Bluegrass fest strums into Linger Lodge

LINGER LODGE — Songwriting, strumming and singing will take center stage, as Linger Lodge hosts the first Rocky Bottom Bluegrass Festival this weekend.

The festival, which runs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 12, will feature 10 Florida bluegrass acts performing on the banks of the Braden River. Food and drink will be available both from the restaurant and outside, and guests also will be able to peruse a variety of vendors, said restaurant Manager Rita Lewis.

“Bluegrass is such an old-time music, and Linger Lodge is a piece of old Florida right here on the Braden River,” Lewis said. “It was a perfect fit.”

Local favorites The Florida Mountain Boys will headline the festival. Other performers include Passerine, Ernie Evans and the Florida State Bluegrass Band, Highway 41, Swinging Bright, Generations Bluegrass, Trail Dogs, Ramblegrass, Little Girl and the Dreadful Snakes and Sharla June and the Mayhaws.

And although the performances will continue for 11 straight hours, Lewis said arguably the most fun may occur after the stage lights fall dark.

“Lots of people decide to camp here overnight, and there will be field picking,” Lewis said. “People with instruments and even some of the (performing) musicians will circle around the camp fire and play. That’s when the real fun begins.”

Linger Lodge hosted a similar event, its Gator Creek Bluegrass Festival, in the spring. Lewis said the restaurant hopes to make this fall festival an annual event.

“We wanted something for fall around the time all our snowbirds are getting back,” she said. “It’s going to be a full day of fun music.”

Contact Michael Eng at [email protected].

ROCKY BOTTOM BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 12
WHERE: Linger Lodge, 7205 85th St. Court E.
TICKETS: $15; kids under 12 are free
INFORMATION: 755-2757 or www.thelingerlodge.com