exploring old-time songs and fiddle tunes. Known for doing “the best Carter Family in town,” they keep finding more Carter Family songs to sing. From Tommy Jarrell and others, they have lately been learning some hard-driving, fiddle-centric songs. Bob & Lynn Dixon perform at many Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association events. Their participation in the August 2012 festival was full of highlights: a main-stage perfor-

mance; a “Duets by Marriage” showcase with Robin & Linda Williams and Bob Bovee & Gail Heil; teaching of old-time backup guitar workshops; and a showcase of Swedish dance tunes, together with Renee Vaughn and Pam Longtine with teen fiddlers from Sweden and Minnesota adding to the fun. In addition to festivals, Bob and Lynn perform at coffee houses, farmers markets and house concerts in and around the Twin Cities and are glad to perform at private events. They have taught workshops in duet-singing, old-time guitar and Nordic fiddle tunes. They also play in dance bands for contradance, English country dance and family dances.

The Family Area

Presented by Gruber Pallets

The Family Area has become a festival tradition for many of the families that attend the festival. In addition to the stage shows that are intended for a wide range of ages, there will be games, contests and craft projects too. Each day at the Family Area will start at 10 a.m. with a scheduled craft and kid-friendly area to play some rhythm instruments, sing some songs, and, weather permitting, hold a Maypole dance. Then one of the highlights of the Family Area will be the “Pick Up and Play An Instrument” at 10:30 a.m. both Friday and Saturday mornings. This is a handson workshop-style event and anyone can join in. Our friends from Sloughgrass will help you and even loan you an instrument to learn a tune on. At 11:30 a.m., you’ll play your tune in the Big Jam with

everyone else. The family-friendly stage shows start around noon each day. On Friday, we’ll see Curtis & Loretta, One Ukulele and the Wailing Loons. On Saturday it’s Rosby Corner, No Man’s String Band and an Intermediate Jam. Both days will feature a Young People’s Jam led by Terrence & Friends on Friday and Bill Cagley on Saturday. Sloughgrass and Hand Picked Bluegrass will finish things up on Sunday. The Family Area Talent Show will be back on both Friday and Saturday at 1:30 p.m. One act will be selected each day to do a “tweener” spot on the

main stage later in the day. And we intend to create various categories for all runners-up that highlight their particular talents and foster a positive experience for all participants. Watch for many additional activities to be posted on the board just outside the Family Area. There will be ongoing activities like crafts, painting and various projects from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and our joyful clean-up at 2 p.m. There will be some kind of treat for everyone to look forward to when we’re all done, and one last good song or dance before we all split up for another year. Come join our family.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

Ranch House Live hosts ‘open mic’ series What Is It? Ranch House Live is a laid-back informal open-mic series. This is a chance for you and your friends to put together a few tunes to perform on the Ranch House Live stage. The idea is to strut your bluegrass, old time or related stuff in a casual and laid-back environment. The emphasis is on friends, fun and good music, not perfection. The sets will be 30 minutes on the hour and 20 minutes on the half hour, allowing for a five-minute emcee and setup time between sets. This odd-time format allows for some shorter sets to encourage groups that only have a short set list or have never been on stage to just have fun or show us what they’ve got. Where Is It? Ranch House Live is held in the newly remodeled El Rancho Mañana Campground & Riding Stables ranch house (campground office) located near the main entrance to El Rancho Mañana. It will be held from 8 p.m.-midnight Thurs-

day, Friday and Saturday. This is the venue you can sit down inside and order a beer and food. There is also a new outdoor deck with fireplace and speakers. The wait staff will be available to serve your needs so invite all your friends to this unique venue. Can I Emcee? We also use this series to develop additional emcee talent which we can draw upon in the future for our other stages and festivals. This is an important role as the emcee binds together the entire process keeping the audience connected and engaged during the band change-overs and the bands within the time slots. We are especially looking

Win a banjo, guitar, mandolin or ukulele Don’t forget to test your luck by purchasing a ticket for the MBOTMA raffle. You choose your prize by placing your ticket in the appropriate bucket for each prize. The winner for each prize will be drawn and announced from the main stage at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon. You do not need to be present to win. In addition to the main prizes, we’ll be drawing throughout the weekend for additional prizes that will be on display at the raffle booth in the main concert area. What are the four main prizes? C.F. Martin Guitar has provided the DXMAE acoustic-electric guitar w/gig bag and it’s valued at $729. Deering Banjo has given a Deering Goodtime AMERICANA™ Banjo w/gig bag and it’s valued at $599. Deering Banjo has also provided a Deering Goodtime Concert Size Banjo Ukulele w/gig bag

for younger volunteers to get involved as emcees. Mentoring and assistance is provided along with a clipboard of information and jokes. Please consider signing up as an emcee. How Do I Sign Up? Advance festival sign up was available on the MBOTMA website at www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. During the festival you can sign up for any remaining times at the Gathering Place during the day or at the Ranch House during Live hours. If you have problems or questions contact Earl at 612-8681313 before or during the festival.

