Live music events during this time of the year aren’t nearly as abundant as they are during our busy, warmer month, which is why, we were pleasantly surprised when we found out about Lower Shore Land Trust’s 4th Annual Bluegrass Festival that’s happening this Saturday, December 6th at 6PM. So what exactly is the Lower Shore Land Trust? The mission is to assist landowners and communities to conserve land for the enjoyment and well-being of present and future generations. The trust protects forests and farmlands for strong local economies and makes sure that there are natural resources for our local wildlife, clean water for residents, and well-maintained rural landscapes in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties. Sounds pretty great right?!
Get Bluegrass is an increasingly popular event that happens each year in December to benefit our local Lower Shore Land Trust. “We’ve always had the event in Snow Hill,” said Kate Patton, Executive Director of the Lower Shore Land Trust. “It was time to move it around and we are so excited to bring this event to America’s Coolest Small Town!” This year the event is located at the Berlin Fire Hall and advance tickets are just $25, or $30 at the door. The headliner for this year’s event is Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales and is readily available for your enjoyment. “We’re just really looking forward to hopefully introducing our mission to some new faces,” said Patton.
This year, the event features Chester River Runoff, Salt Water String Band and other guests… who are all very well-known within the local bluegrass community. The Saltwater String Band hails from Ocean City, MD and is known for their Appalachian Newgrass style. Chester River Runoff is a 4-piece traditional bluegrass band that is best known for their loud, harmonies, tight instrumental work, hillbilly humor, and warm spirits. The combination of guitars, banjos, bass, and fiddles is sure to get the crowd on their feet. Many of our favorite local businesses are sponsoring the event in order to help out the local environment. Bank of Ocean City, Evo Craft Brewery, South Moon Under, Berlin Coffee House, and The Dispatch are just a few of them. “Our sponsors have been absolutely amazing and have really stepped up,” said Patton. “This year our beer selection is huge, we have 3 different Dogfish brews, including Piercing Pils, 60 Minute, Bitches Brew and Back Up, we have 2 Evo Brews, Lot 3 and Rise Up Stout and of course we’re carrying Burley Oak, with their Local and Rude Boy brews, there is an option for everyone.” They’ve also made sure to have readily available Mondavi’s Chardonnay and Cabernet for the non-beer drinkers.
Food wise, the Ladies Auxiliary will be supplying their famous fried chicken platter for purchase. “We’ve been working day and night to make space for this awesome event,” said Patton. “There are some awesome props, a stage, seating area and even a separate space for our silent auction, it’s off the charts this year, we have hand knit pieces, trip giveaways, original art, spa treatments and so much more. You can do all your Christmas shopping at our fundraiser!”
The Lower Shore Land Trust is fueled by a great mission that helps better our beloved area and Shorebread is sure to be there to contribute to all their hard work. “The volunteers have made this all possible,” said Patton. With a great event, our favorite craft brews, great food and awesome music, this is something you don’t want to miss!
