The twang of banjos and mandolins will fill the mountain air in Darrington this weekend.
It’s the 35th Darrington Bluegrass Festival, a three-day event that draws acts (and fans) from around the country.
Founder and co-promoter Ernest
ines Jones is most excited about The Country Current, a bluegrass ensemble made up of sailors in the U.S. Navy.
“They are outstanding,” Jones said.
She joked that the seven-person ensemble is on active duty.
“If they’re called, they have to leave,” Jones said.
The Grascals and the Larry Stephenson Band are other featured acts this year.
Darrington has become a hotbed for summer bluegrass over the years.
The tradition started in Jones’ home when her husband, Grover, now 82, decided he wanted to learn to play guitar.
He invited a cousin to teach him, but the cousin got bored so a neighbor was called.
“They just got to playing,” Jones, 79, said.
When the crowd at her home topped 50, they decided to relocate.
First the group of musicians went to the high school, then the rodeo grounds.
Several years ago, the festival purchased the 40-acre parcel where today’s festival is held.
“Over the years we’ve just grown and grown and grown,” she said.
Last year, about 8,000 people enjoyed the music. About the same number of people are expected this year.
Jones said she doesn’t rate the success by audience numbers. It’s the camaraderie.
“Everybody getting along and everybody working together,” she said.
The Darrington Bluegrass Festival begins at 6 tonight and continues through Sunday.
Tickets cost $15 on Friday and Sunday, $20 Saturday. It’s $50 for a three-day pass. Kids 12 and under are free with an adult. Camping is $25 per RV or tent.
The festival is held at the Darrington Bluegrass Music Park, on Highway 530, 3 miles west of town.
For more information, go to www.glacierview.net/bluegrass/.
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