4 minute read
STRUMMING IN THE FOREST
from Summer 2020 Fjord
by Imagination
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.
New outdoor location and rescheduled dates for Bluegrass from the Forest - SEPTEMBER 11-13 @ Mason County Recreation Area
Dust off your fiddle and head to Shelton for some fantastic scenery and a weekend of the best bluegrass music this side of the Appalachians. The 2020 festival has undergone some big changes to accommodate COVID-19 concerns – but organizers are still planning a great event!
The first dramatic change was rescheduling the three day event from May to September 11-13. This date was selected for a time when it was safer for the musicians to play music together and accommodate the bands’ schedules. Instead of starting the Bluegrass season, the non-profit organizers will be capping it with a welcome opportunity to get out and listen to some great music!
Organizers anticipate challenges with the changes but look forward to expanded opportunities. September is the ideal time in the Northwest to take this festival into the forest! The event is relocating to a outdoor venue, the Mason County Recreation Area – less than three miles from the former location.
This outdoor expansion will allow for plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy the concerts. The larger area will allow for more space between camp sites as well, along with additional food and music vendors and even a beer and wine garden near the stage.
The 2020 line up includes: Crying Uncle from California; Kristen Grainger and True North and Whiskey Deaf both from Oregon; as well as Salzer Creek and Runaway Train (host band), both from Washington. Volume Five canceled owing too a scheduling conflick but all the other bands are still tentatively scheduled to head to Shelton for the revised dates.
2020 BFTFF
WHERE: Mason County Recreation Area 2102 E. Johns Prairie Road, Shelton WA Reserve online: bluegrassfromtheforest.com
PASSES: ADULT Weekend Pass includes all events – FRI/SAT/ SUN - $45.00 | FAMILY Weekend Pass includes 3 days; up to 4 children – $90.00 PERFORMANCE ONLY: FRI & SAT AFTERNOON or EVENING $15/person SAT All Day $25 | Sunday All Day $15 KIDS 12 – 17 half price, under 12 FREE
Local musicians, Duane Wilson and Greg Linder founded the festival as a local fundraiser nearly two decades ago. Since then the event has sponsored many more community projects. Today families annually plan their schedules to enjoy full scheduled weekend of 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, Union based musician with Runaway Train.
As if the music isn’t enough, the festival includes camping for an experience you won’t soon forget. Pack up the whole family and make a weekend out of it. The kids will enjoy the Chick Rose School of Bluegrass designed just for them. Otherwise known as “Chick’s Kids,” this is a free all inclusive music education program dedicated to sharing bluegrass with youth. Kids are grouped by musical experience to receive coaching by advanced musicians culminating with a stage performance.
BAND LINE-UP September 11-13
KRISTEN GRAINGER AND TRUE NORTH feature the multi-instrumentalist and singer-song writer Dan Wetzel, Martin Stevens adds the mandolin, fiddle, and supporting vocal. Josh Adkins mixes in the upright bass and vocals (Martin and Josh were both formerly with the acclaimed Bluegrass Regulators). Kristen Grainger’s unique vocals and song writing chops have garnered awards at national song writing contests.
CRYING UNCLE'S BLUEGRASS BAND was founded in 2016 as a duo band with invited guest artists. The band has played at venues such as IBMA’s World of Bluegrass Festival, CBA’s Father's Day Bluegrass Festival and Strawberry Music Festival. In 2018, the band was featured on a TEDxTalk with Phoebe Hunt. In 2019, the band traveled through Finland. Crying Uncle is based in California.
WHISKEY DEAF from Portland, OR is made up of bluegrass musicians who share a passion for playing lesser known first generation bluegrass and early country. There enjoyment in playing this music comes through in every show.
SALZER CREEK features classics specializing in a bluegrass-gospel sound with a dash of fiddle. The talented siblings harmonize and play multiple instruments making up a real six-piece band. The six siblings are bluegrass’s best answer to the Von Trapp family since the Carter Sisters.
RUNAWAY TRAIN, the host band, consistently delivers tight harmonies and energetic sets. Formed in 2000, Runaway Train is local to Mason County. Lead, Greg Linder has co-hosted the last fifteen Bluegrass from the Forest Festivals.
New this year there will also be a Friday night square dance led by the Mountain Williams Band. On Saturday evening The Bar K Buckaroos leads a country dance.
