Blueberry Bluegrass 20 Workshops in 20 Weeks- 20 in 20!

With COVID-19 restrictions limiting gatherings and, for much of the world, preventing in-person festivals, what does an internationally recognized bluegrass festival do while awaiting return to musical normalcy? Invite the world-wide community to come together in a series of free workshops instructed by some of the biggest names in bluegrass and acoustic music! 20 workshops…

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Ten Takeaways from Blueberry Bluegrass 2019

The festival has never been so appealingly eclectic. While it was once billed as “& Country Music Festival” and as such included some very questionable lineup choices (look no further than Trick Ryder and Dirt Road Angels), Blueberry is now decidedly and positively heterogeneous in its ‘big tent’ approach to bluegrass and acoustic roots music.…

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More Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, 2019- Stony Plain, Alberta reflections- Day Two

The second day of three-day fests are the most difficult, I find. The novelty of day one is over—the renewing of acquaintances, the excitement of once again celebrating great music in a community—and by the end of the day, no matter the quality of music, I am bagged. Proof in point—in bed by 10:30 last…

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Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, 2019- Stony Plain, Alberta reflections

Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, held annually for now 34 years in the central Alberta community of Stony Plain, is a highlight of my calendar. Where I once attended up to four multi-day music fests annually—and once, in 2003, I believe I hit seven—it is now the only festival I attend. Blueberry Bluegrass just suits me, and…

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Blueberry Bluegrass- The Little Festival That Always Does

My preview of this summer’s Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, August 2-4, 2019 in Stony Plain, Alberta has been published at Country Standard Time as part of the Fervor Coulee Bluegrass blog. Find it here, if interested: http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/fervorcouleebluegrass/entry.asp?xid=1140 Appearing at Blueberry this year are a trove of performers from the more traditional- Joe Mullins & the Radio…

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Blueberry Bluegrass, 2018- in review

The 32nd Blueberry Bluegrass Festival delivered. While featuring several acts well-familiar in Alberta due to regular appearances over the last several years—Slocan Ramblers, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Jeff Scroggins & Colorado—these groups brought their expected ‘A’ game while other, less-frequently encountered performers including quality area  and regional artists  also quickly enamoured themselves to the…

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Blueberry Bluegrass, 2018: Day 1

The first day of the 32nd Blueberry Bluegrass Festival in Stony Plain, Alberta was as successful as anticipated. All acts were well-received, but it wasn’t acutely apparent which of two acts was the fan favourite. With an emphasis on show,The Kody Norris Show, a four-piece making their Canadian debut, performed a Jimmy Martin-inspired set of…

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Blueberry Bluegrass 2018 is coming!

I love Blueberry Bluegrass! Last year Blueberry rose from the ashes to present a revitalized festival featuring world-class talent, late-evening dances, and a positive atmosphere supporting area talent. That continues this coming August 3-5 with additional new features including…wait for it…a licensed patio! (Hopefully, the weather cooperates and we feel like a beer while listening…

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Blueberry Bluegrass festival 2018 preview

My brief preview of this coming August’s Blueberry Bluegrass festival, held annually in beautiful Stony Plain, Alberta- the first ‘big town’ I ever visited. It’s true- as a pre-schooler, I remember visiting Stony Plain to watch my big cousin play basketball in the high school gym, attend the Farmers’ Day pancake breakfast, and have a…

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Blueberry Bluegrass & Country Music Society Festival, 2017

It isn’t often you get to reinvent yourself after 31 years, but that is what Blueberry Bluegrass needed and was able to achieve during their 2017 event, August 4-6.  Held in Stony Plain, Alberta, the Society celebrated their 32nd edition by pulling out all the stops to even hold the event. The current organizing committee…

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