George Carr liked bluegrass music so much that he bought a piece of property between Midland and Mount Pleasant more than three decades ago and started the Salt River Bluegrass Festival.
Now in its 32nd year the
Salt River Bluegrass Festival draws bluegrass musicians and bands from all over the United States. This year's festival -- which includes a weekend of bluegrass music and camping -- will be held from July 29–31.
"This year, we have probably the largest number of groups that we've ever had," says Kris Carr, who co-owns the property at 926 Greendale Road in Shepherd and helps run the bluegrass festival with her husband.
Fourteen groups will take the stage during this year's festival, and will include the
Hillbenders from Missouri, and crowd favorite
Charlie Lawson & Oak Hill from Illinois.
And there will be the parking lot pickin' that happens at many bluegrass festivals -- where festival-goers and musicians begin playing impromptu songs and jamming as they move from one campsite to another, Carr says.
"They just start playing," she says. "That's actually the way a lot of bands start."
Aside from the music, the festival draws many repeat musicians, bluegrass fans, and weekend campers, she says.
"The atmosphere is wonderful. It's like a family reunion almost," Carr says. "And if you could handpick a family reunion, this would be it."
This year, there also will be a special children's concert, as well as other activities.
People can come camp all weekend, or spend a day listening to music. Regardless of how long they stay, people should bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Tickets are $55 at the gate for the weekend, and $40 additional for camping. Tickets are $30 for those who want to drop by for the day on Friday and Saturday. Children under 12 get in free of charge.
For more information, visit the Salt River Acres
website or call (989) 631-0817.
Writer: Jenny Cromie
Source: Salt River Acres, Kris Carr
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