Bluegrass from the Forest Celebrates 20 years!
July is an exciting time for Bluegrass fans in Mason County with the annual Bluegrass From the Forest festival at the Soccer Park on John's Prairie. This outdoor event fills the 15-acre park with music, workshops, and camping, making it a highlight of the Northwest Bluegrass scene. Celebrating 20 years in 2025, the festival includes a band scramble, workshops for kids, and a lineup of national and regional bands. With two stages, a beer and wine garden, food vendors, and ample camping spots, the festival is designed for families and people of all ages, offering workshops and tastings between performances.
The music ranges from traditional to more progressive bluegrass. The Festival’s program lineup features four major concerts highlighting top talent on the west coast. Saturday features "midnight hot-dogs" after the country dance. Camp jamming halts momentarily as the pickers and families join the musicians for a midnight feast in the main tent.
2025 Headliner Bands:
Seth Mulder & Midnight Run
Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, formed in 2018 in Tennessee's first legal moonshine distillery, mix tradition and innovation through authentic songs and thoughtful arrangements. Their music combines bluegrass, country, and folk, appealing to both traditional and modern listeners. They released their debut album, "Traveling Kind," in 2020 and followed up with "In Dreams I Go Back" in 2022 on Mountain Fever Records. Fans can look forward to new music in 2024, establishing the band as a true voice in roots and bluegrass music. Known as one of the most entertaining new acts in bluegrass today, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run is a band to see.
Never Come Down
Never Come Down is a band from Portland, Oregon that combines modern and traditional American music. They focus on meaningful lyrics and impressive arrangements. Formed in 2018, they released their first album, “Better Late Than Never,” in 2021. The band has toured globally and gained recognition at international festivals.
Midnight45
This talented band showcases impressive singing and playing skills. Based in Central and Western Oregon, Midnight45 focuses on deep-groove bluegrass music with a strong traditional style. They play both traditional and modern bluegrass, including original songs and classic country duets. Each member is an experienced musician, having performed in top bluegrass bands on the west coast.
Jim Hurst
Jim Hurst's distinctive guitar playing and bluegrass skills impress audiences and are admired by beginners and fellow musicians alike. His diverse career makes him an exceptional performer, a skilled teacher, and a sought-after session musician. Jim's friendly nature makes him easy to approach. He received the IBMA "Guitar Player of the Year" award in 2001 and 2002. After working with notable artists like Trisha Yearwood and Sara Evans, he started a solo career to showcase his own music. Jim has released 7 CDs and has been performing and teaching at workshops across North America and Europe for the past ten years. While he sometimes collaborates with other bluegrass artists, his solo acts and performances with the Jim Hurst Trio consistently captivate audiences.
The Oly Mountain Boys
The Oly Mountain Boys are a bluegrass band from South Puget Sound, performing in Olympia, Washington since 2008. They mix traditional songs with their own music, highlighting the strength of American bluegrass.
Way Far Yonder
Way Far Yonder is a new band from Eugene, Oregon. It features banjo player Henry Strid and champion fiddler Doug Fleener. They bring an energetic vibe with a classic fiddle and banjo sound.
Runaway Train Bluegrass
If you enjoy traditional bluegrass with a twist, you'll love Runaway Train Bluegrass! They are known for their harmonies and skillful playing. A popular band in the Pacific Northwest, they perform at special events when they can. They host the Bluegrass from the Forest festival and help organize it each year.
The Bar-K Buckaroos
The Bar-K Buckaroos will perform at the Saturday Night Country Dance, playing traditional western swing music like Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. They mix Bluegrass, Country, Swing, Jazz, Blues, and Reggae for a fun night of music from the 20s to the 40s.
More than just great headiners! Fun for the whole family!
photo:Nancy Bay
The three day festival includes food, camping, and workshops, plus a Saturday night dance with free midnight hotdogs. It offers many activities for the whole family, including the popular Chick Rose School of Bluegrass for kids. This program starts Saturday morning and divides kids by skill level, allowing them to learn from experienced musicians and perform on the main stage. In addition to the bluegrass activities, there are various instrument and vocal workshops, concerts, and more throughout the weekend.
For additional details on band bios, ticket and camping reservations, visit bluegrassfromtheforest.com. Early Bird ticket pricing is available through until June 20.
