A great weekend of fun, music, friends, family and parkin' lot pickin'. A festival you won't want t
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Be on the look out for this banner down at the Sanford Shines event this year in Sanford. The riders will have a trailer downtown to collect toys and donations. All toys (or cash donations) of $10 or more will receive a coupon to receive a freshly smoked chicken leg quarter dinner with coleslaw and baked beans down at the Sanford American Legion Post #443 on Dec 2nd from 5-9pm. All toys collected STAY IN MIDLAND COUNTY!
Sorry folks, I am retiring from producing the Salt River Bluegrass Festival. It certainly not impossible to produce, since George became ill, I had the sole responsibility and fortunately had a great team backing me up. However, I miss George terribly and there is a pain in my heart. George was my world and the festival was his passion. Without George, it hurts my heart to proceed. I will enjoy myself attending other bluegrass festivals and relaxing. Rest in peace, my love, you will never be forgotten 💜
There will not be a 2020 Salt River Bluegrass Festival. This was a very difficult decision, and we are saddened, as we know many of you are also. We are planning to have a festival in 2021 and hope you will again join us at that time.
Please know that we will miss all of you and our heart is heavy knowing that it will be another year before we can see your smiling faces. However, we are open for camping according to state mandated limitations and will be open that weekend for your camping pleasure and outdoor enjoyment. Our friends from Ohio will join us, making it a Full House. We will be Kicking Grass at the campground to get it in tip top shape for next year's event. Much Love to you all and stay safe, my friends!💜
Thanks everyone for your interest in our festival. If you want fo play at this fun event, PM me. Thank you
Yep, it's on. Planning of another great festival is in the works. This years dates July 23, 24 & 25, 2020. Mark your calendars to join us. In the meantime...let us know who you'd like to hear. We still have some slots open. Bands need to PM me for consideration and get submission information. Hoping to hear from you soon! 💜
Since the close of the festival we have lost another devoted friend. Joe "Lil Joe" Schutt a wonderful man, with a quick wit and a kind word for everyone he met. His laughter was contagious and I never walked away from him without a smile on my face. Joe attended many festivals and I looked forward to his arrival each year. Joe was also employed by my husband George for many years. I will deeply miss the joy he brought to my world. My deepest sympathies to his family and his partner in life, Sherri, you are in my thoughts.
Lil Joe's Memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28th at 1pm at Clark Funeral Home in Mt Pleasant. Viewing will be Tuesday the 27th from 6-9pm. and Weds at Noon until time of service. A luncheon will be held after the service at the Mt Pleasant Eagles Club, 1440 S Isabella Rd, Mt Pleasant MI
A sad fact of life becomes clearer with each passing day and always brings tears to my eyes. Our presence in this world is so fragile and our time is so limited. We need to live life to the fullest, enjoy one another, say "I love you", and most importantly, be kind.
Since the festival ended we have lost two of our devoted friends at Salt River Acres.
Sylvia Erskine has attended every festival we have hosted. A remarkable woman with a quick smile and a deep devotion to her family. She danced in the moonlight with her Granddaughter Melissa Breternitz at the closing of this year's festival. Sylvia returned to her home on Sunday and passed away as she rested in her chair. My deepest sympathies to her family. Everyone at Salt River will miss your magical glow.
The Case family and staff are thankful to the community for their support for over 130 years and look forward to continuing that tradition."
https://animoto.com/play/w2p37GHDoQUNc3T1foLOPQ
We are so delighted to have Kim Robin's and 40 Years Late join us this year... give them a listen!
Animoto's video maker turns your photos and video clips into professional videos in minutes. Fast and shockingly simple - we make video creation easy.
Thanks Zellies for the devotion and opportunity you provided to Bluegrass music.
The Journeymen are having way to much fun tearing this one up! 💜
Back 40...for your listening pleasure
Back Forty is a staple of the Midwest live music scene. Over the last 5 years Back Forty has played just about every venue and major festival in Michigan and...
Check out Back 40...
Back Forty is a staple of the Midwest live music scene. Over the last 5 years Back Forty has played just about every venue and major festival in Michigan and...
Branded Bluegrass, let them rock your world!
Provided to YouTube by CDBaby If I Could Make a Living out of Loving You · Branded Bluegrass Most Welcome ℗ 2016 Branded Bluegrass Released on: 2016-05-05 Au...
You won't want to miss Branded Bluegrass, one of our favorite groups
Provided to YouTube by CDBaby If I Could Make a Living out of Loving You · Branded Bluegrass Most Welcome ℗ 2016 Branded Bluegrass Released on: 2016-05-05 Au...
Come join us and see Nu-Blu in person!
Good Evening Everyone, We are so excited about this years festival. We are working hard getting the grounds ready for your visit. Tickets are being sent out this week, thanks for all the orders.We cannot wait to see everyone.
