Bluegrass - Chemainus (Vancouver Island) bluegrass festival.

Chemainus bluegrass extravaganza & festival. July 20, 2024

One of the wonderful events presented each year by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society

Past Performers

2023 Performers

Story House

We were busy hiring the bands in 2023. We decided to once more make it an all-BC affair, and we had got some great music lined-up for you.

From the Lower Mainland, we're bringing Story House. Story House is four musicians who’ve been active in the Pacific Northwest Bluegrass and Folk scene for a good long time.

The band features many original songs, mixed with covers of great songs both old and new. All four members of the band sing, Jake and Maiken provide the cornerstone of the band's vocal sound.

The band consists of: Maiken de Villiers (double bass), Jake de Villiers (lead and rhythm guitar). Tim Eccles (5-string banjo), Pete Goodall (mandolin).

We also featured a lot more great bands. Here's one you love, it's Scout Mountain, from Powell River. This five-piece band came together in 2009 to do traditional bluegrass music. The band's sets are filled with an eclectic mix, and they love to entertain with history, harmony and humour.

Scout mountain

Bluegrass Fever

The 2023 festival's host band will once again be Bluegrass Fever, a band that is always highly appreciated by the crowd.

Blugrass Fever is based on Vancouver Island and plays traditional, modern and original bluegrass music. The band has developed a solid reputation as one of the most crowd-pleasing bluegrass bands.

Over the past dozen years or so, the group has acted as the host band for this festival.

For more info about the band, please visit www.bluegrassfever.ca.

BackPorch Banjo is an active bluegrass band hailing from Qualicum Beach. They have been the community's favourite bluegrass band since 2014. BackPorch Banjo came together from a desire within each of the members to play good bluegrass music

The personnel are: Linda Thorburn (banjo), Ramona Ruf (rhythm guitar & vocals), Mimi Shell (fiddle & harmonies), and Mark Gregson.

BackPorch Banjo

The Replacements

The Replacements, from Nanaimo, were a relatively new band to the island, but all of the members of the band have decades of experience. Their music is a pleasing melange of traditional country, bluegrass and swing tunes. Members include: Lee Heppner (vocalist, dobro kazoo), Jim Senka (vocalist & guitar picker), and Luigi Callvori (vocalist and bass artist).

2022 Performers

Backspin Band In 2022, we decided to make it an all-BC affair, and we had some great music for the event.

From the Lower Mainland, we brought in the Backspin Band. They are a great group of musicians, featuring some well-known names in BC bluegrass - Jay Buckwold, Hugh Ellenwood, Colin Goldie, Randy Goulding and Kate Main.

Clover Point Drifters

The Clover Point Drifters are a bluegrass band from Victoria, BC. Their repertoire consists primarily of traditional bluegrass songs, with a sprinkling of country, folk, blues and pop melodies served up in the bluegrass style. Their songs feature close heartfelt duet and trio harmonies, backed by strong banjo, dobro and mandolin accompaniment.

The band has been active since January 2000, but the members each have a decades-long love affair with bluegrass music. For more info, please visit www.cloverpointdrifters.com

The band takes its name from a magnificent point of land that overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca near "Mile Zero" in Beacon Hill Park, the first marker on a trek from Canada's west coast to the east.

We also feature a lot more great bands. Here's one you love, it's Scout Mountain, from Powell River. This five-piece band came together to do traditional bluegrass music, and they do it with with lots of harmony.

The band is greatly inspired by the stylings of Doyle Lawson, but they also have a large range of artists they look up to: Jr Sisk, Tony Rice, Joe Val, Del McCoury, Jim and Jesse, The Louvin Brothers, the Stanley Brothers, and of course Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs... Well yes the list goes on and on.

The 2022 festival's host band will once again be Bluegrass Fever, a band that is always highly appreciated by the crowd.

Blugrass Fever is based on Vancouver Island and plays traditional, modern and original bluegrass music. The band has developed a solid reputation as one of the most crowd-pleasing bluegrass bands.

Over the past few years, the group has become the host band for this festival.

For more info about the band, please visit www.bluegrassfever.ca.

