TUNKHANNOCK — The NEPA Bluegrass Festival will return to Lazy Brook Park from Thursday to Sunday, June 2 to 5. More than a dozen traditional and progressive bluegrass bands will be featured on two stages. Headliners this year include Marty Raybon and Full Circle, the Spinney Brothers and Nothin’ Fancy.

As the NEPA Bluegrass Festival enters its ninth year, organizers Danny and Christa Stewart, of Wyalusing have built a roster of talent that pares international, national, regional, and local acts on two stages for three days of bluegrass and traditional Americana music.

Marty Raybon, formerly the lead vocalist of the popular country act Shenendoah has enjoyed numerous number one singles, top selling albums, and CMA and Grammy awards.

The Spinney Brothers hail from Nova Scotia, Canada, and offer a unique duet vocal style supported by traditional, southern-flavored bluegrass music. They strive for freshness to keep bluegrass music exciting for both ardent fans and new converts to bluegrass. Most of their set is comprised of original material that artfully blends traditional stylings with contemporary themes.

Nothin’ Fancy returns to NEPA Bluegrass this year from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. They thrilled festival goers in 2015 with their strong vocals, powerful instrumentation, and energetic stage presence. They were among the performers whose friendly, down-to-earth charm was appreciated both on and off stage.

The group formed in 1994 to compete in a bluegrass competition and have since released 11 full-length albums. Nothin’ Fancy has won the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America’s Group of the Year Award six times.

The Progressive Stage will feature performances by Driftwood, Coal Town Rounders, and Mason Porter.

Additional acts this year will include Larry Stephenson, Cirac Blue, Goldwing Express, Mama Corn, Remington Ryde, Scott Brannon, Jim Gaudet, Kipp and Jerry, Cat Elwell and Big Valley Bluegrass.

A number of activities are conducted throughout the weekend that cater to a variety of interests and age ranges. A “sip and paint” class on Friday afternoon, for example, will be offered at an additional charge for guests who aren’t as interested in picking and jamming. This year, the Kids Corner will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, featuring a fairy garden party, painting, silly sing-alongs and scavenger hunts.

Musicians can stop to see Dave Strunk, of Brothers Music of Wind Gap, who will provide repairs and restringing of instruments on site.

Tickets for 2016 NEPA Bluegrass can be purchased online at nepabluegrass.com. Free camping is available with a full weekend ticket only. Electricity is available at an additional charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional tickets will be available at the gate for the weekend or by the day.

For more information, like NEPA Bluegrass Festival on Facebook.

The Spinney Brothers, from Nova Scotia, Canada, offer a unique duet vocal style supported by traditional, southern-flavored bluegrass music.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_ABJ-Bluegrass-2.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Spinney Brothers, from Nova Scotia, Canada, offer a unique duet vocal style supported by traditional, southern-flavored bluegrass music. Submitted photos

Nothin’ Fancy will return to the NEPA Bluegrass Festival this year from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_ABJ-Bluegrass-3.jpg.optimal.jpgNothin’ Fancy will return to the NEPA Bluegrass Festival this year from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Submitted photos

The NEPA Bluegrass Festival will return to Lazy Brook Park in Tunkhannock from Thursday to Sunday, June 2 to 5. Headliners include Marty Raybon and Full Circle (shown), the Spinney Brothers and Nothin’ Fancy.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_ABJ-Bluegrass-1.jpg.optimal.jpgThe NEPA Bluegrass Festival will return to Lazy Brook Park in Tunkhannock from Thursday to Sunday, June 2 to 5. Headliners include Marty Raybon and Full Circle (shown), the Spinney Brothers and Nothin’ Fancy. Submitted photos
Tunkhannock music festival slated for June 2 to 5

For Abington Journal

Information provided by NEPA Bluegrass Festival.