Bluegrass Julian Festival Oldest in the State
By Amber Ward

Julian Journal file Photo

The 37th Annual Julian Bluegrass Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 15 and Sunday, Sept. 16 at Frank Lane Park. Presented by the Julian Lions Club, the Bluegrass Festival is the oldest of its kind in California.

Attending the Bluegrass Festival is a family event. The music is all acoustic and musicians of all levels band together for a weekend of Bluegrass bliss. Every year, new acts are added to the program.

This year some of the headlining bands are the Donner Mountain Bluegrass Band, Susie Glaze & the Hilonesome Band, 7th Day Buskers, Trails & Rails, Pacific Ocean Bluegrass Band, and Connie Allen & Bill Dempsey.

During the festival, there are two stages, one for the banjo and fiddle contests, and the other for group performances. The amateurs will play for prizes while the professionals will entertain. From beginners to professionals, both young and old, all are invited to participate in the banjo-fiddle contest. Contest applications are currently available online.

This event used to take place in a single day, but because of the response from patrons and musicians alike, an entire weekend now is dedicated to Bluegrass music.

In addition to the great music, visitors can participate in musical workshops and discover why Bluegrass is loved by so many. There will also be various food and merchandise vendors, and the opportunity to purchase instruments and your favorite performers' CDs.

There is a nominal fee for admission. All of the money raised funds the Lions Club's efforts to help local children and other programs like the "Gift of Sight" program. Tickets are $15 and are available online. Advance ticket purchase includes parking, a $5 value, and can also be obtained at the Julian Chamber of Commerce until Sept. 14. Tickets will also be sold at Frank Lane Park the day of the festival.

Frank Lane Park is located at the north end of Main Street. Festival hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information or contest applications go to www.julian bluegrassfestival.com.