Bluegrass Music Festival returns to Naperville with concerts, jams

The grass in Naperville may look a little funny this weekend. Instead of spring turning the stubby sprigs green, it's probably going to look blue.

That's because the 16th annual Bluegrass Music Festival opens Friday at the Holiday Inn Select, 1801 Naper Blvd.

While the fest may or may not feature the clever bluegrass swag sold online such as "Got Banjo?" and "My Grass is Blue," it guarantees multiple concerts, impromptu pickin' sessions and a Jam Camp among the many activities.

"Bluegrass music isn't something that's written on a sheet of music, it's handed down by performer to performer," said Jan Lease, the event's producer.

As a result, much of the fun - beyond the concerts by expert bluegrass groups - is socializing with other music lovers.

Sometimes impromptu sessions can evolve into playing all night, depending on the chemistry of the players, Lease said.

Friday's events include concerts at 2 and 7 p.m. and a Jam Camp from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. presented by Keith Yoder, an acoustic music instructor who will feature various instruments.

Performers Friday include Barry Scott and Second Wind, Next Best Thing, Nothin' Fancy, Morgan Daniels Band and Illinois Rail.

Concerts take place at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, starting with an open stage and talent showcase followed by performances by Donna Ulisse and the Poor Mountain Boys, Balsam Range, Josh Williams Band and The Harmans.

Concerts begin at 10 a.m. Sunday and feature The Harmans and New Heir Bluegrass.

Other weekend activities include a guitar trade show, an open stage talent showcase Saturday morning, instrument workshops Saturday afternoon and displays by numerous vendors.

Bluegrass music is an American genre that typically features a set of stringed instruments and may include vocals.

"It's all very real, very personal songs that generally tell about the happy as well as the sad stories. It tells about a person's life and I think people can relate to that," Lease said.

In recent years, country singers such as Patty Loveless and Ricky Scaggs have recorded bluegrass albums.

Banjo player Mike Harman, who worked with Alison Krauss, perhaps one of the most famous bluegrass performers, will appear with his family as The Harmans at 7 p.m. Saturday.

"The main reason most people are there is the stage shows," said Terry Lease, who is an event producer with his wife, Jan.

Beyond that, people can visit with band members and ask questions of other players.

Novices can talk to dealers about instruments and advanced players can ask more advanced questions about chord formations and more, Lease said.

Tickets can be purchased at the door and prices vary, depending on session and additional activities. Weekend passes for general seating are $50. Individual concert session tickets are $20 or $25, depending on the particular session.

To register for the Jam Camp, e-mail yograss@yousq.net. There's an additional fee for the camp.

For a complete list of performers, ticket prices and more information about the festival, call (217) 243-3159 or visit bluegrassmidwest.com.

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>If you go </b></p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>What: </b>16th annual Bluegrass Music Festival</p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>When:</b> Performances at 2 and 7 p.m. Friday, March 26; 10:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27; and 10 a.m. Sunday, March 28</p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Where:</b> Holiday Inn Select, 1801 Naper Blvd., Naperville</p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Cost:</b> $50 all-weekend pass, general seating; $20 or $25 individual concert sessions</p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Info:</b> (217) 243-3159 or <a href="mailto:info@bluegrassmidwest.com">info@bluegrassmidwest.com</a></p>