Two Rivers Bluegrass Festival fits two dozen bands into Harrison, Illinois

Usually Harrison, Illinois isn't very big, but from September 20-22, 2024, about 2,000 music lovers are expected at the Two Rivers Bluegrass Festival. This annual kid friendly, alcohol and drug free event has been sponsored for 41 years by the Coon and Fox Hunters Association of Northern Illinois, at 12314 Harrison Rd, with a Durand address but just north of Two Rivers Forest Preserve. They invite you to "bring your lawn chairs and your friends."

The schedule includes an astonishing 28 performances. Seven bands will play Friday, including Truman's Ridge, The Trailbirds, Detour Band, Chris James Band, Hank's Neighbors, and Holy Crowe. Fourteen will play Saturday, including Norman Ealey and Friends, Unknown Suspects, The SoundBillies, Bert and Lindy, The Magtones, Misspent Youth, Good News Band, No Worries, Grass Attack, Bluegrass Reunion, The Steves, and The Cowboy and The Lady. On Sunday morning, some of the same bands will be playing bluegrass gospel music: Fred Grant, Good News Band, No Worries, Spare Change, Bert and Lindy, The Steves, and The Cowboy and The Lady.

That doesn't include the unofficial jamming, picking, and strumming that will be going on in the jamming tents, where all skill levels are welcome. Jamming runs Thursday afternoon through Saturday.

Concessions will be available during the festival. Sunday breakfast is all you can eat pancakes for $7, with two eggs, two sausage links, coffee or juice. Fifty campsites with indoor restrooms and showers will be available at $15 a night (with limited 20 amp electricity) or $5 a night (boon docking), with no reservations.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, call 815-238-3770 or visit https://www.facebook.com/Stringtwanger.

A version of this story appears in the Fall 2024 edition of the Stateline Connections newsletter.