We’ve hit the part of June I’ve been waiting for, the musical part.
This coming weekend there are a pair of excellent music-based events happening here in Summerland and it’s looking like they’re going to be worth checking out, no matter what your musical preferences may be.
First up, is the Summerland Bluegrass Festival.
I’ve been a big fan of this festival ever since I moved to Summerland. It’s one of those things that really gets the summer started in just the right way.
The great thing about this festival, beyond just the music itself, is the interactivity of it.
Over the course of the festival there are workshops, parking lot jams and lots of opportunities to pick the brains of those who are there.
This is great because I’ve always found the level of playing among bluegrass performers to be second to none and any chance to learn even a little something from them is not to be missed.
You’re not even limited to just learning a thing or two about the guitar, there are workshops for mandolin, bass, fiddle, song writing and even banjo—which is the perfect excuse to drag my long-ignored banjo out of its case.
The Summerland Bluegrass Festival is in its 21st year and runs from June 10 to 12 at the Summerland Rodeo Grounds.
More information about performance times and pricing can be found online at http://www.summerlandbluegrass.com.
If you’re in more of a touring mood this weekend, then you can check out Bottleneck Drive’s Heard it Through the Grapevine.
This event, now in its fourth year, is a wonderful excuse to visit some of Summerland’s wineries and to check out some live music while you’re at it.
There’s going to be a little something for everyone at this event, from blues to singer-songwriter performances, at participating Bottleneck Drive wineries and cideries.
The thing that is nicest about this event is that it’s free and it provides a chance for people to get out and not only taste a few wines, but to also check out some music they may not have heard before.
I know that’s going to be my plan for the weekend.
There are a couple of performers I’ve been hoping to check out for a while now and I’m excited to finally have the chance to do so.
I encourage anyone who has the time to get out there and support both local businesses and local musicians.
More information can be found online at http://bottleneckdrive.com/event/4th-annual-heard-it-through-the-grapevine/.
Douglas Paton is a Summerland writer and musician. If you know of a local arts and culture event, contact him at dgpaton80@gmail.com.