We'll also be featuring a a great band that's new to our stage, The Replacements, from Nanaimo. The Replacements are a relatively new band to the island, but all of the members of the band have decades of experience. Their music is a pleasing melange of traditional country, bluegrass and swing tunes. Members are: Linda Lavender (composer, vocalist, mandolin, banjo), Lee Heppner (vocalist, dobro kazoo), Jim Senka (vocalist & guitar picker), and Luigi Callvori (vocalist and bass artist).

2019 Performers (scroll down for info about previous years)

Malahat Drive

New for the 2019 festival was the Victoria-based foursome Malahat Drive, which features a few familiar faces for Island bluegrass enthusiasts.

The band is made up of Paul Lang (Guitar and Vocals), Larry Stevens (Dobro and Vocals), Mike Kraft (Banjo and Vocals) and George Robinson (Bass and Vocals).

Along with straight-up bluegrass, the band also features "mountain country" music. Come and listen to them, and you'll find out all about their wonderful musical style.

Scout mountain

We also featured a lot more great bands. Here's one you love, it's Scout Mountain, from Powell River. This five-piece band came together to do traditional bluegrass music, and they do it with with lots of harmony.

Genevieve and the Wild Sundays

Genevieve and the Wild Sundays is a lively all-female group that brings catchy original songs to life, with guitar, fiddle, upright bass, percussion, mandolin, and soaring harmonies.

The band consists of: Genevieve Charbonneau (vocals and guitar), Kelly Sherwin (bass and vocals), Laura Carleton (percussion and vocals), Chandra Crowe (mandolin and vocals) and Ivonne Hernandez (fiddle).

The group's awards include: 2014 Vancouver Island Music Awards (Producer of the Year- Marc Atkison for Genevieve's Updraft album), 2014 Nomination for Country Recording of the Year (Updraft), and 2016 Finalist for the International Acoustic Music Awards.

The 2019 festival's host band was once again Bluegrass Fever, a band that is always highly appreciated by the crowd.

Blugrass Fever is based on Vancouver Island and plays traditional, modern and original bluegrass music. The band has developed a solid reputation as one of the most crowd-pleasing bluegrass bands.

Over the past few years, the group has become the host band for this festival.

For more info about the band, please visit www.bluegrassfever.ca.

BackPorch Banjo

The personnel are: Linda Thorburn (banjo), Ramona Ruf (rhythm guitar & vocals), Luann Burton (bass, vocals & harmonies), Mimi Shell (fiddle & harmonies), and Ted Granger (mandolin, lead & harmony vocals).

2018 Performers (scroll down for info about previous years)

Jesse Cobb

For the 2018 version of the Chemainus Bluegrass Extravaganza, we were very happy to present Jesse Cobb and Border Ride. Wisconsin native Jesse Cobb was a founding member of The Infamous Stringdusters, a Nashville-based powerhouse touring group. With The Dusters, Jesse received a Grammy nomination for his original song Magic #9. He has also recorded on a Grammy-winning project, and has won three International Bluegrass Music Awards.

Along with Jesse, Border Ride also includes Virginia-born Jeff Ellis, a world-champion bassist. Over the years Jeff has played with several notable bands, including David Parmley and Continental Divide, and Marty Raybon and Full Circle. But the talent does not stop there, the band also features Miriam Sostenes on the fiddle. Miriam discovered fiddle music while finishing up a classical music degree. She has spent the last ten years performing and teaching the instrument. With her band The Sweet Lowdown, Miriam has toured extensivlely in North America and Europe. Also included in this wonderful group is Mike Kraft, who has long been a mainstay on the Vancouver Island bluegrass scene. Mike's showmanship, humour and enthusiasm for performing make him a real crowd favourite. Rounding out this amazing band is Garrett Tompson. Garrett's parents introduced him to an array of music styles, but it was bluegrass music that ultimately made the biggest impact on him. He provides true lead bluegrass vocals, along with strong rythym guitar playing.

Clover Point Drifters

The band has been active since January 2000, but the members each have a decades-long love affair with bluegrass music. For more info, please visit www.cloverpointdrifters.com

Genevieve and the Wild Sundays

Genevieve and the Wild Sundays is a lively all-female group that brings catchy original songs to life, with guitar, fiddle, upright bass, percussion, mandolin, and soaring harmonies.

Riverside Bluegrass Band

The Riverside Bluegrass Band consists of Eric Adams, Steve Harperson, Angus MacKenzie and Tad Ruszel.

