The Summerland Bluegrass Festival is planned for June 8, 9 and 10 at the rodeo grounds.
It’s the 17th year for the festival, which draws musicians and listeners who camp for the weekend.
This year’s feature band is 5 on a String. They will play starting at 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 8 and 7 p.m. Saturday, June 9.
The band was founded in September 1989.
The Vancouver-based group leans toward traditional bluegrass with some original tunes and the occasional foray into old-style country music.
Since 1989 the band has played many of the Northwest’s major bluegrass festivals such as Granville Island, Mount St. Helen’s at Toledo Wash., Chilliwack, Salmon Arm, Prince George, Coombs, Kamloops, Burns Lake, Sorrento, Shady Grove at Nanton, Alta., Blueberry at Stony Plain, Alta., Canadian Rockies at Nordegg, Alta., Darrington, Wa., Wintergrass and Folklife at Seattle, The Straight Bluegrass Festival at Port Angeles, Wa., and Cottonwood Festival at Fort St. James.
The band members have also instructed at various bluegrass workshops, particularly the B.C. Bluegrass Workshop in Sorrento and the Cabin Fever Bluegrass Workshops in 108 Mile House.
Band members include Gordie Sadler, banjo, lead and tenor vocals; Garry Stevenson, guitar, lead baritone vocals; Tim Eccles, mandolin, lead and tenor vocals; Dan Mornar, upright bass, lead and tenor vocals; and Hugh Ellenwood, fiddle.
The members of 5 on a String and Tjac will conduct workshops and beginner jams.
On Saturday children’s activities will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gates open for camping Thursday, June 7, at 10 a.m.
More information is available at summerlandbluegrass.com.