By Kenny MacMillan
The Mazomanie Charitable Alliance is proud to announce the return of the Gandy Dancer Bluegrass Festival to the Dane County music festival scene!
From 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 21, Mazomanie will host some of the hottest and most respected groups in bluegrass music for this family-friendly festival celebrating the village’s railway history.
At 7 p.m. The Henhouse Prowlers will headline the main stage at the new Performing Arts Pavilion in the Westland Promenade. These Chicago-based Bluegrass Ambassadors have toured more than 25 countries, working with the U.S. State Department and under their own nonprofit — Bluegrass Ambassadors. Preceding them at 5 p.m. will be Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road of North Carolina, recognized by the International Bluegrass Music Association as 2019 Momentum Band of the Year. Gandy Dancer favorites, the Kevin Prater Band (recognized by Kentucky House of Representatives for their music), will take the stage at 3 p.m. Wisconsin Bluegrass icons, Art Stevenson and High Water, will be a set to not miss at 1 p.m. And Soggy Prairie, winner of Best of Madison-Silver in Bluegrass, will start off the day at 11 a.m.
The Gandy Dancer Festival is in its 13th year. The festival offers a family-friendly event with kids’ train rides, fascinating exhibits and more including free parking, food and craft vendors, and many other exciting local attractions in close walking distance.
Tickets to the Gandy Dancer main will cost $10 in advance and $15 day of. Children 12 and under will be admitted free. Senior (65+), veteran and student discounts will be available day-of with current valid ID. Access to downtown Promenade is still free. Tickets available for sale via eventbrite.com or find more info at our Facebook page.
The Gandy Dancer Festival represents the best of small-town festivals. High quality entertainment, picturesque setting, family-friendly activities. Come and join us Aug. 21 for a day you’ll remember!
Kenny MacMillan is the Gandy Dancer Bluegrass Festival committee chairman.