BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST 2021

Northwest Bluegrass fans have reason to celebrate and tighten their banjo strings! After a year of no musical gathers and COVID cancellations last year, Kristmas Town Kiwanis’ Bluegrass from the Forest is planning to make a comeback September 10th to 12th at the South Mason Youth Soccer Park on John's Prairie about two miles from downtown Shelton.

Although pandemic restrictions and school contruction has made it impossible for the festival to be held at the Performing Arts Center on the Shelton High School property, event organizer, Duane Wilson, is excited by the potential offered by the Soccer Park at Mason County Recreation Area for the Festival’s 16th year.

“We will miss the comfort and all of the amenities that school theater had to offer but feel there are a lot of positives in having the Festival at the soccer park. The biggest one is space. We have fifteen acres to spread people out. Social distancing should not be a problem.”

And spread-out they will, with plans to host two stages areas, a beer and wine garden, and food and vendor spaces near the stages. The festival also will accommodate two RV parking areas and lots of grassy tent sites for out of town festival-goers or for locals who want to be part of the whole experience. There are no showers or electric hookups but there are on site restrooms. The facility directly to the east of the soccer park is Mason County Recreation. This public park has picnic areas, five baseball diamonds and four batting cages. and is an excellent space for family time, jogging, power walking or a quiet walk in the outfields.

Crying Uncle

Bluegrass from the Forest was started by Kristmas Town Kiwanis sixteen years ago to raise funds to build a restroom at Callannan Park in Shelton. Over the years the proceeds from the Festival have funded many other projects in Shelton and Mason County, always focusing on helping the youth of the area.

photo: Shawna Whalen

2021 Performers Kristen Grainger and True North - OR. Crying Uncle - CA. Whiskey Deaf - OR. Runaway Train, host band - WA.

The Chick Rose School of Bluegrass is a very special program offered through the Festival weekend for kids who want to play bluegrass music. Founded by Chick Rose, who passed away in 2012, it continues in his memory and in the music of the many children who participate. The program begins on the Saturday morning of the festival. 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 afternoon on the main stage. There is no extra charge for the kids to be in this program – the goal is to fill the stage with kids and bluegrass music.

photo: Shawna Whelan

The Festival’s program lineup features four concerts (of three bands each) throughout the three days highlighting some of the top talent on the west coast. Showcasing reliable old favorites, such as the classic duet sounds of Whiskey Deaf (Oregon), the sultry harmonies of Kristen Grainger and True North (Oregon and Washington) and of course the host band Runaway Train. The Festival is pleased to welcome California band, Crying Uncle to the Shelton event.

Bluegrass from the Forest plans to host its legendary workshops, banjo contest, open mics, mandolin tasting, vendors and the famous Chick Rose School of Bluegrass for the children. The popular country dance and midnight hot dogs will also feature a square dance complete with callers and dance teachers. These events will be hosted in a 40' x 60' tent and some chairs will be available, but organizers ask that attendees BYOC (bring your own chairs) or blankets.

Kristmas Town Kiwanis will comply with all State and local laws to present a safe and enjoyable weekend of music and activities. For more information and to purchase tickets please go to bluegrassfromtheforest. com or kristmastownkiwanis.org.