A two-time nominee for the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Association Event of the Year, the Jenny Brook Bluegrass Festival’s 17th annual edition takes place June 22 – 25, 2017 at the Tunbridge World’s Fairgrounds in Tunbridge, VT! Welcoming bluegrass legends like Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, the Gibson Brothers and Dale Ann Bradley, Jenny Brook is an opportunity to get away from the hassles of everyday life and enjoy good, honest traditional music in a beautiful rustic setting (lineup). We wanted to give a quick look at all of the things that make Jenny Brook such a special place for the whole family to enjoy the sounds while camping out among some of the friendliest people from the Northeast and miles around!
The Artists’ Stage
The festival is a world to itself, featuring great music and communal fun from morning to night. Besides the outdoor Main Stage, we’re pleased to announce the return of the intimate Artists’ Stage on Friday and Saturday (June 24 – 25). On the Artists’ Stage, some of the top bluegrass musicians in the country, including Eric Gibson and David Parmley, give talks and demonstrations about their instruments and craft. Each showcase is an opportunity to absorb their musical insights and enjoy one-of-a-kind up-close performances.
The Weston Stage & The Sugar House Stage
This year we’re introducing the Weston Stage, where emerging talents from as far afield as Kentucky and New York City give audiences a sneak peek at the future of the genre. And no Jenny Brook Festival would be complete without the Sugar House Stage, where fans and festival musicians gather after the Main Stage closes for informal jamming. Bluegrass is one big community, and you never know who will drop by to join the party!
Bluegrass University
The Jenny Brook Bluegrass University features beginner classes for adults who want to get the right start or review the fundamentals. Classes are held for all instruments and vocals, in a small group setting (between 3 and 9 students per class). The classes will be held on Saturday, June 25 from 2:00 – 4:30 pm, and the cost for two-and-a-half hours of hands-on instruction is only $35. Students are asked to bring an instrument and a folding (armless) chair; however, some loaner instruments can be provided if we have enough notice. This years’ instructors are among the best we’ve ever had!
Classic Country Music Barn Dance & Potluck
It’s worth getting to Tunbridge early for the popular Classic Country Music Barn Dance & Potluck at the Dodge-Gilman Building on the fairgrounds. Bring along your favorite dishes to share with your fellow campers and make a few friends on the dance floor with music provided by the Clem Hawkins Revival Band, playing vintage 1940s-style roots country.
Activities for Kids
Admission for children and youths under 17 is free with a paid adult, and we have a lot of fun activities for the youngest Jenny Brookers! At the Kids’ Fun Zone, all school age children are welcome (regardless of musical experience!) to join our free Kids’ Academy. Led by East Tennessee State University instructor Aaron Foster, they’ll take part in two days of rehearsal to get ready for a group performance on the Main Stage on Sunday! During the evenings (June 23 – 25) we also have a free family movie theater, playing G / PG-rated double features in a safe spot with great sound.
Main Stage
Master of Ceremonies Mike Robinson will be bringing on some of the finest talent to be seen all in one place. Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Gibson Brothers, Dale Ann Bradley, Special Consensus, David Parmley & Cardinal Tradition, David Davis & Warrior River Boys, Rickey Wasson Band, Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show, Sideline, Mile Twelve, Marteka & William, Zink & Company, BigApple’achia, Katahdin Valley Boys, Aaron Foster & Dreamcatcher, Michelle Canning Band, Clem Hawkins Revival, and your host, the Seth Sawyer Band!
Tickets
Jenny Brook tickets are on sale now. Multi-day passes include free rough camping on the fairgrounds, and utility sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for an extra $25 per night. For those who want to get the fullest out of their Jenny Brook experience, affordable Mekelssen RV rentals are also available and will be onsite waiting for you when you arrive! We can’t wait to see you on the fairgrounds. Experience Bluegrass, Green Mountain Style!!!!!