Whacky World - Time for Sanity and Fun at Temecula Bluegrass Festival

Join me this weekend for the  Old Town Temecula Bluegrass Festival this weekend, if only for an hour to watch this one band that is the embodiment of Bluegrass.  The Hunt Family Bluegrass. The two sons, Andrew 18 on mandolin and Jonathan, 15 on banjo are the stars of the show with mom Leanne hauling around the big bass fiddle and dad Terry,  who manages the flight program at Oklahoma State University, the leader on guitar. By the way, Terry has his doctorate in Aviation and Space Education. 

What makes them special is not just their musicianship, but the fact that music is a family tradition, one that includes driving around the country to play at festivals.  They hail from Orlando, Oklahoma. 

Another headliner, Byron Berline is coming from Guthrie Oklahoma.Bluegrass is often thought of a "hayseed" event of aging baby boomers in matching clothes,  twanging and a whining about a dog. But what you will hear is uplifting, spiritual music played by musicians from 8 years old to 80.  Anywhere in town you will also hear songs you are very familiar with, "I'll fly Away," "Amazing Grace," and "Rock of Ages." 

There are plenty of originals, and yes a few about the dog and grand ma, but most are uplifting and happy tunes. The Hunt Family Bluegrass Band plays at 3 p.m. in the theater and 6 p.m. at Town Square on Saturday,  and Sunday, 1 p.m. at Town Square and 4 p.m. in the theater. The concerts are free thanks to the City of Temecula.

If you can't make either of those, Bruce Beers has brought a treat to the Old Town Temecula Community Theater with The Grascals, one of the country's top Bluegrass Bands with Billboard's # 1 song for several weeks, and #1 album last week. They are also on the country charts so you are getting a chance to hear a band that most likely will end up a top country act. 

This group  is young and energetic and have won the International Bluegrass Music Association's Emerging Artist and Entertainer of the Year awards. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. While there are still good seats available, I don't expect them to be there by Friday.

For a complete schedule of free and paid concerts www.temeculacalifornia.com. For tickets to the Friday or Saturday night concert www.temeculatheater.org.