Thomas Point Beach has announced the continuation of the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival in 2017.
Following the death of festival founder Pati Crooker in June 2016, her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Jennifer Mulligan, with the help of long-time festival alum Shari Rapoza Elder, will carrying on the tradition of a Bluegrass Festival for family. They are supported by industry experts, family members and festival friends, according to a news release.
“This festival is important, not only to us, but so many people in the bluegrass community. It’s only natural that we continue,” said Michael in the release. “Where else would we be, or what else would we be doing on Labor Day weekend? This is as much a family reunion as it is a festival, it is a part of us, and we are incredibly lucky to have a strong network of support to help us continue my mother’s legacy in a big way. I think she would be proud.”
Performers for the 2017 show to date include the Earls of Leicester, Dailey and Vincent, the Gibson Brothers, and Del McCoury, as well as fresh appearances by the Grascals, Mile 12, and the Lonely Heartstring Band. The crowd-pleasing Tennessee Mafia Jug Band will again take the late-night stage. Additional programming will include a Thursday Showcase Band Competition, potluck, and contra-dance, as well as children’s activities and musician’s workshops throughout the weekend.
Tickets will go on sale Dec. 19 for a limited Holiday Special Price of $150 for the four-day ticket. A complete lineup, showcase band application, and vendor information will be available at the first of the year, according to organizers.
The Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival was established in 1979 by Pati Crooker of Brunswick with the goal of bringing traditional Bluegrass Music to coastal Maine.
The Festival won the 2008 IBMA Event of the Year award and had become a Labor Day weekend tradition.
The festival ran for 30 years. The festival went on indefinite hiatus in 2008, as Crooker took time off to focus on her family, but returned in 2011 for 5 years as the “Bluegrass Special.” In 2016, a “Celebration of Life” was held in lieu of the festival to honor the life and legacy of Crooker.
Thomas Point Beach is an 85 acre park and campground off Route 1 on tidal Thomas Bay.
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