Kenny and Amanda Smith

The 21st annual Greater Downstate Indoor Bluegrass Music Festival in Springfield, Ill., routinely draws a stellar lineup of stars, and following suit, a large gathering of bluegrass fans.This year’s festival is Nov. 9-11 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, just off Interstate 55 ( Exit 94) in Illinois’s capital city.

As has become standard in this festival’s first two decades, the 2007 edition will feature a large guitar and instrument show with several dealers offering new, used and vintage wares.

Appearing this year are Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock, the Grascals, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, J.D. Crowe & the New South, [Nothin’ Fancy, Dry Branch Fire Squad, the Dale Ann Bradley Band, The Bankester Family, Kenny & Amanda Smith, The Peasall Sisters and Bobby Hicks.

Hicks is also offering a fiddle camp, limited to 15 intermediate and above level players, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the festival’s opening day. Registration information is available at 217-243-3159, or info@bluegrassmidwest.com.

The festival is promoted by Terry and Jan Lease of Jacksonville, Ill. The Leases are the driving force behind Midwest Bluegrass Festivals, which sponsors several shows annually in the greater Illinois area.

Details of the Springfield festival, including room reservation and ticket sales information, are available at www.bluegrassmidwest.com