Bozeman Magazine

Tickets are on sale for the 8th annual Big Sky Big Grass Festival, February 7-9, 2014, with the kick off band on Thursday, February 6, 2014. The long running festival merges with the Big Sky Big Grass Music Academy offered February 5-7, 2014, featuring well known instructors from all walks of the bluegrass community.

The Infamous Stringdusters kick off the Big Sky Big Grass Festival on Thursday, February 6th playing at Whiskey Jack's with their pop bluegrass music. Known for a complex, distinctive and groove-friendly sound, they've won Song of the Year, Emerging Artist of the Year, Album of the year, and nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental. 9:30pm to 12:30am, $20 cover, and 21 or older.

Playing on Friday, February 7th in the Missouri Ballroom are The Special Consensus, a classic bluegrass band with tons of energy and nominated for a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, Tony Trischka Territory, featuring legendary banjo player Tony Trischka who is the perhaps the most influential banjo player in the world, and Darol Anger & Friends finishing the evening with his versatile fiddle playing known worldwide. 6pm to 10:45pm, $35.00 ticket and open to all ages.

Featured bands on Saturday, February 8th in the Missouri Ballroom are Two Bit Franks comprised of the finest Bluegrass musicians in Montana, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers features critically- acclaimed vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, Chris Jones, and Sam Bush Band rounds out the evening with their "Newgrass" and Grammy award winning music. 6pm to 10:45pm, $35.00 ticket and open to all ages.

Wrapping up the weekend on Sunday, February 9th in the Missouri Ballroom are The Travelin' McCourys sons of the bluegrass legend Del McCoury you don't want to miss, Drew Emmitt Band with the famous Leftover Salmon mandolin player, Drew Emmitt, and an ancore with the Infamous Stringdusters. 6pm to 10:45pm, $35.00 ticket and open to all ages.

The Big Sky Big Grass Regional Band Showcase is at Whiskey Jack's from 3:30pm to 5:30pm with no cover and all ages welcome. Friday, February 7 is Holler N' Pine, Saturday, February 8 is Kitchen Dwellers, and Sunday, February 9 is Lil' Smokies.

Visit www.bigskyresort.com/events for ticket information, festival passes, and lodging packages.