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FESTIVAL IS BUZZ OF TOWN
 Festival is buzz of town (). By Jeff Petersen Staff Writer he buzz over the Americana Music Festival is getting around. People on the street are talking about the nonstop music. Musicians are itchin' to jam. Volunteers are fired up to do their thing. Local business owners are braced for the influx of people expected to visit La Grande for the Friday and Saturday inaugural event at the Union County Fairgrounds. Musicians are in a sharing mood. Anna Snook, 16, who plays fiddle and mandolin in the BandAnnas, has been to many festivals in the Portland area and throughout the Northwest. "Festivals give you a chance to see other people and jam," she says. "It's a great chance to meet people and share music." Snook, who started playing fiddle at age 9 and mandolin last February, says she thinks the Americana will be great for the area because people attending can learn about different types of music. "I have been reading posts on the Bluegrass listservs, and people are very excited about this festival," she says. The president of the La Grande Downtown Development Association, Doug Campbell, who along with his wife, Carol, owns McGlasson's Stationary, is also excited about the festival. "The entertainment lineup I'm seeing is just super," Campbell says. "I can't wait to get my tickets." Americana provides great advertising for La Grande and helps put it on the map, he said. "Any kind of event like this that brings people to town will help them realize that this is a great cultural center, and I hope it's a huge benefit to Union County." Campbell says he believes the ticket prices are a great deal. "The prices for a full weekend of such quality entertainment are terrific," he says. Fledging musician Dave Yoder, meanwhile, is a volunteer worker at the festival. The owner of Valley Insurance, a corporate sponsor of the event, Yoder says the festival is an opportunity for of La Grande and Union County to enhance music education and diversify arts opportunities, which has a real cultural value. "I encourage everyone to make it out to the program," Yoder says. "I hope the support of the community is great enough to allow this festival to continue for years to come." Tickets on sale now Tickets are available for The Americana Music Festival Friday and Saturday at the Union County Fairgrounds. Outlets include Sunflower Books, the EOU Bookstore, Earth n' Book, Joe and Sugars, La Grande Stereo and Music and at the gate. Cost is $30 for a two-day pass, $15 for Friday shows and $20 for Saturday shows. Entry fee includes admission to any workshops and jam sessions. Contact info: E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Union County Tourism, 102 Elm St., La Grande 97850, phone 800-848-9969 |
