Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival - Preston, CT - Preview

The Strawberry Park Amphitheater

 

Two weeks from today the Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival kicks off with one of its best lineups ever, running from June 2 - June 5.  This is quite a feat for a festival many had given up on only a few months ago because of the bankruptcy proceedings facing the ownership of Strawberry Park Resort Campground.  Apparently, the signature events of this fine campground serve to make it more attractive for potential investors and the festival has been given the go-ahead. The Lineup includes old Strawberry Park favorites and some people either new to the venue or returning after several years absence.  There is a liberal salting of IBMA award winners in multiple categories. Dailey & Vincent, Claire Lynch, Kristin Scott Benson, Larry Stephenson, The Gibson Brothers, Adam Steffey, Ron Stewart, Russell Moore, IIIrd Tyme Out, and The Grascals have all been recognized by their peers. Several of these bands are either new to the festival or returning after some years absence.

Strawberry Park, located in Preston, CT is a full service campground where this bluegrass festival has been a feature for over thirty years.  The natural amphitheater is well shaded and presents fine natural sight lines. Cobra Sound has provided excellent sound for the past several years. The company knows bluegrass music and what it should sound like.  Emcee duties will be shared by Kym Cyr, Jim Beaver, Glen Huffner, and Lisa Husted at the main stage.  You can order tickets on line here or by calling the park for tickets or camping reservations at 1-888-794-7944.

Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa

Emory Lester

The Boxcars

Adam Steffey

Strawberry Park Main Stage Schedule
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
6:00PM Katie Wilson & The Two Time String Band
7:15PM Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
8:45PM The Boxcars

IIIrd Tyme Out

Russell Moore

Amy Gallatin

Dailey & Vincent

Darin Vincent

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2011
12:00PM Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
1:00PM Della Mae
2:00PM The Boxcars
3:00PM IIIrd Tyme Out
4:00PM Amy Gallatin
5:00PM Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
6:00PM The Boxcars
7:00PM Della Mae
8:00PM Dailey & Vincent
9:30PM IIIrd Tyme Out

 Claire Lynch

The Greencards

Carol Young

Kym Warner

The Grascals

Kristin Scott Benson

The Gibson Brothers
Eric & Leigh

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2011
Amphitheatre Main Stage
12:00PM Claire Lynch
1:00PM The Greencards
2:00PM Dry Branch Fire Squad
3:00PM Grascals Amp
4:00PM Gibson Brothers
5:00PM Claire Lynch
6:00PM Dry Branch Fire Squad
7:00PM Gibson Brothers
8:15PM The Greencards
9:30PM Grascals

 THE FOLK STAGE on Saturday hosted by Jim Christensen
11:30 -The Kennedys
 1:00 - Tripping Lily
 2:30 - Dave Mallett
 4:00 - Sally Rogers & Howie Bursen
 5:30 - Darin & Brooke Aldridge in a Special Folk Stage Set
 7:00 - Vance Gilbert
 8:30 - The Haymakers (Rani Arbo & Mark Erilli

Dry Branch Fire Squad

Ron Thomason

The Larry Stephenson Band

Larry Stephenson

Darin & Brooke Aldridge

Darin

Brooke

 
Hot Mustard

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011
Our Sunday morning Gospel Hour will be hosted by the Dry Branch Fire Squad
10:00AM Dry Branch Fire Squad
11:15AM Larry Stephenson
12:15PM Darin & Brooke Aldridge
1:15PM Amy Gallatin
2:15PM Hot Mustard
3:15PM Larry Stephenson

As at any good festival, however, Strawberry Park isn't just about the main stage.  The Park is well-known as a strong jamming event, with a whole baseball field devoted to jams large and small on a plateau above the main campground.  Sadly, Kids Academy will not be held this year, because the Festival was unable to secure a sponsor for the event.  Everyone hopes this popular feature can be re-started next year.  The Folk Stage was held in the large meeting room over the snack bar last year.  There's a workshop tent on the ball field near where the jammers congregate.

The Workshop Stage

The Folk Stage

But suppose you or members of your family tire of music during the weekend.  Well...you can eat at the snack bar, swim in one of three pools, bounce on the bouncer, play bingo, shop or eat wholesome food at the vendors, or just take a walk in the woods.

The Pools

The Bouncer

Bingo

Crepes

Meanwhile, people in the campground party into the night and jam all night in areas where there are no quiet hours.  In other words, Strawberry Park is one of the most comprehensive sites for a bluegrass festival there is.  So come on out.  We'll be getting there on Tuesday and look forward to seeing you during the weekend.  Please make sure to say "Hi" to us.

How to Get to Strawberry Park

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