Fans of bluegrass and acoustic music, as well as anyone who is hankering to camp in the cool weather and tall pines of Flagstaff, should head north for the 12th annual Pickin’ in the Pines music festival this weekend.
Media Coordinator Starla Collins said the event, which was first held in 2006, is a world-class festival that showcases some of the best contemporary and traditional bluegrass musicians along with other styles of acoustic music.
“Mountain Heart is always a crowd favorite, and each year nationally known award-winning bands are part of the lineup,” Collins said, adding that Rhonda Vincent and the Rage are sure to be a crowd pleasers this weekend.
“We continue to expand the music genre,” she said. “For example, we have Celtic, old-time and some Gypsy jazz bands this year as well. But it is also the other events such as the dances each evening and events for the kids that make the weekend so enticing.”
In addition to the award-winning headliners and other performers, Collins said Pickin’ in the Pines features a band contest, jam sessions and free workshops on instrument techniques and band development; these include banjo, fiddle, ukulele and guitar.
Describing the festival as “addictive and comfortable,” Collins said Pickin’ in the Pines offers a safe atmosphere where kids and adults can have fun and enjoy good music.
“Families lounge on blankets and everyone knows someone. Camping is close by, so walking to and from your weekend home to events is easy,” Collins said, adding that from the workshops and dancing to the main-stage bands and impromptu jam sessions, there is someone for everyone.
“There is a sense of family and friends who gather every year for this event that offers the very best music. It’s more than music, it is an experience,” she said.
Collins said she is looking forward to seeing music lovers from throughout Arizona and beyond arrive for the event.
“We are always amazed how far folks travel to join us for the weekend, and many want the entire experience so camping sites always fill up,” she said.
Pickin’ in the Pines bluegrass festival
When: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 15-17.
Where: Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff.
Admission: $120 for three-day pass; single-day tickets cost $50 on Friday and Sunday and $75 on Saturday. Free for age 15 and younger. Check website for camping options and pricing.
Details: www.pickininthepines.org.