NO MAN’S STRING BAND No Man’s String Band won the 2015 Race for Place contest at MBOTMA’s Harvest Jam last November. Influenced by the classics and inspired by the modern, the No Man’s String Band has taken a familiar sound and made it

new. In 2013 the band released its debut album entitled Let The Truth Be Told, and 2014 saw the launch of the recurrent music series Cuttin’ Grass. Fresh out of Minnesota’s Twin Cities and including Justin Rosckes on guitar, Nic

Hentges on mandolin, Melissa Hentges on accordion, Lindsey Bordner on fiddle and Pat Loftus on bass, the No Man’s String Band hits the road hard to bring you the very best of the bluegrass American tradition and its future.

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37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

ROSBY CORNER HALVORSON FAMILY BAND The Halvorson Family Band from Mankato, Minn. plays a familyfriendly variety of bluegrass, old-time and gospel music. Daniel, 20, sings and plays fiddle, mandolin, dobro and

banjo. John, 18, sings and plays double bass. Madeline, 13, sings and plays fiddle, and their dad, Loren, sings and plays guitar. They carry on the tradition of the family band.

Rosby Corner is a bluegrass band offering performances of published and original works, with a focus on three- and four-part harmonies. With their newly released first CD, Grace Lake Jig, the band is offering audio samples and videos of performances on its website: www.rosbycorner.com.

Originally founded by sisters Jeanne Marti on mandolin and vocals, and Lynn Thoreson Eschbach on guitar and vocals, the band is rounded off with the support of Greg Landkamer on guitar, mandolin and vocals; and Kenny Bloch on bass, guitar, mandolin and vocals.

Stop by the Gathering Place The Gathering Place always seems busy even though there are few things scheduled there. That is because it’s a central meeting place for folks to join a jam session or just get together. It’s a place for folks interested in bluegrass and old-time music to gather and get to know one another. All are welcome to stop in so please come join us. We will treat you to a cup of coffee, tea or ice water. Our facility is available for you to ask questions, make new acquaintances or meet with old friends. Pickers, bring your instruments. We have a new Gathering Place annex to make more picking room. Listeners, come by and visit. No experience or requirements needed to have a good time. Newcomers to the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival are especially welcome. Here are a few sched-

uled activities you’ll find at the Gathering Place. Bill Cagley will host several of his slow jams on both Friday and Saturday. These are a great way for beginners to get a taste of playing with others in a jam setting. Bill will intro all the songs, call out the chords as you go and generally lead everyone through a great time. Friday at 11 a.m. is a beginner’s jam, then at 3 p.m. Bill will host an intermediate level jam. On Saturday, he will lead a young people’s jam (in the Family Area) at noon and then another beginner’s jam at 3 p.m. The Bartig Brothers will be back this year on Saturday with their ukulele workshops and jam session. The workshops will be H.O.W. (Hands on Workshop) at 1 p.m. Friday. The Jam session is at the Gathering Place at 1 p.m. Saturday.

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37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

presented by Harvest Carriers

The Underground is the newest stage venue at the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival. This stage presents another intimate setting for an audience eager to be close and personal to the musicians performing. We hope all ages will find the Underground a place to hang out, meet friends and hear great music. The music-and-activities schedule has been expanded and will include stage shows both Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Many of our mainstage acts will be visiting the Underground, including Pert’ Near Sandstone and the Halvorson Family Band. In addition, we’ll be hosting several additional acts like Tin Can Gin, the Sister Species and the Ginstrings. On Friday at 10:30 p.m., as well as Saturday at 7:30 p.m., it’s Tin Can Gin from Minnesota’s northshore. Tin Can Gin was born and brewed upon the shores of Lake Superior near Duluth by childhood pals Harrison Olk and Trevor Marrin. Along with mandolinist Bryan Nelson, the trio created the trademark TCG tunes that are fan favorites to this very day. In the autumn of 2011 the group was summoned to the stage at their first gig as “Tin Can Gin.” As time passed, the band added fiddle virtuoso Nori Perrine and Neil Krause on stand-up bass

SARAH MAE & THE BIRKELAND BOYS One of the great young bands from Minnesota, Sarah Mae & the Birkeland Boys will be entertaining at the festival this year. Sarah plays upright bass (and Tin Can Gin

