Framingham, MA — The Boston Bluegrass Union (BBU) is proud to present the 25th annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival, Presidents Day Weekend, February 12 – 14, 2010, at the Sheraton Framingham, Framingham, MA.

This beloved winter tradition boasts a full weekend of top-notch bluegrass entertainment, including performances by some of the best national and regional bands, over forty master classes and workshops, the Boston Bluegrass Union’s acclaimed Academy for Kids, directed slow jams, a thriving vendor floor with a great array of bluegrass-related merchandise, round-the-clock picking, and more. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of venerable Boston-based roots music record label Rounder Records – a milestone that will be celebrated on Saturday night with a special evening program featuring Rounder artists. All this without having to brave the elements or leave the cozy confines of the Sheraton Framingham!

Joe Val Bluegrass Festival Tickets

Early Bird weekend ticket discounts end on January 15th. Single single day tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday go on sale beginning January 16th. We’ve held the line on any ticket price increase this year. Get your tickets early before they sell out. A reminder that all festival activities, including hotel accommodations, workshops and jams are for ticketed festival patrons.

Full details on the festival, including late breaking news and links to online ticket purchase at www.bbu.org/jvhome.htm

25th Annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival Lineup

Friday

• Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass
• The Josh Williams Band
• Buddy Merriam and Back Road
• Acoustic Blue
• Berklee Bluegrass All-Stars

Saturday

• J.D. Crowe and the New South
• Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
• Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper
• Special Consensus
• The Spinney Brothers
• White Mountain Bluegrass
• Sierra Hull and Highway 111
• Joe Sings Joe
• The Reunion Band
• Back Eddy Bluegrass
• Rabbit in a Log with Skip Gorman and Rick Starkey

Sunday

• The Gibson Brothers
• Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out
• Special Consensus
• The Spinney Brothers
• Southern Rail
• Bluegrass Gospel Project

Showcase Stage

• Performances from established and emerging regional talent throughout the weekend.

Education Programs At Joe Val

Friday Master Classes

Kick off your festival weekend a little early with a Master Class from top teachers in the bluegrass. Class size is limited and preregistration is required. View details, signup and costs at http://www.bbu.org/JVMasterClasses.html
Dobro – Jimmy Heffernan
Banjo – Greg Cahill
Banjo Beginner Fast Track – Rich Stillman
Mandolin Beginner Fast Track – Tony Watt
Fiddle, Mandolin and Bass master class instructors to be announced shortly

Festival Workshops

Joe Val is internationally known for the extensive workshops offered during the Festival. Not resting on our laurels, we’ll offer over forty sessions with masters from the Main Stage, instructors from the BBU’s Bluegrass Academy, historical sessions and more. Check the website as the festival draws close for the schedule.

Joe Val Academy for Kids

Three day program for students (ages 6 – 18) with instrument instruction, ensemble and singing classes from the BBU’s professional instructors. Visit the BBU education site for further details, registration and schedule. www.bbu.org/ed_home.html Program funded by the BBU, raffle donations and the D’Addario Music Foundation.

Slow Jams

Bluegrass is a participatory sport and we want all to be involved. Beginning pickers or those who just like to take it slow can join other musicians with directed slow jams and open jam rooms throughout the weekend.

• Vendor Expo – Check out what’s new from area luthiers, stock up on strings and more.
• Sunday Morning Gospel Sing
• Instrument Check – We’ll provide an instrument check room for the convenience of festival patrons. Hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Hotel Directions and Accommodations

The Sheraton Framingham is located just 18 miles west of Boston, directly adjacent to the Mass Pike (Rt. 90, Exit 12) and Rt. 9. At this time, all hotel rooms are sold out at the Sheraton. But don’t write off the festival if you can’t stay at the Sheraton. We have additional hotel rooms at available just around the corner at the Marriott Residence Inn (508-370-0001) and the Natick Courtyard Marriott (508-655-6100). Details at www.bbu.org/jvhotel.htm

Upcoming Boston Bluegrass Union Shows

The Seldom Scene with John Starling – Saturday, March 20th
The Steep Canyon Rangers – Saturday, April 17th
BBU Springfest – Saturday, May 1st

Who is the BBU?

The Boston Bluegrass Union is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting this original American music genre. Celebrating our 34th season, the Boston Bluegrass Union is the premier source for events, education, and information on bluegrass music in the Northeast.