The oldest bluegrass festival in B.C. is fast approaching and this year the organizers of the Coombs Bluegrass Festival have added an extra day.
“We figure we may as well, everybody’s there anyway,” said organizer Linda Thorburn.
This year the 34th annual Coombs Bluegrass Festival runs from August 2 to 5, and features a name synonymous with bluegrass, Pete Wernick, aka Dr. Banjo.
“He’s probably one of the best banjo players in the world,” said Thorburn, adding, “one of the most well known ones.”
Thorburn said she bought her first banjo book from Wernick in 1981 when there were only two available, the other by Earl Scruggs.
Dr. Banjo and his wife will be performing Thursday evening, and with his band, Long Road Home, on Friday night. He will also be hosting mini jam classes on Thursday and Friday during the festival, those interested can sign up through the Coombs Bluegrass website.
Dr. Banjo will also hold a free workshop on Saturday at noon, and a schedule of other free workshops can be found on the Coombs Bluegrass website, including slow pitch, guitar, bass and fiddle.
There are twelve superlative bluegrass bands playing this year, from around the United States and Canada and Thorburn is certain they will draw a big crowd.
Last year there was a record turnout at the festival, including twice as many campers. This was made possible by moving the day parking down the street and utilizing all the space at the grounds for camping, which will happen again this year.
There will be a number of food vendors, merchandise, and draws at the festival and plenty of parking lot pickin’. Tom Lee Music will be selling acoustical instruments, strings and picks and Griffin Instrument Technologies will also be on-site to repair guitars, do small adjustments and minor set ups.
Get your tickets at the gate starting Thursday morning (August 2) at 9 a.m. A four-day pass is $110 for adults, $85 for under 18 (camping included) and under 12 is free. Day and evening passes are also available. Visit www.coombsbluegrass.com for more information.
