May 17 – 19 | SHELTON, WA
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY THE KRISTMAS TOWN KIWANIS
2019 EVENT PROGRAM Hosted at the Shelton High School Campus | 3737 N. Shelton Springs Road
BLUEGRASSFROMTHEFOREST.COM
BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST | MAY 17-19 1
Cover Photo: Shawna Whelan
THANK YOU TO
2019 SUPPORTERS BAND SPONSOR
Welcome to the 2019 Bluegrass from the Forest
94.5 Roxy Dave Bayley Builder’s Choice (Shelton) Castle & Coleman Logging Clipperz The Dickinson Family Green Diamond Resource Co. Hiawatha Evergreens Hunter Farms Union iFiber One J Burg Co., LLC Little Creek Casino & Resort Mason County Title Co. Mason County Tourism Shelton Mason County Journal Shelton Veterinary Hospital Shoppers Weekly Sierra Pacific Industries
This Festival is produced by the Kristmas Town Kiwanis Club of Shelton, WA with the support of our many community sponsors. Thank you! Welcome, we are pleased to share our 14th annual event with you and your family.
WORKSHOP SPONSOR
At about this time an article also appeared in the Shelton Mason County Journal announcing the availability of hotel/motel tax monies to help promote events in Mason County. Kristmas Town Kiwanis applied for and was awarded $5,000 to market the first annual Bluegrass From The Forest.
Belco Forest Products Don Gardner. CPA Elma Feed & Farm Supply Hood Canal Communications Jimini Paving & Gravel Manke Lumber Tozier Brothers Hardware Washingon Acoustic Music Association Sally & Mel Burtsher
In 2004 members of Kristmas Town Kiwanis volunteered to build a restroom as part of a community-wide restoration effort at Calanan Park in Shelton. It proved to be a more expensive proposition than anticipated so the group decided to organize a fund-raiser to fund the restroom construction. At about this time, Duane Wilson (a Kristmas Town Kiwanis club member), asked Greg Linder if he thought a bluegrass festival could raise funds for this project. As most of you may know, Greg is a guitar player/singer and plays in the event’s host band, Runaway Train. Greg has also performed at (or attended) almost all of the bluegrass festivals in this region, even making a few trips to Nashville to attend the International Bluegrass Music Association Festival.
In 2005, Kristmas Town Kiwanis produced their first festival. There was a lot to learn. The first two years the bands were only from around the region, but the bluegrass community supported the event from day one. Organizers reached out to attendees and were given great suggestions about how to improve the Festival, and it has gotten bigger and better every year!
Event, camping & vendors: DUANE WILSON (360)426-1782 Kristmas Town Kiwanis
It took three years but, with the help from the community and other Kristmas Town Kiwanis projects, the restroom building at Calanan Park was completed. In 2008, Greg proposed that the group take the festival to the next level and sign a national touring band. Cedar Hill from Tennessee, plus regional bands, were signed on for the event. The change was well received and Greg has gradually increased the national groups to this year's lineup of three headliners and two regional bands plus the host band, Runaway Train. This festival could not have been possible without the great regional bands who got it started, so Greg has always includes as many as possible.
Volunteer inquiries, contact: TJ MAKI 360-789-4994
Thanks for joining us and thank you to all the volunteers who helped make things run smoothly. – let’s play some Bluegrass!
