Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival Coming To South Jersey
By Molly Daly
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Next weekend, music fans will gather at the Salem County Fairgrounds for the 45th annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival.
In addition to some of the biggest names in bluegrass, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is among the performers.
Ricky Skaggs, the Seldom Scene, and Steep Canyon Rangers top the 3-day acoustic extravaganza's bill. But the lineup's not strictly bluegrass.
"We always try to have a nice mix, and Chris Hillman is one of the legends of early folk-rock and country rock -- he was with the Byrds -- and he and Herb Pedersen will be there," said Festival director Carl Goldstein.
Chester County's Dan Paisley and the Southern Grass are back, and this year, he's an International Bluegrass Music Association best male vocalist nominee.
"We have a philosophy of sticking to really strong traditional type bands, but not necessarily completely out of the bluegrass tradition," said Goldstein.
Like Jim Kweskin and Jeff Muldaur of Jug Band fame, and the reunited old-time band Uncle Earl.
"Charm City Junction is another one. They play of mix of Celtic and Old Time music," Goldstein said.
He says the musical action isn't limited to the stage.
"Camping is a huge part of bluegrass, and always has been, and many of them are musicians who play almost 24-7," explained Goldstein.
Some, who call themselves Grillbillies, serve up more than hot licks.
"When they come to our festival, they have turkey, they celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday. They're a very interesting group of people," said Goldstein.
For ticket information and full lineup, visit delawarevalleybluegrass.org