The band is an extraordinary group of talented, energetic and exciting musicians. We are certain everyone will enjoy this fresh new sound!

Tad Ruszel’s inspirational lyrics and heart-warming guitar melodies have been catching the ear and enthusiasm of thousands across the northwest coast. Jeff Dill (guitarist, harmony and lead vocalist) joined Riverside in May 2016, adding his rhythmic groove and lead stylings to the group.

Backing up these talented musicians with hard-driving bass, Eric Adams has been on the bluegrass scene for over thirty years.

The 2018 festival's host band will once again be Bluegrass Fever, a band that is always highly appreciated by the crowd.

Blugrass Fever is based on Vancouver Island and plays traditional, modern and original bluegrass music. The band has developed a solid reputation as one of the most crowd-pleasing bluegrass bands.

Over the past few years, the group has become the host band for this festival.

For more info about the band, please visit www.bluegrassfever.ca.

2017 Performers (scroll down for info about previous years)

Gold Heart!To headline the 2017 show, we managed to get Gold Heart to come and visit us from Virginia. The band is made up of the Gold sisters (Tori - mandolin & vocals, Jocey - guitar & vocals, Shelby - fiddle & vocals) with their father Trent on double bass, and brother Kai on banjo. Their award-winning instrumental ability and their accomplished, harmony-laden vocals are sweetly unique and rootsy. Here's a video of the band from 2015 - CLICK HERE.

We also be featured a lot more great bands. Here's one you love, it's Scout Mountain, from Powell River. This five-piece band came together to do traditional bluegrass music, and they do it with with lots of harmony.

The 2017 festival's host band was once again Bluegrass Fever, a band that is always highly appreciated by the crowd.

Blugrass Fever is based on Vancouver Island and plays traditional, modern and original bluegrass music. The band has developed a solid reputation as one of the most crowd-pleasing bluegrass bands.

Over the past few years, the group has become the host band for this festival.

For more info about the band, please visit www.bluegrassfever.ca.

5 on a String

The 5 ON A STRING band was founded in September 1989, and the band's home base is Vancouver, British Columbia. We've always leaned toward traditional bluegrass with some original tunes and the occasional foray into old style country music like Merle Haggard and sometimes even Fats Domino!

Since '89 the band has played many of the Northwest's major bluegrass festivals such as: Granville Island, Mt St. Helen's [Toledo, WA], Chilliwack, Salmon Arm, Prince George, Coombs, Kamloops, Burns Lake, Sorrento, Shady Grove [Nanton, AB], Blueberry [Stony Plain, AB], Canadian Rockies [Nordegg, AB.], Darrington [WA], Wintergrass [Seattle], Folklife [Seattle], The Straight Bluegrass Festival [Port Angeles, WA.], and the Cottonwood Festival [Fort St. James].

The band members have instructed at various bluegrass workshops, particularly the BC Bluegrass Workshop in Sorrento, and the Cabin Fever Bluegrass Workshops in 108 mile House, B.C. For more information, visit www.5onastring.com.

The band's website is at http://5onastring.com

BackPorch Banjo is an active bluegrass band hailing from Qualicum Beach. They have been the communitiy's favourite bluegrass band since 2014. BackPorch Banjo came together from a desire within each of the members to play good bluegrass music

The personnel are: Linda Thorburn (banjo), Ramona Ruf (rhythm guitar & vocals), Luann Burton (bass, vocals & harmonies) and Mimi Shell (fiddle & harmonies)

2016 Performers (scroll down for info about previous years)

The Spinney Brothers

Nova Scotia's The Spinney Brothers could be considered by some to be an "overnight success" story even though they've been performing together for well over 20 years. With their latest three releases on Mountain Fever Records and an increased tour schedule that keeps them on the road over 200 days a year, the Canadian duo, along with their mandolin and bass players, have been catapulted into a whirlwind of recognition by the bluegrass music scene. Their 2012 release, Memories, helped to name the band as a final nominee for the International Bluegrass Music Association's Emerging Artist of the Year in 2013. And their previous release, No Borders, broke barriers for all international bands by reaching the #1 spot on the National (US) Bluegrass Survey's Top 15 Albums, holding tight for 2 months and garnering the band two more IBMA nominations. For more information about the boys, see www.spinneybrothers.com

FarmStrong Bluegrass Band

Jim Faddis, Cort Armstrong, Rick Meade and John Pyles collaborate in FarmStrong, an acoustic quartet that puts singing at the forefront of their sound. A very simple and distinctive instrumentation accompanies the band's smooth vocal sound and brings the songs they perform to life. Like a fine whiskey, FarmStrong's sound is pure distilled country magic.

