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Hot New Venue in Miramichi
By D. P. Stewart
Wow, the weatherman says the UV Index will
reach nine today! Had there been a Bluegrass Index a few weekends ago at the Family Land Campground in Miramichi (former Loggieville - Manderson's Beach) it would have reached 10! The first Miramichi Bluegrass Festival
was a total success. Bluegrass has grown in leaps and bounds
over the past few years and New Brunswick is fast becoming an important part of the North American Festival circuit. Roots
Music captures an audience that represents a wholesome community of music lovers. Bluegrass fans love their Music and the
common bond is easy to read. If you have never attended such an event or are unfamiliar with this genre of music, you missed
an excellent demonstration.
Miramichi now has another Festival in its portfolio and this one is sure to become a major destination. I asked people what they thought of this venue and if they had a good time. Their answer was unanimous and clear — Fantastic!
Awesome!
I’ll
be back! Very Impressive! I can’t believe it’s on our river! (Local Residents) We have travelled North America for 41 years as Bluegrass performers and fans and this is a beautiful location and a wonderful festival. (Florida Residents) Your area is a rich undiscovered treasure of local talent. My ears have been blessed with a flavour of Old Time Country/Gospel/Traditional Bluegrass and River Roots music and that was only from the Jammers attending.” (Georgia Residents)
Everything
went over really well. (Venue Owner) We
are very happy with the results of our effort. (The Organising Committee) One
of the finest Festivals and locations in Canada! (Ontario Residents) This Festival is sure to be mentioned by
the visiting Bluegrass Community as they travel the rest of New Brunswick and throughout the Canadian Bluegrass Circuit. All
the effort of the organisers has paid off with positive results for their first Festival and this event will surely grow.
The organising and foresight of a few people launched a venue that provided an opportunity for some of our local talent to
be showcased. The 2004 Committee stands as follows: Art Croft & Carole Ross, Everett Stewart & Betty Stewart, Allen & Ann
MacDonald Russell & Karen Sawler, Ronnie & Bonnie Savoie. On a personal note, my thanks to the entire
Organising Committee for their wonderful friendship and welcoming me into the New Brunswick Bluegrass Family. Thanks to the
many Jammers who welcomed me into their "Circles of Song,” especially the Sunday Noon Old Time Country Gospel Jam at
the Sippley Campsite, which included mandolin, three acoustic guitars, bass fiddle and five part harmony on the Gospel!
Dirk P Stewart is a multitalented Miramichier. A singer, songwriter, musician, folklorist, entrepreneur
and more, Dirk owns and operates CountyCrier.com, a cultural website devoted to the promotion of education, art and culture of Maritime people, specifically their unique
culture, literature and blend of music. To comment on this article email regalbellman@yahoo.ca
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