August 8–11, in Richmond
The internationally acclaimed Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival returns to El Rancho Mañana Campground in -Richmond for four days of live music on five stages, dancing, workshops, and showcases from Thursday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 11. This event, formerly known as Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, is a five-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Event of the Year Nominee. IBMA Hall of Fame inductee Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder will headline this year’s annual festival. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at http://MinnesotaBluegrass.org.
This all-ages festival features several top national touring bands as well as the best bands from the Upper Midwest. In addition to Skaggs, this year’s entertainment roster will include: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Monroe Crossing, Clay Hess Band, Molsky’s Mountain Drifters, Fireside Collective, Steam Machine, Barley Jacks, Barbaro, Platte Valley Boys, Cousin Dad, Tony Rook Band, Mash Tun, Honky Tonk Jump, Corpse Reviver, Silver River Band, Good Intentions, Sarah Mae & Birkeland Boys, Switched at Birth, and Georgia Rae Family Band.
In addition to professional bands, many of the more than 4,000 attendees will bring their own instruments and join in the many impromptu jam sessions that go on day and night.
Known for its beautiful outdoor main stage and shaded seating area, the Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival will feature 35 hours of concerts on five stages, nightly dances, instrument showcases, more than 20 workshops, and plenty of campground jam sessions. Food, beverage and merchandise will also be available.
Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival takes pride in creating a welcome, enjoyable and safe environment for the whole family. Kids can partake in a variety of youth activities. Plus admission for -children 12 and younger is free with an adult admission.
Advanced adult admission for the four-day festival is $95 for -Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) members and $105 for -non-members. Tickets will be $120 at the gate. Tickets for teens (13-19) are $10 for any day or $20 for the weekend.
On-site non-utility camping is included with a four-day pass. Utility camping options are also available. El Rancho Mañana Campground & Riding Stables is located in Stearns County about 20 minutes west of St Cloud.
It is Minnesota’s largest campground featuring a -naturally-shaded concert seating area and a beautiful main stage designed specifically for MBOTMA. The campground itself covers approximately 1,208 acres. It has been owned and operated by the Ward family since 1963.
With a current membership of about 1,000, Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) marks its 44th anniversary in 2019. Its mission is to preserve and promote bluegrass and old-time string band music in and around Minnesota. Its monthly publication –Minnesota Bluegrass has been voted “Best Newsletter” by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) twice. The International Bluegrass Music Association nominated the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival “Event of the Year” in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2014, and 2015.
For tickets and information, visit http://MinnesotaBluegrass.org or call (651) 456-8919.
Schedule: http://www.minnesotabluegrass.org/Main-Stage-Schedule