Ginstrings

to round out the Tin Can Gin sound. That unique sound draws from each member’s musical upbringing. Harrison’s traditional bluegrass banjo, Trevor’s creative songwriting and guitar work, Bryan’s fast folk pickin’ mandolin, Neil’s solid bass backing all wrapped and complimented with a sprinkle of Nori’s Celtic fiddle subtleties. The combination of music and vocal gymnastics creates an experience in sound that is sure to tickle your musical palate while you tap your toes in unbridled pleasure. This hurricane stew of music, vocals and melody explodes in a style as

bitter and sweet as the best IPAs out there today. And on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 8:45 p.m. it’s Ginstrings. It’s a five-member string band from Minnesota arranged as a traditional bluegrass group, but not limited to that category. Containing members from diverse musical backgrounds, it provides rich and warm harmonies that accompany their tasteful melodies and imaginative rhythms. Ginstrings composes original music that all listeners will enjoy. With intriguing tunes and a passionate performance, they are sure to resonate with your soul.

other stringed things, too) and is joined by her brothers, Derek on mandolin and Adam on resonator guitar, along with her father, Mike, on guitar. You’ll hear

bluegrass standards and original songs from this family band. Sarah also plays in the Bill and Kate Isles Band, Porcupine Creek and the Road-Kill Boys.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

Lots to find in the Marketplace Presented by Deering Banjos

Inside the main concert area you will find our marketplace area and merchants’ alley. We’ll have about a dozen food vendors grouped around our marketplace stage, and almost 20 merchants selling wares along merchants’ alley (in the back of the concert area). And while you’re eating all this great food under the shade of the marketplace tent, you can enjoy a little entertainment before and during the breaks with the main-stage music on our Marketplace Stage. We’ll be holding our Marketplace Family Fair again in 2016 from 4-6 p.m. Thursday. This is our new opening event of the festival and will include music, games, prizes and of course food. Many of our food vendors will already be open for business, and you’ll be right there when the main-stage show starts immediately after at 6:30 p.m. Northern Lights Bluegrass and Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers will be providing entertainment, so bring the family and enjoy the first day of the festival in the Marketplace. There will also be en-

tertainment on the marketplace stage Friday and Saturday mornings and in the afternoons during the main-stage dinner break. There will be some exciting groups you won’t find on the main stage, including Curtis and Loretta, Wailing Loons, Town Hall Stompers, One Ukelele and the Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers And on Sunday morning you’re all invited to join in a bluegrass gospel music jam session. Check the schedule for exact times. The list of food vendors in the marketplace is wide-ranging. You can start off with mouthwatering, slowroasted barbecue from Doc E’s BBQ. Get it by the sandwich, plate or pound. Or try a Howie Wowie burger, a feature from our newest vendor, The Red Food Shack. They are also serving pork sausage on a bun and gelato Italian ice. Perhaps you would like a good old-fashioned hamburger. If pizza is what you desire, then follow your nose to Wild Earth Woodfired Pizza where they will be baking hand-crafted artisan pizza in their wood-fired brick oven. B Concessions will be popping up some of the world’s finest kettle corn. Then cool off with a fruit drink, freshsqueezed lemonade, orange or strawberry treat from Orange Treets. They also have cheese

Curtis & Loretta

curds, corn dogs and foot-longs. The Wandering Mug serves coffee, espresso, lattes, iced drinks and anything coffee, plus Italian sodas. MM Greek Foods will have breakfast gyros, cinnamon rolls and veggie, chicken and classic gyros. Don’t miss Hoffman Concessions, which features mouthwatering mini donuts, shaved ice and fresh-cut French fries. Our host, El Rancho Mañana, also has a stand that sells pop, water, chips, candy and ice-cream novelties. In addition to the good food, there are a string of exhibitors and

crafts people around the back of the main-stage concert area. Crow River Guitars will display guitars for your inspection. High Tide Dyes – tiedyed clothing, jewelry, face painting and metal work. Tone Music – instruments and accessories. Offbeat Violins & Guitars – instruments and accessories. Shaklee Products. Massage by Abby, Mary & Amy. Earthway Farms –instruments and accessories. Moon Company – clothing and accessories. Talisman Trading – jewelry. Look for more last-minute additions to our vendor row.

Bluegrassers, visit historic Fisher’s Supper Club in Avon for walleye, steaks, homemade pie and local beer. We offer a full bar, on- and off-sale, and lakeside dining. Open Wednesday & Thursday at 4 p.m. Friday-Sunday at 11 a.m. Kitchen is open until 9 p.m.

