If your ear has ever been caught by the appealing sound of a plucked or bowed string, enhanced by the vibration of a thin piece of carved wood or hide stretched tightly over a metal rim… if a distinctive vocal, telling a compelling story with both melody and harmony has ever grabbed your attention… chances are great that it was a positive event you'd like to experience again.
That infectious audio commodity is bluegrass music and it's front and centre this weekend in Pass Creek, right next door to Castlegar. It's the 12th annual Bluegrass Jamboree and from Friday afternoon to Sunday at noon, whether you're a casual fan, hard-core zealot or a curious newby, you've got a big time opportunity for a rewarding get-away.
If you happen to be a picker, you likely know the drill like the back of your hand already. You're familiar with the routine of impromptu jams running well into the night after the scheduled performances have gotten everyone inspired.
Bluegrass music is well known and appreciated for its wholesome nature and the sort of well-behaved crowd it attracts. This is true across the continent, from its birthplace in the American southeast to here in B.C. and up to Alaska. From hotbeds of enthusiasm in the Orient, to Europe… everywhere people enjoy hearing and playing this timeless acoustic music, they can be found getting together like an extended family.
The dedicated members of the "Blueberry Pickers" are running the event.
That's this Friday through Sunday – a couple with a camper can stake a claim on a plot of bluegrass real estate for just $30 for the weekend. For all others, admission is by donation. The fun starts Friday at 2 p.m.
It's just outside Castlegar at the accommodating Pass Creek fairgrounds – an ideal location.
See you there! And don't forget your thumb-picks!