Booking, contests & scheduling: GREG LINDER (360)898-4581 festival coordinator
2 BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST | MAY 17-19 LODGING: explorehoodcanal.com
BLUEGRASSFROMTHEFOREST.COM
photo:Shawna Whelen
Photo: Shawna Whelan
Bluegrass Roots
15th Annual
IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST For a decade and a half Shelton has been striking a chord with nationally recognized bluegrass bands and players at the Annual Bluegrass from the Forest Festival. Music lovers of all ages converge on the little town for three days, immersing in great music and reveling in the natural beauty of the area. With mixed roots in Irish, Scottish and English traditional music, and later influenced by the jazz elements of African-Americans, bluegrass incorporates rhythms that energizes musicians from all backgrounds. Fusioning jigs, reels, and Blues instruments – such as the banjo – bluegrass is known as music “for the people.” The earliest Bluegrass bands were formed in rural areas when musicians came together to entertain for community celebrations. The same holds true for how bluegrass bands were formed in remote logging camps throughout the Northwest. One such group was the Logger Orchestra led by John Sells. Sells was an pioneer forester as well as an accomplished musician. After serving in the Spanish American War, he traveled to Mason County in 1901 to work for the Simpson Logging Company as a donkey (steam-powered winch) engineer. With Joe Stertz and Ben Booth, Sells and the Logger
Bluegrass
From the Forest MAY 17-19 SHELTON, WA
Orcherstra often played at area dances, traveling by handcar or stage to each community. In camp the musicians jammed to while away the evening hours. Tradition has it that Sells and his fellow musicians are the roots for the Bluegrass from the Forest Festival, planted over a hundred years ago in the backcountry of the Olympic National Forest. Each May the music takes on full foliage on the campus of Shelton High School where community and fellowship and some really great entertainment are celebrated to the rhythm of the 15th Annual Bluegrass From the Forest! Pack up the family, dust off the fiddle and head to Shelton and Hood Canal for some fantastic scenery and a weekend packed with some of the best bluegrass music this side of the Appalachians! We guarantee you will have a great time!
This 1910 image of the first Loggers Orchestra Bluegrass band is the inspiration for the Festival's current stage and jammimg "roots."
BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST | MAY 17-19 3
National bands & musicians welcome
BLUEGRASS LOVER S Hosted and produced by Kristmas Town Kiwanis volunteers, the event has humble beginnings. The idea was hatched by friends and musicians, Duane Wilson and Greg Linder , as a fundraiser to build toilet facilities at the local playing fields. Since then the event has sponsored many more community projects including stage improvements at Shelton High School. Today Bluegrass families annually plan their weekend in May to enjoy the workshops and nationally recognized bands at this volunteer driven festival. “Though the bands are paid, and there are many expenses, it’s a labor of love for us who put it together - the payment is seeing the enjoyment on people’s faces,“ remarks Linder when asked what motivates the group. As if the music isn’t enough, the festival includes camping for an experience you
won’t soon forget. Grab your guitar, pack up your tent, and make a weekend out of it. You can take in a single performance or buy tickets to jam out the entire weekend. Bring the kids along to enjoy programs and activities designed just for them; they get free or discounted pricing. We suspect you will all have a good time that you won’t soon forget. For information on schedule and reservations visit bluegrassfromtheforest.com. To plan lodging and area activities, visit explorehoodcanal.com.
WHERE: Shelton HS, 3737 North Shelton Springs Rd, Shelton RESERVE ONLINE: www.bluegrassfromtheforest.com WEEKEND PASS: Single Weekend Pass (includes
all events – FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY) $45.00 Family Weekend Pass (all three days; up to four children) – $90.00
PERFORMANCE TICKETS:
FRI & SAT AFTERNOON or EVENING $15/person SAT All Day $25 | Sunday All Day $15 KIDS 12 – 17 Half Price, under 12 FREE
LODGING: Camping available on site, $20.00 weekend,
$10.00 per day. For a list of local lodging options including rentals and area B&B's or hotels visit explorehoodcanal.com 4 BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST | MAY 17-19
Photos this page: Shawna Whelan
Alan Bibey & Grasstowne | SAT & SUN
BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST 2019 LINE UP | MAY 17-19 Alan Bibey & Grasstowne is a nationally recognized SC band comprised of bluegrass veterans as well as talented rising musicians. This combination makes Grasstowne one of the hottest and most energetic bands touring today! The band’s “The Road Headin’ Home” went to #1 on the National Bluegrass Charts, remaining at #1 for three months and winning the 2008 “Album of the Year” award. Their project “Kickin’ Up Dust” hit top 5 on singles and CD chart. Bluegrass Today reviews the album saying, “Anyone who appreciates contemporary bluegrass played with precision, soul, and authority will want this one in their library.”
The Slocan Ramblers, known as Canada’s bluegrass band to watch, are rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative and possessing a bold, dynamic sound. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, The Slocans have been winning over audiences all over the world.
North Country | SAT & SUN
North Country is one of the premier
The Slocan Ramblers | FRI & SAT
bluegrass bands in the northwest. "Lonely Tonight" is their second full length album. North Country's aspiration is to create something new and original, yet paying homage to classic bluegrass and country music. Their sound is modern yet traditional, providing listeners with an emotional and enjoyable listening experience.
