The 40th Anniversary Joe Val Bluegrass Festival opens with a night of workshops and jamming, featuring a stage performance by the Joe Val All Stars:  Alison Brown, Stuart Duncan, Missy Raines, Matt Flinner, and Michael Daves.

Jamming and workshops all day from 10 AM to 9 PM.  There will be a Gabe Hirshfeld Celebration of Life at 1 PM in the main ballroom (free and open to the public).

Singer, songwriter, guitarist Jesse Dee is a man with a big heart and an old soul.“Explosive,” “fervent,” and “infectious” are the kinds of words people typically reach for when trying to describe the power of his live performances  

Saturday is a full day on the main stage and Showcase Stage, along with dozens of workshops and jams for all levels of musicians, from beginner to advanced.

  The Sweethearts of Worcester Bargain Basement Band will be playing, with Michael Church on keys, Bill Fisher on bass, Dave Niles and Ed Arndt on guitars, and Mark Cherington on drums.

The Heather Pierson Trio is back to its original configuration for this special concert – Heather Pierson on piano, guitar, banjo  and vocals, Shawn on guitar, and the amazing Davey on everything else. Melodies range from blues and ragtime to Americana originals and healing songs of peace.

Sunday is a another full day on the Main Stage and Showcase Stage, along with dozens of workshops and jams for all levels of musicians, from beginner to advanced. Closing out the festival on the main stage is the Del McCoury Band

12:30pm concert, optional 11:30am potluck brunch.  Reservations required: HouseConcerts@fssgb.org.  Mike takes great delight in discovering the little-known hidden gems, polishing them with his own distinctive style, and bringing them to the light of day where they sparkle.