PROVIDENCE BAY—The June 7 to 10 Manitoulin Special Olympics fundraiser Bluegrass in the Country held at the Providence Bay Fairgrounds just keeps on getting better and better as organizer ‘Brother John’ Featherstone seems absolutely determined to keep raising the bar—this year that bar includes Saturday night headliners Lindley Creek.
“I would always have loved to have them on our lists, but there was no way we could afford them,” said Brother John, still shaking his head in wonder of it all. Brother John hosts a weekly Gospel radio program and this may well be a case of the Lord working his wonders in mysterious ways.
“One day I got a call from the agent for Lindley Creek inquiring about playing our Bluegrass event,” he said. (You know you are hitting your stride when top acts begin to call you up for bookings.) “I told her we couldn’t afford them and she asked me ‘what can you afford’?”
For those not versed in the ways of the bluegrass, Lindley Creek is an acoustic family band “showcasing beautiful, traditional bluegrass and gospel music, soulful, soaring lead vocals, soothing family harmonies, intricate instrumental breaks and original songwriting, Lindley Creek presents compelling acoustic music and a sincere family sound.” It is a band currently enjoying a popularity at the apex of the genre in the US.
It seems that Lindley Creek is looking to expand its profile further into the Canadian bluegrass music scene and they had heard great things about Bluegrass in the Country. A bit of conversation about Bluegrass in the Country and what it is all about and suddenly, Lindley Creek was starting its 10-stop Ontario tour here on Manitoulin Island.
“Their forté is Gospel music, so you know they have it in their hearts,” said Brother John. “But although they will be playing a couple of Gospel tunes, they have a very large repertoire that covers the world of bluegrass.”
Although Bluegrass in the Country officially starts on Friday, June 8 with popular headliners Sudbury’s The Canucky Bluegrass Boys, the Thursday evening dinner cruise aboard North Channel Cruise Line’s Grand Heron is proving to be a very popular draw in its own right and will also feature the two-time Entertainer of the Year Award winners.
“There are folks who are coming for just the dinner cruise, and that’s alright,” said Brother John. “Sometimes people can’t manage the whole weekend, but it is a great way to experience the beauty of the North Channel, a fun dining experience and to take in some great music.”
This will be the second edition of the Bluegrass Festival Dinner Cruise and it will likely sell out as swiftly as last year’s. Boarding starts at 6 pm and the cruise leaves the Port of Little Current around 6:45 pm. Also playing onboard are Winterline and proceeds from the event also go to help support the Manitoulin Special Olympics athletes. Tickets are $75 and last year’s sold out swiftly.
As for the festival itself, the Friday lineup includes Maple Grass, Barn Katz as well as the aforementioned Canucky Bluegrass Boys.
On Saturday, it’s Old Tradition starting things off at noon, followed by Maple Grass, Down Yonder, The Allen Family Reunion, Barn Katz, Robbie Shawana, The Becket Family, Lindley Creek and topped off with The Canucky Bluegrass Boys.
On Sunday, which is free (good will offerings cheerfully accepted) it’s The Allen Family Reunion, followed by The Becket Family and a noon performance by Lindley Creek.
Fred Hunter and the square dancers will be dancing up a storm and, as always, the festival grounds will be filled to the brim with musicians and music lovers who enjoy playing for the sheer joy of the music, creating a wonderful and welcoming atmosphere that is suitable for the entire family. Best of all, the proceeds all go to supporting a very noble cause, the Manitoulin Special Olympics.
As is the case every year, Bluegrass in the Country is a volunteer driven event, with a small but army of dedicated folks stepping up to make it a success. “We really have to thank the Providence Bay Community Centre Board,” said Brother John. “Without their support we couldn’t make this happen.:
A weekend pass for youth (11-17) is $35; children 10 and under are free and adult passes are $50 advance, $60 at the door.