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Me and the Boys is an innovative, all-acoustic quartet that mesmerizes acoustic stages around Puget Sound and beyond. The group performs traditional and newgrass - as well as twists on some of your favorites. ... all on traditional acoustic instruments. The group will be showcasing this talent at the their Saturday night (May 18) dance following their afternoon performance on stage.
The Warren G. Hardings, an award-winning dance stringband in Seattle, WA, hearken back to their forefathers with a unique brand of uptempo bluegrass. With “strong originals and stellar musicianship” according to Country Standard Time, the G’s have rewritten the rules of string band music with progressive sounds.
Runaway Train is the host band for the Bluegrass from the Forest Festival. Formed in 2000, they perform throughout the Northwest at bluegrass festivals and other events. Their music holds to traditional bluegrass, while pushing the boundaries a bit. Runaway Train will perform Friday and Sunday at Bluegrass From the Forest Festival. Photo: Shawna Whelan
THANK YOU!
BLUEGRASS DOLLARS IN OUR COMMUNITY As you walk to the Performing Arts Center take a look at the metal art pieces that Kristmas Town Kiwanis donated to the Shelton High School Performing Arts Center. One is a large metal cleft, the other is a full size piano sculpture. On the Main Stage, Kristmas Town Kiwanis helped to build a thrust with the guidance of Performing Arts Center Engineer, Dave Miser. A thrust is an extension the width of the stage that brings the performers 8’ closer to the audience. KTK donated most of the materials, Olympic Panel Products donated the Medium Density Overlay and local builders led the construction effort. The thrust was built over the orchestra pit in sections so that the stage can be configured for different performances.
2019 Bluegrass Band Sponsor 114 E Cedar Street, Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 426-2611 6 BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST | MAY 17-19
SHELTON V E T E R I N A RY HOSPITAL 2019 Bluegrass Band Sponsor 104 E J St, Shelton, WA | (360) 426-2616
2019 SCHEDULE FRIDAY, MAY 17
MAIN STAGE LINE UP
Shelton H.S. Performing Arts Center
6:40 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM
(subject to minor changes)
Special short performance (TBA) Runaway Train The Warren G Hardings The Slocan Ramblers
SHELTON, WA | MAY 17-19
RV dry camping & tent camping ($10/night) is available after 4:00 PM on Friday. For area B&B’s and motels visit explorehoodcanal.com
photo:Shawna Whelen
SATURDAY, MAY 18 MAIN STAGE
Time
10:00 AM TICKETS 11:00 AM Buy your advance tickets at bluegrassfromtheforest.com or buy tickets at the door 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:40 PM Chicks Kids 1:55 PM Band Scramble Winner
SHOWCASE STAGE 11:00 AM Mandolin Tasting with Alan Bibey 12:00 PM Marv’s Slow Jam 1:00 PM Band Scamble
(Sign up in Main Lobby by 12:20 PM; Winner performs on
2:00 PM Me and the Boys
2:00 PM Open Mic
3:00 PM The Warren G Hardings
Break
4:00 PM Alan Bibey and Grasstowne
4:00 PM Open Mic
5:00 PM
5:00 PM Banjo Contest
6:40 PM Eclectic Cloggers 6:55 PM Banjo Contest Winner 7:00 PM North Country
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Chicks Kids Workshop meet in main lobby; showcase on Main Stage at 1:40 PM
10:00 AM SATURDAY WORKSHOPS
(Entry fee: $10.00 – Sign up in front lobby of main auditorium – ticket table). Meet 15 min. before show time at Showcase stage
8:00 PM The Slocan Ramblers
(subject to possible minor changes) BANJO RHYTHM GUITAR, LEAD VOCALS DOBRO BEGINNING BANJO FIDDLE BASS MANDOLIN
9:00 PM Alan Bibey and Grasstowne 10:00 PM COUNTRY DANCE | FREE with wristband or $10.00 at door 12:00 AM MIDNIGHT HOT DOGS | Saturday Night after dance, rear of auditorium – FREE, all welcome!
SUNDAY, MAY 19
10:00 AM SUNDAY WORKSHOP
10:00 AM 11:00 AM TBD
11:00 AM Open Mic
12:00 PM Runaway Train Bluegrass
SAVE THE DATE!
