Eureka Springs Bluegrass Festival Aug. 15-17

UPDATE: Changes announced in Eureka Springs Bluegrass Festival Line Up

The Eureka Springs Bluegrass Festival has announced a change in the headline act for the Auditorium show on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013.   Due to serious health issues, Jesse McReynolds will be unable to perform.  But the show must go on and another Bluegrass legend, Bobby Osborne, will be filling McReynolds’ place for the festival.  Osborne and his band, the Rocky Top X-press, will now be performing as part of the 2 ½ hour show.

Buy your tickets, make your hotel reservations, the annual Eureka Springs Bluegrass Festival is almost here. The three-day festival, set for Aug. 15-17, will be jam-packed with lively and talented musicians.

The Saturday night headliner at The Auditorium will be bluegrass legend Jesse McReynolds. He is one-half of the famed Jim & Jesse bluegrass duo, and is known as “Mr. Mandolin,” and the “Ironman of Bluegrass.” This multi-instrumental wizard has influenced generations of bluegrass musicians with his “McReynolds style” of mandolin playing, consisting of “cross-picking” and “split-string” techniques.

The festival kicks off at 7 p.m., Thursday with a Watermelon Social in Basing Spring Park. This event is an open jam and everyone is invited to bring their instruments and join in.  Free watermelon and water will be provided.

Musicians play at venues throughout town on Thursday through Saturday and then have jam sessions each night at the Guest House International Swiss Holiday Resort at 2015 East Van Buren.   Musicians will be scattered around the swimming pool, picnic area and chalet.

Free music starts at noon on Friday in Basin Spring Park.    Acts will include:  The Clark Family Trio featuring Bill Nesbitt, The Dragon Masters, Gary Allbritton & Friends, Eureka Springs Bluegrass Band, Mountain View Friends, and a return of the Clark Family Trio to wrap up the afternoon.

On Saturday the free music in Basin Spring Park kicks off with the Buffalo City Ramblers at noon, followed by Ozark Alliance, Buddy Griffin & Friends, The Clark Family, Pam Setser and Mountain View Friends, The Dragon Masters and the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band.

Numerous performers will take the stage at The Auditorium, 36 S. Main St., on Saturday evening at 7. Acts will include many of the musicians who are appearing in the park.  Plus Tim Crouch, Arkansas Red, Ron Landers, Donny Catron, and Spoon Man along with McReynolds.

Ticket price for the show is $15 and will be available at www.theauditorium.org or at the door. For more info call 479-253-7333.