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July event to feature Doc Watson, Kruger Bros.,
Carolina Chocolate Drops and more
By Holly Costner
On July 11, 12 and 13 MusicFest n’ Sugar Grove will return
for its 11th year. The Festival will feature live performances
from local and regional bluegrass bands, as well as a new addition
from Fort Worth, Texas. Doc Watson and the Kruger Brothers
will once again return to MusicFest to enchant the audience with
the finest in bluegrass music. In addition, this year will include
a Sunday afternoon gospel music program hosted by The Cockman
Family.
Cadillac Sky |
The Carolina Chocolate Drops
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Cadillac Sky, new to the Festival this year, will be traveling
all the way from Fort Worth, Texas. When the first lines of Cadillac
Sky’s “Born Lonesome” come pulsing out of the speakers,
it is apparent that there is a new kind of roots band on the scene,
one that is based on tradition but not bound by it. The song is
featured on their highly acclaimed album “Blind Man Walking,”
which CMT describes as, “An overall feel of new energy and
spirit.”
Another new addition to the lineup this year includes the
Carolina Chocolate Drops. The Carolina Chocolate Drops are a group
of young African-American string band musicians that have come
together to play the rich tradition of fiddle and banjo music
of the Carolinas’ Piedmont and mountain region. Their fame
is rising rapidly as they entertain audiences around the world!
MusicFest 2008 will have a second stage for the second year. Southern
Exposure’s Solar Stage will feature some very talented musicians
as well a children’s programs on Saturday morning.
Opportunities to play with and meet the bands will be available
for attendees of the Festival. Workshops in banjo, bass, guitar,
and mandolin will be offered at MusicFest. This year also welcomes
the return of the Songwriters Showcase, which will be hosted by
Andy Owens, former chairman of the International Bluegrass Music
Association and musician extraordinaire.
Local vendors will be present at the Festival featuring delicious
food, drink, and local arts and crafts for sale. Bands will have
merchandise including cd’s and t-shirts available for purchase.
Other acts this year include; Lost Ridge Band, BackPorch Bluegrass,
Cockman Family, Amantha Mill, Lost Faculty, Southern Accent, Naomi
and the Home Folks, Lisa Baldwin and Dave Haney, Maura Shawn Scanlin,
Forget Me Nots, Upright and Breathin’, He Said... She Said,
ETSU Bluegrass, and other regional talent.
The MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove is “sponsored”
by Cove Creek Preservation and Development, a non-profit organization
headquartered out of the Historic Cove Creek High School. Proceeds
from the event help fund repairs, renovations and preservation
of this historic site.
Tickets are available at the gates and in advance or online at
www.musicfestnsugargrove.org. The festival also offers group rates,
reserved seating, two-day passes and free tickets for children
12 and under. For additional information, please visit www.covecreek.net
or call (828) 297-2200.
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