Bluegrass Festival
Information

8th Annual Pepsi Wyoming State BBQ Championship
and Bluegrass Festival

August 17th & 18th, 2012.  Worland, WY.  Washakie County Fairgrounds.  wyobbq@gmail.com
 

Kenny and Amanda Smith Band

Winners of the International Bluegrass Music Association's prestigious Emerging Artist of the Year award in 2003, the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band combines gutsy, heartfelt vocals, brilliant instrumental talents and a powerful, contemporary sense of song choice and arrangement into one of the most compelling new sounds in bluegrass today. 

A creation of the intensely personal musical and romantic connection between Kenny and Amanda, the band shares an all-too-rare sense of intimacy and cohesion where each musician feels an almost telepathic connection. Musicians call it being in the groove, where the group collectively accents each beat in precisely the same way. With Kenny leading the way on guitar, this band never has trouble finding the groove.

Amanda met Kenny at a Lonesome River Band concert, and the couple began dating and playing music together almost immediately. “I wouldn’t say it was love at first sight, but there was definitely something there,” she says. Their shared Christian faith, love for bluegrass and desire to perform together led them to record a debut CD, Slowly But Surely, in 2001. Recruiting several of their favorite players for the session, the album surged up the bluegrass charts on the strength of their hit song, “Amy Brown.”

Want to know more?  Check out the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band web site.
 

Northern Departure

The Northern Departure band is comprised of four talented musicians that bring energy, style, and fun to their performances.  Whether you are new to Bluegrass or have been around it for years, you will find this group to be one that brings you joy and amazement.  Even though this is a new band, they have already graced many well known bluegrass festivals on the West Coast.  We are so glad to have them here at the Pepsi Wyoming BBQ Championship and Bluegrass Festival!

On Banjo, we have Austin McGregor.  You will enjoy his 'fretful fury' keeping you on the edge of your seat.  He is also a gifted bass vocalist.

Playing the Upright Bass, we have Derek Gray.  He drives home the tunes with a definitive bass groove and is quickly becoming known in the Northwest as a premier bassist.

Nick Dumas plays mandolin, fiddle, and serves as lead vocalist.  If you hear someone jamming in the wee hours, it is probably Nick.

Chris Luquette is the lead guitar player and also plays mandolin.  He is well known in the Seattle music scene.  He is gifted and equally talented with many different genres and instruments including drums, bass, electric guitar, banjo, and Greek Bouzouki (had to look that one up.  It is a stringed instrument from the lute family. :).

Check out the Northern Departure web site for pics, FB connection, music samples - and more!

Mountain Holler Bluegrass Band

Mountain Holler was formed when Karen Smart, owner of Sweet Fanny Adams' Rest. & Irish Pub in Bailey, CO called Jay & Greg to see if they could perform that same night due to a band cancelling on her. Warren and Tom joined them that night and the rest is history! There was such a blend of talents, voices and spirits that the crowd that night was asking when they would be back. One customer even asked the question, "... how long have you guys been playing together?" And we answered, "about an hour"! Mike Lord joined the group on Dobro a few weeks later. The most recent addition, Emily Wilson on mandolin, rounds out the group. Connect with them at the Mountain Holler Web Page.  Members of the band include: Jay Genender - fiddle & vocals; Greg Blake - guitar & vocals; Michael Lord - Dobro & vocals; Emily Wilson - mandolin; and Tom Carr - bass.

Sound Provided by Old Blue Sound.

Old Blue Sound is known for their professionalism, attention to detail and artistic talent.  Not only are they good at what they do, but they have fun at it, they work to set everyone at ease both on and off stage.  Look forward to a great experience!  For further information,  check out their website: www.oldbluesound.com .
 

Bring your instrument - and get ready to join the band!  An impromptu gathering of artists are invited to take the stage - and make music - during the jam session in the morning.  Last year, the music was surprisingly good!  Please consider taking part in this open microphone / open stage event - and sharing the fun and excitement.  You'll be glad you did!

***** No Animals Of Any Kind Allowed on Festival Grounds! *****