The Highway 61 Folks Festival in Mahtowa is set for Aug. 3-5, providing a mid-summer escape that's not only entertaining but close to home.
The event will include free camping and free admission, thanks to the support of local businesses and contributing sponsors.
The Folks Festival kicks off on Friday, Aug. 3, with local performers "Country Junction" live at 5 p.m. at TJ's Country Store.
The evening continues with rock/blues artists Paul Mayasich with Benderheads at Rob's Mahtowa Tavern from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Twenty local, regional and national songwriters have registered to take part in this year's Singer/Songwriter Contest to be held on Saturday, Aug. 4, starting at high noon on the outside stage at Rob's Mahtowa Tavern.
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Each finalist will perform up to two original songs before a live audience and a panel of judges. As in previous years, the Songwriters Contest is recorded and each of the performers will be considered for the Annual Highway 61 Folks Festival Songwriters CD.
Samples of all previous Songwriters Contest CD's can be found at www.hwy61folksfestival.org .
Following the songwriters contest, the music continues with local artists Colleen Myhre and Tony Petersen from 4-5 p.m.
Entertaining the Highway Folks Festival on the last leg of their American Tour are Charlie Parr with international recording artist special guests My Two Tom's from the U.K.
Saturday evening concludes with modern bluegrass band Pert' Near Sandstone from 8 p.m. to midnight at Rob's Mahtowa Tavern. Pert' Near Sandstone's originality and energy has won them fans across generations and genres. Pert' Near's rhythm gets people dancing, tight harmonies keep folks singing along, and the fiddle/mandolin melodies and hot solos tear a crowd up with energy.
The Highway 61 Folks Festival wraps up Sunday morning with a Pancake Breakfast at Rob's as well as local bluegrass gospel revival group "Just a Little Talk with Jesus" starting at 10 a.m.
There will also be a Sunday Song Session which is open to anyone and everyone. Musicians are invited to bring an instrument and join in or just come and listen. It is completely acoustic and is open to everyone.
Food and drink will be for sale on site, as well as Highway 61 Folks Festival merchandise to help support the event.
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The Highway 61 Folks Festival is a non-profit corporation that seeks to give artists and musicians an opportunity for exposure through performance and marketing opportunities.
For more information on the event, contact Jim Myhre at 218-389-6668 or visit the Folks Festival Web site at www.hwy61folksfestival.org .
