Attend the NimbleFingers 2015 Bluegrass Festival.
If you’re a music lover or a fan of bluegrass, then be sure not to miss the NimbleFingers Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival and Workshops at the Sorrento Centre.
The festival day is Saturday, Aug. 22, and features a stellar lineup of Canadian and international performers including: Jeff Scroggins & Colorado, New Reeltime Travellers, Old Man Luedecke, Cahelen Morrison & Eli West, Annie Lou, The Cumberland Brothers, Lonesome Ace Stringband, Anna & Elizabeth, The Tallboys Trio, Kayla & Matt Hotte, Pennyless Duo and The NimbleFingers AllStars.
Now in its seventh year, The NimbleFingers Festival provides a warm, family-friendly, music-centric environment.
In addition to great music, it offers a number of food outlets and artisans, including vendors selling mandolins, guitars, ukuleles, bows, picks, books and other music paraphernalia.
There’s a vintage record seller, handmade instrument makers, original letterpress posters, T-shirts, handmade jewelry, fresh organic produce and a beer garden hosted by our own Crannog Ales.
There will also be a super-creative, all ages crafts area. And this year, the two stages will be powered by bike and solar power.
A special exhibit, “Banjos: Africa to the New World” traces the development of the banjo from its African roots to the New World.
The collection on exhibit spans a period of 300 years and illustrates the history of this popular instrument.
If you’re a picker and a grinner, then you may wish to enroll in the workshop sessions being held Aug. 16 to 21, and Aug. 23 to 28.
The workshop sessions are now in their 27th year and were previously known as The British Columbia Bluegrass Workshop.
Workshop sessions will be led by world-class instructors, and include: beginner, intermediate and advanced workshops in guitar, banjo, clawhammer banjo, mandolin and fiddle, and workshops on lead and harmony singing, ballad singing and songwriting.
Want to learn a new skill? Try Appalachian Flatfoot Dancing or Appalachian Ballad singing. Other sessions will cover using the dobro and playing bass. There will be student concerts, band scrambles, instructor concerts, hosted jams and old-time dances.
People wishing to stay on site can take advantage of several options including camping at one of the non-serviced, semi-serviced or fully serviced RV sites. There is a limited supply of lodge or cabin accommodations as well.
Advance tickets are available in person at Acorn Music in Salmon Arm, Lee’s Music in Kamloops, the Sorrento Centre office, and online at www.nimblefingers.ca.
Kids under 13 or over 80 are free. Advance ticket prices are $35 for adults and $22.50 for youths, or $39 and $25 at the gate.
For more information, please check out the NimbleFingers website at www.nimblefingers.ca.
The NimbleFingers Festival and Workshops is a great opportunity to enjoy terrific music and a chance to learn from the best.
If you would like to suggest topics for future articles, or participate in our community advisory panel surveys, please contact me at pdemenok@csrd.bc.ca.
-Paul Demenok is the Area C Director for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District