As you know, I cover 175 festivals a year and many on the east coast including this festival Charm City Bluegrass which I have covered for two years now on here previous to this one. This is the sixth annual event of this particular event which is being held in the Druid Hill Park area of Baltimore Md. Here is part of their story line about the creation of this event:
Awarded the 2016 IBMA “Momentum Event of the Year,” “Best Festival” in 2015 and “Best Music Festival” in 2014 by Baltimore Magazine, the Charm City Folk and Bluegrass Festival (CCFBF) is simply the best party in Baltimore. By combining music that gets you grooving, regional craft beers and ciders, unique and familiar foods, independent vendors, and thousands of the best people you’ll ever meet, the festival, located in one of America’s oldest landscaped public parks, simply brings out the best Baltimore has to offer.
The Baltimore Magazine and IBMA award-winning Charm City Bluegrass Festival is back in Baltimore for its 6th year! Featuring the best in national and regional talent along with a day full of world-class music, food and drinks. We’re proud to welcome back many familiar vendors including Union Craft Brewing as our exclusive beer sponsor. Join us on Friday, April 27th, 2018 and Saturday, April 28, 2018 for another amazing weekend of music and festivities in Baltimore!
We’re going to have an awesome time Saturday, but we do need lay down some ground rules. The following items will not be allowed into the festival grounds: pets, fireworks, weapons of any kind, outside food or beverages, coolers, illegal drugs. You can bring in: two unopened water bottles per person, low back chairs (in sections where allowed), small snacks for kids and baby food. Re-entry is allowed for those 21 and over. Children under 10 will be admitted free, all others need tickets. The festival is rain or shine. Finally, please use common sense. If it seems like a bad idea, then don’t do it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, who’s ready for some bluegrass?
Parking Info: Here’s the lowdown on parking. There will be parking on-site provided by the city for $10 per car.
Low back chairs will be allowed, but only in sections where permitted on the festival grounds.
Children under the age of 10 will be admitted to the event with no charge. Tickets are required for all attendees over the age of 10.
The festival is a rain or shine event,so if you already convinced to attend please click HEREfor ticket options and purchases. so now let’s dwell on the whereabouts and what hotels are nearby?
Wilson House Bed & Breakfast
Ad 4.5
$115
3-star hotel
Refined lodging in a Victorian-era home
Inn at The Colonnade Baltimore – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Ad 4.1
$143
3-star hotel
Elegant option with American bistro
Free Wi-Fi
Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown
4.3
$110
3-star hotel
Chic, literary-themed rooms & a bar
DEAL 25% less than usual
Motel 6 Baltimore City MD
3.0
$62
Hotel
Unpretentious motor inn with free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Biltmore Suites
3.6
$83
2-star hotel
Quaint hotel in a Victorian home
Free Wi-Fi
Inn at The Colonnade Baltimore – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
4.1
$143
3-star hotel
Elegant option with American bistro
Free Wi-Fi
La Quinta Inn & Suites Baltimore Downtown
4.0
$97
3-star hotel
Casual hotel with a gym & free breakfast
Baltimore Plaza Hotel
2.8
$76
Hotel
Unfussy lodging offering free breakfast
Hotel Brexton
4.2
$121
3-star hotel
Upmarket hotel in a storied residence
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor
3.9
$116
3-star hotel
Upscale hotel with free breakfast
Free breakfast
Hotel Revival Baltimore
3.6
$111
3-star hotel
Upscale hotel with a restaurant/bar
Free Wi-Fi
Downtown Hotel
5.0
Hotel
The Ivy Hotel
4.7
$595
Hotel
Luxe lodging with dining & a spa
Free breakfast
Crowne Plaza Baltimore Dwntn Inner Harbor
Hotel
Radisson Hotel Baltimore Downtown-Inner Harbor
3.5
$121
3-star hotel
Upscale option with a rooftop pool
Free breakfast
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor
4.4
$144
4-star hotel
Plush lodging in a storied building
Lord Baltimore Hotel
4.2
$131
Luxury Hotel
Upscale lodging in a historic building
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Baltimore Downtown/Inner Harbor
4.0
$119
3-star hotel
All-suites hotel with free breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Delta Hotels
Hotel · E Redwood St
Brookshire Suites Inner Harbor, BW Premier Collection
3.9
$89
3-star hotel
Sleek all-suite hotel with a lobby bar
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
DEAL 23% less than usual
Baltimore hotel
Hotel · 100 Hopkins Plaza
Holiday Inn Baltimore-Inner Harbor
3.7
$89
3-star hotel
So now my dear friends here is the official Charm City Lineup for 2018. This is one hell of a lineup for this area, and I fully plan to bring the website out there one day in the future.
