Jakob Breitbach (left) and Jes Raymond (center) of The Blackberry Bushes sing "Hickory is Dependable" while Julian Stocking plays the bass fiddle. The Blackberry Bushes performed at the Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival, Aug. 9-10, 2014. This was the group's first appearance at the festival.
The sounds of fiddles, mandolins, guitars and other instruments will fill the air at Waterfront Park as 14th annual the Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival returns to Medical Lake, Aug. 7-9.
Headlining this year's festival are a couple of reunion acts, one being Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick, who were the founding members of the Northern California Band "Good 'Ol Person."
Kevin Brown, festival music director, said this year's event will focus on some of the women in bluegrass. Brown said Kallick and Lewis will reunite for performances on Friday and Saturday and perform songs in the styles of legendary bluegrass duo Vern Williams and Ray Park.
"Both Kathy and Laurie are two of the most prominent singers in the Western United States," Brown said.
Lewis said she's excited to perform in this year's festival and is currently enjoying "wallowing" in the music of her heroes, Williams and Park, in preparation.
"It's going to be a little out of the ordinary for us, but it's also fun," Lewis said.
Another reunion on tap is the trio of Todd Phillips, David Greir and Matt Flinner. All three artists are considered to be the top acoustic musicians in bluegrass. The trio produced two albums in 1999 and 2001, and toured together during that time. They will perform on Saturday and Sunday.
"These three are busy guys, we were lucky to have them reunite," Brown said. "If someone who doesn't know bluegrass wanders into the festival and hears them, they'll be blown away."
In an email, Phillips wrote that Brown asked if they would get the band together for the festival.
"We are looking forward to playing cuts from our two CDs and a few other things from each of our solo projects," Phillips wrote.
This year's festival also features several bands from the Northwest, including, Eli West and Friends, Heartbreak Pass, Colby Acuff and Justin Sherfey and Top String Bluegrass. National acts making their first appearance at Blue Waters include Colorado's Finnders and Youngberg and the Growling Old Men.
Headlining Sunday afternoon is the Hazel Dickens Tribute Band. Performers for the band include Lewis, Phillips, West and Tom Rozum.
One feature returning to this year's festival is the Blue Waters Youth Camp, which takes place Friday and Saturday. Musicians from ages 8-20 will receive basic instruction from Finnders along with Youngberg on bluegrass instruments - guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin and fiddle - as well as vocal training. They will also learn some songs and the dynamics of performing with other musicians. The youth camp culminates in a short concert on the main stage where musicians get a chance to show off their skills.
Brown added that residents will have a chance to perform during Open Mic Night on Friday and Saturday. Festival performers will also be holding workshops and giving mini performances throughout the event.
"One of the things about this year's festival is the variety of performers," Brown said. "The Instrumental and vocal abilities of these folks is top notch."
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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