Audie Blaylock & Redline (L-R) Jason Johnson, Patrick McAvinue, Evan Ward, Matt Wallace (sitting) and Audie Blaylock.

Springfield, Ill., the state’s capitol city, is the bull’s eye for Midwestern bluegrass fans each November. They’ll be returning again this year for the 23rd annual Greater Downstate Indoor Bluegrass Music Festival on Nov. 6, 7 and 8.

It’s held at the Crowne Plaza, just off Interstate 55.

Headliners for this year’s event are Audie Blaylock & Redline, Dailey & Vincent, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and Nothin’ Fancy.

In addition, Roland White will present a mandolin camp Friday. The camp, limited to 15 students, is for players of intermediate skill level and above. Registration can be made by calling 1-217-243-3159.

A guitar show, featuring new and vintage instruments, will run throughout the weekend. It is under sponsorship of Morgan Music of Lebanon, Mo.

Instrument workshops — all for one, $5 fee — will be held Saturday afternoon, with a band workshop taking place at 2:30 p.m.

A bluegrass talent showcase is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday. It features a $50 first-place prize.

Other acts due into Springfield for the festival are Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, Dry Branch Fire Squad, The Link Family, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers and Art Stevenson & High Water.

Two concerts will be presented Friday at 2:30 and 7 p.m., and two on Saturday, at 1 and 7 p.m. A Sunday show featuring Dry Branch Fire Squad and the Art Stevenson group starts at 10 a.m.

The festival is promoted by Terry and Jan Lease of Midwest Bluegrass Festivals.

Advance weekend passes, offered at a discounted price, can be ordered through Monday, Oct. 26 by sending payment and a return stamped envelope to:

Bluegrass Festival
PO Box 456
Jacksonville, IL 62651.

Reserved seating weekend passes cost $55 and general admission passes cost $50. Children from 6 to 17 years are admitted at half price. Those younger than six are admitted free with a parent. Children, regardless of age, will be charged half price for reserved seating.

In addition, tickets for individual days and some individual shows will be sold at the door.

Room reservations at the Crowne Plaza or adjacent Holiday Inn Express can be made by calling 1-217-529-7777. Callers should ask for “In House” reservations and mention the bluegrass festival for special pricing.