Apple Blossom Bluegrass Festival to feature ‘pickin' and singin'

WARWICK - The Warwick Valley Winery, Distillery and Orchards will present its annual Apple Blossom Bluegrass Festival the weekend of May 15 and 16 from noon to 5 p.m. Some fine ‘pickin' and singin' will resonate through the pear orchard's natural amphitheater's grassy hillside, as six bands convene to share their musical skills. The music will flow regardless of weather, with admission at $10 per day for adults and free to children under five. This year the lineup will feature performances by the following: Mike Burns and ‘Northcountry,' ‘The Code Blue Bluegrass Band,' ‘The Wickers Creek Band,' ‘Out to Lunch,' and Warwick area favorites, ‘Oxford Depot' and ‘McMule.' Mike Burns of ‘Northcountry,' who hails from Purdys, N.Y. has been a winner ofnumerous awards for his songwriting talents at the famous Merlefest, an IBMA Awards show in Kentucky. ‘The Wickers Creek Band' hails from Westchester County playing "traditional American String band music," respecting the history and tradition surrounding the origins of old-time and bluegrass music. ‘The Code Blue Bluegrass Band,' also from the Hudson Valley area, performs music that is both traditional and eclectic, offering rich 4-part harmony. From the Metropolitan area "Out to Lunch," joins the festival by while incorporating two mandolin players to embellish their style of bluegrass as well as Celtic. The group McMule will stretch the blue grass label a bit beyond the typical, by including folk, funk and blues with a twist. Referring to their style as ‘new grass,' the band, formerly called Headbone, is known to energize their audiences with their electrified performance and harmonies. Back from last year's Festival is the ever popular local band ‘Oxford Depot,' featuring songs from their brand new CD release "Junk Salvation." Oxford Depot consists of six members playing traditional acoustic instruments and singing around one microphone, reminiscent of old style bluegrass radio shows. Not only do they perform standard bluegrass tunes, but updated cover tunes and originals in a unique bluegrass style. With five of the six members singing, one can enjoy their tight harmonies along with their "down-home" sense of humor. All of the band members live in Orange County, N.Y. This special afternoon event is part of a continuing series of concerts the Warwick Valley Winery Distillery and Orchards holds during the spring and summer season. This program is also an extension of the Uncorked and Unplugged Music Series, a free series which showcases local performers every Saturday and Sunday afternoon throughout the year. The usual afternoon free series will not be held during these two days. Wine tasting and the goods of the Warwick Valley Winery bakery, prepared by its CIA chefs, will be available during the afternoon. The winery is located at 114 Little York Road in Warwick, and is open Thursday-Sunday in spring from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For further information, directions and reservations in case of rain, contact the winery at www.wvwinery.com or at 845-258-4858.