MKAF Bluegrass at the Beach Sept. 12

[Audrey J]

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents Bluegrass at the Beach, a full-day Bluegrass music concert, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. Award-winning and chart-topping band Blue Highway will headline. Tickets for Bluegrass at the Beach are now available for purchase at www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org.


This family-friendly celebration of music and culture will feature seven award-winning bluegrass bands, youth crafts and music in the Kid’s Art Village with an interactive Pickin’ & Paintin’ area, and a diverse array of food and beverage offerings.


Bluegrass at the Beach will feature nationally-acclaimed artists as well as regional and local bands. The line-up includes headliner, Blue Highway, along with The Hillbenders, Run Boy Run, Willie Sugarcapps, Moore Brothers Band, Dread Clampitt and Dismal Creek. In addition, rising star, Danielle Yother, a 16 year-old singer, songwriter and musician who was recently featured in Flatpicking Guitar magazine will be making a special appearance. Young bluegrass fans can visit “Pickin & Paintin” to create and explore the artistry of music making, painting and more.


The festival will also celebrate the flavors of the Emerald Coast by featuring fare from local food trucks and some of the area’s most popular restaurants. Wine, beer, water and soda also will be available for purchase. Coolers and outside food and drink will not be permitted for this special one-day event.


Bluegrass on the Beach is a new annual signature event presented by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals. Tickets for the one-day festival are $45/MKAF members, $55/general admission. VIP tables will be sold for $750 each. They include premium seating for eight and 16 drink tickets. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org.


Doors open at 10 a.m. Parking is available on-site as well as at convenient satellite parking areas with free shuttle service.

 

[Teresa]

The inaugural Bluegrass at the Beach Festival will be held at the MKAF Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Sept. 12 from 10 am - 10 pm.

This family-friendly celebration of music and culture will feature seven award-winning bluegrass bands, youth crafts and music in the Kid’s Art Village with an interactive Pickin’ & Paintin’ area, and a diverse array of food and beverage offerings.

MAIN STAGE BAND LINEUP
10:00 a.m. Danielle Yother
11:00 a.m. Dismal Creek
12:15 p.m. Dread Clampitt
1:45 p.m. Run Boy Run
3:15 p.m. Moore Brothers Band
5:00 p.m. Willie Sugarcapps
7:00 p.m. The Hillbenders
8:05 p.m. Blue Highway

ARTY EXTRAS
In between music performances and throughout the daylong concert, attendees will be treated to Pickin’ & Paintin’ — a series of live performances, bluegrass-inspired artist demonstrations, lively storytelling sessions by professional actors and colorful folk art exhibits. Below is a list of some of the bluegrass-inspired things to do, hear and see for all ages.

Make & Do
Calling all young bluegrass pickers to create and craft away. Build your very own banjo or get into the spirit by painting a bluegrass-inspired picture.

Listen ‘N Learn
Music and art lovers can check the schedule of performances and demonstrations throughout the day:

Banjo Makin’ with John Lohr Experience the fine art and craft of fiddle making first hand with a live demonstration peppered with stories by seasoned instrument craftsman, music lover and life long learner John Lohr (Key West). 6:30 p.m.

Art & Jam by Eileen West Gallery & Franko “Washboard” Jackson
Franko “Washboard” Jackson was born in Oklahoma and took up washboard in New Orleans in 1975 at the age of 25. While there he has played with many music legends including Professor Longhair. Come browse folk art pieces available for sale courtesy of the Eileen West Gallery and check out Washboard’s as he jams in between main stage acts. Catch Franko at the Listen & Learn stage at 4:30 p.m.

Story time with Emerald Coast Theatre Company
The Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents a dramatic reading of “Meet Smoky Mountain Rose, an Appalachian Cinderella.” Gather around to see and hear this “Smoky” story. A musician/narrator — accompanied by acoustic strings narrates while two costumed improv performers act out all the parts of this fairytale story with a bluegrass twist. 2:45 p.m.

Americana Music Wall
Hands down, this is one exhibit you won’t want to miss. All ages are invited to discover the magic of the music making at this interactive display of creative and repurposed materials. Do not touch does not apply here.

FOOD
The Festival offers up a culinary arts experience, too. A collection of local restaurants and eateries will serve up samplings of savory seafood from 790 On The Gulf, tasty tacos from The Big Red Truck, award-winning barbecue from Jim N’ Nicks, small bites from Wild Olive along with tasty sweet treats by Rosey’s Kettle Corn and Mark’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice among others. Foodies can toast the arts with select domestic and imported wine and beer in the Wine Bar & Beer Garden. Gather with family and friends to enjoy your meal al fresco, while taking in the Festival scene and listening to the stellar music line up.

MEET & GREET TENTS
Be sure to stop in the various hospitality tents hosted by Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau and ResortQuest Wyndham Vacation Rental & Real Estate.


TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets purchased in advance for the daylong festival are $45/MKAF members and $55 for general admission. Tickets purchased the day the event will be $55/MKAF members and $65 general admission. Children (under 12) are free. VIP tables are $750 each. They include premium seating for eight and 16 drink tickets. Tickets are available for purchase online atwww.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org/pr/newsreleases-bluegrass.htm. Proceeds to benefit MKAF’s cultural arts and education outreach programs.

PARKING
Doors open at 10 a.m. Parking is available on-site as well as at convenient satellite parking areas with free shuttle service. Park for free at Grace Lutheran Church located adjacent to the Cultural Arts Village or at Emerald Coast Centre, located on Highway 98 near Beall’s Department Store, and ride the free continuous shuttle service right to the main entrance. The Cultural Arts Village is designed as an ADA compliant venue with available handicap parking.

BE SOCIAL
Follow the event on Facebook at Bluegrass at the Beach. Whatever their channel of choice, guests can join the conversation at #MattieKellyBluegrass.

TICKETS
General Admission $55/person
MKAF Members $45/person
Kids under 12 free
Ticket prices increase day of event
No refunds, rain or shine Cultural Arts Village directions & parking

Limited availability for VIP Tables include admission, reserved seating for eight and 16 drink tickets. Call MKAF 850.650.2226 to purchase.

Read more at SoWal.com home page feature story.