Bluegrass & Old Time Music
Annual festival at Dundas Fairgrounds for 38th year in July
The 38th Annual PEI Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival is being held at the Dundas Fairgrounds in Dundas on July 4, 5, and 6. Headline performers from the USA are The Kody Norris Show and The Grass Messengers. Common Ground and Country Connection will be here from Nova Scotia. From New Brunswick comes Shane Douthwright and the Virtuosos. PEI bands are Janet McGarry Band, The Stiff Family, Bluestreak, Whitecap Drive, The Bad Hoss, SK Bluegrass, Heartfelt Bluegrass, and Bluegrass Revival.
The three-day festival includes stage shows on Friday afternoon, Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening, and Sunday, along with Open Mic stages on Wednesday and Thursday for early arrivers. The festival also offers camping facilities, workshops, a children’s program, food services, and late-night jamming sessions. Registration is available at peibluegrass.ca, and an early bird price is available until June 15.
The Kody Norris Show from Tennessee are the reigning Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America Entertainers of the Year.
The Grass Messengers, featuring lead singer Chris Luquette, are based in New York State.
Shane Douthwright has been performing bluegrass for 30 years, beginning as a youngster with his family band. The Virtuosos are Marcel Duplessis (bass), Ryan Dillman (banjo), and Richard Bourque (mandolin).
Canada’s Daughter of Bluegrass, Janet McGarry, will take the stage with her husband, Serge Bernard, and bandmates Trevor Boutilier and Karen DaCoste from Nova Scotia’s Bluegrass Tradition.
This year’s line-up also includes Country Connection from Nova Scotia and, from PEI, Bluestreak, The Stiff Family, Whitecap Drive, Heartfelt Bluegrass, The Bad Hoss, SK Bluegrass, and Bluegrass Revival.
Tickets and festival details are available at peibluegrass.ca/tickets or by calling 902-218-8916.