Admission is $20 per person. Free for Kids 12 and Under.
Art Fair Admission and Parking are Free.
Trolley Rides from Offsite Parking locations are $3.
Proceeds go to Harsens Island Lions Club Emergency Fund & Harsens Island Historical Society
Holy Cattails!
Bluegrass is taking over Harsens Island Sunday
(Harsens Island, Mich. – Aug. 11, 2010) — Foot tapping, thigh slapping, good old bluegrass music will be jangling through the air on Harsens Island when the Harsens Island Bluegrass Festival packs the playground at the former Harsens Island Schoolhouse Sunday, Aug. 15 from noon until 9 p.m.
Harsens Island, known for it rustic charm, laid back atmosphere, scenic sunsets and wonderful waterways, is gaining a new attraction with this first-time event, which will bring six outstanding Michigan and Ohio bands to the Clay Township island this weekend. Admission for the festival is $20 per person, but is free for kids 12 and under.
The old schoolhouse is now the home of the Harsens Island Schoolhouse Grille, 2669 Columbine. Owned by Kristin and Tony Bane, the former schoolhouse is the perfect location for the event that organizers say is a nod to the past and a simpler way of living. For many islanders the location echoes with memories of their youth. But for festival goers, the schoolhouse playground is going to come alive with energetic, award-winning bluegrass music performed by headliner Lonesome County, Company of Strangers, Balduck Mountain Ramblers, Catfish Mafia, Skin and Bones and Deepwater Bluegrass.
“This region has incredibly talented musicians,” said festival producer Kate Hart, a Grammy nominated blues singer and songwriter. “And although this area is not as well known for bluegrass as we are for other music genres, we truly have some amazing bluegrass bands here. Lonesome County won a presitgious award competing in the heart of bluegrass country.”
While music is at the core of the festival, it’s not the only thing the event has to offer.
“When we decided to host this festival, one of our goals was to offer local businesses a chance to showcase their talents and wares,” said vendor coordinator Bernard Licata. “We’re thrilled at how much local support we’ve gotten, especially since this is a first-time event. Some amazing artists will be participating – painters, flute makers, potters, jewelry makers. We have quite an array of vendors, including facepainting and concessions.”
Admission to the art and vendor fair is free. Parking is also free. Trolley rides from offsite parking locations are $3. (See box below for parking and trolley stop locations.)
What’s a festival that only satisfies sight and sound? Well it’s not this Bluegrass Festival!
Slow-roasted barbecue beef cooked over an open flame, fabulous fried perch, grilled veggie pitas, hotdogs, coleslaw and corn on the cob are just a few of the culinary delights that will tantalize visitors’ other senses, Hart said.
For those who want more than lemonade, water or soft drinks, there’ll also be a Beer Tent and Wine Bar offering microbrewed beer and locally made wine from Sue’s Coffee Shop of St. Clair.
(30) Media Contacts:
Festival Producer ~ Kate Hart
(810) 748-3204
katehart@speakeasy.net
Publicist ~ Peggy Blue
(586) 291-2018
bluehorizonmedia@hotmail.com