George Bluegrass Festival kicks off September 15

GEORGE - George is bringing bluegrass back to the Basin with the town's Bluegrass Festival later this month.

The six-day free event kicks off Sept. 15 and goes until the 21st.

More than 10 bluegrass bands from around the Northwest will be playing the festival this year, event coordinator Debby Kooy said. Among the acts is the Moses Wiley Band, Slipshod, Pickled Okra, Blueberry Hill and Mission Mountain, she said.

"We're expecting to have a pretty full park this year," said Kooy.

Attendees can set up camp as early as noon on Sept. 15. Kooy said people camp around the perimeter of the George Community Park, which is where the outdoor performances take place.

Other events take place inside the George Community Hall, adjacent to the park, she said.

Kooy said live music begins almost as soon as people start setting up camp.

"The first part of the week there aren't any stage performances but there is a lot of music to be heard," she said. "People bring their instruments and sit around and start playing right at the get go."

The public is always welcome to walk around the park and listen in on the impromptu jam sessions, said Kooy.

"That's part of what makes this so fun," she said. "You can come any time during the day or night and hear some good music."

Stage performances begin Friday afternoon, after an open mic session at 1:30 p.m. There will also be a Kids Jam at 8:30 p.m. that night.

On Saturday, there will be a couple of workshops, including guitar, vocals and banjo, before bands go back on stage starting at 1 p.m.

The last band for Saturday's performances starts their set at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, the festival ends with the Bread of Life Cowboy Church followed by an Open Mic Bluegrass Gospel Jam.

All afternoon performances on Friday and Saturday take place on the outdoor stage. Evening performances take place inside the community hall.

Kooy said the event will be fun for both the new and seasoned bluegrass fan. The entire festival is free, she said, because organizers want bluegrass music to be accessible to everyone.

Kooy said they are also still looking for sponsors for some of the bands. Interested businesses or individuals can contact her at 509-797-5632 for more information.

For a complete festival schedule, visit www.georgecommunityhall.com.