428 Stratford St. W., Avon 320.356.7372 www.fishersclub.com Reservations recommended.

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

LONG TIME GONE Long Time Gone will be with us again this year. The “Golden Era” of bluegrass may be a long time gone — but not to the members of Long Time Gone. Led by the soulful, lonesome lead vocals of Leo Rosenstein (mandolin), Long Time Gone faithfully brings back to life the classic bluegrass hits of the 1950s, harkening back to an era when Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs and The Stanley Brothers ruled the country airwaves. Ben Manning (guitar) and Katryn Conlin (string bass) anchor the band’s rhythm section while two of the region’s leading instrumentalists, Barry St. Mane (banjo) and Mike Hildebrandt (fiddle) trade dazzling breaks. Long Time Gone isn’t just about traditional blue-

Festival first aid To make the Minnesota Bluegrass & OldTime Music Festival the safest possible for you and your family, we have professional medical personnel on duty 24 hours from 6 p.m. Thursday through 6 p.m. Sunday. If you need assistance or advice for minor medical needs, come by the medicalservice station located adjacent to the festival headquarters tent and just across from the main shuttle stop. For more serious problems, we have a First Responder service that will come and assist you. You can contact any of the festival volunteers at the various entertainment venues if you need help. For purposes of making your own 911 call, you should know that you are at El Rancho Mañana, 27302 Ranch Road in Richmond, Minn.

grass. The band branches out into old-timey songs of the 1920s and original songs written by band members. Double-fiddle tunes, a touch of Celtic, hard-driving banjo instrumentals and quite a bit of instrument swapping keeps Long Time Gone shows entertaining. “It’s not just about playing the fastest tunes or the most intricate ar-

rangements, it’s also about having fun,” said Ben Manning, who handles much of the band’s front work. “This band evolved from a regular jam session that began back in 2000, and we’ve always valued being good friends. We hope that enjoyment and ‘comfort zone’ of the band comes through in the music we make together.”

37th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

Minnesota Americana-Roots music contests set Minnesota State Fair – West End Market Stage 3–5:45 p.m., Sept. 2 & 3 MBOTMA’s competitions at the Minnesota State Fair will be bigger and better than ever, with a vocal duet contest on Friday and a brand-new Battle of the Bands on Saturday. Both contests are limited to acoustic groups playing Americana “Roots” music, including bluegrass, oldtime, newgrass, and related music. Professional musicians will judge the duos and bands on material selection and arrangement, instrumental and vocal performance, stage presence and audience response. On Sept. 2, the Americana-Roots Duet Contest will award ribbons and cash prizes ($500/$250/$100) to the top three duos. Additionally, the first-place duo will receive five hours of studio time at the Wild Sound Recording Studio,

a feature article in Minnesota Bluegrass, and a short paid set at the 2017 Americana-Roots Duet Contest. Ten fine vocal duos will be competing for the championship: Robert & Nellie Bruce, Dan Halvorson & Kiley Ellingson, Bill & Kate Isles, Sherri & Chuck Leyda, Mary Maloney & Christine Albertsson, Anita McColley & Sara Pecor, Tom & Roman Pietrs, Wendy Smith & David Drentlaw, Steve & Bonnie Vetsch, Joe Hart & Nikki Grossman On Sept. 3, the Americana-Roots Band Contest will award ribbons and cash prizes to the top three bands ($1,000/$500/$250). The first-place band also will receive a set at the 2017 Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, a cover article in Minnesota Bluegrass, five hours

of studio time at the Wild Sound Recording Studio, and a video session at Baby Blue Arts. Eight excellent bands will be vying for this championship: Double Down Daredevils, Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League, Gloryland Gospel Band, Mother Banjo, New Riverside Ramblers, No Man’s String Band, Porcupine Creek, Saint Paul Mudsteppers Please thank and support the businesses and organizations that are helping make this contest possible. Gold Sponsors: Baby Blue Arts, David Vincent Guitars & Mandolins, Nechville Banjos, The Podium and Wild Sound Recording Studio. Silver Sponsors: G. Edward Lutherie, Hoffman Guitars, LaPlant Instruments and Willie’s American Guitars.

Coffee drinks ~ Italian Soda ~ Wine & Beer ~ Appetizers Lunches ~ Ice Cream and Malts ~ Bakery ~ Desserts

6th Annual

Weekend of Songs Featuring

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Celebrate an entire weekend FULL of original music performances from local songwriters. Try your hand at the Songwriters’ Challenge and write a song on a topic randomly chosen for some great prizes! www.facebook.com/weekendofsongs

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Aug. 26 - Pantown Project Aug. 27 - Gackle-Trucker Sept. 3 - Carrie Schneider Sept. 4 - Cathie English

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