Bluegrass Festival comin' to town

SUSSEX COUNTY-The Warwick Valley Winery, Distillery and Orchards will present its annual Apple Blossom Bluegrass Festival the weekend of May 15 and 16 from noon to 5 p.m. Some fine "pickin' and singin'" will resonate through the pear orchard's natural amphitheater's grassy hillside, as six bands convene to share their musical skills. The music will flow regardless of weather, with admission at $10 per day adults and free to children under five. This year's line up will feature performances by Mike Burns and Northcountry, The Code Blue Bluegrass Band, The Wickers Creek Band, Out to Lunch, and Warwick area favorites Oxford Depot and McMule. Mike Burns of Northcountry hails from Purdys, New York and has been a winner of numerous awards for his songwriting at Merlefest, an IBMA Awards show in Kentucky. The Wickers Creek Band, from Westchester County, plays "traditional American String band music," respecting the history and tradition surrounding the origins of old-time and bluegrass music. The Code Blue Bluegrass Band, also from the Hudson Valley area, performs music that is both traditional and eclectic, offering 4-part harmony. From the Metropolitan area, Out to Lunch, joins the festival by while incorporating two mandolin players to embellish their style of bluegrass as well as Celtic. The group McMule will stretches the blue grass label a bit beyond the typical by including folk, funk and blues. Referring to their style as "new grass," the band - formerly called Headbone - is known to energize their audiences with their electrified performance and harmonies. Back from last year's festival is the local band Oxford Depot, featuring songs from their brand new CD, "Junk Salvation." Oxford Depot consists of six members playing traditional acoustic instruments and singing around one microphone, reminiscent of old style bluegrass radio shows. Not only do they perform standard bluegrass tunes, but updated cover tunes and originals in a bluegrass style. With five of the six members singing, one can enjoy their harmonies along with their "down home" sense of humor. All of the band members live in Orange County, N.Y. This afternoon event is part of a continuing series of concerts the Warwick Valley Winery Distillery and Orchards holds during the spring and summer season. This program is also an extension of the Uncorked and Unplugged Music Series, a free series that showcases local performers every Saturday and Sunday afternoon throughout the year. The usual afternoon free series will not be held during these two days. Wine tasting and the goods of the Warwick Valley Winery bakery will be available during the afternoon. The winery is located at 114 Little York Road in Warwick, NY and is open Thursday-Sunday in spring from 11 a.m. n 5 p.m. For further information, directions, and reservations in case of rain, contact the winery at www.wvwinery.com or call 845-258-4858.