![2024 BGIH Website logo Logo for Bluegrass in Heaven](https://silverbay.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-BGIH-Website-logo.png)
What sets us apart:
- Located on the shores of Lake George, Silver Bay YMCA has a 700-acre waterfront campus that the festival will be spread throughout.
The Auditorium at Silver Bay was built in 1909 and will be one of the stages during the event.
Festival attendees will be able to stay onsite in one of our many accommodations. Camping and RV attendees can utilize local RV and camping sites.
The Lineup
*Bands subject to change. Any changes to performances will be announced to those who have purchased tickets
Country Gongbang
Country Gongbang is a South Korean bluegrass band that brings a unique and refreshing perspective to the genre. Known for their exceptional musical skills and heartfelt performances, Country Gongbang has gained recognition both locally and internationally. The band combines traditional bluegrass elements with their own cultural influences, creating a sound that is both authentic and innovative. With a dedication to preserving the essence of bluegrass while infusing it with their own style, Country Gongbang continues to captivate audiences with their soulful melodies and impressive instrumentation.
About Della Mae
![A photo of the band Della Mae.](https://silverbay.org/wp-content/uploads/BGIH_lauraschneiderphoto_DellaMae-185-800x534.jpg)
Photo Credit: Laura Schneider 2023 L to R: Vickie Vaughn, Avril Smith, Kimber Ludiker, Celia Woodsmith
Della Mae is a GRAMMY-nominated all-woman string band founded by lead vocalist/guitarist Celia Woodsmith and 2-time Grand National champion fiddle player Kimber Ludiker. Rounding out the current touring lineup are guitarist Avril Smith, and bassist Vickie Vaughn.
Hailing from across North America, and reared in diverse musical styles, Della Mae is one of the most charismatic and engaging roots bands touring today. They have traveled to over 30 countries spreading peace and understanding through music. Their mission as a band is to showcase top female musicians, and to improve opportunities for women and girls through advocacy, mentorship, programming, and performance.
About The Ruta Beggars
The Ruta Beggars infuse traditional bluegrass and early swing to create a timeless act filled with intricate vocal harmonies, fiery instrumentals, and plenty of fun. They have been praised for their creative yet tasteful arrangements and charming performances, winning Thomas Point’s band competition in 2019. The Ruta Beggars have been featured on the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Showcase, Steve Martin’s Unreal Bluegrass, Brian O’Donovan’s A Celtic Sojourn, the main stages of Joe Val, Grey Fox, Thomas Point, Podunk and Ossipee Bluegrass Festivals, and as opening band for Lyle Lovett and Steve Miller.
Brought together by their passion for bluegrass, The Ruta Beggars are Micah Nicol (guitar), Sofia Chiarandini (fiddle), Ariel Wyner (mandolin), and Trevin Nelson (banjo), who met while studying at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in the American Roots Program.
About On the Trail
On the Trail is a modern acoustic band that explores everything from bluegrass to contemporary pop, from stunning instrumentals to beautiful traditional songs. The group was founded through their love of bluegrass and the band the Punch Brothers. They have already gained recognition and praise for their exploration and strong execution of the challenging music, as well as for their new original music.
Most recently, On the Trail had the honor of winning the 2022 Thomas Point Beach Band Competition after participating in 2021’s Telefunken Battle of the Bands at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival. They also were selected as an Emerging Artist at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2023. On The Trail features Austin Scelzo (fiddle and vocals), Tom Polizzi (mandolin and vocals), Charlie Widmer (guitar and vocals) and Matt Curley (upright bass and vocals).
Their debut self-titled EP On the Trail is also available for streaming on all platforms.
About Darin and Brooke Aldridge
Darin and Brooke Aldridge, the highly acclaimed Bluegrass and Americana duo, are back with This Life We’re Livin,’ their ninth recorded project together and first release on Billy Blue Records and celebrates the space the husband-and-wife team now occupies – the top of bluegrass music.
Darin and Brooke continue to ascend to new heights in the industry while maintaining their easy-going, down-to-earth connection with audiences everywhere. Brooke is a four-time consecutive winner and reigning Female Vocalist of the Year for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). She was nominated for a fifth time in 2021 while Darin is a former IBMA Mentor of the Year and a truly gifted singer and multi-instrumentalist. Darin and Brooke have also been recognized with the IBMA’s nomination for 2021 Vocal Group of the Year. They have had multiple nominations over the years from the IBMA, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA), and the Inspirational Country Music Association. On April 18, 2023, they were named “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.
