NWSS: YMSB, Del, Barnes

NORTHWEST STRING SUMMIT CONFIRMED FOR JULY 17-18-19, 2009
FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND WITH SPECIAL GUEST DANNY BARNES
ALSO THE DEL MCCOURY BAND, VASEN (FROM SWEDEN) WITH DAROL ANGER AND MIKE MARSHAL

Northwest String Summit 2008 by Bill Ball

The Northwest’s premier acoustic music festival returns for its eighth year to beautiful Horning’s Hideout in North Plains, Oregon, on July 17-18-19. The family friendly event boasts three days of nearly all-acoustic music, culminating each night with main stage performances from musical hosts Yonder Mountain String Band, this year joined by special guest Danny Barnes (Danny Barnes with Bad Livers, Tim O’Brien Band). Yonder Mountain String Band has been called the fastest growing acoustic band in history.

Also on the bill for the 2009 String Summit are Del McCoury Band; Väsen – Sweden’s premier acoustic trio with guests Darol Anger (David Grisman Quintet, Psychograss) and Mike Marshall, (David Grisman Quintet, Psychograss); The Infamous Stringdusters; Abalone Dots (all female acoustic band from Sweden); Bad Livers; Greensky Bluegrass; Strings for Industry with Darol Anger, Scott Law, Tye North (Leftover Salmon), Carlton Jackson; P. Whipped with Bryn Davies, Sharon Gilchrest and Megan McCormick; Hickster with Benny “Burle” Galloway; Taarka and this year’s super jam, to be hosted by Danny Barnes, with Rob and Ronnie McCoury. Past year’s Super Jam performers have included Bill Frisell, Chris Thile, David Grisman, Vassar Clements, Nick Forster, Jerry Douglas and Tim O’Brien.

On Friday evening (July 17), String Summit presents the sixth annual Band Competition, where four competition finalists will compete for the opportunity to perform on the main stage Sunday and the following year. This year, 2008 Band Contest winner Jessica Kilroy is on the bill with backing band, and previous Band Competition winner, Head for the Hills. String Summit has also added for the first time a “local talent” slot to showcase worthy regional artists with the debut spot being filled by Taarka.

The tree-lined landscape of Horning’s Hideout is the perfect serene setting for an intimate weekend of all acoustic music. Located just 20 minutes west of Portland and nestled in a hidden canyon of the rolling hills, dense trees and peacocks, Horning’s Hideout is truly one of Oregon’s best kept secrets. All ages are welcome and children under 10 years old are free with a paying adult. Kid’s tent provides activities, arts and crafts, and a kid’s parade with giant puppets. Three-day festival passes include music, crafts, vending, and plenty of on-site camping and parking. A family/disabled camping area is available. Tickets include parking and camping. For more information and ticketing links visit the official String Summit website at www.stringsummit.com.

Yonder Mountain String Band just finished recording their 5th studio CD under producer Tom Rothrock – due for release in September 2009.

Check our 2008 coverage of NWSS here.