2/4/2013 4:30:00 PM
Ronnie McCoury, Sam Bush and Drew Emmitt - 3 of the best mandolin players in the world on stage together at 2012 BSBG. Photo Credit: Larry Stanley
After the lifts close this coming Friday at 4pm, Big Sky Resort’s mountain village will look – and sound – a bit livelier than usual. Yep, that’s right – this weekend marks the 7th annual Big Sky Big Grass bluegrass festival, complete with 3 days’ worth of performances as well as a new music camp, headlined by some of the industry’s finest musicians and bands.
Many other ski resorts wait until the summer season to hold their music festivals. But here at Big Sky we combine the opportunity to experience the world class terrain of the Biggest Skiing in America by day while offering foot-stompin’ good tunes and great times by night.
It goes without saying that BSBG has only gotten bigger – and better – with each passing year. This year, for the 7th annual, we’ve raised the bar even higher, offering the Sam Bush Band, the Del McCoury Band, the Emmitt/Nershi Band, the Travelin’ McCourys and Special Consensus, all with a lineup that encourages the cross-picking and special guest appearances that festivarians have come to expect. The lineup also includes new, more progressive acts, such as Pete Kartsounesand Trout Steak Revival as well as Friday night’s “Libation Station” featuring wine & beer tastings and a regional band competition.
One of the greatest things about this festival is that you don’t have to be a die-hard bluegrass fan to enjoy it. Bluegrass music tends to encompass multiple genres within its own realm. Take last year’s Sunday evening show with Greensky Bluegrass in Whiskey Jack’s, for example. From local lift operators to vacationing parents, everyone in the room took part singing, dancing and yes, shouting, when the band busted out a bluegrass cover of the classic hit “(You Make Me Wanna) Shout.”
In addition, not only are the musical acts unique at BSBG, but so are the venues. Shows in the Talus Room are small, intimate and sit-down. The Carabiner has the quintessential après ski environment, while Whiskey Jack’s provides the late-night barroom party that many folks are looking for, and finally the Missouri Ballroom has space and grandeur fit for our Grammy-winning headliners.
So what do you have planned this weekend? If you’re looking for great skiing and an amazing amount of fun that you and your friends won’t soon forget, come check out Big Sky Big Grass. For tickets, lodging deals and all the information you’ll need, click here.
BSBG fans stoked at last year's show. Photo Credit: Larry Stanley
Emmitt/Nershi Band with Anders Beck of Greensky Bluegrass. Photo Credit: Chris Kamman
