Bluegrass fest charms young, old

STONE MILLS — One might expect to find regular grass at the Northern New York Agricultural Historical Society Museum in Stone Mills, but it was bluegrass that drew crowds there Saturday.

Sponsored by the Thousand Islands Bluegrass Preservation Society, the 19th annual Bluegrass Festival brought together nine bands, some familiar and others fresh, on the second of its three days.

"The purpose of our society is to promote and preserve bluegrass music in the area," said Richard A. Bartlett, president of the Thousand Islands Bluegrass Preservation Society. "There are new groups coming all the time."

Mr. Bartlett said although most of the audience consists of people who have returned from previous years, he was sure new crowd members would appreciate the music just as much.

"If anybody hasn't been here and they come, they'll be hooked," he said.

The festival, which originated in Clayton but has been held at the Stone Mills museum for the past 12 years, also attracts many campers in recreational vehicles. Mr. Bartlett estimated the weekendlong event would draw about 600 people and 180 campers.

The society president also said money raised from the festival's admission fee — $15 today; children enter for free — will benefit the Thousand Islands Bluegrass Preservation Society's scholarship fund. This year, the society donated $2,500 to graduating high school seniors whose parents or grandparents are members of the society. Extra money for the event will be donated to the Agricultural Museum.

"It's fun music and a good time and the price is right," Mr. Bartlett said. "This is absolutely the best weekend of entertainment for your money that you will find anywhere."

Although most of the audience was sexagenarians and septuagenarians, there were younger folks enjoying the tunes as well.

"I like it. I like the music," said Katie R. Prest, 7-year-old daughter of Lisa and Darren Prest, Kingston, Ontario. "It's fun, crazy."

Mrs. Prest, who plays the mandolin and the guitar, said she has been interested in bluegrass music since she was her daughter's age. Katie, who is a fiddler and singer, accompanies her parents to many bluegrass festivals.

"This is good. We've enjoyed it here," Mrs. Prest said.

Eight-year-old Cassidy R. Arquiette also enjoyed the bluegrass music.

"I'm having fun," said the son of Christopher and Jean Arquiette, Alexandria Bay. He said the guitar was his favorite part of the performances.

According to Thomas M. Thorpe, the manager of bluegrass band Dyer Switch, one of the group's goals is to attract younger crowds.

"We're trying to reach out to a younger audience and bring them into the bluegrass tradition," the Voorheesville resident said. "We're bringing in some nontraditional stuff."

Regardless of its age, the crowd was appreciated by the band.

"This is just a real pleasant environment," Mr. Thorpe said. "Every festival has a different feel. This one has a unique, home community kind of feel."

Nick D. Viscio, Dyer Switch's fiddle player, said, "It's very nice. The crowd is very warm and open. We're having a good time."

One member of the audience, Raymond R. MacMillan, Foxboro, Ontario, was there not only as an avid fan but also as a professional washboard player. Mr. MacMillan, who performs at Bonnie Castle every summer, said the festival is educational and enjoyable.

"I learn a lot," he said. "They play a little differently over here. They're more experienced and they have better instruments."

Mr. MacMillan and his wife, Doris said they planned to camp at the site.

"It's nice to get away on a little holiday," he said. "They're awful friendly over here and we're having a good time."

Today's performance will include music by Remington Ryde, Abrams/Burtch, Spare Change, Roe Family, Lost Time, Reed and Linda Crowner, Acoustic Blue, Food Stamp Ramblers and Dyer Switch. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include a guitar raffle, workshops, crafts, vendors and food.