They have enjoyed top spots on the Billboard, SiriusXM, Bluegrass Today, Bluegrass Unlimited, Americana/Roots, and Gospel charts. Their music videos have been featured on Country Music Television (CMT), CMT Edge, Great American Country (GAC), Bluegrass Ridge TV, and The Bluegrass Situation. Their television appearances include PBS’ Mountain Stage, Songs of the Mountain and Music City Roots; RFD-TV’s Larry’s Country Diner, Country’s Family Reunion, and The Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour; Great American Gospel, The Bluegrass Road, and Blue Highways TV. They have graced the Opry stage more than 55 times.
A career highlight from the new album is “He’s Getting Me Ready,” a gospel rouser featuring Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys. It spent an incredible, record setting 5 month atop the Bluegrass/Gospel Chart.
In following the path of their dreams, Brooke once noted, “We want our music to lift people up.” “It was an early goal of ours to put a positive message out there,” adds Darin, “and we decided a long, long time ago that we were going to be us, no matter what.”
About Fiddlers Three
Ellen Carlson, Melissa Caron and Kathy Sommer are known fiddlers in Northern New England. Members of the Jerks of Grass, High Range, The Buskers and directors of the Fiddleheads Jam Camp and of the NH Fiddle Ensemble.
Their album of an eclectic variety of sung songs and instrumentals got rave reviews in Fiddler Magazine, saying “[This album] is loaded with great musical moments. Each one of the fiddlers is an accomplished musician demonstrating not only extreme discipline in an ensemble but also the ability to take a melody and run with exquisite improvisation. The diversity of the material is stunning.” Songs from Bob Wills, Chuck Berry, and Guy Clark plus fiddling from many styles. These gals have fun together and it shows!
About Jamcrackers
Upstate Bluegrass Band
Frank Orsini – Fiddle and Vocals
Don Young – Guitar and Vocals
Arlin Greene – Bass and Vocals
Scott Hopkins – Banjo and Vocals
Fred Lantz – Mandolin and Vocals
2024 Festival Schedule Coming Soon!
Welcome to Bluegrass in Heaven all you creators of original bluegrass melodies and lyrics! Sign up for a spot of your own to entertain the listeners and lovers of bluegrass. You’ll have a wonderful place to perform at Silver Bay (Boathouse) and sound equipment provided for you. We can accommodate up to three musicians at a time and you will have 10 minutes to perform.
You can sign up for the Singer-Songwriters Showcase here: https://forms.gle/uZoSGsiaF1S2SPqX9
![#BLUEGRASSHEAVEN (3)](https://silverbay.org/wp-content/uploads/BLUEGRASSHEAVEN-3.png)
![Aerial Boathouse Week 1 2023 (2) Image of the facility](https://silverbay.org/wp-content/uploads/Aerial-Boathouse-Week-1-2023-2.png)
Lodging
Festival attendees can choose between staying at Silver Bay YMCA or in the local area.
Silver Bay offers lake-view hotel rooms, private cottages, and economical group-housing options. Meals in the Silver Bay Dining Hall are included with most lodging options.
Lodging near Silver Bay
39 Green Acres Trailer park, Hague, NY, 12836
(518) 543-6645
Brookwood RV Resort(RV’s, Cabins, & Tents)
133 State route 9N, Ticonderoga, NY, 12883
(518) 585-4462
If you’re looking for something a bit more private and homey, there is a plethora of vacation rentals.
Here are some websites we recommend checking out:
The Town of Bolton is just 12 miles to the South of Silver Bay and is right on the water.
Click HERE to see Town of Bolton Lodging options.
