LOWER LAKE — After nine months of planning, the transformation of the area around the Anderson Marsh Ranch House into a comfortable and pleasant place to have a great bluegrass experience is almost complete. An enormous cargo parachute is hung between the huge trees in front of the ranch house stage, creating a gigantic shady area for the audience, as well as the picnic tables. There are two stages so the music is non-stop.
The fifth annual Old Time Bluegrass Festival is being held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park. The festival is a fundraiser for local non-profits and this year funds will also be raised for local first responders.
The musical lineup is spectacular, with the opportunity to see headliners twice ? once between noon and 3 p.m. and again between 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Enjoy John Reischman”s Jay Bird Trio at 2:30 and 6:10 p.m., Bill Evans and Megan Lynch at 3:10 p.m. and 5 p.m., Pat Ikes and Bound to Ride at noon and 3:40 p.m.
Also performing are Anderson Family Bluegrass, one set at 1:20 p.m. with a workshop at noon with Paige Anderson; Fur Dixon and Steve Werner at 4:20 p.m. and Rita Hosking at 12:40 p.m. plus many local favorites including Uncorked with Darin Smith, 3 Deep, Cobb Stompers, the Konocti Fiddle Club and the Clear Lake Clikkers.
There are also areas created for musicians” workshops, children”s activities, food and craft vendors, a wine and beer garden and art displays.
Local Explorer Scouts help with parking. Community volunteers welcome visitors at the entrance, take their ticket and staff booths.
Students from Carl? High School will keep the grounds clean during the event, as well as assist with set-up and break-down. Kiwanis Club of Clearlake volunteers at the beer and wine garden. Local law enforcement and emergency rescue are ready to assist if needed.
“The regional support for producing this event has been outstanding,” Henry Bornstein, event coordinator, said. “We really appreciate the time and commitment put in by all of our volunteers that will help insure everybody has a great time.”
Advanced tickets can be purchased at Marie”s Lakeshore Feed, Bob”s Vacuum and the Clearlake Senior/Community Center in Clearlake; 2 Goomba”s Deli in Lower Lake; Earth Goods (formerly Moontide) in Middletown; Lakeview Supermarket & Deli in Lucerne; at Strings & Things, the Band Box, Watershed Books and the Lakeport Senior Center in Lakeport; Dig! Music in Ukiah; People”s Music in Sebastopol; and the Last Record Store in Santa Rosa.
Seniors 60 and older can get 20 percent off ($12 for each ticket) if purchasing advance tickets from either the Lakeport Senior Center in Lakeport, the Clearlake Senior/Community Center in Clearlake or from the Lakeview Supermarket & Deli in Lucerne.
To get advance tickets online, go to www.andersonmarsh.org and follow the bluegrass link to purchase tickets. If ordering advance tickets by mail, be sure to include a mailing address and phone number and send a check made out to AMIA to P.O. Box 672, Lower Lake, CA 95457. There is an additional $3 service charge per total order if tickets are purchased online or by mail. Tickets ordered during the last week will be held at will-call at the entrance.
More information about the Bluegrass Festival is available at www.andersonmarsh.org or call 995-2658 or e-mail bluegrass@andersonmarsh.org
Gae Henry is a member of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association.
