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Homegrown Minnesota bluegrass and gospel that will make you smile, stir your spirit and touch your soul. Sarah Mae and ‘the boys’ blend “relative” harmonies with a toe-tapping mix of original songs and traditional bluegrass and gospel music. The family band entertains audiences of all musical tastes and ages — mixing skillful instrumentation with engaging harmonies and a kindred spirit that is reflected in meaningful (and fun) songs about faith, hope, and life.

The band shares stories and songs about the importance of family, overcoming hardship, the relevance of faith, and reasons for hope in a troubled world.  Sarah Mae and ‘the boys’ have performed throughout Minnesota and the Midwest at festivals, fairs, churches, and private events. They have two recordings,  releasing their debut CD, It’s Time, in 2014 followed by Standing on the Rock in 2018.

Audiences love the energy and drive of this bluegrass band! The instrumental abilities and vocal harmonies of “Lost 40” is exciting and the energy shows how much every member loves Bluegrass music. They are always having fun and the energy of the music has a hard drive that is unmistakable. The band’s Facebook page says it best, “Bluegrass music is what we do.”

Tim and Cindy have been entertaining audiences throughout Minnesota and surrounding states for many years performing Bluegrass and Classic Country music. They have been members of several country and bluegrass bands throughout the years and also perform as a duo playing festivals, churches, concerts and private events.

Tim and Cindy are members of the Minnesota Rock and Country Hall of Fame and have recorded several CDs. Their music favors traditional sounds going back to the roots of the genres and features a variety of instruments with close vocal harmonies.

Tim and Cindy are the founders of the Lakes Bluegrass Festival and continue to manage all the entertainment at the event. Throughout the years, they have had the honor to perform with many musicians, some of which will be joining them as “friends” at this year’s festival. You never know what surprises may unfold when the “friends” get together!

This new Minnesota band is comprised of four young “old souls” who are brought together by their shared love of music, crossing the boundaries of generations and genres to create a unique sound. While newly “grouped,” this band brings outstanding talent to its performances delighting audiences everywhere.

Ben Valine has a master’s degrees in commercial guitar from Belmont. As an instrumentalist, Ben has performed in Europe and across the United States. He has opened for famous artists such as Sting, John Legend, and The Jacksons. In 2017 he played with Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill for the opening ceremony of Belmont’s Gallery of Iconic Guitars. He currently teaches music in the Twin Cities area. Jake and Liz Ashworth have been a part of the local MN music community for many years. Jake has played banjo with numerous bands over the years, including Porcupine Creek and the Long Shots. Liz is currently a member of the Mark Kreitzer Band and has played with many others, including the Sons of Wisconsin, Dakota Dave Hull and Friends, Jon Garon, Clay Hess, LaPlant Road, and more. Kristof Chara is a bass player who pushes the limits of traditional bass playing and brings new life to the instrument. These four young musicians love making music together and bring a fresh musical perspective that incorporates the styles of bluegrass, jazz, country, R&B, and classic rock.

Petersen is a singer songwriter who is nationally known for writing songs such as “Cadillac Style” and “I Can’t Reach Her Anymore” sung by Sammy Kershaw; “Refried Dreams” sung by Tim McGraw and many others.

Mark was raised in a musical family in Brainerd, MN. When he was 21, He joined “Steve Hall & The Southbound '76,” and helped them win first place in the “Seagrams Seven International Battle of The Bands" for Minnesota in 1981 and first place in the same category for North Dakota in 1982. Drummer Steve Hall's comedic puppet “Shotgun Red" was discovered as a byproduct of the 1982 National finals, and paved the way for the group to leave the nightclub scene in favor of playing arenas, stadiums, state fairs and cruise ships, eventually leading to a year-long theater stint in Branson, Missouri, in 1990, and a 12-year run as the matinee headliner aboard the General Jackson Showboat at Opryland USA. Petersen currently lives in Brainerd and performs regularly at venues throughout Minnesota. Enjoy this talented group of musicians on Wednesday evening under the big pavilion.

Kevin Wright is passionate about music and proves it by being practically a one-man band.  He is a vocalist, singing both lead and harmony.  He is a guitarist, playing both lead and rhythm on electric or acoustic.  He is a bassist and a drummer.  Kevin has been performing for 45 plus years and has been privileged to work with some of the best in country music–Bobby Bare, Narvel Felts, Johnny Rodriguez, and Eddy Raven to name a few.  Kevin has also been involved with several recording groups.  He played locally in and around the Brainerd Lakes area throughout the 1980s and 1990s.  He was a member of the Northwind Band, Mississippi, Bob Gatts & Bare Feet, the house band at the Iron Rail Saloon in Brainerd, the Wayne Renn Band, and is a repeat performer at the Lakes Bluegrass Festival.  Come enjoy Kevin’s talented blend of musicianship, creativity and tradition Wednesday afternoon under the big pavilion.

Come and enjoy an Old Time and Country Dance on Thursday afternoon with Eric Roggenkamp and his Dance Band. Eric is known throughout central Minnesota as an entertaining accordion and keyboard player delivering  that old time dance music that keeps the dancers kicking up their heels! He is joined by Larry Selander and other talented musicians to play a wide variety of music including polkas, two-steps, waltzes, country, old time and more! You’ll find yourself smiling, dancing and laughing as they have fun together throughout the afternoon.