Re: the ‘Bluegrass, not in my backyard’ letter (The NEWS, April 12).
The Mid-Island Bluegrass Society is a not-for-profit bluegrass club with a mission statement to play, perform and promote bluegrass and old-time music.
Our event, the sixth Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival, is moving to Meadowood this year, after a thumbs up from the Corcan Meadowood Residents Association, parks department and the Regional District of Nanaimo last fall when our five-year plan was up at the Lions ball fields.
The event promotes community spirit and encourages families and friends to camp together for a musical weekend experience.
Our community of Meadowood is small and many of us live on acreages and do not know our neighbour. What a wonderful opportunity to meet those who live near us.
Bluegrass music is not often heard, as only three per cent of the population listens to it. Once you hear it, you can easily be drawn into the music, lured by a single banjo or perhaps some amazing harmony singing like you’ve never heard before.
This music is not loud, as it is acoustic and there are no drums. You will want to bring your lawn chairs for a great listening experience.
The features of this festival are the headliner bands and the jamming. If you missed The Foggy Hogtown Boys’ (from Toronto) sold out show in Nanoose Bay last April, put on by the Mid Island Bluegrass Society, here’s your second chance to see Canada’s finest.
The other feature band is Jeff Scroggins and Colorado. This is an award-winning bluegrass band from the U.S., plus you will hear a multitude of other excellent bluegrass acts.
Attendance to these events is about 500 people/day. Broken down, it’s about 40 volunteers, 70 performers and spouses, plus about 10 important people.
Most come to camp, usually 160 campers, with average of two/unit, sometimes kids come with them. The day crowd can bring in another 100-200 people but these are spread over about three days.
For info on this fine family festival, please check out our website at www.lighthousebluegrass.com. Please remember, no fires allowed, propane campfires only and no higher than six inches.
Linda Thorburn, Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival Co-ordinatorMeadowood