PROVIDENCE BAY—There were concerns about the fate of Bluegrass in the Country, the popular Manitoulin Special Olympics (MSO) fundraising music festival, when its founder and main driving force Brother John Featherstone announced he would be moving out west last year, but Brother John was not one of those worrying—he expressed at the time confidence that volunteers would step up to continue the legacy. He was right.
As the only actual fundraising event for MSO, Bluegrass in the Country plays an important role in ensuring that Island Special Olympians can continue to compete in their various categories of sport.
Long-time volunteer with the music festival, Ben Lentir, has taken on the job with plenty of long-distance mentoring by Brother John.
Bluegrass in the Country will take place at the Providence Bay Fairgrounds June 8 to 11, with all proceeds going to MSO.
The Next Generation Leahy will be headlining this year’s festival, with groups such as Denis Lepage and Highbanks, Ben Lentir, Jim Beech, Larry Carriere and Different Picks, George Williamson and Cole Hughson, The New General Storw, Robbie Shawana, Ellie Maxwell and Avery Drive filling out the lineup.
The siblings known as The Next Generation Leahy are all accomplished multi-instrumentalists, whose live performances are “filled with the high-energy, infectious music associated with the Leahy name.
These amazing young artists not only play the music of their Celtic heritage but stretch their talents to explore many genres of music, pulling in influences from far and wide. Utilizing fiddle, cello, French accordion, vocals, piano and French-Canadian step-dancing, they bring their unique style of music to life.
“We are very excited to be able to continue to bring bluegrass to Manitoulin,” said Mr. Lentir. “There are a lot of people who are giving generously of their time and talents to help make this happen.”
Camping is available for the weekend, $60 with hydro and $40 for rough camping. Camping is available for weekend pass holders only.
It pays to get your tickets early, as adult weekend passes are $55 in advance ($60 at the door), advance youth weekend tickets are $40. Friday night adult tickets are $40 and all-day Saturday tickets are $50. After 5 pm on Saturday, adult tickets are $40—add $5 on each of those process if paying at the door. Sunday, as is the tradition, is free.
One of the popular Bluegrass in the Country extras is the annual Bluegrass Dinner Cruise. The cruise will take place on Thursday, June 8, departing at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $85 per person and can be obtained by calling North Channel Cruise Lines at 1-800-268-8222.
Tickets for Bluegrass in the Country can be purchased at The Expositor office in Little Current or online at bluegrassinthecountry.net.
