Double Bass Bluegrass festivals from a bass players' perspective

[Holdsg]

I'm starting to look at the calendar for next year as to which Bluegrass festivals I want to go to. I am going to at least 2, and I am trying to stay in the West, but if there was a great festival in the Midwest that was "can't miss", I might give it a shot (road trip!). As I am still a relative newbie to Bluegrass, I am looking for a festival to jump-start my immersion. Interested in those that have brought your instrument to the festival, the overall experience, and what you took away from the festival.

Which festivals have you gone to as a bass player (not just as a fan)?
Which was/were your favorite(s)?
Did you attend any camp/adult education events in conjunction with the festival?
What was the ad hoc jamming like?
Anything else you would add as far as advice to bass players going to festivals?

Thanks,
Gary (holdsg)

 

[MytBrednec]

Can't speak for many festivals, but I do attend the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS every year (www.wvfest.com). They don't call it the Picker's Paradise for no reason. The campgrounds are full of music. Wide open and friendly folks for the most part. I highly recommend this festival for any who want to play as much as spectate! As a matter of fact I am headed there tomorrow (Sat. Sept. 13th).
Good Luck

Shawn

 

[Holdsg]

Thanks, have fun!

 

[farmerdude]

Tough as a "bass player" unless you know other players. Most jams already have a bass and its not like you can just barge in with another....take a geetar for said situation. Also, its hard to tell what is mean by "bluegrass" these days.

 

[jacopnut2]

Greyfox!!!!!
Joe val

 

[samson3382]

Not sure how far west, or when your going, but I can't recommend the Weiser National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest enough. 3rd full week in June, weiser idaho. I've been going for over 30 years. Yes the main event is the contest, but I've literally been to it a handful of times, and play music all week. You'll find diferent areas & camps will have varying types of acoustic music. Mainly Texas swing, bluegrass, and swing jazz. I mainly stay in the bluegrass areas, as a player anyway. Most jams I've approached, if there's not already a bass player, you'll be more than welcome. There is definetly a "jam etiquette" that can vary, but its easy to pick up on if you pay attention. Hang back, play quietly until you get a read on what's goin on. A big thing is instrument volume. When a guitar player does a solo, everybody has to almost mute their playing, vs a banjo, wich will typically cut like a knife no matter what.

 

[Holdsg]

Thanks Samson, gonna check out that one for sure.

 

[Jackknyfe]

I have been to the Northwest String Summit just above Portland, OR twice now. Dates aren't currently announced yet for 2015, but it's usually in July or August each year. I don't know if you like newgrass, but Yonder Mountain String Band headlines for 3 days every year. Last years lineup included YMSB, Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Infamous Stringdusters, Sam Bush, and a host of others. It's primitive camping in the beautiful forest, with 15 hours or so of music each day for 4 days. Campsite jams seem to run nonstop.

 

[JamesAdams]

Wintergrass, Darrington, Wenatchee. All good festivals.