The North Central Arkansas Tourism Council is giving bluegrass a try in a big way this year. The organization is promoting two festivals that debuted last year and adding three more festivals to its 2010 tourism calendar.

Here’s a chronological look:

The first annual Bull Shoals Bluegrass Festival takes place April 17 in Bull Shoals, Ark. It will be held at the Bull Shoals Theater, with jamming, RV parking and nearby lodging available. Bands on the lineup are Blue Dogwood, Spitting Image, The Keisler Brothers Band and III Generations.

The second annual Horseshoe Bend Family Band, Gospel & Bluegrass Festival will be held May 28, 29 and 30 at Hillhigh Resort near Horseshoe Bend. The festival includes a fiddle contest and a family band competition. A main stage will be reserved for the band acts, but a second stage will be set up for an open mic contest. Workshops and jamming will be available all weekend. Bands to perform include III Generations, The Keisler Brothers Band, Buffalo City Ramblers and Blue Dogwood

The first annual Norfork Lake Bluegrass Festival is scheduled for Aug. 28 in Quarry Park in Norfork Lake, Ark. Bands booked for the festival are Rock Creek, Spitting Image, The Keisler Brothers Band and Roving Gamblers

The first annual Hardy Bluegrass Festival takes place on Sept. 11 in the city park at Hardy, Ark. The Keisler Brothers Band, Roving Gamblers, Buffalo City Ramblers and The Hartley Family will perform.

Finally, the second annual Berryville Bluegrass Festival will be held Oct. 23, at the fairgrounds in Berryville, Ark. Bands booked for the festival are III Generations, Southern Raised Gospel Family Band, The Keisler Brothers Band and Spitting Image.

Related Links

• Bull Shoals Bluegrass Festival
• Arkansas Bluegrass online.
• North Central Arkansas Tourism Council