George, Washington Bluegrass Festival coming up next month

GEORGE - The annual George, Washington Bluegrass Festival has been scheduled for September 16-22 in the George Community Park.

"You will not want to miss out on this wonderful week of bluegrass, country, cowboy, folk and American Roots music," spokesperson Debby Kooy said.

"This is what we look forward to every year, fine weather in a beautiful park setting with great music that invites participation. Our week-long festival is for young and old and everyone in between."

Special stage performers will include Blue Smoke, Slipshod, Brad Keeler & Trio, Convergence Zone, Hahner Family Band, Mission Mountain, Moses Willey Band, North Country and Pickled Okra.

This year's festival will offer a special three-hour guitar workshop taught on Friday, Sept. 20, by Steve Blanchard of Prairie Flyer and Slipshod.

The cost for three hours of intensive flatpicking instruction will $20. You may preregister by mailing a check for $20 to George Community Hall, PO Box 5064 George, WA 98824.

Available on Saturday, Sept. 21, will be the usual instrument and vocal workshops called Teach 'N Learn. There will be vendors, including food, in the park.

Dry camping around the park will be free, but donations of any amount will be accepted. As usual, every day, all day, will be a jam session.

"Bring a lawnchair or blanket and your instrument, if you have one," Kooy said.

Monday 9/16

Early bird camping starts at noon. Dry camping only.

Tuesday 9/17

9 a.m. - Bluegrass workout (kind of like Zumba, only with Bluegrass. Signed waiver required).

Bluegrass jamming in the park all day.

Wednesday 9/18

9 a.m. - Bluegrass workout.

Bluegrass jamming in the park all day.

7 p.m. - Hi & Howdy Ice Cream Social at the George Community Hall kitchen.

Thursday 9/19

9 a.m. - Bluegrass workout.

Bluegrass jamming in the park all day.

6 p.m. Potluck at the pie pavilion.

Friday 9/20

9 a.m. - Bluegrass Workout.

10 a.m. - 3-Hour Guitar Workshop with Steve Blanchard, upstairs at the GCH. Cost $20. See Debby Kooy to register for this Workshop.

1:30 - Open mic (See Debby Kooy before 10 a.m. to sign up).

3:30 p.m. - George, Washington Bluegrass Festival Organizers on stage.

4:45 p.m. - Slipshod.

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Potato feed at the GCH kitchen.

6:30 p.m. Convergence Zone on stage.

7:40 p.m. Pickled Okra on stage.

8:30 p.m. Kids jam downstairs at the GCH.

Saturday 9/21

7-10 a.m. Pancake Breakfast at the GCH kitchen.

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Farmer's Market at pie pavilion.

Open mic all morning.

10 a.m. - Upstairs at the GCH: Teach-'N-Learn Mandolin hosted by Todd Gray.

Downstairs at the GCH: Harmony vocals workshop by Steve & Jane McMahon.

On the GCH front porch: Teach-'N-Learn harmonica hosted by TBA.

S - L - O - W JAM at Ron Gear's Pickin' Tent hosted by TBA.

11 a.m. - Upstairs at the GCH: Teach-'N-Learn guitar hosted by TBA.

Downstairs at the GCH: Teach-'N-Learn bass hosted by Paisley Gray.

Ron Gear's Pickin' Tent: Teach-'N-Learn banjo hosted by Jim Blue.

Noon - 1:40 p.m. - Open Mic. (sign-up required).

2 p.m. - Blue Smoke/Faast & Blair on stage.

3 p.m. - Brad Keeler & Trio on stage.

4 p.m. - Hahner Family Band on stage.

5 p.m. - Mission Mountain on stage.

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Taco Salad at the GCH kitchen.

6 p.m. - Moses Willey Band on stage.

7 p.m. - North Country on stage.

8:30 p.m. Kids Jam downstairs at the GCH.

Sunday 9/22

7-10 a.m. Breakfast at the GCH kitchen.

8:30 a.m. Bread of Life Cowboy Church followed by Open Mic Bluegrass Gospel Jam.