Photo By Elaine Thomas Campbell - Crying Uncle
Mt. St. Helens Bluegrass Festival is this weekend, August 13 to 15 at Kemp Olson Park in Toledo. This is a change of venue due to the construction at Toledo High School. This is an event that is loved by many, some traveling from other states.
There are five bands slated to play:
Central Valley Boys - They are described as five veteral bluegrass musicians all with a love of traditional bluegrass. No frills or fancy stuff, just down home bluegrass music old style.
Kentucky Sky - The members of the band are Randy Hackworth, Emily Frank, Fred Frank and Chad Fadely on the mandolin.
Crying Uncle Bluegrass - Crying Uncle was founded as a duo bank in 2016 by the Quale brothers, Miles and Teo. It also includes John Gooding and Andrew Osborn. Crying Uncle is recognized as one of the more exciting young bands.
Fern Hill - This band is a NW Oregon band. They are a traditional bluegrass band with decades of singing and picking their way into the hearts of bluegrass fans.
Farm Strong - This four piece band rate in an acoustic quartet that puts singing at the forefront of their sound. A very simple and distinctive instrumentation accompanies the band's smooth vocal sound and brings the songs they perform to life.
General Cothren, President of the Washington Bluegrass Association stated, "We welcome the community to this extraordinary experience of Bluegrass music and Bluegrass gospel on Sunday. We have a great show lined up and you can meet the band after the performances." There is a Senior Discount, to get your ticket, contact General Cothren at 360-520-4524.
If you have not attended the event, you are missing out. It is fun to meet people from other areas and states while enjoying the heart of bluegrass music.
They have different available passes:
$35 for the entire weekend pass
$20 Friday only
$25 Saturday all day
$20 Saturday after 4:00 p.m.
Camping is available and the rates are:
$25 dry camping for 3 nights (Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
$60 for hookup to power and water for three nights, (Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Space is limited, call early.
There are also free events you can enjoy, they are as follows:
Friday:
Open Mic 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday:
Workshop at 9:30 a.m.
Band Scramble at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday
Gospel Concert at 9:30 a.m.
This is an event many have enjoyed over the years, you will see some old faces along with new. It is drawing more and more people every year. This event is for everyone who enjoys bluegrass and meeting great people. If you are interested, please call General Cothren at 360-520-4524 for tickets.