Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
May 17, 2007 issue
Story by David Brewer
Though still a couple of months away, preparations are in full swing for the 10th Annual MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove. Taking place on the grounds of the Historic Cove Creek High School on Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14, this year’s festival will feature a number of fan favorites, as well as high-profile acts new to Sugar Grove.
Headlining the event will be famed singer-songwriter and guitarist Jim Lauderdale. A featured performer at MerleFest since the late 1990s, Lauderdale has collaborated with a number of musical luminaries, including bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley, roots rockers Donna the Buffalo and songwriter Robert Hunter, among others.
Lauderdale’s songs have been recorded by a number of Nashville heavyweights including The Dixie Chicks, George Strait, Vince Gill, Mark Chestnut and Patty Loveless.
Returning to the big tent will be High Country bluegrass favorites The Kruger Brothers. Originally from Switzerland, The Krueger Brothers regularly make journeys across the pond to perform at prestigious bluegrass festivals, and also tour all over the United States. The trio’s amazing harmonies and instrumental prowess have won them a loyal following among MusicFest fans.
Other performers include the Steep Canyon Rangers, Andy Owens & 1-800-Bluegrass, the Shannon Whitworth Band (formerly of the Biscuit Burners), the Cockman Family, Southern Accent, the Lost Ridge Band, Amantha Mill, Naomi & The Home Folks, ETSU Bluegrass and Backporch Bluegrass.
In addition to performing with his band, internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Owens will host the festival’s first-ever Songwriter's Showcase on Saturday, July 14. A former chair of the International Bluegrass Music Association, Owens’ stop in Sugar Grove will come on the heels of an Eastern European tour.
For local talent interested in auditioning for the Songwriter's Showcase, submit a tape or CD of original work by mail. Address submissions to the attention of MusicFest 'n Sugar Grove Songwriter's Showcase and send them to 207 Dale Adams Road, Sugar Grove, N.C., 28679.
Applicants are asked to include a lyric sheet with lyrics of all songs included, the date each song was written, as well as the author’s name, address and phone number.
The Kruger Brothers will again host the festival’s popular musical workshops for guitar, bass, banjo and mandolin. New to the festival will be a songwriter's workshop hosted by Lauderdale.
In addition to the many musical attractions, the festival also features local arts and crafts and a variety of food and drinks. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the grounds.
MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove is currently accepting applications for vendors and volunteers. For more info, click to www.covecreek.net/sgmfest.htm.
For tickets to the festival, click to www.musicfestnsugargrove.org or call 828-297-2200. For in-depth information about the Historic Cove Creek High School, click to www.covecreek.net.
MusicFest N Sugar Grove Offers Early Bird Ticket Special
The 10th Annual MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove is currently offering an Early Bird Special for those looking to get a jump on purchasing their festival tickets, selling two-day general admission tickets for $25. The offer ends Thursday, May 31.
This Early Bird Special applies only to general admission tickets, not reserved seats, and is only offered for two-day festival passes. To take advantage of the discounted ticket rate, call 828-297-2200 or order online at www.musicfestnsugargrove.org.
Date: Friday and Saturday, July 13 to 14
Location: Historic Cove Creek School in Sugar Grove
Cost: $25 (early bird special)