PINE RIVER - More than 3,500 fans from the U.S. and Canada have attended the Lakes Bluegrass Festival each year and this year organizers expect no different. This year's ninth annual festival is scheduled Aug. 20-24 at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River. It will feature award-winning national and local acts and for the first time this year, festival will have its first international act. The Spinney Brothers of Nova Scotia, Canada, will perform on the main stage Aug. 21-22. They are red hot on the bluegrass circuit, known for their hard-driving traditional sound, with tight brother duet harmonies.
Audie Blaylock and Redline will perform two shows each day on Aug. 22-23. This Grammy Award nominated group is one of the most in-demand groups in bluegrass today. Audie's vast experience with some of the legends in bluegrass, including Jimmy Martin and Rhonda Vincent, plus his high-octane band makes for one of the best shows in the industry.
The Triple L Band, of Portales, N.M., will appear for four sets on Aug. 23-24. Triple L Band's style of traditional bluegrass has tight family harmony and its instrumentation presents a lively, upbeat show appealing to a variety of audiences.
Minnesota's favorite bluegrass group, Monroe Crossing, will appear for four shows on Aug. 22-23, plus three workshops will be presented by members of the band. Monroe Crossing has a blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and heartfelt originals.
Lakes Bluegrass Festival favorite The Platte Valley Boys, will be make their ninth appearance at the festival, performing Aug. 22-23.
ADVERTISEMENT
Other bands to perform include The Tim and Cindy Trio, Blue Hazard, Ivory Bridge, Shaffers Lost 40, The Long Shots, No Grass Limit, The Froemming Family and Blue Wolf.
New this year is the "Unplugged Stage," an indoor stage area where new bands, jam bands and youth and family bands can perform in a more laid back atmosphere. The indoor stage will feature musician-led jams on Aug. 21; an open stage on Aug. 22; and youth and family on Aug. 23. More information on signing up for a spot on the Unplugged Stage is available at www.lakesbluegrassfestival.com .
In all, more than 40 sets of the best in bluegrass music will be performed on the main stage during the five-day event. There is more to do besides listening to the bluegrass music. There will be many impromptu jam sessions happening on the grounds.
Free workshops will be presented Aug. 22-23 by the performing band members for those wanting to learn an instrument or polish their musical skills.
For more information on events or tickets go to www.lakesbluegrassfestival.com or call the Pine River Chamber at 800-728-6926.
If You Go:
What: Lakes Bluegrass Festival
When: Aug. 20-24.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hours: Opens at 3 p.m. Wednesday; 3-11 p.m. Aug. 21; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 22-23; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 24.
Where: Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River.
Cost: Tickets range from $10-$45; teenagers are half price; and children 12 and under are free.
Other: Bring lawn chairs or blankets as there is no seating.
Parking: Free off-street parking.
Handicap accessible: Handicap parking is available and a shuttle service of golf carts is available for those requiring assistance.
