Bluegrass Time At Ho‘omaluhia

Jamming, camping, singing and plucking are in store at Bluegrass in the Koolaus this weekend at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.

The lineup of workshops, performances and potlucks April 26-29 is free to the public (both overnighters and daytrippers), though advanced planning is needed for camping permits, and donations are welcome for the food. All music will be acoustic to keep the park as peaceful as possible.

Bluegrass Hawaii will offer joyful music – to make or listen to – from 9 a.m. Friday until 4 p.m. Monday, when cleanup is pau and the park closes. Jam sessions and potluck dinner start things off Friday; Saturday is filled with workshops on guitars, mandolins, autoharps and fiddles, plus a “slow jam” for beginners led by Kailua musician Bob Schornstheimer.

Entertaining Saturday will be Discord & Rye, Saddle Road, North Shore Ramblers, Bluegrass Barnstormers, Patty Clayton and Saloon Pilots, and possibly a few surprise guests. Sunday plans include a morning Gospel Sing, banjo and autoharp workshops, the band scramble competition and more potlucks and jams.

Last year’s event drew about 400 fans and musicians and 90 campers. For details of all kinds, call Mike Spengel at 255-7245 or email him at mikespengel@bluegrasshawaii.com. Additional information is on the website bluegrasshawaii.com.