It’s time once again to write my article about The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2017 in the gorgeous mountains of New York State. Now folks, this is one of the more larger festivals that I cover on my website. This festival has many sponsors and workshops involved, and it is an outdoor festival that consists of six stages. As most of you already know THIS WEBSITE HERE includes pretty much every piece of needed information to attend and enjoy over 175 festivals yearly from many different genres.
Bluegrass has and always will be one of my most prominent genres I write about and this festival is truly one of the better East Coast ones. This festival has a smaller lineup of many BIG names in the Bluegrass world, and although my physical presence has been weaker on the east coast to write articles about festivals there, I have always supported them by making these and sharing the information.
I’m going to include their stages descriptions directly from their website:
Grey Fox Stages & Venues
HIGH MEADOW STAGE
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday The High Meadow Stage presents a “Who’s Who of Bluegrass” from Thursday through Sunday at Grey Fox. A gently sloping outdoor amphitheater, the High Meadow Stage runs Thursday from 1pm to midnight; Friday and Saturday from 11am to after midnight; and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Bring your own lawn chair, blanket or snubbers. Two large shade tents are also provided. Food vendors, beverages, artist merchandise and festival wear are available for sale. Lineup tba.
CATSKILL STAGE
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Possibly our most varied stage, begin your day in healthful yoga and meditation sessions, then be expertly led through invigorating square and contra dances by internationally acclaimed dance instructors, John Kirk and Trish Miller. Later the Catskill Stage presents some of your favorite main stage bands in concert, and finishes late each night with the best dance bands in the business. Bring your dancin’ shoes. You won’t want to sit still. And, oh! We kick of the festival here with an Open Mic Night for early campers and a bluegrass film on Wednesday night! Much fun!
CREEKSIDE STAGE Thursday, Friday, Saturday The Creekside Stage is an intimate tented concert venue that begins each day with our popular Grey Fox Emerging Artist Showcase, followed by unique combinations of award-winning artists, and informative workshops in conjunction with the International Bluegrass Music Association and Berklee College of Music. You’ll want to check the schedule for everything that’s happening here. Folding chairs are provided under this 300+ person tent.
GRASS ROOTS STAGE
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
This venue offers a mix of hands-on workshops, mini-concerts, and Q&A sessions with bluegrass music’s top instructors and performers. Bring your instrument (and seating) and expect to learn a thing or two that just might take your playing and singing to the next level. Or just come and enjoy! Everyone at every level is welcome.
SLOW JAM TENT Thursday, Friday, Saturday If you’re a beginning player, this is the place for you. You’ll find beginning instrumental classes, vocal workshops, and slow jams which will definitely get you started! It’s all taught by patient, knowledgable mentors who’ll lead you through the basics. The Slow Jams are sessions with bluegrass favorites slowed down so that everyone can keep up. Jump in. This is the way to learn!
FAMILY STAGE Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Grey Fox “kits” of all ages — from toddlers to teens — find a home away from home here at the Family Stage. Activities include tie dying, instrument making, nature crafts, yoga for kids, and more. Family concerts, dances, sing-alongs, storytelling, puppetry, ventriloquism, movies and more pack this venue all weekend long. And it’s here that Gary the Silent Clown (formerly with Ringling Brothers Circus) heads up the Grey Fox Clown College for 6th graders and up. All really fun. All really kid friendly.
BLUEGRASS ACADEMY FOR KIDS Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Since 1999, Grey Fox has been teaching kids to play, sing and perform traditional bluegrass music for four days during the festival. Our program, which has served as a model for academies by other festivals, serves more than 100 kids aged 8 to 17 each summer. Click for complete program info and registration.
My campsite will not be more than 20×25 feet. Allowances for RVs.
I will save NO MORE THAN TWO CAMPSITES besides my own up to noon Thursday. After that, I will welcome new folks to camp there.
Park vehicles perpendicular to the roads to conserve space.
