With 40 performances by 20 bands over two days, the 10th annual Frankfort Bluegrass Festival makes a triumphant return to the Briedert Green and Prairie Park stages in historic downtown Frankfort on Friday and Saturday, July 9-10, after a two-year pause.
John McEuen of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Robbie Fulks, Special Consensus, Fireside Collective, Becky Buller Band and more are among the bands that will play from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
When the artists last left the stage, the Frankfort Bluegrass Festival was the reigning “Event of the Year” award winners as named by the International Bluegrass Musical Association.
“There is so much pent-up energy on both sides: the artists who can’t wait to play again and our great audience members who travel from several states,” said Steve Haberichter, a founding member of the all-volunteer committee. “Our sponsors and supporters came through again to allow us to stage a free bluegrass fest.”
Organizers were pleased to announce the return of year’s festival and that it is “still free through the support from sponsors and grassroots fundraising.”
The challenges of dealing with a pandemic, musicians and volunteers ultimately led to the cancellation of the last two July festivals for everyone’s safekeeping and health, said the organizers.
“Our supporters stayed with us and allow us to keep our pledge to bring free, top-quality, award-winning bluegrass acts back this summer to showcase this truly American music,” said Amanda Thompson, a fest coordinator.
“International recognition raised expectations just before a pandemic altered all our lives,” said Haberichter, also a participating musician.
“We are reared back and ready to surge forward. The level of musicianship we recruit will never waver, and our audiences know that. Our spring fundraiser was the most vital that we’ve hosted because of the pandemic.”
“This continues to be a free festival and the village of Frankfort is proud to support it and welcome it back after a two-year hiatus,” said Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle.
“I am impressed by the musicianship and accessibility of the performers to the festival attendees. There are jam sessions organized around the fest where people of all abilities can participate and learn from some of the best.”
Long-time sponsors Blue Island Beer Company dedicated its new Twin Fiddles Strawberry/Rhubarb Wheat Ale to the return of the fest, and it will donate all proceeds.
