Bill Monroe was known as the ‘Father of Bluegrass.’
Jimmy Martin was known as the ‘King of Bluegrass.’
The descendants and subjects of these musical giants are alive and well – a good number of whom reside in the Castlegar area.
Their big weekend is coming up, starting this Friday.
The Pass Creek Bluegrass Jamboree is held at one of the nicest venues you’re likely to find anywhere. With quality sound, a thick, lush lawn, spacious stage, convenient concession and ample parking the festival goer has nothing much to work at other than enjoying the great music.
A big part of bluegrass music’s appeal is it’s simplicity. That’s not to say complex music cannot be played on the traditional bluegrass instruments, only that it’s largely free of technical enhancements, processors, etc. In other words – the straight goods! It’s an accessible, easy-to-understand commodity that’s likely to get inside your head and stick around.
There’s nothing like the tried-and-true acoustic connection made by guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and stand-up bass. For logistical reasons, (including the fact that not everyone drives a minivan or station wagon), organizers of these open-air celebrations of bluegrass are known to make allowances for electric bass guitars.
Another selling point of the bluegrass festival experience is the after hours playing going on around tailgates, tents and motorhomes. Put that together with an outdoor West Kootenay setting and you’ve hit the melodic motherlode!
The local lovers of bluegrass who work so hard to preserve this authentic artform welcome you this Friday through Sunday to the 18th Annual Pass Creek Bluegrass Jamboree at the Pass Creek Fairgrounds. If you’re in the Castlegar area you’ll see the signs… follow ‘em for a great time.
