Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul (top) are just one of the new headline acts planned for this year’s NEPA Bluegrass Festival, slated for May 29 to June 1 in Tunkhannock. The Firewater Tent Revival (above) will leave behind the balmy climes of Florida for the fresh air of northeast Pennsylvania to debut at this year’s NEPA Bluegrass Festival. They will play twice during the four-day event, including bringing down the curtain on the Progressive Stage in Lazy Brook Park on Saturday Evening.
By Rick Hiduk
The clock is ticking down to the return of the NEPA Bluegrass Festival, which will be held in Lazy Brook Park in Tunkhannock from Thursday to Sunday, May 29 to June 1. The festival features a stellar line-up of nationally and internationally known bluegrass artists and some alternative bands who blend traditional bluegrass with their own variations on Americana music. Attendees will also be able to purchase great food, browse merchandise from new and returning vendors, and get tips on picking techniques from professional musicians.
This is the 18th year that co-promoters Danny and Christa Stewart of Wyalusing have brought the festival to Tunkhannock. Headliners include familiar names like The Kody Norris Show and Little Roy & Lizzy, as well as Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, and Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul. The Stewarts are especially excited about two new acts – Firewater Tent Revival from Atlanta Beach, FL, and Private Stock from central Pennsylvania – who will be headlining on the Progressive Stage situated along Tunkhannock Creek. Some bands will perform on both stages.
Lazy Brook Park is a favored venue among both the musicians and their fans due to its relative flatness, paved streets, shade trees, flowering shrubs, art installations, and a restored, historic pedestrian bridge that connects the main park where the Traditional Stage is located to creek side of the park where the Progressive Stage is situated. Free camping is available for those purchasing weekend passes, which afford festival goers with full access to everything that happens from dawn to dark.
“It’s perfect for camping,” said Christa Stewart, who created NEPA Bluegrass with her musician husband Danny Stewart and personally welcomes new and returning guests back to the park at the entrance tent each year. “Danny and I look forward to seeing the music fans, who have truly become our second family, as much as we do bringing them a world-class festival experience in such a serene setting.”
NEPA Yoga will be on site both Friday and Saturday to take guests to another level of relaxation before a weekend of jamming. There will be a gospel sing and jam on Sunday morning. Muckles Ink from Binghamton, NY, will be on hand throughout the event printing and selling festival merchandise. Jesse James of Animal Care Sanctuary will have adoptable dogs onsite.
“The NEPA Bluegrass Festival is more than just a concert, it’s a huge social experience,” said Christa. “We solicit a wide variety of talent to provide services and activities beyond the wonderful music.”
Key sponsors of this year’s event include Paige Capo, Shores Sisters, MR Dirt, B&K Equipment, Turtle Hill Banjo Company,
Returning vendors will include Horr’s Hot Dogs, Ruby Blue Concessions, The Lunch Box, Ruby Blue Concessions, Haven Handmade, J&M Concessions, Tunkhannock Lions Club, Jelly Bird Dyes, Hippy Henna Chick, Clay & Clarity Designs, and Susquehanna Brewing Company and Deep Roots Hard Cider, both offering adult beverages for purchase. There will be instructional workshops on Saturday, and Danny Stewart’s Jam Tent will be open all weekend.
Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their instruments with them. In addition to pop-up pickin’ parties throughout Lazy Brook Park from morning to night, there will be a series of professional workshops focusing on specific instruments.
Tickets are available online at www.nepabluegrass.com, and regular updates are posted on the NEPA Bluegrass Festival Facebook page. Free camping is available only to those who purchase weekend passes, which are $125 per person and can also be purchased at the gate. Day passes are available at the gate.
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