Bluegrass Roots concert in Fredericksburg this coming weekend...

Fans of bluegrass will enjoy four distinct styles of this American original music at the next Roots Music concert at the Pioneer Museum on Saturday, July 26 in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Between 5 and 6 p.m., the Southwinds Dulcimer group will perform near the food court. This 12-piece orchestra is made up of adult non-professional musicians from the Kerrville area. They perform a selection of classic mountain dulcimer tunes.

From 6 to 6:45 p.m., Cross Mountain takes the stage. The Fredericksburg-based quintet is newly-formed, and plays bluegrass gospel with lots of tight harmonies and acoustic instrumentals.

Beginning at 7 p.m., the Double Eagle String Band will perform for the live simulcast on radio. Their sound is straight from the Appalachian mountains, with twin fiddles, banjo, guitar, mandolin, harmonica, and bass.

Finishing out the evening is the South Austin Jug Band, appearing in Fredericksburg for the first time. This nationally-recognized band mixes acoustic, folk, roots, and swing into an award-winning style they call "newgrass."

The bluegrass-themed day begins in the afternoon with a free jam session under the trees from 2 to 5 p.m. Musicians of all ability levels are invited to bring their acoustic instruments and join in.

From 5:30 until it runs out, guests can enjoy a catered meal by Vickie Bonewitz of My Own Chef. The menu offers Grilled Pork Chops with Black Pepper Plum Glaze, Fresh Tomato & Cheese Grits Casserole, Whole Okra in Brown Butter, with Rolls & Butter. For the first time, there will be a Lite Summer Dinner Option of CKC Marinated Goat Feta, Homemade Foccacia Bread, and Fresh Berries. Beer, wine, water and soft drinks will be available for purchase, as well as a commemorative half bottle of wine with the 2008 Roots Music label.

Gates for the concert open at 5 p.m. Admission is $10, with tickets sold at the gate. Students age 17 and younger are free.

The Pioneer Museum is located at 309 West Main Street in Fredericksburg. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

This is the 7th season of the successful Roots Music series, a set of live, open-air concerts featuring emerging and established artists in an informal, family setting. Remaining 2008 concerts are August 16, Western Swing featuring Billy Mata and the Quebe Sisters; and September 27, Celtic & New World with the Blaggards.

Proceeds support the mission of the Gillespie County Historical Society. More information is available by calling 830-997-2835.

Photo:
The South Austin Jug Band combines many roots styles of music to create its distinct "newgrass" sound. The group will perform this Saturday, July 26, along with Cross Mountain, Southwind Dulcimers, and the Double Eagle String Band at the Pioneer Museum's Roots Music concert in Fredericksburg.