Park all unnecessary vehicles in the Car Corral and earn raffle tickets.
Use only camp stoves or grills for cooking. Make no ground fires. Leave no fire unattended. Have fire extinguisher handy.
Use only local firewood purchased within 50 miles of Oak Hill.
No luminaries! Landing on a tent could start a fire.
Keep my campsite clean. Use trash and recycling barrels properly.
Leave no debris on the ground. This is a working farm!
Use no amplifiers. Play no loud recorded music at my campsite.
Be super quiet from 10pm to 7am if camped in Quiet Camping.
Drive only when necessary to reduce my impact on the land.
Be considerate of my fellow campers. Follow the Golden Rule.
Be patient and tolerant and even perform random acts of kindness.
If I have a legitimate concern for anyone’s health or safety, I will seek assistance from Security or Medical personnel.
OTHER STUFF TO KNOW:
No glass. Broken glass, barefoot children and hay farms just don’t mix.
No pets. Sorry, we do not allow pets at Grey Fox. Call ahead. Most kennels require up to date shots, so be sure to bring documentation and food with you.
• Al-Ann Grooming & Boarding, Catskill, NY 518-945-1087
• Bed & Chow Pet Lodge, 11289 Rt 9W, Coxsackie, NY 518-731-6859 (3 mi from Coxsackie Exit off I-87)
• Carriage House, East Durham, NY 518-634-7009 (very close to festival)
• Hannacroix Kennels, Hannacroix, NY 518-756-2391
• Mainstay Kennels, 461 Route 385, Catskill, NY 518-943-7900 (Very close to NYS Thruway exit 21)
• Oak Hill Groom and Board, Route 81, Oak Hill, NY 518-239-6051 (very close to the festival)
• Pet Express Inn at the Albany Airport 518-785-0575
• Siam Kennels, Windham, NY 518-734-3168
• Valkin Kennels, Route 9, Valatie, NY 518-758-6195 (7 miles from I-90 exit 12)
Use only locally purchased firewood!! Bringing in firewood from more than 50 miles away is strictly illegal in New York State. Moving firewood long distances can spread tree-killing pests like the emerald ash borer. Please purchase firewood in towns such as Greenville, Catskill, Cairo, Middleburgh or at The Milk Run on Rt 145 a mile from the site. To learn why using locally purchased firewood is so important, visit Don’tMoveFirewood.org
Use garbage and recycling bins as marked and please keep your campsite clean. Remember, we’re on a farm that produces hay for dairy cows to munch.
Dispose of anything that might make animals sick such as cigarette butts, instrument strings, plastic bags, paper, etc. Be sure your area is clean before leaving. Thank you.
Field dress all smoking materials. No butts on the ground.
Smoking is prohibited in concert areas. If you wish to smoke, move beyond the outside edge of the crowd. This applies to all performance tents and food service areas.
SEATING & ETIQUETTE IN CONCERT AREAS
Seating in concert areas is on a first-come, first-served basis.
In the High Meadow concert area only, you may leave your chair in place all weekend. Bring your own chairs or blankets. If you leave the concert area for a while, it’s the ‘Grey Fox Way’ to share your chair/blanket until you return.
Do not block the view of others. See map for high chair, low chair and blanket sections. A high chair is one that a basketball can fit under.
Sunbrellas may be set up along the perimeter of the High Meadow seating area. Staff can direct you.
We provide two large shade tents in the High Meadow Concert Area. Bring your own chairs.
For handicapped attendees, a tent is provided. Staff will assist.
The Creekside Stage is tented, with about 300 chairs provided.
For all other performance areas, please provide your own seating.
Keep your area litter-free. When you leave, take trash & recycling with you.
Last but not least, during any performance, please refrain from talking. Others are trying to hear and enjoy the music.
We wish you a wonderful festival experience.
