Linda Thorburn said bluegrass music is the songs of life.
“A lot of the songs are stories people have told that happened to them,” said Thorburn, the Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival co-ordinator.
The Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival is now in its sixth year, and it’s now moved to Meadowood Community Park (1810 Galvin Pl., Qualicum Beach) after five years on the Lions Way field.
Thorburn said she thinks the sound will be good at the community park.
The headliner band this year is The Foggy Hogtown Boys who are from Toronto.
“For one thing, the festival is Canada Day weekend,” Thorburn said. “It seemed natural enough to have a Canadian band.”
This year’s lineup includes the American headliner act Jeff Scroggins & Colorado (from Colorado), Cloverpoint Drifters (from Victoria), Storyhouse (from Vancouver), Flash in the Pan (from Victoria), Song Sisters (Cobble Hill), Alberni Fiddlers (from Port Alberni) and Island BlueRose (from Qualicum Beach to Campbell River).
On Friday, July 1 the day starts at 2 p.m. with a pre-fest jam. On July 2, the first performance is at 12 p.m. On July 3, the day starts with an open gospel mic at 10 a.m.
Thorburn said there is a great selection of bands this year.
“They can expect the very best quality in bluegrass bands,” Thorburn said.
Along with musical performances, there is a selection of workshops — which are free — for attendees.
On Saturday, July 2, there’s a mandolin rise ’n shine workshop (9 to 9:45 a.m. with Tristan Scroggins), Fiddle de dum (10 to 10:45 a.m. with John Showman), rhythm guitar workshop (11 to 11:45 a.m. featuring Jake De Villers) and harmony workshop ( 5 to 6 p.m. featuring Lorraine Cobb, Michael Belwood and Paula Spur). On Sunday, July 3, there’s a double double banjo workshop from 10 to 10:45 a.m. with Chris Quinn and Jeff Scroggins.
For full details about ticket prices and musical acts, visit www.lighthousebluegrass.com.
