Bluegrass from the Forest Attracts National Bands

For almost two decades, Shelton has been striking a chord with nationally recognized bluegrass bands and players at their Annual Bluegrass from the Forest Festival. Music lovers of all ages converge on this 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, the Logger

Orcherstra often played at area dances, traveling by handcar or stage to each community. In the remote logging camps 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 Festiva. Roots that were 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 annual Bluegrass From the Forest!

Pack up the family, dust off the fiddle and head to Shelton and Hood Canal for some great music, 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!

National bands & musicians welcome BLUEGRASS LOVERS

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 fundraiserto 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 plan an anual 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."

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.

The kids will enjoy programs and activities designed just for them; and they get free or discounted pricing. For information on schedule and reservations visit bluegrassfromtheforest.com. To plan lodging and area activities, visit explorehoodcanal.com.

Details

Shelton HS, 3737 North Shelton Springs Rd, Shelton

RESERVE ONLINE: www.bluegrassfromtheforest.com

WEEKEND PASS

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

Alan Bibey & Grasstowne | SAT & SUN

Bluegrass From the Forest WORKSHOPS, CONTESTS, & ACTIVITIES

The Chick Rose School of Bluegrass for Kids

This fun intensive workshop, runs Saturday, May 18,10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Kids are grouped according to musical experience to receive coaching by advanced musicians culminating with a performance on the Main Stage, There is no extra charge up for this program.

Slow Jam with Marv

New to an instrument or just haven’t picked with others? Then join Marv Sobolesky, teacher and owner of Marv’s Music, in a welcoming group setting. Tunes are first played slowly and then repeated at a faster tempo. The slow jam is led by.

Banjo Contest

Contestant plays two songs, (3 minute max each) and may have one backup instrument. Winner will play one song on the Main Stage.

Mandolin Tasting

This activity brings together talented and knowledgeable mandolin players with some very nice mandolins. The focus in less on playing techniques and more on understanding the features of the instruments.

Open Mic

A whole lot of folks meet up at Bluegrass From the Forest and end up creating wonderful song arrangements. Some even bring original tunes. It could be the beginning of your new band!