Opening the afternoon performance will be the Bloomer Family:
The Bloomer Family bluegrass band serves up good old-fashioned American music. Enjoy their hard-driving instrumentation, seasoned with homespun harmonies.
This fun-loving trio is comprised of mother Cindy on bass, son Dillon on banjo, and daughter Melody on guitar. They reside in the Nehalem Valley in the little town of Mist, Oregon.
Following intermission enjoy the music of the Fern Hill Bluegrass Band:
A bit of luck was involved in the formation of the group since finding six people who like the same style of music, sing the right parts and play the necessary instruments can be difficult when not importing anyone. Guitarist and lead singer Paul Smith from Rainier, Oregon fronts the band. Mike Eisler adds the rolling flow of the banjo. Father and son team Rollie and Brett Champe trade between mandolin and bass and sing in the “high lonesome” tradition. Rounding out the sound is Gary Schuh on fiddle. Vocally the group performs everything from solos to quartets. Dee Johnson, a very accomplished musician and singer is Fern Hill’s newest band member. She has played in numerous NW bands for many years and the band feels fortunate to have Dee on board with her fabulous skills.
For those who gravitate towards the sound of bluegrass music reminiscent of the early bluegrass bands. Fern Hill may be just your cup of tea. As the saying goes, they try to “not get above their raising.” Fern Hill has recently released a new album. (Four Seasons) The CD contains a mix of vocals and instrumentals both traditional and original songs.
For the safety of all attending, masks will be required of audience members. Please check the CAC website, clatskaniearts.org, for the latest COVID guideline updates and other great performances this season.