Copper Kettle Motel
4.7
$75
Hotel
Cozy lodging with a restaurant & a bar
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Winwood Inn
4.1
$114
3-star hotel
Modest lodging with a Mexican restaurant
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Albergo Allegria Bed & Breakfast Hotel
4.9
$129
4-star hotel
Homey B&B with a fireside lounge
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Hotel Vienna
4.7
$131
4-star hotel
Mountainside lodge with free breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
The Country Place Resort
3.8
3-star hotel
Casual all-inclusive resort & water park
Gavin’s Irish Country Inn
4.1
2-star hotel
Country inn with inclusive meals & shows
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
The Shamrock House
4.4
Motel
Baumann’s Brookside Resort
4.8
$200
Resort
Laid-back rooms, plus a pool & lake
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Blackthorne Resort
4.0
Resort
Woodland retreat with an amusement park
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Ruby’s Hotel
3.4
(9)
Hotel · 3689 Co Rd 67
Artsy bistro with retro furnishings
Captain’s Inn Point Lookout
4.6
3-star hotel
Casual country lodging with dining
Free Wi-Fi
Greenville Arms 1889 Inn
5.0
Bed & Breakfast
Free breakfast
Evergreen at The Thompson House
5.0
(2)
Hotel · 20 NY-296
Windham Mountain Inn
Hotel · 139 Co Rd 12
Antique Rose Inn Windham
4.7
$105
3-star hotel
Cuomo’s Cove
4.4
$145
4-star hotel
Upscale suites with kitchens & hot tubs
Acra Manor Resort
4.3
$110
4-star hotel
All-inclusive resort with sports
Free Wi-Fi
Windham Mountain Resort
4.4
(234)
Ski Resort · 19 Resort Dr
1,600 vertical ft. of skiing & 12 lifts
Free Wi-Fi
Christman’s Windham House
4.2
$175
3-star hotel
Historic inn with golf & 2 bars
Sunny Hill Resort
4.8
Resort
Old-school lodging, golf & a pool
Free breakfast
Dancin’ Dave’s Festival Camping is once again offering advanced camping accommodations for this festival. I have heard some truly great feedback from my “Spies” that go to some of the festivals I haven’t yet been to. This basically lets you pay a set price up front, and EVERYTHING IS SET UP AND READY upon arrival.
There’s NO NEED to have tent poles laying all over and strings everywhere, no instructions blowing in the wind or tent stakes to pound into the hard dirt. It might be a little more expensive but if convenience is your deal then THIS IS the package for you!
Advance Tickets Now Available:
Full Festival Advance: $215 Includes Camping 7amWednesday thru 7pm Sunday
Day Tickets: $80
Thursday, Friday, or Saturday
Kids 12 and under, FREE with ticketed adult.
Senior Discount: $5 off day tickets at gate with ID.
How to Transfer Grey Fox Tickets
LOG IN (upper right) to your account by clicking here, using your e-mail address and password.
One of my all time favorite festivals to write about that happens in the spring happens in Cumberland Maryland, and it’s called none other than Delfest. You know I LOVE ME some Del McCoury and I highly encourage you to attend the 10th annual Delfest on May 25-28th at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD.
The Del McCoury Band plays many of the festivals I cover throughout the year and it’s always nice to run into them on my website adventures. This is his own festival and never falls short of festival fun and you can purchase your tickets and passes HERE.
This is a multiple stage outdoor festival event, that is conveniently located by airports and many hotels. The fairgrounds have permanent restrooms and showers, and we supplement the facilities with ample portable toilets. Please be courteous and take only the space you need. Roping off areas and saving space for latecomers is not acceptable festival etiquette. Camping overnight on Sunday is permitted. All patrons must leave the fairgrounds by noon on Monday. There WILL BE a family type camping area that is quieter at night, and camping IS INCLUDED in your ticket price, however you may not be camped near your vehicle due to attendance. You also have to purchase a separate parking pass to park your vehicle on the adjoining property. As always because I am a patron that requires hotels at my festivals that my website covers here are some that I found on their website and my own research.
DelFest really is like a family reunion each year—and not just for the McCourys! Your smiling faces are a real part of the fabric of DelFest and we love to see your own special DelFest moments and memories. On that note, today, March 29th we want to turn Facebook, Twitter and Instagram into a virtual 10th Annual DelFest Family Photo Album of memories! Find your favorite DelFest memories/photos and upload them now with the #delfestfamilyreunion hashtag and tell people what you love about DelFest! Then everyone can search for and enjoy each other’s photos…and we’ll reshare some on our pages as well!
I am always scouring social media and websites looking for the best festivals possible which fit my lineup of music, and what this website strives to cover. This Florida based festival offers some mighty fine Americana and Bluegrass music of many varieties and is in a truly luxurious part of Florida.
