Celebrated vocalist, songwriter and bluegrass legend Charlie Sizemore and master acoustic guitarist Beppe Gambetta will headline the fifth annual Long Beach Bluegrass Festival. The event takes place at the Chautauqua Lodge on the Long Beach Peninsula, March 27, 28 and 29.
Kentucky-native Sizemore, who at a young age was lead vocalist with Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys for ten years before going out on his own, is slated to perform Friday at 9 PM and Saturday at 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Gambetta, who hails from Genova, Italy, is a consummate artist and lifelong student of American roots music. He shares his love of the genre at a workshop on Saturday from 6-7 PM, followed by his concert at 8 PM.
The festival begins with the ever-popular open microphone session (where amateurs are invited to join in on stage with professional bluegrass musicians) from 3-5 PM on Friday. Workshops, a slow jam and a band scramble kick off Saturday’s line up. A total of 25 performances will take place over the weekend on two different stages in the Chautauqua Lodge (304 NW 14th St., Long Beach, WA 98631). Two free gospel services on Sunday starting at 10AM will round out the festival.
Tickets are $15 for Friday and $20 for Saturday. Admission to Sunday’s performances is free. For a schedule and full list of bands, to to www.funbeach.com/events/bluegrass/index.html.