FarmStrong lights up the stage with exquisite harmony signing and seasoned instrumentation. The heart of the band draws on inspiration from the last century of country, blues and bluegrass music from the 1920's through the 50's, as well as folk, rock, gospel and soul music of the 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond.

FarmStrong's talented and experienced musicians take their audience outside the bluegrass tradition. Their unmistakable sound moves the soul, while remaining firmly rooted in music from the mountains. More info at http://farmstrongmusic.com/.

Harmony Ridge and Friends

The popular duo Harmony Ridge, which is made up of Mike "Boomer" Boyd (guitar) and Luann Burton (bass, provides some wonderful vocal harmonies. At this festival they will be joined by the talented duo of Bill Smith (banjo) and Max Pagani (mandolin), to create an outstanding four-piece band, with great instrumentals added to the fine vocals. We're looking forward to experiencing this great combination

Clover Point Drifters

The band has been active since January 2000, but the members each have a decades-long love affair with bluegrass music. For more info, please visit www.cloverpointdrifters.com

The Song Sisters

Shelley Brown and Tamara Phelan, two women from different backgrounds, born in different countries come together through their mutual love of music as the Song Sisters.

Shelley Brown, an accomplished musician best known for her work as a bass player and singer in everything from bluegrass bands to electrified alt-country endeavours now puts her keen sense of timing to good use as a rhythm guitar player for the duo.

Tamara Phelan, a prolific songwriter of exceptional talent, singer and reformed multi-instrumentalist plays the tenor guitar, giving the Song Sisters a clean simple sound that perfectly accentuates the vocal harmonies.

With heartfelt vocals and sometimes sizzling, sometimes sweet harmonies, the Song Sisters serve up a repertoire of traditional and original acoustic music worthy of the traditional roots that they both share. To any listener, it's an obvious labour of love. For more information, see http://songsistersmusic.com

Banjo wizard Barrie Hemmings (of the band's original 1989 line-up) moved to Victoria, and joined forces with guitarist Bob Johns--known on the Island for his years with the popular Back Forty Boys. Guy Langlois is a highly talented upright bassist from Port Alberni.

The mandoin player is Steve Bastian, of Crofton. Originally from Okotoks, Alberta, Steve provides great lead breaks, as well as a solid mandolin chop. The band was happy to recruit Steve for the job. The latest addition to the band is Jan Norton, from Victoria. Jan plays a wonderful bluegrass fiddle, and adds some lovely vocal harmonies.

For more info, please visit www.bluegrassfever.ca

2015 Performers

The Sweet Lowdown

With the rough waters of the Pacific around them and the wilds of the Canadian North above them, The Sweet Lowdown have developed original acoustic roots music that draws from earth and sky. This is mountain music to be sure: mountains tied to the natural environment of the Pacific Northwest. As such, you'll hear influences in this music as far-ranging as Celtic jigs, Appalachian fiddling, contemporary pop and that particularly Canadian blend of driving tradition and ground-breaking originality.

Fresh off a tour with CBC's Vinyl Cafe, and quickly gaining critical acclaim for their newest release "Chasing The Sun" (produced by Adrian Dolan of The Bills, Ruth Moody Band), The Sweet Lowdown have accomplished much in the past 5 years. Their self-titled debut album (2011) was nominated for "Album of The Year" at the Vancouver Island Music Awards, and their second album "May" won "Island Roots Album of the Year", at the VIMA's. It also earned the trio a nomination for "Vocal Group of the Year" at the 2013 Canadian Folk Music Awards. The Sweet Lowdown have toured throughout North America and the UK, and have taught their love of roots music and harmony singing at camps and workshops across Canada.

