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.… Continue reading Ten Takeaways from Blueberry Bluegrass 2019
Tag: Blueberry Bluegrass
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… Continue reading More Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, 2019- Stony Plain, Alberta reflections- Day Two
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… Continue reading Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, 2019- Stony Plain, Alberta reflections
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… Continue reading Blueberry Bluegrass- The Little Festival That Always Does
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… Continue reading Blueberry Bluegrass, 2018- in review
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… Continue reading Blueberry Bluegrass, 2018: Day 1
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… Continue reading Blueberry Bluegrass 2018 is coming!
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… Continue reading Blueberry Bluegrass festival 2018 preview
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… Continue reading Blueberry Bluegrass & Country Music Society Festival, 2017
The Earls of Leicester- Rattle & Roar review
The Earls of Leicester Rattle & Roar Rounder Records Before most North Americans had heard of Premier League champions Leicester City, bluegrass fans well knew how to pronounce the name of the East Midlands municipality. That’s a result of Jerry Douglas’ brilliant, timely idea: celebrate the ongoing influence of Earl Scruggs (that’s the Earl) and… Continue reading The Earls of Leicester- Rattle & Roar review
