more photosIf listening to live bluegrass tops your New Year’s resolution list, pack up your instrument and head to Portland.
Gathering legends and emerging artists, the RiverCity Bluegrass Festival is offering a wide spectrum of bluegrass and Americana to kick off 2009. The fifth annual festival takes over the Oregon Convention Center Jan. 9-11 in Portland.
The lineup includes bluegrass legends Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, J.D. Crowe & The New South, The Whites featuring Jerry Douglas and Longview.
Acoustic powerhouse Psychograss will add its unique blend of newgrass to the schedule. The band features Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Tony Trischka, David Grier and Todd Phillips.
Emerging on the bluegrass scene, International Bluegrass Music Association award winners Dailey & Vincent and the Steep Canyon Rangers will also headline the event.
The festival is especially kid-friendly. The RiverCity School of Bluegrass is open to children 7 to 18 years old, at all experience levels. The full day of instruction costs $50 and includes free admission for two adults on Friday night.
Adult jams and workshops will be set up throughout the building. There will also be late-night picking after the concerts at The Red Lion Hotel in Portland, starting at 10 p.m.
Prices vary depending on the ticket package. A weekend pass is $132 for adults (ages 19 and older), $30 for children (ages 12 to 18) and $264 for family packages (two adults and two children). Children under 11 are admitted free. Day and evening passes are available at $36.50-$59 for adults, $12 for children and $90-$130 for family packages. For tickets, contact a TicketWest outlet at 800-992-8499 or visit www.ticketswest.com.
For more information, visit www.rivercitybluegrass.com.
Submitted photos
Headliners at the RiverCity Bluegrass Festival include, clockwise from top, J.D. Crowe & The New South, Ralph Stanley and the Steep Canyon Rangers.
