Bluegrass in the hills

Seventh- graders from Northview Middle, New Center, and Caton’s Chapel were treated to lunch and bluegrass music Thursday by the event’s organizers as a kickoff for the 6th annual Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival. Among the many bands appearing at the festival is Cherryholmes, a music playing family of six. Skip Cherryholmes said: “ we’ve been playing together for six and a half years. My dad, Jere (Pop) , my mom, Sandy Lee, and my brother and two sisters make up the band. My mom was classically trained in voice and piano.” The band was scheduled to appear for two shows on Thursday and two more on Friday. Cherryholmes has been nominated for two awards at the IBMA show in October. They are nominees for “Entertainers of the Year” and “Emerging Artists of the Year.” Cia Cherryholmes has been nominated for “Female Vocalist of the Year” for 2005. The group’s latest CD is titled “Bluegrass Vagabonds.” The festival runs through Saturday, September 17, and features appearances by Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, The Grascals, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Larry Stephenson, among others. Tickets are available for each day at the gate, and camping is allowed as long as space is available. The festival site is located on E. Dumplin Valley Road, one and a half miles off Highway 66. Plenty of food and drink from the many vendors will be available, along with prizes and souveniers.