A new Bluegrass PickFest event is planned for May 16 to May 21 at the Coombs Rodeo Grounds.
The event will include Slow Pitch Bluegrass Jam from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on May 17, put on by Victoria Bluegrass Association, according to a news release by the Coombs Hilliers Recreation and Community Organization (CHRCO).
There will also be bluegrass entertainment on May 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets are available online at www.coombsbluegrass.org under Bluegrass PickFest and Barn Dance (look on the left side) or scan the QR code on a poster.
The organization holds dances periodically throughout the year.
More information is available on the CHRCO Facebook page.
“It will heighten the public awareness of bluegrass music and for the upcoming 44th Coombs Bluegrass Festival, and anyone is invited to come out and listen for a minimal fee,” the release said.
“You can take part in a slow pitch jam Saturday morning put on by the Victoria Bluegrass Association.”
There will also be a bluegrass show on that Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring a pair of bluegrass bands inside the Coombs Hall.
On Sunday, May 19 there is an open mic from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for anyone who wants to play on stage.
The Parksville Downtown Business Association will host live bluegrass music from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Plaza on June 22 to promote the 44th Coombs Bluegrass Festival to be held from Aug. 2 to Aug. 4.
More info about the upcoming 44th Coombs Bluegrass Festival put on by CHRCO is available at www.coombsbluegrass.org, or email coombsrodeogrounds@gmail.com or call 250-927-2747.
A Barn Dance event previously scheduled for this weekend was unfortunately cancelled due to a medical emergency.
The Coombs Rodeo Grounds are located at 2601 Alberni Hwy.
— NEWS Staff