Watermelon Park – September 24-26, 2009 РBerryville, VA

Tradition runs deep at Watermelon Park Fest, as just about any current Bluegrass or Country artists could tell you. She was, according to most, the first multi-day bluegrass festival in history, happening first sometime in the early 1960’s. Since then she has been host to a staggering lineup of now legendary performers including The Carter Family, Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Flat & Scruggs, Patsy Cline, and The Stanley Brothers, to name but a few.

So the folks who come to Watermelon Park Fest are expecting to see some great traditional music; and this they shall. This year’s artists were all selected for their dedication and respect to this craft. But they were also selected because they don’t just mimic heirloom sounds from the past, but rather because they take its inspiration, and contribute something brand new to the whole. And this not only honors traditional music, it sustains its continuance in our culture.

This year’s Watermelon Park Fest lineup includes the bluegrass and old-time of The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Tim O’Brien, Bruce Molsky, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, Randy Waller & The Country Gentlemen, Furnace Mountain Band, Danny Knicely’s Bluegrass and Beyond, The Whiskey Rebellion, Walker’s Run, The Fox Hunt, The Speakeasy Boys, Chesham Creek, and the Acoustic Burgoo; the gypsy swing and folk jazz of The Woodshedders, and Taarka; the Cajun sounds of Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole; and the side stage always brings some great surprises.

New this year is the Watermelon Park Fest Band Contest, where bands will compete for a prime-time performance slot this year, paid slots for next year’s fest, and more. Additional entertainment includes The Fairbuilt Guitar Pickin’ Contest, open jams, Cajun, old-time, and freestyle dances, workshops, kid’s activities, environmental displays and films, food and craft vendors, plus tons of outdoor activities including swimming, fishing, canoeing, tubing, hiking, biking, and more.

Once again, Watermelon Park Fest will be powered entirely by Wind. They won’t have wind turbines onsite, but have purchased Renewable Energy Certificates from a company called Clean Currents, the same company that powers My Organic Market. It will also feature locally provided and organic food, recycling, free filtered water, and biodegradable cups and dishes made of corn.

Earlybird Tickets are available through August 31st at $50 for the Weekend (Thurs-Sun). On September 1st ticket prices become $70 for the Weekend (Thurs-Sun). Per day tickets are $40 each. Children 12 and under are FREE. This year’s event also offers FREE CAMPING with Admission (on ticket night only). Water and Electric Hookups available at $50 for Thursday through Sunday ‚Äì RV Reservations available online only.

Advance Tickets are available at JV Music in Berryville, VA; The Guitar Studio in Winchester, VA; Melodee Music in Leesburg, VA; and at Watermelon Park in Berryville, VA; and online at www.watermelonparkfest.com.

For more information please call 540-955-1621 or email mail@shepherdsford.com.