This takes place March 16-18th in St. Augustine Florida at the St. Augustine Amphitheater, and features many of the acts are scheduled to play twice, which I wish some festivals would do more often so I could have better prep time and meal breaks when I am covering live festivals. There are three stages included in this event the Main Stage, The Parking Lot Stage and the Acoustic Stage.
The Anastasia Music Festival is an epic 3-day music festival featuring over 20 of the brightest traditional and modern bluegrass musicians touring today! Hosted at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida on March 16, 17 and 18!
Children 10 and under are free with paid adult admission!
What to bring when you come to a concert at the St. Augustine Amphitheater:
Tickets
Seat Cushions
Poncho or Jacket
Blankets
Palm-size Point & Shoot Camera (unless prohibited by show)
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
What NEVER to bring to a concert at the St. Augustine Amphitheater:
Backpacks
Outside Food or Drinks
Umbrellas
Large Cameras with Detachable Lenses
Ipads or Tablets
Strollers
Weapons or items construed as weapons (e.g. guns, knives, sticks, fireworks)
Video Cameras
Audio Recorders
Musical Instruments
Gifts for the band
Chairs
Alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
Animals (except guide dogs)
Skateboards or inline skates
Personal property that is a potential hazard to others (e.g. chains, wallet chains or jewelry with spiked edges)
So under my usual guise of working these festival articles I shall include to the fullest of my knowledge the hotel in that area I have found. And to my knowledge there are a few campgrounds in the direct area to stay at.
ST AUGUSTINE ISLAND INN
(904) 471-1440 / 894 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080
AMERICAS BEST VALUE INN
(904) 471-8010 / 3955 A1A S, St Augustine, FL 32080
SCOTTISH INN
(904) 824-2831 / 420 Anastasia Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080
BUDGET INN
(904) 824-1962 / 12 Anastasia Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080
EDGEWATER INN
(904) 825-2697 / 2 N St Augustine Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080
QUALITY INN
(904) 471-1474 / 901 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080
THE CONCH HOUSE MOTEL
(800) 940-6256 / Bldg 1, 57 Comares Ave, St Augustine, FL 32080
COURTYARD ST AUGUSTINE
(904) 940-3800 / 605 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine Beach, FL 32080
SLEEP INN
(904) 825-4535 / 601 Anastasia Blvd., St Augustine, FL 32080
SUPER 8 ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH
(904) 471-2330 / 311 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080
REGENCY INN & SUITES
(904) 471-7700 / 331 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080
HILTON GARDEN INN
(904) 471-5559 / 401 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080
HAMPTON INN BEACH
(904) 471-4000 / 430 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080
CASTILLO REAL
(904) 471-3505 / 530 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080
BEST WESTERN SEASIDE
(904) 461-9990 / 541 A1a Beach Blvd, St Augustine Beach, FL 32080
LA FIESTA INN & SUITES
(904) 471-2220 / 810 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080
HOLIDAY ISLE OCEANFRONT RESORT
(904) 471-2555 / 860 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine Beach, FL 32080
From their website, a brief history of the St Augustine Amphitheater:
History
The St. Augustine Amphitheater was built in 1965 to commemorate St. Augustine’s 400th Anniversary as our nation’s oldest permanent European settlement. The 16-acre section of Anastasia State Park that makes up the amphitheater grounds includes an old quarry where coquina rock was obtained to build early St. Augustine homes and commercial buildings, as well as the fort, Castillo de San Marcos.
Pulitzer-prize winner Dr. Paul Green wrote The Cross & Sword, a symphonic drama to re-enact the founding and early years of St. Augustine under Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Following the completion of the Amphitheatre in 1965, the play began its 32 year run on the stage. In 1973, Cross & Sword was designated “Florida’s Official State Play” by the State Legislature in recognition of the cultural and historic value of the production and the events portrayed on stage. In 1996, the Cross & Sword had its final performance.
In 2002, St. Johns County made the decision to invest in refurbishing the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. After 5 years of construction and a sizeable investment, the Amphitheatre is a state of the art performing arts venue with the capacity to hold up to 4100 concert goers. A brand new conference room, 4 concession stands, a merchandise area, a large plaza, and an elaborate arboretum of walking trails make up the new facility.