1:00 PM North Country 2:00 PM Alan Bibey and Grasstowne 3:00 PM ALL-STAR FINALE
Join us between Christmas and New Years, for Midwinter Bluegrass Celebration!
2019 Bluegrass Band Sponsor
(800) 421- 4791
(subject to possible minor changes) Banjo Guitar Bass Fiddle Mandolin
Band Sponsor Level Sponsor of the 2019 Bluegrass From The Forest. greendiamond.com BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST | MAY 17-19 7
Chick Rose School of Bluegrass photo:Shawna Whelen
Contests, Activities & Workshops The Chick Rose School of Bluegrass
Founded by Chick Rose, who passed away in 2012, it lives on in his memory and in the music of the many children who participate. Saturday 10am – 2pm: Intensive workshop led by Stacey Harnew and crew – gather in lobby of main auditorium. The Chick Rose School of Bluegrass is a very special program for kids who want to play bluegrass music. Founded by Chick Rose, who passed away in 2012, it lives on in his memory and in the music of the many children who participate. Children are divided into small groups according to their musical ability and are coached by advanced musicians. The program culminates in a special short performance of all the kids on Saturday.
Workshops
Play an instrument or a big fan of the teacher(s)? This is an opportunity to learn in an relaxed setting. Instructors share techniques, anecdotes, and performing philosophies, and answer your questions. Workshop locations will be posted in the lobby of the main auditorium. – Please note that they may be subject to possible changes/additions. Attendance at the workshops is included with your Saturday, Sunday or weekend pass. Whether you play an instrument or are just a big fan of the teacher(s), it’s a great opportunity to learn in an intimate setting. Workshop instructors share techniques and anecdotes, their philosophy about performing and answer questions you might have.
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Slow Jam with Marv
Have you ever tried joining a jam where they played so fast you couldn’t keep up? We all need time to learn. If you are new to an instrument or just haven’t picked with others, play with us in a welcoming group setting.
Fiddle tunes are first played slowly and then repeated at a faster tempo. Learning to play songs cleanly and on-beat, along with gradually stepping up the tempo on the second try is one of the best ways to improve. The slow jam is led by Marv Sobolesky, music teacher and owner of Marv’s Music.
Thank you iFiber Communications for your Band Sponsor Level support of the 2018 Bluegrass From The Forest. ifiberonenewsradio.com
Open Mic
Banjo Contest SAT | 5:00 PM, Showcase Stage
You are not eligible to enter if you’re playing on main stage this year. Each contestant plays two songs, (3 minute max.each) and may have one backup instrument (must be acoustic except for bass). Entry fee: $10.00; Winner will play one song on Main Stage at 6:53. PRIZES: 1st: $50; 2nd: $30; 3rd: $20; Certificates awarded to all entries, Good luck!
Mandolin Tasting SAT | 11:00 AM Band Room
hosted by Alan Bibey of Grasstowne this brings together talented and knowledgeable mandolin players with some very nice mandolins. This differs from a Mandolin Workshop in that the focus in less on playing techniques and more on understanding the features of the instruments.
photo:Shawna Whelen
A whole lot of folks meet up at Bluegrass From the Forest and end up creating wonderful song arrangements. Some even bring original tunes. How about getting up and sharing them at our Open Mic? It’s so much of fun and there is lots of support from fellow festival goers. It could be the beginning of your new band!
photo:Shawna Whelen
We Make Good Impressions Printing | Promotions | Office Supplies
Band Scramble
Sign up for the band scramble until 12:20 AM, Saturday. Participants have 40 minutes to prepare two songs which they will perform at a performance on the Showcase Stage at 1:00 PM.. The winner performs on the main stage at 1:55. The band scramble is a time honored tradition at bluegrass festivals. If you’re not familiar with them, here’s the deal: Anyone who plays an instrument (at any level) can sign up to participate. Names will be drawn for the bands. Ideally, each band will end up with a bass, a banjo, a mandolin, one or two guitars and possibly some instrument hardly anyone has heard of. Hopefully there will be some some singers among them. It’s not an exact science and it’s mostly a lot of fun. The newly formed bands have 40 minutes to meet, come up with an instrumental
Thank you Shelton-Mason County Journal for your Band Sponsor Level support of the 2018 Bluegrass From The Forest. masoncounty.com and vocal tune that they all happen know (or can learn quickly). Then they take it to the Showcase Stage for a live contest performance.
the stage, just watching the show is worth the price of admission. It’s like a bluegrass reality show (if there was such a thing).