Enjoy Nu-Blu
Nu-Blu ....Enjoy
We cannot wait to meet this group of fine entertainers!!!
Nu-Blu's amazing new cover of Sawyer Brown's "Gypsies On Parade." -It’s a bold statement but “Gypsies on Parade” is to bluegrass as Bob Seger’s “Turn the Pag...
https://bluegrasstoday.com/salt-river-bluegrass-festival-is-resurrected-for-2019-and-beyond/
Folks, I must say I am a bit overwhelmed without George by my side. I have always looked to him for guidance to help produce a memorable event so that each and every person that attends can enjoy their experience. Now, I am trying to produce and promote George's passion for others to enjoy without him.
I thank God daily for our friends that have taken me under their wing and lifted me up. I am certain I will make mistakes, I already have, but with your patience and support we can succeed. Thank you all. Thank you John Lawless for touching my heart in a special way.
The Salt River Bluegrass Festival, previously thought to be ended when founder George Carr passed away, will now be run by his widow, Kris.
Here it is ......
Www.saltriveracres.net
Come visit us for your camp out, wedding, reunion or our festival. We are certain you will have a wonderful time.
Imagine that?!?
Alright Friends, Try to stay warm this week, it is going to be bitter cold. Let thoughts of summer camping and bluegrass music drifting gently through the night fill your souls. Warm weather will be here sooner than you know.
We are receiving CD's and information from interested artists, please PRIVATE MESSAGE us, if your group wants to be considered and we will let you know how to submit your group for consideration.
Our goal is to take suggestions from people who attend the festival and we are extremely interested in your opinions. We also understand that every artist would like to be considered for the limited time slots, but our request at this time is for attendees requests and opinions. We will reach out and contact the suggested artists, enabling us to communicate with artists personally.
If you have attended our festival, you will know we have tried to develop a personal relationship with our attendees. We try to spend time with each of you. We have learned your names, met your families, rejoiced when your babies were born, attended weddings, graduations and funerals. We have laughed and cried with many of you and are thrilled when you come back each year to see us. You are our bluegrass family and we care about each of you on a personal level, you are not JUST customers. Thank you for taking us into your family, thank you for making us feel welcome, thank you for sharing your lives with us. Please free to continue to share your ideas with us, we are listening.
Well Friends, We have a had a lot of input on which talented artists you would like us to consider for this years event. And, many artists have contacted us and are sending us their recordings for consideration. Again, if your group would like to submit, please private message me for details.
The good news, check out yesterday's Midland Daily News. Thank you MDN and especially Lori Qualls for presenting our festival news on the front page.
https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Salt-River-Bluegrass-Festival-back-on-schedule-13537298.php
We are always excited to be featured news in our town.
It was on New Year's Day that Kris Carr, encouraged by friends and family, decided the music would continue. The 41st Salt River Bluegrass Festival will go on this July without missing a beat, she said, even after the death of event patriarch George Carr. "I think he would be thrilled and delighted,...
So who would you like to see this year at the Salt River Bluegrass Festival???
Comment with your ideas and suggestions. We would love to hear your ideas. 💖💕💖
For all of the talented and interested musicians, please send a private message to learn how to be considered.
Well, dear friends, of late I feel like a Phoenix rising from the ashes.
A Phoenix arisen from the flames as a winner, beating all life challenges and defeating hard times. The phoenix is a symbol of rebirth from the ashes of the past, and it also represents the victory of life.
With the loss of George, the Salt River Bluegrass Festival is also a rising Phoenix, preparing to be reborn. Along with our rebirth, we are delighted to announce one of our favorite performers and dearest friends has consented to join us and will perform at this years event. He has not been without struggles of his own and together we are moving forward into our new life and adventure. We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to our lineup, performing for the first time in many years, CHARLIE LAWSON with his band OAK HILL. An extraordinary talent!!!!
Well, first things first. Thank you all for your support for 40 years. This year will begin a new decade and a little more progressive bluegrass music. Obviously, a huge void will mark this year with the absence of my beloved husband, George, but it is an honor to continue his legacy. He loved all of you and he loved Bluegrass. He always said he was not a fan of progressive bluegrass, but he was a huge fan of Full House and Kickin' Grass, both bands teetered on the edge. Go figure...
The good news is we would miss Bluegrass 101. Fortunately, 101 will join us!!!
Stay tuned for more announcements and updates. This will be a new challenge without George, but most of our great staff met and decided to step up to the challenge and hopefully fill George's considerably big shoes. All major positions are covered, so we are moving ahead. With your help, we can make this happen!!
How could we possibly think of a summer without seeing our amazing friends? There would be a huge hole in our hearts!
We're back...stay tuned for the latest update!
We have exciting news to share!
