Bluegrass from the Forest | July 11-13
Bluegrass from the Forest fills a 15-acre park with music, workshops, and campers, becoming a key event in the Northwest Bluegrass scene. Organized by the local Kristmas Town Kiwanis to support local youth, the festival includes two stages, food, drinks, vendors, and spacious tent and RV sites. Over three days, there are four major concerts showcasing top talent, with music from traditional to progressive bluegrass. Additionally, there are various instrument and vocal workshops during breaks..
Geared towards both families and individuals of all ages, the Chick Rose Kids School of Bluegrass is offered through the Festival weekend for no additional charge. Beginning on the Saturday morning youth are divided into groups according to their musical ability, they are coached by advanced musicians to create a special performance Saturday on the main stage.
Saturday night features the famous "midnight hot-dogs" after the annual Country Dance. All the campfire jamming halts momentarily as the pickers and their families join the musicians for a midnight feast in the main tent.
2025 BAND LINE UP
Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, formed in 2018, mix traditional and modern styles in bluegrass, country, and folk music through genuine songwriting. They started with their debut album, “Traveling Kind,” in 2020, and followed with “In Dreams I Go Back” in 2022. Their recent album includes “My, My, My,” named S.P.B.G.M.A. 2023 Song of the Year. Fans can expect new music in 2024. Recognized as one of the most entertaining new bluegrass acts, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run is a band to see. Visit website
Never Come Down
Never Come Down is a band from Portland, Oregon, blending modern and traditional American music. The group includes Joe Suskind (guitar), Crystal Lariza (vocals), Lillian Sawyer (fiddle), and Kaden Hurst (mandolin). They focus on thoughtful lyrics and intricate arrangements, showcasing their technical skills and teamwork. Formed in 2018, they have toured widely, building a devoted fan base in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Their first album, "Better Late Than Never," came out in 2021, and their second, "Greener Pastures," is expected in late 2023. They have also played at major festivals like Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and Americanafest.
Critics praise Never Come Down for their musical talent and emotional depth, highlighting their unique blend of voices and instruments. Their upcoming album promises to showcase their artistic journey, and the producer expresses excitement for the world to discover this remarkable band. Visit website
Midnight45
Midnight45 offers powerful bluegrass music with high, strong vocals and perfect harmonies. Based in Central and Western Oregon, they focus on deep-groove bluegrass, blending traditional and contemporary styles. The band performs original songs and classic country duets. Each member has extensive experience, having played in top bluegrass bands on the West Coast. The Adkins brothers have always dreamed of teaming up with Jered to create this standout Northwest group. Visit website
Jim Hurst
Jim Hurst's distinct guitar picking style impresses audiences and is admired by both new players and fellow musicians. His diverse career has made him a talented performer, seasoned teacher, and sought-after session musician. Friendly and outgoing, he is very approachable for someone of his skill. Jim received the IBMA "Guitar Player of the Year" awards for 2001 and 2002, chosen by his peers, reflecting their respect for his talent. After working with various Country and Bluegrass artists, Jim chose to pursue a solo career in 2010 to focus on his personal music and artistry. Jim is a musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and producer who has released 7 CDs: Open Window, Second Son, A Box of Chocolates, Intrepid, Looking Glass, JHT-1, and Atlantic Crossing. His skill captivates audiences with his impressive guitar playing and smooth singing.
In the past ten years, Jim has been performing full time and teaching at guitar workshops and music camps in North America and Europe. While he sometimes works with other bluegrass musicians, his solo performances and the Jim Hurst Trio have captivated audiences. In April 2021, he released the highly anticipated original single “It’s A Beautiful Day,” which was warmly received by radio and fans. The uplifting song, featuring harmony vocals from Dale Ann Bradley and Claire Lynch, quickly reached #2 on the Bluegrass Today Grassicana Chart, where it remained for 25 weeks. Now, Jim has signed a new record deal with Pinecastle Music and has re-released the SECOND SON album for its 20th anniversary. He is also working on a new bluegrass album at Pinecastle’s Bonfire Music Studio and is scheduling tour dates for a full band promotional tour. Visit website
The Oly Mountain Boys are a South Puget Sound bluegrass institution, picking and singing around Olympia, Washington since 2008. They bring a Pacific Northwest sensibility to the bluegrass sound through traditional tunes and original compositions, and showcase the power of the American bluegrass music tradition. Visit website
Way Far Yonder is a rising band from Eugene, Oregon, making their festival debut at Bluegrass From the Forest. The group features talented banjo player Henry Strid and award-winning fiddler Doug Fleener. Doug, originally from Leitchfield, Kentucky, has won several state and national fiddle contests and has played in Portland bands for 4 to 5 years. Henry has loved bluegrass music, especially banjo, for a long time and is involved with the IBMA and California Bluegrass Association. He has performed with well-known artists like Luke Bulla and Never Come Down. Together, Doug and Henry create an exciting energy that can both soothe and energize listeners. Be sure to give them a listen if you can.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwE9x5gdR08
Runaway Train Bluegrass
Like strong traditional bluegrass with an edge to it? Then you’ll like Runaway Train Bluegrass! This band is known for tight harmonies and clean pickin’. A Pacific Northwest mainstay for many years, they perform on special occasions when time and availability permits. They’re the host band for Bluegrass from the Forest festival and they also play an important role in helping to get the festival going every year.
The Bar-K Buckaroos – The Host Band for the Saturday Night Country Dance
The Bar-K Buckaroos play traditional western swing dance music in the style of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. They bring their love of Bluegrass, Country and Swing, Jazz, Blues and Raggae’ to form a great evening of western swing and 20-40’s era swing music.
Save the date for a very affordable weekend of music and fun! For more information and to purchase tickets visit bluegrassfromtheforest.com. Early bird tickets for the 2025 festival are available through June 20. Tickets purchased online are held at the front gate of the festival.