Fabulous Festival Season 2011
Fabulous Festival Season 
I know that old man winter’s snow has socked in a good part of the nation. The best way to warm up is to look forward to the sunshine of springtime! Though nowadays we are fortunate to have festivals year around, in March and through the end of summer, there are many more to choose from. Here is a short list of some you can visit and see Deering banjos too!
- Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC April 28-May 1, 2011
When they say “Carolina in the Pines” they really mean it! Not only are there beautiful lakes and majestic pines but they really do have “red dirt.” (It was a surprise to me!) Wilkesboro is one of the most beautiful settings for music you will ever see and the festival is situated on the campus of Wilkesboro Community College. Dedicated to the memory of Doc Watson’s son Merle, this festival also sponsors a banjo contest. Wilkesboro is the home of Doc Watson and the Kruger brothers so you will find them frequent performers. Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Zac Brown Band, Avett Brothers, David Holt, and Alison Brown Quartet have played in years past. The food is outstanding and furnished by many of the local groups including the Boys Scouts. The festival provides many activities for the kids so this is definitely a family experience.
Visit www.merlefest.org for more details!
- Huck Finn Jubilee in Victorville, CA June 17-19, 2011
Close to home for Southern California residents and well worth the drive for anyone across the country, the Huck Finn Jubilee is probably the best deal on the planet when it comes to family fun! Held at Mojave Narrows Regional Park with plenty of camping and RV hookups, there are so many unique activities created by Don Tucker and his crew that I can only touch on the highlights. What could be more fun for the kids than the bogie fish derby, nickel in the haystack hunt, and Injun Joe’s treasure hunt? When was the last time you were in a “cow chip” throwing contest, or an egg toss contest, river-raft building contest, or a greased pole climb? Everybody loves the circus so come and enjoy the Russell Brothers Circus Workshops galore. Line dancing, clog dancing, mandolin, guitar, banjo, band, vocal, fiddle, and song writing are all featured. My favorite one is this year’s Deering Jam School for beginner and intermediate players taught by Randy Torno. Don Tucker has arranged these free lessons for the festival attendees who need only bring their instruments. They will be teaching kids in the morning and adults in the afternoons on Friday and Saturday and Sunday all the graduates will be giving a concert on the Village Shelter stage. Slated for this year is Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Rodney Dillard and the Dillard Band, Sierra Hull, Bluegrass Etc. with Dennis Caplinger, and more. This festival is over 34 years old and the experience of the promoter, Don Tucker, and his staff really shows!
Visit www.huckfinn.com for more information.
- Rockygrass Festival in Lyons, CO July 29-31, 2011
Celebrating its 39th year in 2011, Rockygrass is near mile high Denver. The festival grounds are bordered by a running stream down which you see folks floating on inner tubes and others soaking their sandaled feet to stay cool among the rocks and pines. The lineup for 2011 includes. Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Del McCoury, Hot Rize, David Grisman, the Kruger Brothers, Psychograss featuring Tony Trischka, Peter Rowan, Darol Anger's Republic of Strings, and others. There are campgrounds for those of you who wish to “rough it” and good hotels in town just a short distance away. They have special kids’ activities and you can visit the Deering folks under the white tent in the main performing area. Visit their website, www.bluegrass.com/rockygrass to see who will be performing this year!
- Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS. September 14-18,2011
Home of two instrument championships: Banjo and Fingerstyle Guitar!
Visit the heartland, see the land of Dorothy and Toto and share in the music of an international selection of artists, and meet the finest examples of American citizens you will ever see. The town of Winfield’s population triples with the folks who come “for the bluegrass” and the locals look forward to our visits with smiles and a helping hand. The festival grounds offer great brisket, home made apple dumplings, and the most refreshing cherry limeades on the planet! The walnut groves are filled with campers and some of the best jamming you have ever heard…really, “stage quality” stuff! The festival is over 35 years old, manned mostly by volunteers, and is among the best organized festivals with a big focus on good amenities for the campers and attendees. Artists who have played there number Tommy Emmanuel, Kruger Brothers, Tom Chapin, Eddie & Martha Adcock, Dan Crary, Dailey & Vincent, Beppe Gambetta, David Holt, John McCutcheon, and many more. Visit www.wvfest.com for more information. Make this festival a must see!
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This is definitely a short list. There are fabulous festivals all over the world and it would take volumes to cover them all. Folks, support your local festivals. Those promoters and volunteers work very hard to provide wholesome family entertainment. Truly, their effort is priceless and they do it all for the love of the music. ENJOY!