Y’all be sure to tune in with Jeff Lipchik on The Bluegrass Jamboree NOW for Bluegrass from the Smokies! Jeff will be playing a special recap of the bands that played at the Salt River Bluegrass Festival this past weekend. All of us at are lifting Kris and the rest of the Carr family up in prayer 🙏🏻
https://thebluegrassjamboree.com/listen-now/
George never ceased to amaze me. He was a brilliant man, always learning, always intrigued, always curious. He was a gifted mechanic, a civil war buff, a collector extraordinaire, a world of knowledge in so many subjects, it was difficult to keep up with him. He was a treasure given to me many years ago by the grace of God. He kept me on my toes and in a world of wonder. His passions were never fleeting and his obsessions never small. He always thought through what he wanted to do, prepared meticulously and executed whatever his latest project was with expertise.
I am still so extraordinarily shocked at losing my husband so quickly that I have not processed the extent of his absence. George wanted the 40th Annual Festival. I told him I would produce the event for him, if that was his wish. It wasn't producing the event that was so difficult, we have wonderful friends that know what to do and worked together as a team to present a great show. I found it difficult to spend the spare time I did have in advance of the event working to prep for the festival. I would have rather been doting on George every minute. I was urged by many to cancel the event, he would have understood. I, however, promised him I would fulfill his last wishes.
George never liked unfinished projects and he obsessed over them. He had one more last wish. He was building his saloon. A western saloon that we planned for a year. Our dear friend, Lynn Valentine, got a crew together and brought his vision to near completion. I cannot thank you all enough for volunteering your time and effort. We are working to put the finishing touches on the saloon and will host a memorial there in George's honor on August 25th. I will give more details as plans progress. You are all invited to come celebrate George's amazing life with our family at that time. Bring a story to tell, we would love to share in your memories of him. Much love, my friends!
The last chapter in my life with George has been written. As I write to all of you, dear friends, he is gone. Last evening about 8:30, I held his hand, kissed him, told him how much I loved him and said goodbye to my beloved husband of 38 years. I adored him, his sparkly blue eyes, his long curly hair, his gnarled and rough hands that could touch me with the gentleness of a feather. After days of little sleep, crying and anquish, I slept peacefully last night. I reached for him this morning and quickly awoke realizing his absence. Oddly enough, I have a sense of peace, it truly is like a weight has been lifted off my chest. He had been in pain, I watched as he deteriorated in front of my eyes, as my once strong and virile husband grew weak and helpless. That was no existence for George Carr, not the spirited soul I married so long ago. The man who chose me, the hippie girl with long hair, two young children and a longing for adventure and love.He fulfilled my needs and gave me so much more than I ever imagined. I loved him with all my heart.
With the festival behind us I believe George will be able to pass peacefully. The 40th Anniversary festival was certainly one of the very best we have ever produced. The talent line up was impressive and exceeded our expectations. George made an appearance at the pot luck dinner but, was not feeling up to spending any more time out of the camper. He wanted to rest and sleep. Thursday he was incredibly anxious and seemed to be in pain. Typical for George, he refused all medications including his pain meds. He wanted to see no one, including family and his beloved dogs.
George had a strong will and fought through his festival to be conscious throughout its entirety. Bluegrass 101 came to our trailer and gave him a personal concert with dear friends looking on. He sat up for a while listening and gave me the thumbs up. Many friends took this last opportunity to say a private goodbye to their friend. George touched so many lives, in so many places. His legacy will continue in our hearts.
Now, however, George is unconscious, preparing to meet our Lord very soon. Sleep has eluded me for days, but I cannot leave his side now. I sit next to him or just outside the door. Terry and Korey will arrive soon to be with Dad. Goodbyes are never easy and this is my toughest. George has been my best friend, my lover, my good concious, my sounding board, my confidant, my whole world for 38 years. I wonder how life will go on without him. We did everything together and we were seldom apart. I wonder if the friends we shared will still be my friends and remember me now that it is no longer "George & Kris" but just Kris. I wonder what life will be like as a single woman. I will have difficulty getting used to the loneliness. The empty house, no one to tell me "Good Night', no one to say "I love you" to and no one to answer "I know, do you keep having to tell me that?" while I laughed at him. He made me laugh and I know it will take time to truly laugh again. He told me he didn't want me to be a widow twice in my life, when I was widowed when I was very young and just two weeks ago.
So my dear friends, it is with a broken heart, I will say goodbye for now. I will be updating you soon. Thank you for your love.
Today brought an emotional roller coaster into my life. I laughed with friends at stories about my husband. I cried I as fell into the loving arms of others and I watched intently as George breathed in and out. His pain has subsided today and I am less anxious knowing he is feeling more comfortable. He is weak, but lucid and cognizant. Able to communicate his wishes and needs. I cannot sleep even though I truly need some rest. My mind is racing through my memory bank recalling all the love this man has shown me throughout the years and also some of the ridiculous and laughable arguments we have had with one another. Once, we fought over cheese! Was it sliced, sectioned and staggered in the restaurant blocks or not?