Northern Lake George Resort (Closest motel)
8074 Lake Shore Dr, Silver Bay, NY, 12874
(518) 543-6528
9054 Lake Shore Dr, Hague, NY, 12836
(518) 543-6631
Northbrook Cottages Sabbath Day Point
7924 Lake Shore Drive, Silver Bay, NY, 12874
(518) 543-6020
9117 Lakeshore Drive, Hague, NY, 12836
(518) 543-6088
Best Western Plus Ticonderoga Inn & Suites
260 Burgoyne Road Ticonderoga, NY, 12883
(518) 585-2378
1144 Wicker Street, Ticonderoga, NY, 12883
(518) 503-0591
Stone House Motel and Motor Lodge Ticonderoga
9 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga NY, 12883
(518) 585-7394
Circle Court Motel Ticonderoga
6 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga, NY, 12883
(518) 585-7660
Hotels in or around Lake George (40 miles to the South)
Inn’s & BnB’s in or around Lake George (40 miles to the South)
Camping in or around Lake George (40 miles to the South)
Pre-sale Dates
Second Timers
On Sale December 4 – December 10
*Those who attended the first festival will get first access to VIP Tickets
Early Bird
On Sale December 11 – February 29
*Receive a 10% discount for advanced ticket purchases. Promocode: BGIHEarlyBird
General Sales
On Sale March 1 – September 9
Infant Ticket
- For children 2 and under
- Includes access to all daily activities
- Includes access to evening performances in Silver Bay’s auditorium
Child Ticket
- For children 2-5 years old
- Includes access to all daily activities
- Includes access to evening performances in Silver Bay’s auditorium
VIP Tickets
- Includes Festival Ticket
- Custom Bluegrass in Heaven lanyard and badge
- Preferred seating in the balcony of Silver Bay’s Auditorium
- Appetizers and 2 drink tickets (beer and wine) each night of evening performances
- Access to a 1-hour appetizer function meet and greet (performer passport will be included for signatures)
Festival Tickets
- For anyone 13 and over
- Includes access to all daily activities
- Includes access to evening performances in Silver Bay’s auditorium
Youth Tickets
- For youth 6-12 years old
- Includes access to all daily activities
- Includes access to evening performances in Silver Bay’s auditorium
For festival attendees staying at Silver Bay, meals in the William Boyd Center Dining Room are included with most room reservations.
For festival attendees staying in the local area, meal tickets will be available for purchase for the William Boyd Center Dining Room.
There will be pizza and ice cream available for purchase at the Silver Bay Store and food trucks on site during the festival as well.
Stayed tuned for more information about food, drinks, and vendors.
Silver Bay YMCA prides itself on being family first. For mothers looking for a spot to nurse or pump in private, Silver Bay has a private room set aside. Please note that at this time there is no fridge to store breastmilk.
Changing tables can be found in the following locations:
Inn Lobby- There are changing tables in both the men’s and women’s restrooms.
William Boyd Center- There is a changing table in the family restroom.
William Boyd Conference Room- A changing table can be found in the women’s restroom.
Silver Bay Store- There is a changing table in the unisex restroom.
Please view the festival map for locations of changing tables and our Lactation Room.
Currently, pets are welcome on Silver Bay property so long as they are leashed at all times, nonaggressive, and picked up after. Silver Bay YMCA currently has 3 pet-friendly cottages on site: Elm, Juniper, and Sycamore Cottages. No more than two pets per cottage are permitted.
Pets currently are not allowed in any buildings or on any porches of building besides our pet-friendly accommodations.
Pets will need to have all recommended vaccination up to date including but not limited to rabies, distemper, and flea and tick treatments. Silver Bay will need to be provided with vaccination documentation prior to check-in.
Read more about the Pet Policy here
Silver Bay YMCA welcomes service animals that assist our guests in daily tasks that keep everyone safe. We do ask that if you plan to bring a service animal with you, that you please pack his or her service vest to help distinguish from other pets that may be visiting Silver Bay at that same time.
*Allowing pets on Silver Bay property and in accommodations may allow the following things to occur; additional costs related to any damages by pet(s) to Silver Bay property, restricted dog breed list, restricted list of animals welcome on Silver Bay property, Non-refundable deposits, cleaning deposits, limited pet-friendly locations, and signed contractual agreements.
An ATM can be found at the Silver Bay Store.
More information about Media and Press Passes coming soon. In the meantime please email Talia Perrea tperrea@silverbay.org with any questions.
All performances will be held in accessible spaces.
Please contact tperrea@silverbay.org with specific accessibility questions.
CLICK HERE to view the Rules and Policies for Bluegrass in Heaven.
Email tperrea@silverbay.org with any questions.
Bluegrass in Heaven is an indoor festival, spread throughout various venues on the Silver Bay YMCA campus.
Here’s some items we recommend bringing:
- Debit/Credit card and/or cash
- Comfortable shoes
- Concert earplugs
- Portable phone charger
- Reusable water bottle
- Light jacket/Sweatshirt
- Backpack/Daypack
- Backpacks must either be standard size or small enough to fit underneath a chair.