Mud Lake Bluegrass
July 10th, July 24th & Aug. 7th Aug.14th 2010
Bluegrass Series is celebrating its tenth Anniversary! The Mud lake music society and the Dubuque County Conservation Board are proud to announce what is now the tenth annual “Mud Lake Bluegrass Sundays” concert series! This year’s “Pick-nics” are scheduled for July 10th, July 24th, Aug. 7th & Aug. 14th.All events a
re situated right on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, just north of Dubuque IA., at Mud Lake Park. Starting out as a truly “Grass” roots event, Bluegrass Sundays has become one of Dubuque’s favorite happenings with thousands of people of all ages enjoying the picnic-like atmosphere at Mud Lake Park. Each event kicks off with the “Pickers Pick-nic” starting at 12 noon and going until 2 p.m. It’s the perfect setting to meet and play with other aspiring pickers. Guest instructors help with tuning, questions, and then organize the jam sessions. At 2 p.m., the main stage fires up with regional opening acts, and is then followed by a national touring act at 3:30. They entertain until approximately 6 p.m. Camping is available at Mud Lake Park, along with food, drink and ice cream concessions. No alcohol is sold, but visitors are allowed to bring their own coolers, and are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Donations are accepted, and with sponsorship support and concession sales, the music society hopes to keep it free. It’s a truly an all ages, feel good event for the whole family. Mud Lake Park is located just a few miles north of Dubuque. Take Highway 52 North to Sageville, turn right on Mud Lake Road and follow it right to the picnic at the park. Signs will be posted
This year’s line-up is:
July 10th – Dapper Dan & The Relentless Mules- The relentless mules are four of the drivin’est young acoustic musicians you’ll find in central Ohio. This banjo-less bluegrass group draws generously from the classic songbooks of Flat & Scruggs, The Osborne Brothers, Bill Monroe, Reno & Smiley among others. The Mules feature the blistering resonator guitar work of Stephen Moller, Daniel Phelps’ mastery of the bluegrass guitar, the strong, creative mandolin playing of Caleb Powers and the heart of the Mules, string bassist Chris Stevens. Watch out, these Mules kick! The Cosmobilly Band will be opening the show. July 24th-Bluegrass Addiction-Touring since 1991 this southern Iowa group has teamed up with a couple of pickers from northern Missouri to become one of the best four piece bands in the mid-west. Opening the show will be the Free for the Haulin Band. August 7th – The Hen House Prowlers – From just over Chicago way, the traditional vocal harmonies and hard driving instrumentals of this seasoned young band stand as proof that Bluegrass is alive and well in the 21st century. Opening act will be Driftwood Denny and the Fever River String Band. August 14th-Bluegrass Boys Reunion- For our 10th anniversary we wanted to pay tribute to the man who inspired us, as well as all the musicians and fans who love Bluegrass music. That would be the “father of bluegrass” Bill Monroe. We can’t have Bill, for what would be his 100th birthday, but we did put together a onetime only group of his former band members; The Bluegrass Boys. The group will consist of Tom Ewing (guitar and Monroe historian), Bob Black (banjo), Mark Embry (bass), and friends Brian Ray (mandolin), and Paul Keinutz (fiddle). Here is a rare chance to hear Bluegrass played the way Monroe would have done it. Performed by his former band members! For more information on the events or to get on the annual mailing list, contact event organizer, Jimmy Zmudka at (563-552-1522), or e-mail him at [email protected]
For camping information, contact Dubuque County Conservation at 563-556-6745. The park has modern and primitive camping as well as playgrounds, modern bathrooms, and river access. We will also be on Face book this year so tell everyone to check us out there. Thanks for your support!
