Bluegrass Music Festivals

I will share my experiences about bluegrass festivals in this lens I and hope to get some feedback from other fans about bluegrass festivals.

I've been to festivals in Ontario, Canada as well as festivals in the United States. So far I've been to Gettysburg PA, Governuer NY, & Lodi NY.

Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival is a top notch festival. It is a well run family event. The band lineup is always fantastic and you would'nt be a bluegrass music fan if you didn't enjoy yourself at Gettysburg.

A memorable moment of mine at Gettysburg was one hot afternoon, some friends were all excited and heading towards the stage area. Wondering what was going on, I followed. Well, behind Rhonda Vincent's Martha White Tour Bus there was a little jam going on. There was a few fans with their instruments and Rhonda sitting in the middle of them with her mandolin. This was great to be a part of because there wasn't many of us, and Rhonda herself was having fun and she didn't have to hide in her bus while waiting to go on stage. But best of all was listening to Rhonda and friends play sweet Bluegrass Music!

In Canada, I've been to Conestoga Trail Bluegrass & Gospel Festival, Tottenham Bluegrass Festival, Willow Park Bluegrass Festival, River Valley Bluegrass Festival several times and once to a festival in Nova Scotia. These are annual events for my family and friends and they are all great festivals. I plan on checking out many others as well.

*** Conestoga Trail Bluegrass & Gospel Festival ***

On August 15, 2008 the 1st Annual Conestoga Trail Bluegrass & Gospel Festival took place in Princeton Ontario.

The hosts Gerry & Fran Morgan put on a fabulous event that in my mind was the best festival I've been to. 5 Stars to Gerry & Fran. This festival was well planned with every detail imagined covered from front to back. The festival is at a beautiful location and if your looking for a great family festival in 2009, be sure to check out this festival. You won't be disappointed.

Here are some photos from the 2008 Festival!

Audie Blaylock & Redline


Under The Big Top


Winners of Guitar & Cash (My Inlaws...Lucky Folks!)

The dates for the Conestoga Trail Bluegrass & Gospel Festival in 2009 are August 14-15-16

Try To Make It !

Click Here To See Festival Website

Bluegrass festivals are alot of fun with all the great music, meeting bands, food, people and just the whole atmosphere of the festival. I'm so greatful I found this music and way of life. But the one thing I really enjoy is being able to camp at the festivals.

People drive from everywhere and camp at festivals in Motorcoaches , motorhomes, trailers, buses, tents etc.. This is where they live while they are at the festival. It's quite a community. You get to meet great people from everywhere and some times you make lifelong friends.

One thing bluegrassers really enjoy is the jamming that takes place around the campsites. Especially after the bands are done for the evening. You can walk around and visit many campsites and listen or join in and play with other people. Some of the caliber of these people playing is unbelievable.

Sometimes you will see band members wondering around and playing music with the campers.
Last summer at the Willow Park Bluegrass Festival south of Hamilton, Ontario Dan Paisley and Southern Grass dropped by our campsite while we were jamming. That was a little intimidating.

The only problem I find is I don't get enough sleep because its too much fun and I don't want to go to bed.

Out of all the bluegrass festivals I have been to I can't recall one time when I have seen a problem with someones behavior. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I just haven't seen it.

It's a good family enviroment to be had by all.