Area musicians are invited to bring their instruments to the all-ages bluegrass festival, Pickin’ at the Crossroads, Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25, at the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds.
The fourth annual Valley Bluegrass Festival features workshops, jam sessions, camping and music by bands from around the region along with headliner Nu-Blu. Based in Siler City, N.C., the group features husband and wife team, Daniel and Carolyn Roth, with Carolyn on bass and vocals and Daniel as guitarist and singer. Other members are Levi Austin on vocals and banjo and Milom Williams II on mandolin. The group was named Country Band of the Year at the 2010 Carolina Music Awards. It’s song
“That’s What Makes the Bluegrass Blue” topped the most-played tracks on Sirius-XM’s Bluegrass Junction in 2015.
Workshops are open to all ages and levels of experience. From 3 to 4 p.m. Friday is a free music workshop for children. From 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday is an instrument workshop led by members of Nu-Blu.
Music starts at 6 p.m. Friday with a new band every hour. The lineup is Wanigan, Panhandle Polecats, Higher Ground and Nu-Blu.
Saturday music starts with an open mic from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Bands start at 2 p.m. with Elliot Marks and Cycle, followed by Beargrass, Higher Ground, Panhandle Polecats, Wanigan and Nu-Blu. Food will be available onsite from Lunch Box Deli. The red camping gate ticket booth opens at 8 a.m. Friday. The blue main gate ticket booth opens at 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday. Admission is free for kids ages 15 and younger. Show tickets are $15. Camping tickets are $15-$20.
Last year’s festival drew 300 to 400 people, said organizer Jack Uhde.
