LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
The Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival is approaching as fast as the sprightly string-pickin’ that will soon dazzle crowds at the Qualicum Bay event later this month.
Headlining the show that runs June 26-29 is Lonesome Meadow from Westerville Ohio, who have an International Bluegrass Music Association award, among others under their young belts. The group is made up of three siblings and their dad who backs them up on bass. Anne Marie Jackson plays fiddle, mandolin and sings, while her younger brothers John and Gary play guitar and banjo and all three sing harmony.
Lonesome Otis is also headlining, from San Diego, and is known for its hard driving, traditional bluegrass.
An emerging bluegrass band from Tacoma, Washington called North Country will also perform at the festival as well as Crazy Hearts from the Okaganan, Corner Grass from Sidney, B.C. and more bluegrass talent from around Vancouver Island.
The Mid Island Bluegrass Society is presenting the weekend’s festivities, which includes a number of free workshops like Children’s Music on Saturday at 10 a.m., Bluegrass Harmony Singing for Beginners, fiddle workshops, banjo, mandolin, guitar bass and much more.
There is camping available on the grassy field, plus food vendors, raffles and merchandise.
The event takes place at the Lighthouse Community Centre. A weekend pass (Thursday through Sunday) to the festival is $75, a single day pass on the weekend is $35 and other ticket options are available. Children 12 and under are free. For more information visit www.lighthousebluegrass.com.