Lonesome River Band (L-R) Mike Hartgrove, Sammy Shelor, Brandon Rickman, Andy Ball and Mike Anglin

Midwest bluegrass fans are gearing up for the 19th annual Gateway City Bluegrass Music Festival, which kicks off later this month in St. Louis.

The three-day event, from Feb. 27 to March 1, will be staged inside the Sheraton Westport Lakeside Chalet Hotel, offer Interstate 270.

The festival, promoted by Terry and Jan Lease’s Midwest Bluegrass Festivals, features top-line concert acts, a bluegrass talent contest, 24-hour jam rooms and a guitar show. The shows will be staged in an 8,300-square-foot concert room.

Friday evening performers include the Lonesome River Band, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Ozark Alliance, Blue River and Men of the Week. Saturday afternoon and evening shows will feature the Josh Williams Band, Dailey & Vincent, Blue River, Lonesome Road and the Bankester Family.

The Bankesters and a guest band will perform for a Sunday gospel show.

The talent show will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and the audience will serve as judges. Competition will be held in bands, vocals, fiddle, guitar, banjo and mandolin.

Ticket reservation information is available at bluegrassmidwest.com or by calling 217-243-3159.

Special hotel room rates can be made at http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/bluegrass9.