The 40th Annual Barnes Family Bluegrass Music Festival will be held August 31, September 1 & 2, 3, 2012 at the Mercer County Fairgrounds, Aledo, Illinois.

Shows start;
Friday at7:00 PM
Saturday; 12:30 and 7:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM

Admission for the weekend; Friday $15; Saturday $20; Sunday $15. Weekend Passes are $40.

Children under 16 are free with a parent.

Camping fee is $12 per day and electricity is available.

Bring your own lawn chairs. RAIN OR SHINE!!! There are shelters in case of rain.  Concessions on the grounds.

Proceeds will benefit the Children's Therapy Center.

The 39th Annual Barnes Family Bluegrass Music Festival will be held September 2, 3 and 4, at the Mercer County Fairgrounds, Aledo, Illinois.

Shows start;
Friday at 7:00 PM
Saturday; 12:30 and 7:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM

Admission for the weekend;
Friday $15; Saturday $20; Sunday $10. Weekend Passes are $37.

Children under 16 are free with a parent.

Camping fee is $12 per day and electricity is available.

Bring your own lawn chairs. RAIN OR SHINE!!! There are shelters in case of rain.
Concessions on the grounds.

For more information go to www.barnesbluegrass.com

Proceeds benefit the Children's Therapy Center

 

The Barnes Family is gearing up for what is sure to be their most exciting festival to date!

The Expedition Show blends tight vocal harmonies and unique entertaining musical journey of hot picking, and side-splitting humor into a fast paced, non-stop, crowd-pleasing show! One of the fantastic surprises of this veteran Original songs and fresh sounds combined with old-school traditional spirit. Critically acclaimed master musicians and singers trained by the forefathers of bluegrass and the legends of the Grand Ole Opry have forged into a very special musical experience!

World-class bluegrass entertainers Monroe Crossing, named in honor of Bill Monroe. Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Their airtight harmonies, razor sharp arrangements, and on-stage rapport make them audience favorites across the United States and Canada. They are touring in support of their new DVD, "Monroe Crossing Live," which features audience favorites and original compositions from "Heartache & Stone," their latest CD. "Heartache & Stone" boasts seven band originals and songs from four other Minnesota songwriters, including pop rocker Prince

The Harman Family Bluegrass Band today consists of first and second generation musicians having deep roots dating back to 1975. Their music style ranges from traditional to contemporary bluegrass, country, gospel and other various types of music.

The Bankester Family, of Carbondale, IL, is becoming a crowd favorite throughout the bluegrass festival scene.  Their latest CD, The Bankesters, has been released on Blue Circle Records and features the family's beautiful harmonies as well as growing instrumental abilities.  The family was also fortunate enough to feature Jamie Johnson of The Grascals on this CD, with the song, "My Love Will Follow You."  The Bankesters have only been touring a few short years, but can put on a show like true professionals.

Ashley Lewis has fronted the spirited bluegrass band, Ashton Gap, for nine years. Her musical influences are derived from a bluegrass heritage in Kentucky. Known for her sparkling vocals and dynamic mandolin and fiddle performances, Ashley is also a profound songwriter, and evidence of her bluegrass legacy appears in the words and music of her original songs. By blending a variety of mandolin styles and her own rhythmic technique, Ashley has developed a unique sound that is true to the traditional roots of bluegrass with her own flair added.