2023 Mountaingrass Festival Preview
Mountaingrass 2023
Beechworth, Victoria
10 to 12 November
By Jim Jacob
By Rob Dickens
Mountaingrass 2023 looks like being a big return to form after the pandemic years. Nestled in the historically significant and postcard pretty town of Beechworth, three hours north east of Melbourne, it promises great music, food, dancing, workshops and jamming for those who make the journey.
Presented by the Australasian Bluegrass and Old-time Music Association (ABOTMA), Mountaingrass will be spread over 10 to 12 November at the Grand Oaks Resort (formerly known as the George Kerferd Hotel), Mayday Hills in Beechworth.
The Line-up
(Australian except where noted)
The Kody Norris Show USA
Bluegrass Parkway
Foghorn Stringband USA
Erynn Marshall & Carl Jones (USA)
You, Me, Everybody (NZ)
Black Mountain String Band
The Pipi Pickers (NZ)
Quarry Hillbillies
The Cartwheels
The Sonoran Dogs (USA)
The High Street Drifters
Cat & Clint
The Colvin Brothers
Meridian
John Boothroyd
Jose and the Amigos
Dave Diprose (and Hillbilly Radio)
Rod and Judy Jones
The provisional concert program is HERE.
Workshops
There will be plenty of opportunities for attendees who are players of bluegrass, old-time and related styles to both learn and play their instruments at Mountaingrass. To that end, a wide range of instrument workshops lead by experienced and accomplished players will be provided.
Other workshops focus on getting you playing with others via jams and picks ranging from slow jams to other lead sessions for more experienced players. And, for those wanting to get comfortable with performing in public with a PA, Jose Garcia is returning with his Performance Skills workshops.
You can find the complete workshop schedule HERE.
Banjo Raffle
New Zealander luthier Johan van der Gaag is donating this fabulous ‘Mountaingrass’ banjo as the First Prize in this year’s raffle. Johan has utilised some of New Zealand’s beautiful native timbers – the fretboard is Puriri and the back, which is turned (not laminated), is made from Taraire, another native NZ timber. The pan is made from Black Maire, a very hard wood. The neck and the rim are made from Black Walnut.
Johan also makes guitars and mandolins and he will have some on display at the instrument maker’s stand this year. You can find more details of Johan’s instruments, workshops and his farmstay and hobbit house HERE.
Listening Through The Lens will be covering Mountaingrass 2023.
ADVERTISE WITH LISTENING THROUGH THE LENS
More Music Adventures Await!
2023 Mountaingrass Festival Preview
***