Scount Mountain Bluegrass Band

Scout Mountain is nestled in Wildwood, true story, west of Powell Lake on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Our 5-piece band came together in 2009 to do traditional bluegrass music. We like to use a single mic on stage and so far the reception has been fantastic. We find inspiration in all kinds of music, while constantly tryng to bring it all back to the clean and high lonesome sounds of the early days of bluegrass. We hope our new website will help you get to know us, our music is all about having fun, and meeting other bluegrass music lovers. So if you see us out at a show, or on a bluegrass festival site be sure to say hi, and drop by our campsite, and most likely we'll feel a tune coming on.

Traditional bluegrass music with lots of harmony, greatly inspired by the stylings of Doyle Lawson, but we also have a large range of artists we look up to as we develop our own sound. Jr Sisk, Tony Rice, Joe Val, Del McCoury, Jim and Jesse, The Louvin Brothers, the Stanley Brothers, and of course Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, well yes the list goes on and on.

More info at www.scoutmountainbluegrassband.ca.

Clover Point Drifters

The band has been active since January 2000, but the members each have a decades-long love affair with bluegrass music. For more info, please visit www.cloverpointdrifters.com

Immersed in the traditional bluegrass canon, the Hub City Ramblers bring their own thoroughly modern west coast sound to the table. Their repertoire typically consists of traditional, old time songs and instrumentals, and their own uniquely crafted originals with some hints of jazz and rock 'n roll influences. Although each member is a Vancouver Island University Music alumni, Hub City Ramblers is made up of a truly unique band of individuals from diverse backgrounds coming together for the love of acoustic folk music.

The personel are (from left to right in the accompanying photograph): Ira Pelletier, Brad Shipley, Marisha Devoin and Duncan Symonds.

For more information about the band, visit http://hubcityramblers.weebly.com.

Banjo wizard Barrie Hemmings (of the band's original 1989 line-up) moved to Victoria, and joined forces with guitarist Bob Johns--known on the Island for his years with the popular Back Forty Boys. Guy Langlois is a highly talented upright bassist from Yellowknife, NWT.

The latest addition to the band is the mandoin player, Steve Bastian, of Crofton. Originally from Okotoks, Alberta, Steve provides great lead breaks, as well as a solid mandolin chop. The band was happy to recruit Steve for the job.

For more info, please visit www.bluegrassfever.ca

Since forming in 2009, Bowker Creek has entertained audiences throughout southern Vancouver Island with its own brand of bluegrass fusion that combines country, folk, blues and bluegrass.

Bowker Creek performs original compositions as well as rearrangements of familiar and less familiar tunes from a wide range of artists and genres.

Members of the band include Doug Van Dine (banjo), Dan Ready (guitar and mandolin), Bonnie Duncan (vocals, guitar and harmonica), Martin Matychuk (stand up bass), and Duncan Sutherland (guitar and vocals). For more information, please see www.reverbnation.com/bowkercreek.

The Island Blue Rose band is made up of the following personnel:

Linda Thorburn (banjo) has played in numerous bluegrass bands over the 36 years of her playing career.

Luann Burton (bass with lead vocals and harmonies) was introduced to Bluegrass music in 2001. She started playing fiddle then realized she wanted to sing. She taught herself basic bluegrass rhythm guitar chords, and has written several songs. She has been playing bass since 2007.

Gary McDannold (dobro) started playing pedal steel in Country Bands. In 2012 he attended a MIBS meeting and got excited about playing bluegrass dobro

The band is joined by Mike (Boomer) Boyd on guitar and vocals. Boomer is well-known in bluegrass circles, and will add a lot to the band with his fine guitar-playing and powerful vocals.

2014 Performers

STEEP RAVINE visited from the San Francisco Bay area. Trampin' On, the band's new album of originals, showcases Steep Ravine's musical prowess, blending melodic verse, tight harmonies, and rich instrumentals. The diverse musical backgrounds of the band mates are featured, which encompass classical, jazz, and funk. Guitarist and lead vocalist Simon Linsteadt and violinist Jan Purat began playing music together in high school and later moved on to study music at UC Santa Cruz, where they fortuitously met mandolinist Andy O'Brien and bassist Alex Bice.

Trampin' On was recorded on two-inch tape at an analog recording studio in San Francisco. With the Fall 2013 release of the album, Steep Ravine embarked on a national tour, with shows in Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Tucson, Silver City, New Orleans, St. Louis, Columbia, Denver, Colorado Springs, Missoula, Seattle, Portland, Eugene, and many points in between.

