The sounds of banjo pickin’, bass slappin’, frenzied fiddlin’, guitar strummin’ and foot stompin’ will fill the air as Flagstaff becomes the center of the bluegrass universe at the 10th annual Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival, Sept. 18-20 at Fort Tuthill County Park.
For three music-filled days and nights, bluegrass lovers will converge under the tall pines and cool temperatures to hear the legends and future-legends of folk music. From morning ’til after 10 p.m. each night, the country’s most soulful songwriters and musicians will share their songs and stories on the Pepsi Amphitheater stage.
A band contest, jam sessions, kid’s activities, Friday and Saturday night community barn dances, and a Sunday morning pancake breakfast round out the family-friendly weekend. The festival also features free workshops in various instrument techniques and band development for many different stringed instruments, plus two fee-based intensive workshops including Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam Classes and Beppe Gambetta Guitar Camp.
Sponsored by the non-profit Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music, the festival was first envisioned more than 10 years ago, when a group of friends imagined a multiple-day music event that would celebrate all they loved about their music: campground jam sessions, a diverse range of traditional music and an environment that is inviting to both young and older generations.
“The first Pickin’ in the Pines festival was in 2006; it’s hard to believe it has been 10 years,” said Julie Sullivan, one of the festival directors and co-founder. “We started banging around an idea in our living room with a bunch of friends and now we have become a premier music festival people flock to as an annual pilgrimage each year. This year we expect to be at record capacity.”
When asked why the event is so successful, Sullivan explained, “We have stayed true to our vision to keep the event family-friendly and non-commercialized while showcasing a mix of traditional bluegrass, old-time dance music and some new progressive string music. We bring the biggest names in the genre to this event, putting them on our roster with other talented regional and local bands.”
The volunteer-based group of organizers puts the show on with help from numerous sponsors as well as grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arizona Commission on the Arts and Flagstaff Arts Council (previously Flagstaff Cultural Partners).
“We could not do this event without all the volunteers, donors and sponsors,” Sullivan said. “The generosity of local and regional businesses really speaks to the fact people want world-class music with a down-home atmosphere. And several of the bands that helped us kick off our first year are back to help us celebrate our 10-year anniversary.”
The annual event benefits more than music lovers, it also benefits the economy – to the tune of more than a quarter million dollars annually.
According to John Tannous, executive director of the Flagstaff Arts Council, “Festivals are big business in Flagstaff. From Memorial Day weekend through September, there are major festivals every weekend, and they are a big part of what attracts out-of-town visitors.”
How big is the economic impact? The 2012 Arts & Economic Prosperity: The economic impact of the non- profit arts and science industry in Flagstaff, a report published by the Flagstaff Arts Council, shows the sector has an annual impact of $73 million on the local economy and generates $7.6 million in local and state tax revenue. Nearly $23 million is a direct result of out-of-town visitors coming to the area. More than half of the visitors surveyed for the report said that they traveled to Flagstaff specifically for the event/attraction they attended.
“Our vibrant arts scene supports local jobs and families,” Tannous said. “It attracts tourists who spend money at local businesses when they travel to attend arts events and visit cultural attractions. Pickin’ in the Pines draws locals and visitors alike, benefiting both the economic and cultural sectors.”
So, claim your space with a blanket or tarp, set down your low-back chair on the lawn, or come early for a seat under the awning. Pack a picnic – you’re welcome to bring in food and drinks, just no alcohol or glass. Or, enjoy a wide variety of food options from food vendors as well as beer, wine, soda and water. QCBN
What you need to know:
Fort Tuthill County Park is located off exit 337 on Interstate 17, 2 miles south of Flagstaff.
Tickets range from $45 for one day to $115 for a weekend pass; children 15 and under free.
To learn more about the event, visit PickinInThePines.org.
This year’s lineup features:
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder · The Infamous Stringdusters · Steep Canyon Rangers ·
Laurie Lewis and the Righthands · Mountain Heart · John Reischman and the Jaybirds · Sierra Hull ·
Chris Brashear, Peter McLaughlin & Todd Phillips · Beppe Gambetta · Hogslop Stringband ·
Burnett Family Bluegrass · Tony Norris & Jesse Anderson · The Mars Hillbillies ·
The Knockabouts · Viola & the Brakemen · Cisco & the Racecars · Just Desserts ·
and more!
By Starla S. Collins, QCBN
