by Scott Roos
photos as marked
Next weekend, from Friday, August 16th to Sunday, August 18th, the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Festival will return to the revered Ness Creek grounds near Big River. Offering a diverse experience, the event goes beyond musical performances to include hiking trails, a pickin’ shack for impromptu jam sessions (musicians, remember to bring your instruments), square dancing, a chicken coop, activities for children, evening dances at the Jack Milikin Centre, vendors, delicious food, and much more. The camping areas are set amidst the picturesque boreal forest, providing a true off-the-grid experience. And let's not forget, the music is exceptional too.
First of all, the local talent lineup for this year's festival is excellent. Following the COVID pandemic, the Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Society has been gradually rebuilding its pool of musicians through the camp program, which has led to the emergence of new acts like tweeners 5 Guys Named Dave, Get Off The Grass, and The Better Halves, along with main stage talent like Gil & Wil, Soil & Grass, and Mary Liv. It's been truly rewarding to witness the resurgence of the Society's artist development initiatives for the past three years that NSMZ has been covering the camp and festival events.
“The festival creates a lot of lasting magic, and everyone I’ve talked to this weekend has nothing but happiness and positivity pouring out of their faces and sometimes mine pours out in the form of tears,” explained Gil & Wil’s Aiden McRorie-Wilson during an interview at last year’s event.
McRorie-Wilson, together with bandmate Holly Gilroy, emerged victorious in the 2022 camp songwriting contest with their song "Cowboy of the Sea", leading to a significant rise in their fledgling careers. Their distinctive harmonies were highlighted in 2023 as a tweener act. Fast forward to 2024 where they delivered a complete performance at Bluegrass at the Barn and are set to be featured performers at the festival.
“It’s just such an inviting and safe community to try stuff out and play with other musicians,” Gilroy told NSMZ in during the same backstage 2023 interview.
Additionally, Gilroy plays with the revamped version of 5 Guys Named Dave, showcasing her skills on the stand-up bass. The band, known for their lively fiddle, melodic banjo, fast-paced mandolin, rhythmic guitar, dynamic bass, and polished performance, consistently delivers high-energy and entertaining shows, making them the perfect act to entertain in between the main stage acts.
Meanwhile, it's worth mentioning the traditional bluegrass sounds of Seth Mulder and the Midnight Run. Originating from Gatlinburg, TN, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run guarantee an authentic bluegrass experience. On the other hand, Golden Shoals is known for their “energetic old-time-style music infused with sharp contemporary humor” (-No Depression Magazine). They are likely to offer a more folk-oriented perspective.
Simply put, the Northern Lights Blue Grass and Old Tyme Music Festival offers a laid-back, family-friendly experience. It provides an opportunity to disconnect and allow the natural surroundings and music to create a captivating atmosphere. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at this LINK. For further information about the festival click HERE.
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