The band's riveting live performances catch audiences by surprise with the sheer acoustic power of their collaborative sound, a mix of soulful tunes and fiery instrumentals.

You can visit the band's website at www.steepravineband.com

5 on a String

The 5 ON A STRING band was founded in September 1989, and our home base is Vancouver, British Columbia. We've always leaned toward traditional bluegrass with some original tunes and the occasional foray into old style country music like Merle Haggard and sometimes even Fats Domino!

The band's website is at http://5onastring.com

For the past 10 years, the TISHOMINGO STRING BAND has been treating Vancouver audiences to their own brand of high energy acoustic music. Featuring Jacob Russell on mandolin, Colin Cowan on upright bass, Chris Russell on guitar and Devon Wells on banjo, the group performs original and traditional material that runs the gamut from tender ballads to barn burning instrumentals. Combining the drive of classic bluegrass with a notion to explore, the Tishomingo String Band keeps things lively and unpredictable.

You really are going to have to listen to this band yourselves to appreciate their amazing sound. To hear a little of the band playing some ragtime bluegrass, Click Here, for a sample of their amazing nusical abilities.

The band's website is www.tishomingostringband.com

Banjo wizard Barrie Hemmings (of the band's original 1989 line-up) moved to Victoria, and joined forces with guitarist Bob Johns--known on the Island for his years with the popular Back Forty Boys. Guy Langlois is a highly talented upright bassist from Yellowknife, NWT.

For more info, please visit www.bluegrassfever.ca

In 2014, we brought a little old-time country music to the festival. THE MOON RIDERS will be here, featuring the amazing voice of Sharon Dudka, with well-known Vancouver Island guitarist Gord Bigham, and Blaine Bartleman on upright bass.

The band played one set on Sunday afternoon at last year's festival, and they proved to be very popular. So this year, they are in for both days of the festival. We think that you'll just love them!

2013 Performers (scroll down for info about previous years)

Highrise Lonesome

The members of Highrise Lonesome are city dwellers steeped in the classic sounds of bluegrass. Although they may make brief detours off into the side streets of old-time and roots music, they always return to the bluegrass superhighway.

Sparkling vocals are a major part of the sound, with the harmonies of Sue Malcolm and Vic Smyth as the centrepiece. The band features classic-sounding originals and innovative covers, showcasing instrumental prowess with innovative arrangements. It's a bluegrass road trip.

Enjoy the ride!

For more information, visit www.highriselonesome.com

5 on a String

The 5 on a String band was founded in September 1989, and our home base is Vancouver, British Columbia. We've always leaned toward traditional bluegrass with some original tunes and the occasional foray into old style country music like Merle Haggard and sometimes even Fats Domino!

The Hub City Ramblers band is the latest offering from mandolin ace Ira Pelletier, of Nanaimo.

Ira's show was extremely popular when he last played at our festival a couple of years ago, and we're happy to have him back.

Apart from Ira's wizardry on the mandolin, the Hub City Ramblers will be showing-off their wonderful "brother-style" harmonies.

We're looking forward to it...

Banjo wizard Barrie Hemmings (of the band's original 1989 line-up) moved to Victoria, and joined forces with guitarist Bob Johns--known on the Island for his years with the popular Back Forty Boys. Guy Langlois is a highly talented upright bassist from Yellowknife, NWT). For more info, please visit www.bluegrassfever.ca

The Maple Mountain Boys band features mandolin player Jeff Ellis, who hails originally from Moneta, Virginia. Starting at the age of 13 Jeff began learning the acoustic bass, followed by mandolin, guitar, banjo and fiddle. He performed as part of his father's band Common Ground, winning band and individual competitions throughout the United States. Jeff won the titles of Virginia State Champion of both acoustic guitar and acoustic bass, as well as over 50 first place awards. Jeff has played with several notable bands including; Appalachian Express (SPBGMA Award band champion), The Bluegrass Cardinals, and has filled-in with several national acts on various instruments. At the age of 23 Jeff won the job of acoustic bass player with David Parmley & Continental Divide, where he traveled extensively with this award-winning group. A sought-after session player, he has recorded with bands and solo artists for a variety of major record labels. In 2007 Jeff toured with CMA and Grammy award-winner Marty Raybon (of country super-group Shenendoah) and his exciting band Full Circle. Jeff is joined by by Mike (Boomer) Boyd on guitar and vocals, and Mike Dempster (banjo). Visit www.maplemountainboys.com

We also had a special treat in 2013 -- the Chemainus Cloggers will perform on the main stage on Sunday afternoon. You'll love the show these dancers put on...

