A while ago, ole Johnny defeated the devil in Georgia with some mighty good fiddle-playin'. But the devil's also got some talented opponents here in Arizona as well. And you'll find them all playing at the 2023 Marana Desert Bluegrass Festival.
What: Marana Desert Bluegrass Festival 2023
Where: Gladden Farms Community Park (12205 N Tangerine Farms Rd, Marana)
When: March 11th to 13th (3 pm to 7 pm Fri, 10 am to 6 pm Sat & 9 am to 4 pm Sun)
Admission: $20 to $30/adult, FREE for ages 15 & under
Marana Desert Bluegrass Festival 2023
Bluegrass music got its name from The Blue Grass Boys who performed in the 1940s. But the music itself derived from English, Scottish, and Irish immigrants who settled in the south (primarily the Appalachian area) in the early 1900s. It became what we know as bluegrass today thanks to the early American musicians who took these influences and made the music their own.
But at the Marana Desert Bluegrass Festival, guests enjoy more than just great music. Organizers want families to enjoy this event together. So, they included a Kids Zone for the little ones to play in. And there are several free workshops for all skill levels...whether you're a seasoned pro or someone who is just learning to pick a tune out on their guitar. Plus, you might want to put your bid in on some truly amazing items at the silent auction. Also, purchase a raffle ticket for fun prizes given away throughout the weekend. Lots and lots of fun is sure to be had by everyone at the festival!
Concert Line-up
Friday's free concert starts with Band Scramble at 3 pm and Monsoon sky at 5 pm. Saturday's festivities begin with the national anthem at 9:45 am. Then, starting at 10 am a new band comes to the stage every hour. Performers include Jam Pak, The Cross-Eyed Possum, Buck Jumpers, The Sonoran Dogs, North of Lonesome, the Arizona Wildflowers, and Sierra Sweethearts, with The Central Valley Boys closing out Saturday night. On Sunday, Jam Pak returns at 11 am, followed by Hamilton Beech, The Sonoran Dogs, Sierra Sweethearts, and another great concert by The Central Valley Boys finishing off the rest of the weekend.
Ticket Info
Admission to Friday's concerts comes absolutely free of charge for all ages. However, you need to pay to attend the festival on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $20 per day for adults ages 16 and older. But if you plan on attending both Saturday and Sunday, I highly recommend purchasing the weekend pass. It saves you $10 per person on admission. Kids ages 15 and younger get in free all weekend long. You must purchase your tickets online ahead of time. This is a ticketless event (ie, no paper tickets will be created).
Rebecca Schulte, Schulte Real Estate Group, Your Source for Tucson Real Estate