It’s a great way to meet folks, mingle and get up on stage. And it’s kind of like musical potluck–you never know what you’re going to get! Even if you’re not ready to join the scramble and brave
The Band Scramble is hosted by Jana Van Amburg.
BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST | MAY 17-19 9
photo:Shawna Whelen
Kristmas Town Kiwanis, Helping Our Community – One Duck at a Time
The Bluegrass From the Forest festival is produced by the Kristmas Town Kiwanis Club. With the help of many volunteers like Shelton contractor and musician, Greg Linder, and many others who donate their time, this event is a labor of love for the community. When you meet our volunteers at the festival, we hope you’ll let them know their efforts are appreciated. For 15 years Bluegrass From The Forest has been an important fundraising event for the Kristmas Town Kiwanis. Funds earned support a variety of community projects. Your dollars spent at this event and other events that the group hosts, are put right back in to local neighborhoods! Bluegrass From the Forest’s founding purpose, the Callanan Park Renovation, has gone way beyond the construction of a single restroom! Other improvements, over the years, have included: installation of security lighting; construction of dugout benches with metal roofs for the seating areas; construction of storage
shed; scoreboard repair; installation of handicap accessible drinking fountain; as well as the construction of a children’s big toy apparatus. In addition, funding from this event has been used to support other community items including: the Christmas parade; scholarships for graduating seniors; youth-Circle K; food baskets for the 40 et 8; Toys for Kids drives; and little league baseball and youth soccer program. In addition to the Bluegrass Festival, there are many other projects Kristmas Town Kiwanis volunteers work on each year. In June, reserve your
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winning duck for the Duck Race! The Kristmas Town Kiwanis kiddie train is a familiar and much loved sight at local events. It is especially popular at OysterFest, where the group also provide a variety of activities including free carnival games. Holiday Magic in Shelton includes a Christmas parade as well as the lighting of the fir in Post Office Park. Presented the first Friday in December, Railroad is blocked for eveningbonfires and marshmallow roasting. Enjoy caroling, rides on the kiddie train and at dusk Saturday, take part in the Christmas Parade with over 50 entries as well as free cider, coffee, cookies and candy.
TICKETS
Buy your advance tickets at BLUEGRASSFROMTHEFOREST.COM
$45.00 Weekend Pass $90.00 Family Weekend Pass (includes: 2 adults and up to 4 kids) $15.00 Friday Evening $15.00 Saturday Afternoon $15.00 Saturday Evening $25.00 All day Saturday $15.00 Sunday 12 - 17 - 1/2 price | 11 & under FREE photo:Shawna Whelen
Additional Kristmas Town Kiwanis fundraising include Aluminum Can Drives; Highway Trash Pickups; foster kids’ Christmas Wish Lists; Warm Hands Campaign in November/December in which members collect new hats and gloves to distribute to County elementary schools; and the School Supply Drive for the Mary M. Knight School; as well, the group supports sponsor Boy Scout Troop 112 and Mason County Literacy’s annual “Spellabration” event.
Kiwanis International is a global organization of members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs—nearly 600,000 members strong—annually raise more than $107 million and dedicate more than 18 million volunteer hours to strengthen communities and serve children.
Tickets are a available at Shelton Pro Build, Brilliant Moon, Music 6000 (Olympia), Mitchell’s Lumber (Belfair), and Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are also available at the door – so come on over!
Members of every age attend meetings, experience fellowship, raise funds for various causes and participate in service projects that help their communities. Members also make an impact throughout the world by participating in Kiwanis International’s global campaign for children. For information visit kristmastownkiwanis.com or call (978) 729-9678.
photo:Shawna Whelen
BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST | MAY 17-19 11
If you are going to get away, G E T AW AY .
Find your Bluegrass Muse on the Wild Side of Washington.
A short journey from Seattle or Portland, your adventure is just down the fjord. Hiking, kayaking, SCUBA, skydiving, fishing, relaxing, and some of the best music events in the Northwest, book a stay and come home to your next favorite destination. We can’t wait to show you our #wildsideWA. 12 BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST | MAY 17-19