Past Festivals - 2012

The 2012 performers were:

Runaway Train

Runaway Train was here, visiting from the United States. The band features four great musicians, including the award-winning, 17-year-old banjoist Luke Dewhirst.

The band originally formed over ten years ago, evolving into the energetic quartet it is today. Characterized by strong leads, tight vocal harmonies and solid instrumental work, the group performs at festivals, concerts and private events. The group has a compelling, traditional, driving sound, and is not afraid to stretch the limits of the genre!

You won't want to miss this amazing band, and we're very pleased to bring the group to Vancouver Island. For more info, visit www.runawaytrainbluegrass.com

Clover Point Drifters

The band has been active since January 2000, but the members each have a decades-long love affair with bluegrass music. For more info, please visit www.cloverpointdrifters.com

The June Bugs are a group of musicians whose singing voices blend like butter in two, three, four and five part harmonies. From upbeat gospels and saucy bluegrass to traditional folk and contemplative originals, their music reflects a shared passion for the pure, heart-piercing magic of acoustic music and the marvel of well-blended vocal harmonies. For more information and to listen to the band, visit http://thejunebugs.weebly.com

BLUEGRASS FEVER is based on Vancouver Island and plays traditional, modern and original bluegrass music. Bluegrass Fever has developed a solid reputation as one of the most crowd-pleasing bluegrass bands. Banjo wizard Barrie Hemmings (of the band's original 1989 line-up) moved to Victoria, and joined forces with guitarist Bob Johns--known on the Island for his years with the popular Back Forty Boys. Guy Langlois is a highly talented upright bassist from Yellowknife, NWT). The mandolin duties are handled by Jeff Ellis. For more info, please visit www.bluegrassfever.ca

These boys offer sweet, smooth harmonies in the best of the Bluegrass Tradition. Bryon Clayton Thomas blends their distinct instrumental sound with a purity of voice for a finely tuned musical experience that turns any audience into fans, wherever they play.

Three's no crowd when these Cowichan pickers share the stage. Put 'em all together with their eclectic musical styles and distinctive personalities and you have one darn swell listening experience. Visit http://bryonclaytonthomas.com

The Maple Mountain Boys band features mandolin player Jeff Ellis, who hails originally from Moneta, Virginia. Jeff was born into a musical family. His father Ricky is a five-time World Champion mandolin player. Starting at the age of 13 Jeff began learning the acoustic bass, followed by mandolin, guitar, banjo and fiddle. He performed as part of his father's band Common Ground, winning band and individual competitions throughout the United States. Jeff won the titles of Virginia State Champion acoustic guitar, Virginia State Champion acoustic bass and over 50 first place awards. Over the years Jeff has played with several notable bands including; B.G. Express, Appalachian Express (SPBGMA Award band champion), The Bluegrass Cardinals, and has filled-in with several national acts on various instruments. At the age of 23 Jeff won the job of acoustic bass player with David Parmley & Continental Divide, where he traveled extensively with this ground-breaking, award-winning group. A sought-after session player, he has recorded with bands and solo artists for a variety of major record labels. 2007 found Jeff touring as bass player for CMA and Grammy award winner Marty Raybon ( of country super-group Shenendoah) and his exciting band Full Circle. Jeff is joined by by Mike (Boomer) Boyd on guitar and vocals, Mike Dempster(banjo) and Barry Fairall (upright bass). Visit www.maplemountainboys.com

Past Festivals - 2011

The 2011 bluegrass extravaganza was a great success! Thanks to everyone who attended, to all the volunteers, to the sponsors and advertisers, and to the performers. The festival was an amazing success, in spite of the terrible weather. A good crowd stayed right until the very last note was played. See you all at the 2012 festival! And just think what it will be like with good weather...

