It's a music festival that doesn't make much of a distinction between audience and performers.
Organizers of an upcoming music festival at the Brackendale Art Gallery invite all musicians - aspiring, amateur or professional - to bring along their own noisemakers for impromptu jam sessions.
Last year's festival was no different than all bluegrass festivals; it included impromptu jam sessions outside the venue during the show. The third annual Brackendale Bluegrass Festival, however, has put aside an afternoon Saturday (May 14) to allow everyone to play with performers, friends and neighbours.
"Last year they just happened organically," said organizer Cam Salay. "This year we have a structured jam on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m."
Bluegrass is high energy, toe-tapping amalgamation of Celtic fiddle, gospel and blues. Bands typically include mandolin, fiddle, banjo, stand-up bass and guitar, but other more unusual instruments can get thrown in the mix. The music's been popular since its creator, Bill Munro, first brought the sound to stage in the 1930s, but a resurgence in bluegrass was recently sparked by the popular feature movie O Brother Where Art Thou?
The festival headliners cross the gamut of young and old. On Friday (May 13), the self-professed old-timers 5 on a String perform standards, old and new as well as a variety of original songs. The band's style takes an old time radio show approach with the six-member band playing over one microphone. Each musician throws himself toward the mic when it's his turn to be heard.
"It's more of a visually exciting performance," said mandolin player Gord Sadler.
Saturday's show features the up-and-coming Mountain Bluebirds.
"Fantastic harmonies, great picking and a big fat happy vibe," said Salay. "This is the best band I've seen in years."
Still Blue opens for 5 on a String while Pemberton band the Courageous Mountain Rangers opens for Mountain Bluebirds.
Local musicians can also take an early evening workshop for $10. Banjo player Dave John will give instruction on playing the neck at 6 p.m. on Friday (May 13) and the Mountain Bluebirds will teach the secret to their admirable harmonies with a vocal harmony workshop Saturday (May 14), 5 p.m.
The third annual Brackendale Bluegrass Festival takes place at the Brackendale Art Gallery Friday and Saturday (May 13 and 14) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for one show, $25 for both, available at the BAG and Mostly Books.
