Bluegrass sounds will abound on Labour Day
IIIrd Generation will be performing at this year's Bluegrass Festival.
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Updated: August 14, 2009 1:27 PM
Chilliwack Heritage Park will be filled with the high lonesome sound on Labour Day weekend with seven of the best bluegrass bands around.
An impressive lineup of performers from across North America are pulling into town for the annual festival.
Missouri-based Cedar Hill is the headliner and the only band to have performed here before. Other bands set to take the stage include Monroe Crossing, Sawmill Road, III Generation, Trampled by Turtles and Tall Timber Grass with the Bix Mix boys.
"Many people come to the festival to experience the overall ambience by camping, taking part in the corn-shucking contests, enjoying the free corn roasts and playing their instrument of choice," says coordinator Ana Macedo. "This really is a highlight and a big part of the weekend and visitors are encouraged to experience this side of the festival."
The event goes ahead on schedule rain or shine.
"The festival is always held indoors so weather is not an issue," Macedo points out.
The festival starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, and continues throughout the weekend. Reserve tickets by calling the Chilliwack Arts Centre at (604) 792-2069 or pick them up at the door.
Here's an interview in the Q&A style with Mark Phillips who plays guitar and sings with the band, IIIrd Generation from Norman, Oklahoma.
What style of bluegrass does IIIrd Generation play?
"We're from the south so we approach it differently than some do. We like to put it right in your face. We're pretty pure in what we do, and we play a range of songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Does interest in music tend to run in your family?
"It does. My dad and grandpa played bluegrass, and now I play. Actually my dad started the band, and taught us to play hard-driving bluegrass in a real energetic way."
How did you gravitate toward it in your own life ?
"I just growed up listening to it. It's all I've known all my life. I've played country but for the most part it's been bluegrass since I was about 14."
Ever played Chilliwack before?
"No we have never been to the Chilliwack festival but we've been to different parts of Canada a lot over the years. This is our first trip to B.C."
Are you touring a lot of the time?
"We're on the road about 250 days a year, and that's all we play is bluegrass events."
What's your take on the so-called new grass?
"To tell you the truth I think all music's good. I just prefer that bluegrass stays traditional."
Who would you say had a big impact on you musically?
"I listened quite a bit to the Stanley Brothers, and others like Jimmy Martin, Larry Sparks, Reno & Smiley, the Bluegrass Cardinals."
What makes a good gig in your estimation?
"As long as we get paid! No seriously, a good gig is any gig. We just love to play."
How many recordings does the band have?
"We have four albums. We'll be playing selections from all four. We're recording our fifth one right now. We've got about nine songs written.
How do you stay healthy while on tour?
"I guess we don't really stay healthy! We try but when we're on the road so much of the time, it's hard. I jog, but i jog up to the food court.
What was the weirdest gig ever?
"I don't know of any really weird gigs, but once we played when it was below freezing. That wasn't very good. I looked behind me at one point, and my dad was playing, and I was playing, but the rest of the band had quit!"
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