The 2011 performers were:

John Reischman & the Jaybirds

John Reischman & the Jaybirds. Fans of the Jaybirds know it is a shared loved of John Reischman's mandolin work that brought together this select and accomplished group of players. And there is little doubt that when the Jaybirds get together musically, something special happens; some have noted that other kinds of boundaries are shifting. Few can traverse the disparate landscapes of bluegrass and old-time as expertly as Reischman and the Jaybirds have. With each new recorded offering, this stellar group furthers its exploration of a unique musical geography where our timeless string-band traditions are renewed, expanded, and enhanced. John's band consists of sone truly outstanding musicians: Jim Nunnaly (guitar), Greg Spatz (fiddle), Trisha Gagnon (bass) and Nick Hornbuckle (banjo). Visit www.thejaybirds.com

SKAGWAY is a modern bluegrass band that is steeped in tradition. These lads know how to pick a tune that will make your hair stand on end. As the core of the band, Tad Ruzsel and Ira Pelletier have a hard driving rhythm and they mix it with their own brand of soulful harmony that really gets your foot tapping. They hire only the best musicians to back them up and engage audiences with their witty banter and bountiful stage presence. The band is tighter than ever and ready to knock your socks off! In the relatively short time the band has been together, they have become a mainstay of the Vancouver Island bluegrass and folk music scene. Skagway has been invited to play such venues as the Coombs Country Bluegrass Festival, The Sooke River Bluegrass Festival, the Victoria Bluegrass Association Feature night at the Orange hall, and the Cowichan Folk Guild Culinary Chapel Concert Series at Providence Farm, to name a few. Whether you are a fan of bluegrass music, enjoy great acoustic music, or just love to listen to people having fun singing and picking, this is a band you do not want to miss. www.myspace.com/skagwaybluegrassband

CORNER GRASS is a lively trio that packs a punch with rock solid rhythm, hot fiddle, and vibrant vocals. Luann Burton, Jim Sadlish and Clarence Boudreau share singing lead as well as harmony lines. Together they blend naturally and serve up their selections with energy and finesse. Employing multiple vocal arrangements along with an exciting repertoire (including Bluegrass, Old Time, Gospel, Texas Swing and Early Country) they offer great variety while delivering the promise of their slogan: Music from the Hills Played in Your Corner. Vancouver Island Bluegrass fans fill the halls for Corner Grass performances, and we're looking forward to seeing them here in Chemainus. Corner Grass Website

BLUEGRASS FEVER is based on Vancouver Island and plays traditional, modern and original bluegrass music. Expect to hear outstanding instrumental abilities combined with great vocal harmonies. Barrie Hemmings played with the original Bluegrass Fever band many years ago in Ontario, then in more recent years with Shades of Grey. Once you've heard Barrie playing banjo, you'll always want to hear more of his fast-picking, melodic style. Bob Johns is the guitarist and is known for his years with the popular Ladysmith-based Back 40 Boys. Kim Turner plays both fiddle and mandolin, with some wonderful bass from Guy Langlois. To hear the band, and to find out more about them, please visit their website at www.bluegrassfever.ca

Flash In The Pan continues the quest to keep their name ironic. The band has been able to refine their sound during regular appearances around Victoria and Vancouver Island since Autumn of 2008. Audiences should gear up for another year of FITP's foot stompin' dance tunes and sweet four-part harmonies. Featuring new original songs and old favourites, their performances exude youthful energy and a love of bluegrass, old-time, country and gospel. The band's lineup includes familiar faces from the Victoria bluegrass scene: Miriam Sonstenes on fiddle (Backyard String Band, The Sweet Lowdown, Sweet Ginger), Cluny Macpherson on banjo (The Dougs, Neckbeard, Rock Island Ramblers), Kelly Sherwin on bass (The Balkan Babes,Ain't Dead Yet), Jeff Dill on guitar (Sweet Ginger, the Yiddish Columbia State Orchestra), and Chris Herbst on dobro (The Gruff, The Boot Screefers, Skagway) Visit www.myspace.com/finthep.

Backporch Banjo - the members of this group are: Kazimea Sokil: clawhammer banjo, guitar, mandolin & lead & harmony vocals. Linda Thorburn: 5 string banjo. Bob Slater: guitar lead & harmony vocals. Earl Purvis: bass & leads

The band's website is www.backporchbanjo.com

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