Plan now to attend the 19th annual Prescott Indian Art Market July 9 and 10 at Sharlot Hall Museum. The museum’s garden area will be the host to this Indian-art show featuring exquisite carvings, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, hand-woven baskets, blankets, and distinctive jewelry. Artists producing […]
The Prescott Bluegrass Festival is Approaching Fast
Celebrating its 35th year, the Prescott Bluegrass Festival is set for June 25 and 26.
What started as a fiddle contest dedicated to a local fiddler, took on the form of a traditional bluegrass festival in the mid-1980s. It remains the only free bluegrass festival of its kind in Arizona.
The headliner for the year is Bluegrass Etc. The group is internationally known and tours around the globe. Bluegrass Etc. consists of John Moore on the mandolin, guitar and vocals; Dennis Caplinger who play banjo, fiddle and does vocals; and Bill Bryson on bass and vocals. The band has its roots in bluegrass music, but has evolved over the years into a more dynamic and eclectic acoustic band.
Other performers of the festival include Burning Heart Bluegrass, known for their high-powered vocals and soaring harmonies, they take their repertoire from old and new classics.
Also playing will be James Reams and the Barnstormers, performing their contemporary take on traditional bluegrass. The Old Blue Band will also be performing bluegrass the old fashioned way. They’re focused on bluegrass founders and are dedicated to the preservation of bluegrass music.
The Ping Brothers, consisting of Frank and Doug, grew up on a farm in the hills of Kentucky where their mother taught them their first chords on a guitar. They learned to play at a young age and have performed all over the country.
A schedule of events can be found HERE.
Like so many other festivals in Prescott, this one will be held in the Courthouse Plaza. The Bluegrass Festival stage will be located on Goodwin St. along the south side of the plaza. The festival is free and food and beverages will be on sale at the show.
Bring a picnic and your dog if you like, but alcohol is not allowed. Raffle drawings will also be held for several great prizes and you don’t need to be present to win.
Opening Reception Friday May 27th 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Artist Demonstrations, Discussions and Dance
May 28 – 30
Free Admission
Indigenous artists create art as an integral part of their lives. From the time of their birth they learn of stories, ceremonies and rituals which have been passed down through generations before them. Sacred colors, symbolic imagery and materials from the earth play crucial roles in the creative process. The creation of art is an ongoing education in their cultural identity. As artists, they find a sense of belonging and an understanding of their individual role within their culture.
In the words of Lloyd “Kiva” New, Cherokee, successful clothing designer, and the first artistic director of the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa, “Art affects culture, and culture affects art.”
“Journey’s in Spirit 2016” brings together the arts of the Acoma, Apache, Choctow, Dine’, Hopi Yavapai, Zuni within the fine art gallery setting of the ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery. Artist demonstrations, discussions and dance will take place throughout Memorial Day Weekend beginning with an opening reception from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday May 27th.
Hosted by the Prescott Area Celtic Society, a wide array of musicians, Scottish and Highland dancing, pipe bands, British food and drink, handmade crafts, sheepdog demonstrations, Scottish athletic competitions, genealogy tent, massed bands and march of clans. Check out their website for more information.
This festival is held yearly on Mother’s day, held in Prescott’s courthouse square. In addition to spectacular collectors’ artwork, the Festival presents an Arizona wine garden and marketplace featuring ten of Arizona’s finest Vineyards & Wineries. Each day guests can purchase their wine tasting tickets for $12 and receive their souvenir wine glass. Find more information on their website.
