The last full weekend in September of each year finds the Wasco County Fairgrounds filled to the brim with what turns out to be one event that is almost “two” – the annual Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree.
Sponsored by the Shaniko Preservation Guild, this yearly celebration of family and acoustic music features a campground pickers event that is seemingly endless on one half of the grounds, and on the other half a listeners festival that features workshops, a world renown slow jam, a band scramble, some of the finest bands in the Pacific Northwest, and a Saturday evening barbecue that traditionally has folks lined up halfway across the fairgrounds.
Hosted by the 2015 International Music and Entertainment Association Bluegrass Group of the Year Kathy Boyd and Phoenix Rising, other groups appearing this year will include Corral Creek, Burning Moonlight, Mountain Honey, The EoScenes, 3-D, otherwise known as Dick, Dave and Dallas, The Loafers, Fern Hill Bluegrass Band and more with various surprise guests throughout the weekend at both open mic and at the Friday Night Barn Bash.
Joining Kathy Boyd and Phoenix Rising at this year’s Friday Night Barn Bash will be songwriter Danny Lee Alison, national gospel quartet singer Hugh McClellan, and long-time festival favorite bluegrass saxman Mark Gensman.
Aimed at providing fun for both the listening audience and those who play instruments, additional fun activities will include raffle drawings and a “Viva Las Vegas” treasure hunt that will take place throughout the weekend with the grand prize being presented at the finale show on Sunday afternoon.
For camping reservations please contact 541-318-8012.
Festival volunteers are always needed and welcome. To help out, contact www.shanikooregon.com /contactus.
Festival passes are $25 per person if purchased by Sept. 15 or $30 at the gate.
For further information on the Shaniko Bluegrass Jamboree, visit www. shanikooregon.com/events /tygh-valley.
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