Over the years, there have been hundreds of different performers at Strawberry Park's 31 prior Bluegrass Festivals, ranging from local talent to rising stars like Alison Krauss and established icons such as Ricky Skaggs. However, I don't think that there has been a group that has been here more times than Dry Branch Fire Squad. The band has been around since 1976, and has performed at Strawberry Park more times than not. Not only do they provide great music, but Ron Thomason is as humorous and entertaining as anyone we have ever had on stage. He has taught English and math at many levels, and enjoys a variety of interests. I still recall one of the band's early t-shirts, something about the "evolution of Dry Branch", with Darwinian illustrations. It was a shirt worn often by Syl Serra, a long-time camper and former employee who sadly passed away a few years back from pancreatic cancer. Dry Branch was his favorite band (although I know he enjoyed giving golf cart tours to some of the lovely young ladies who have performed here, including Alison Krauss and Jenny Paquette at our CW Jamboree). Dry Branch also hosts a festival of their own in NY each summer (Grey Fox), so they have an understanding of what it takes to produce this type of event. Even if you are one of our long-term campers who may not be a big BG fan, I suggest you catch one of Dry Branch's sets. They will perform on Saturday, May 30 and will also host the gospel hour Sunday morning. We look forward to their return--and I am sure Ron will also be conducting one of our instrumental workshops (we just need to let him know if it will be guitar or mandolin).
Have a great weekend. If you are in the Worcester area, stop by the RV Show. I will be busy running another wrestling tournament over in Uncasville, but Matt, Brittany and Emily will have things covered up in MA.
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