The Wayne Theatre Alliance will host its second annual Bluegrass, Blue Jeans & BBQ Festival on Saturday, June 13, from 4-9 p.m. in Waynesboro’s downtown Constitution Park on Main Street.
Headlining the festival are The Hackensaw Boys, recognized by many as one of the most exciting new groups on the American music scene. This Charlottesville-based group is well known around the country and Europe for their strong performances and music style. The Hackensaw Boys first began playing their joyful blend of old-time tinged music on the streets of Charlottesville in the autumn of 1999. Far from limiting themselves to the old-time canon, the Hackensaws have been first and foremost a band of songwriters. Their music, while drawing upon the spirit of the mountains, is sophisticated and informed by the best elements of punk rock and classic country music. As one reviewer put it: Imagine the Carter Family meets the Ramones, and you begin to get the picture.
In addition to the Hackensaw Boys, three other well-known and well-liked local bands will perform – High Ground, Loose Gravel and Blue Mountain Sunrise. Washington, D.C., promoter Bob Thompson says this about High Ground: “The boys from the Shenandoah Valley tore the place up with their hard driving instrumentals, wonderful vocal harmonies and great sense of humor to boot . If you haven’t seen them perform – shame on you -get out more!”
Loose Gravel’s five local members share a mutual fondness for the more contemporary sounds of bluegrass, and a willingness to experiment with the progressive sounds of artists like David Grisman. The band appears in many local venues and can be heard at Staunton’s Farmers’ Market and Humpback Rock’s musical events.
Blue Mountain Sunrise has been performing in the Shenandoah Valley since 1979. They play traditional and gospel bluegrass and have played wedding receptions, festivals, homecomings, corporate parties, civic groups and many church programs.
Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and reminded that no coolers or pets are allowed. A variety of food and drinks will be available during the festival. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free, and 6-12 years are $8.
Tickets can be purchased with cash or check at these Waynesboro locations: Music City, Stone Soup Books and Café, Waynesboro Florist, Waynesboro Garden Center and Wright’s Hallmark; in Staunton at Fretwell Bass and Jammerz Music, and in other locations: Draft Feed and Supply in Stuarts Draft, AM Fog in Afton, Greenwood Market in Crozet and Heinz Music in Charlottesville. Credit card purchases can be made at the Wayne Theatre office or by calling 540.943.9999.
In addition to fine bluegrass music, a guitar raffle is being held the day of the event. A Blueridge Historic Series Guitar with Adirondack Top will be raffled off during the festival. Tickets for the raffle are just $5 each or five for $20. The guitar, which includes a hardshell case was provided by Fretwell Bass and is valued at $1,150.
Platinum sponsors for the event include 97.5 3WV, The Crozet Gazette, Avante in Waynesboro and John D. Eiland Distributing Company, Verona. All proceeds benefit the Wayne Theatre Alliance and their project to restore and reopen the Wayne Theatre, a 1926 vaudeville style theatre. For more information about the Bluegrass Festival, the guitar raffle or the Wayne Theatre, call 540.943.9999.
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Chris Graham