There is no one in this world that could p**s me off more than George Carr and no one that could comfort me as quickly and patiently as he could. No one who was as brilliant and analytical, detailing every move in his ever thoughtful mind. I know I have been blessed to walk through this life by his side for so many years. What I don't know is how I will ever be able to take a breath after his breath stops. I am very independent and stubborn, but I always knew that he was there for me, someone to turn to when I needed him and someone I could tell my deepest secrets.
I have been this close to death before, his time to leave his earthly ties is very close now. I have said that he would hang on to life until his festival was over. Now, I know that I was correct in my assumption. So today, it is my job to make certain everyone has a wonderful last day at his festival, asssuring him a peaceful and restful passing.
Good Morning and a good morning it is for George and I. We are both up early George is feeling as well as can be expected. He is anxiously awaiting the beginning of his festival. We have made several trips to the campgrounds and many friends are lending a helping hand to aid in the success of the 40th annual event.
I have always been amazed at George's stamina and work ethic. At 78 years of age George worked harder and longer than men half his age. From the moment his feet hit the floor each morning he was a flurry of energy. I could never imagine him slowing down. Then....out of the blue he became ill, for the first time in our decades long marriage.
I won't leave his side until our journey together is over. I find myself reflecting back now. We have had an amazing journey together. We traveled through the United States extensively, met countless people, and had a fabulous job we enjoyed together.
Our marriage was far from perfect but, perfect is in the eyes of the beholder. The love and respect we had for one another got us through any tough times.
Once we owned a motor home that spent more time broken down tha rolling down the road. Our daughter, Korey, became so accustomed to hearing the latest installment of our mechanical difficulties she would ask, "What's broke now?"
As luck would have it, while traveling through Jellico, the motor started to smoke. George pulled over and took the cover off the engine while I held it so he could ascertain the latest mechanical failure. Within moments, he jumped up, ran out of the motorhome, leaving me holding the cover while our precious dog, Breeze and I watched him leap out the door. When he was well within the limits of a safe distance, he yelled, "Fire". I dropped the cover, grabbed the dog and ran to the door. While frightened and safely at his side, I asked, "Why didn't you tell me it was on fire?", his quick response, "Hey, its every man for themself!" all the while laughing at me. That my friends is true love, who could ask for more?
Our morning started rough. George did not feel well at all, my heart sank just a little lower, I had anticipated and hoped for a better beginning. As the day went on, he was still struggling. I made an appointment to see his oncologist in the afternoon praying for some kind of help or relief for him. My prayers were answered. When I suggested feeding through an IV, I was informed insurance does not pay for it as a general rule and it is cost prohibitive for an individual. The next option, sugar water and saline every other day. It has minor nutritional value, but it is better than nothing, so the 2 hour infusion began. I ran to the store to get more prescriptions while George sat quiet and exhausted in the chair with the IV running. When I returned, he was more alert and looked at me with his piercing blue eyes, there was my guy.
I am overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and support from all of our friends.
We have been blessed with an amazing job that we created ourselves over many years. We get to professionally throw parties and fine tune them to our liking. I cannot think of anything that could be as much fun, detail oriented and people pleasing as producing special events. Over the years I have watched as my husband assumed the job of Salt River Ambassador and partied with the best of the best. During the height of our Rock-N-Reggae days I walked through the crowd to see my 60 year old husband doing a keg stand with all the 20 somethings. I was giggling with laughter as I walked up on him, change and keys tumbling out of his pockets and beer squirting everywhere while an adoring crowd cheered him on repeating, "George, George, George, George". I remember tipping my head down to meet him, eye to eye. I said "Hi, whatcha doin'?", His slurpee reply "Kegstand!" He was a rock star during those festivals, everyone wanted his attention and time. He was "The Man". He would take the stage to talk to the crowd and they would cheer him on until he requested their silence to speak. He had quite a command of his followers. Thousands of young people adoring him and thanking him for having the best festival they had ever attended. I took great pride in knowing that he was my husband. That aging Rock Star belonged next to me and I loved him. The rock shows were "my baby", I got to book them, schedule them, organize them and plan pretty much as I wished to make them a success. His "baby" was Bluegrass.
Even though it was pretty clear cut the rock shows were my passion, he ended up being the star of both events, the Bluegrass Festival and the Rock Show. Clearly being the best party host in the state of Michigan on Rock-N-Reggae weekend belonged to George. He will always be my Rock Star and could steal my thunder any day.
926 S Greendale Road
Shepherd, MI
48883
| Monday | 8am - 9pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 9pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 9pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 9pm |
| Friday | 8am - 9pm |
| Saturday | 8am - 9pm |
| Sunday | 8am - 9pm |
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