No Green Grass, But Plenty of Bluegrass

Cooler temperatures have arrived and that means it’s time for the annual Bluegrass & Chili Festival, September 8-10.

Award-winning bluegrass super group IIIrd Tyme Out returns to this year’s festival on Friday.

The 32nd annual Bluegrass & Chili Festival is set for September 8, 9 and 10 on the grounds of the Claremore Expo Center. ‘The weekend festivities will include three stages of free ­“pepper hot” concerts by national and regional artists. Headliners scheduled to appear include a host of award winners and 2011 International Bluegrass Music Association nominees.     
    The Thursday night line-up includes young contemporary artist The Josh Williams Band, traditional favorites Lost & Found, and Rockin’ Acoustic Circus. Friday’s line-up includes the award-winning IIIrd Tyme Out, Rockin’ Acoustic Circus, and bluegrass super group and
Mando-man New Grasser Sam Bush. The Sam Bush concert is with the assistance of the Oklahoma Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts. Saturday headliners include Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, festival favorites Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Chapman’s, and rounding out the line-up, the explosive Mountain Heart.
    Top regional acts on three stages performing a variety of music including country, gospel, bluegrass and classic rock to date include: Heartland Xpress,
Sixx Gunn Hill, The Vikings, Common Tyme, Pat Quick & The Travelers, Charis Music Studio, Glorifi, Lifeway, Foyil Music Studio and many more.
    A complete line-up will be posted and updated as artists are confirmed on www.claremore.org.  
    In addition to the free concerts, other musical entertainment highlights include:
    The “Junior Showcase” is designed to give talented youth 21 and under stage exposure and experience in a non-competitive showcase. Youth receive a sponsor bag and by drawing one will win a guitar courtesy of Mike Davis & Sound.
    “The Best Country in the City Vocalist Competition” finalists will feature the area’s best
talent as they compete for a $500 cash prize. Dancers will “kick up their heels” during the festivities. Country dancers and cloggers will offer dance exhibitions and audience participation.
    The Bluegrass & Chili Festival will sizzle with many ­other family activities. The Festival Market inside the Expo will include a wide variety of crafts, services and business showcase. Little buckaroos can find free activities at the Kiddie Korral. The Open Car Show will give festival attendees an ­opportunity to see classic and current beauties, and you don’t want to miss the Antique Tractor Pull. All these family activities will add spice to the weekend of family fun!
    Don’t miss the Mid-America Regional Chili Cook-off and Salsa Competition.
The International Chili Society Division winning cook will ­represent the festival in the World Cook-off that boasts a $25,000 first prize. A non-profit division is open to non-profits, schools and churches, and the winner will receive $1,000 first prize. Open and corporate division teams will compete for awards and of course bragging rights! All teams will vie for booth decorations, showmanship and ham-manship honors. Festival attendees can also sample the award-winning chili with an official taster kit.
    The festival opens at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Music beings at 6 p.m. Saturday ­festivities are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m with music all day long. For festival information and applications, contact: Bluegrass & Chili Festival, Claremore Chamber at 419 W. Will Rogers, Claremore, OK 74017.  
    For hotel information, ­festival updates and a complete list of festival partners, visit www.claremore.org or www.visitclaremore.org, or call (918) 341-2818 or (918) 341-8688.
    Parking is $5 per car load on Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday $10 per car load.    
         The Festival Sponsors include: City of Claremore, RCB Bank, KOTV The News on 6, Big Country 99.5, LaFarge North America, Cherokee Casino at Will Rogers Downs, and The Claremore Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, contact

Bluegrass & Chili Festival

(918) 341-2818 or (918) 341-8688

Sam Bush will perform at the festival on Friday, with the assistance of the Oklahoma Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts.