By Jessica Schultz
The Mayville Bluegrass Festival has been resurrected for August 20th, 2022 from 11-10pm at Big Inlet Brewing (located at 6169 Elm Flat Rd, Mayville NY) for a day of great music, food and fun. What better way to spend an end of summer Saturday, than to drive out and enjoy a great venue with even better entertainment. The Villager had a chance to speak with Bill Ward, the event manager about the festival and what’s happening this year.
The Villager (V): Mayville Bluegrass Festival is almost here, what’s new for 2022?
Bill (B): “Always something new at the Mayville Bluegrass Festival. It’s been a long time since we revived it in 2019, so we are happy to get it up and running again with plenty of local and regional bluegrass, folk, and old-time talent.”
V: How much is admission, where can you get tickets and how much are they?
B: “Tickets are $25 presale, and $30 at the door. They can be bought in person at Big Inlet Brewing, or online at Eventbrite.com. Search Mayville Bluegrass.”
V: Is this a family friendly event? Is there anything specifically geared towards the younger members of the family?
B: “While this is not an exclusively youth-oriented entertainment, children under the age of 12 are welcome and free of charge. There is plenty of space and great music for all ages.”
V: You have a huge lineup, could you let us know who they are?
B: “We do have a huge line up. Creek Bend, Brothers Blue, Deep Fried and Dipped in Honey, Crikwater, Rear View Ramblers, Bumpy and Friends, Generic Newgrass, Matt Homan and the Haybalers, Blue Mule Bluegrass, Big Inlet Bluegrass All-Stars, Bill Ward, Old Dawg Bluegrass and Michael Gerholdt are on the roster so far. Artist bio links are on the website at http://billwardmusic.com/mbf.html”
V: Will there be refreshments and food available?
B: “Big Inlet has a full range of craft beer and not alcoholic beverages. Food trucks will provide barbecue and other delicious sundries. Brand new Mayville Bluegrass Festival t-shirts are sponsored by and a fundraiser for Chautauqua Rails to Trails.”
V: Anything else you would like to add?
B: “We are pleased to resurrect the Mayville Bluegrass Festival, which was a Chautauqua County mainstay in the early 2000s with great Bluegrass names like Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Vassar Clements, Rhonda Vincent, Sierra Hall, etc. While we are focusing mainly on regional acts this year, we are excited to get it rolling again. We also wanted to remind everyone that this is an outdoor event and it’s a good idea to bring your own lawn chairs. We ask you not to bring in any coolers or pets please.”
Thank you, Bill, for taking the time to share all this great info on the festival and a huge thank you to Big Inlet Brewing and all the performers making this event possible. Remember to come out to Big Inlet Brewing in Mayville, NY this Saturday, August 20th from 11-10pm and enjoy the vibe!!