Bluegrass From the Forest | July 28-31

Bluegrass fans have reason to celebrate and tune their basses! Kristmas Town Kiwanis’ Bluegrass from the Forest is returning once again as an outdoor festival– July 29-31 at the South Mason Youth Soccer Park near Shelton.

Although pandemic restrictions continue to prohibit the festival to be held the Performing Arts Center, event organizers, Duane Wilson and Greg Linder were excited by the opportunities presented by the 2021 outdoor festival format.

And spread-out they did. With two stages, a beer and wine garden, and vendors near the stages. The festival also now 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 the restrooms with running hot water will be open this year on site. The facility directly to the east of the soccer park is Mason County Recreation. This public park The Festival’s program lineup features four has picnic areas, five baseball diamonds and concerts (of three bands each) throughout four batting cages. and is an excellent space the three days highlighting some of the top for family time, jogging, power walking or talent on the west coast. Bluegrass from a quiet walk in the outfields. the Forest plans to host its legendary workshops, banjo contest, 60 open mics, FJORD mandolin

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

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.

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.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit bluegrassfromtheforest.com or kristmastownkiwanis.org

Weekend Bluegrass Pass - $45.00 Includes admission to all events (FRI-SUN)

Family Weekend Pass - $90.00 Includes 2 adults and up to 4 kids Friday Evening - $15.00 Saturday Afternoon - $15.00 Saturday Evening - $15.00 All day Saturday - $25.00 Sunday - $15.00 Saturday night dance - free with any wristband or $15.00 at the door.

John Reischman & the Jaybirds

Many of Reischman's original instrumentals have become popular favorites for sessions and cover. He has three critically-acclaimed solo instrumental albums and has recorded on many other projects, including the Grammy-winning True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe.

AJ Lee and Blue Summit

FRI, JULY 29 @ 9 PM, SAT, JULY 30 @ 12:30 PM AJ Lee and Blue Summit made their first appearance in Santa Cruz in 2015. Led by singer, songwriter, and mandolinist, AJ Lee, the bluegrass band has performed all over the world, but finds home in California’s Bay Area. In 2019, they released their debut album, Like I Used To. Their second full length project, I’ll Come Back, came out August 2021 – with national touring in support of the record ongoing.

Nick Dumas & Branchline

SAT, JULY 30 @ 9 PM, SUN,JULY 31 @ 2 PM After learning to play mandolin, guitar and banjo and to sing lead and harmony vocals, Nick became a co-founder of bluegrass band Northern Departure. He is a highly respected mandolin player and singer and co-founded North Country Bluegrass, touring regionally and nationally. In 2015, Nick became the new Special Consensus mandolin player. Nick also appeared on the

2018 Compass Records band release “Rivers And Roads” that won two IBMA awards (one for Album of the Year) and a GRAMMY nomination for Best Bluegrass Album.

Jim Hurst

FRI, JULY 29 @ 8 PM, SAT, JULY 30 @ 2:30 PM After a solid career touring and recording with Country and Bluegrass artists, Jim decided in 2010 to embark on a solo career. Already seasoned with seven recordings, Open Window, Second Son, A Box of Chocolates, Intrepid, Look-

ing Glass, Atlantic Crossing (duet recording w/ Roberto Dalla Vecchia), and JHT-1 (from his Jim Hurst Trio), exhibiting his diverse guitar work and soothing vocals. Jim is currently performing solo full time and with his Jim Hurst Trioas well as teaching at camps and workshops.

Runaway Train Bluegrass

FRI, JULY 29 @ 7 PM, SAT, JULY 30 @ 1:30 PM Like strong traditional bluegrass with an edge to it? Then you’ll like Runaway Train Bluegrass! They’re the host band for Bluegrass from the Forest festival and they also play an important role in helping to get the festival going every year. Greg Linder, Guitar & vocals – Union, WA,

Kent Powell, Bass & vocals – Tacoma, WA, John White, Mandolin & vocals – Olympia, WA, Clayton Hess, Banjo – Woodinville, WA

Patrick Connell & the Portland Radio Ponies

SAT, JULY 30 @ 7 PM, SUN, JULY 31 @ 12 PM Patrick Connell is a Pacific Northwest bluegrass powerhouse who knows his way around traditional bluegrass, fiddle music, folk, classical, and even jazz. A talented guitarist and vocalist, he is at the hub of the Portland bluegrass scene. Patrick is the guitarist for three fantastic bands in the PNW: The Hollerbodies, Julie & The WayVes, and Whistling Rufus. Patrick also co-directs Taborgrass (an organization offering bluegrass workshops, jams, and musical community in Portland, OR) and curates the Oregon Bluegrass Association’s 365Live bluegrass radio. He also coordinates workshops and showcases for the Oregon Bluegrass Association. Don’t miss this consummate performer. Patrick Connell, Guitar & Vocals, Josiah Payne, Mandolin, Forrest Marowitz, Bass, Jon Meek, Banjo

The Bar-K Buckaroos

HOST BAND FOR THE SAT COUNTRY DANCE The Bar-K Buckaroos play traditional western swing dance music in the style of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. They bring their love of Bluegrass, Country and Swing, Jazz, Blues and Raggae’ to form a great evening of western swing and 20-40’s era swing music. The band, based on the north coast of Oregon is made up of: Brad Griswold, Guitar & vocals, Dave Quinton,Bass & vocals, Richard Thomasian, Lead guitar and vocals, Tom Peake, Percussion, Scott Wagner, Trumpet, Barbara Collins, Fiddle.

Why is the BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL important to OUR COMMUNITY?

First off, we know it's important because it's on the cover ofthis magazine and it has a 32' sign. That's 16 sheets of plywood big.Yet more importantly it is what this event brings to the community.Organized by the Kristmas Town Kiwanis, this event raises moneyfor local youth programs, supports tourism and brings talented artistsfrom all over the country to perform right here in Shelton.With FREE kids programs to get them hooked on music,$15 camping and free midnight hot dogs, maybe you shouldadd it your calendar in July and supportevents like this happening locally.