PROVIDENCE BAY—The headliner for the 2024 annual Bluegrass in the Country festival is a US band, the first band that has made a direct trip from its US location to perform at the festival.
“David Peterson and 1946 is the first American band we’ve had directly from the US. Claire Lynch is from the US but now lives in Toronto,” said Ben Lentir, entertainment coordinator for the event.
David Peterson and 1946 are from Nashville, Tennessee and it was the band that approached Mr. Lentir and the Bluegrass organizers about performing at the music festival.
“Mr. Peterson heard about our bluegrass festival on a radio station in the US,” said Mr. Lentir. “He looked it up and actually approached me about performing here. So, we talked and came up with a deal.”
“I have to admit I was shocked when I received Mr. Peterson’s first email inquiring about Bluegrass,” stated Mr. Lentir. “It proves our festival name is getting out there. And having this band here will be a good drawing card and publicity for our event now and in the future.”
“I’m thrilled and excited that as the event coordinator we have drawn a band like this as our headline performer,” continued Mr. Lentir.
“Drum roll please. Our 2024 headliner for Bluegrass in the Country is David Peterson and 1946,” a cj25
post on the festival website states. “Every so often a new day dawns. In 1946, Bill Monroe (along with Lester Flatt and Earl Scuggs) had all the right ingredients come together for the first classic recordings for Columbia, and Bluegrass music was formed. This new music captured the imagination of a whole new generation of fans and musicians and changed forever the face of American music.”
“Over the past three-quarters of a century Bluegrass has changed and evolved, but no group of musicians has recaptured the original essence of the founding group of Mr. Monroes’ quite like this band. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, David Peterson and 1946 has drawn upon the style and content, recaptured the primal excitement and energy, and attracted the same kind of popular interest as that of the first Bluegrass group. Listen closely and you will hear strains of Bill Monroe, Chubby Wise, Cedric Rainwater, Lester Flatt and Earl Scuggs. You’ll also hear traces of other early Bluegrass and seminal country music pioneers interspersed among the varied tunes that 1946 plays. Driving instrumentals, solemn gospel quartets, heartfelt trios and old-style duets. ‘Tears in your eyes’ vocal solos, blazing original tunes, and a ‘treat for your eyes’ stage appearance are what David Peterson and 1946 are all about.”
“Mr. Peterson and 1946 will be coming up early, Friday evening (June 7) and will perform Saturday (June 8),” said Mr. Lentir.
Bluegrass in the Country 2024 will take place June 7-9 and Mr. Lentir pointed out the lineup is complete.
On Friday, June 7 the entertainers will include 2nd Line Bluegrass, Ben Lentir, Simply Blue and Granite Hill. On Saturday the lineup will include Avery Drive, Simply Blu, Granite Hill, 2nd Line Bluegrass, Canucky Bluegrass Boys, the Barrel Boys, and David Peterson and 1946. On Sunday morning three bands will perform, including Ben Lentir, Robbie Shawana and The Barrel Boys.
While it takes a lot of hours on the computer and working to get each Bluegrass festival in place, “it is well worth it as it benefits Manitoulin Special Olympics (MSO),” stated Mr. Lentir. “MSO are special people. It does take a lot of work and without our volunteers it wouldn’t be the success it is today. And our business sponsorship is what makes the event take place. Without our sponsors and volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to make this event a reality every year.”
“It’s amazing how people come together on Manitoulin Island for a cause and an event,” said Mr. Lentir. “All the hard work we all put in is very satisfying in the end. Country and blues music is a passion of mine and being involved in this event every year is fun.”
Bluegrass in the Country has a new website this year and tickets for the festival are now available, said Mr. Lentir.
