'Dam Show' this weekend in Austin

Festival favorites from California, Massachusetts, Virginia, Pittsburgh and the artsy community of Ithaca, N. Y., are due in Austin this weekend for the sixth annual Dam Show, which continues on Friday night and all day Saturday at the Austin Dam Memorial Park.

The stage at the base of the Austin Dam ruins is being filled with the sounds of bluegrass, country, rock, old-timey music, gospel and other genres with broad appeal.

World-class fiddler Michael Cleveland highlights Friday night's show with a 90-minute set.

Topping Saturday's bill are the Ryan Montbleau Band, the Hackensaw Boys and a drum workshop and full-stage performance by Buddhahood.

Lighting specialist Groovin' Lumens will be back to paint the dam ruins with a colorful light show in support of Dam Show sponsor, the Potter County Fine Arts Council, in partnership with the Austin Dam Memorial Association.

Food and other vendor booths have been set up, with painting, beading, sand art, horse-drawn wagon rides and children's games featured.

Tickets for individuals are $15 per day or $25 for both days; a family pass is available at $30 for one day or $45 for both days.

Shuttle bus transportation is available for Dam Show attendees and some parking is available at the park entrance along Rt. 872.

Additional information on the Dam Show and the individual performers, including samples of their music, is available at the website, damshow. com.

Here's the lineup:

Friday, July 18:

5 pm: Dam Jam. Talented musicians from the local area.

6 pm: Free Grass Union. The band spins its blend of mountain music with bluegrass, dance tunes, blues, and more.

7 pm: Cherylann Hawk. Hawk is graced with jazzy, percussive and dynamic acoustic guitar skills and a voice often compared to Joni Mitchell.

7:30 pm: Gail Ayers. This Potter County resident stirs the soul as she sings gospel music from the heart.

8 pm: Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper. Considered one of the premier bluegrass fiddlers of his generation.

9:30 pm: Blue Sky Mission Club. The funky and inspiring band features world-class musicians with a deep understanding of roots, rhythm and bluegrass.

10:30 pm: Willy Jack and the Northern Lights. This Sunbury band jams all types of music, from jazz, funk, rock, and reggae with lots of improv.

Saturday, July 19

1 pm: J. Guy and the Grateful Floyd Band. They're a cross between the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd, heavy on guitar work and free-flowing feeling.

1:30 pm: Free Grass Union (see above)

2:15: Buddhahood Drum Workshop, "Drums Along Freeman Run" is a hands-on activity for all (bring your own hand drums or use the band's).

3:45 pm: Tom Martin. A singer, guitarist and songwriter, Martin is a combination balladeer and storyteller.

4:30 pm: Freakish Owl Boy. Their work is acousticbased, experimental, sometimes mocking, funny and undeniably charming.

5:15 pm: The Slant. Three young musicians with Coudersport roots are making a name for themselves in Pittsburgh. The Slant blends rollicking alt-country rock and more personal and intimate songs.

6 pm: Buddhahood. One of the most popular acts to ever appear at the Dam Show returns this year with the rich blend of horns, drums, vocal harmony and an infectious spirit.

7:30 pm: Ryan Montbleau Band. Montbleau produces a musical tapestry that blends folk, blues, country, cocktail music, rock, gypsy jazz and psychedelia.

9:00 pm: Hackensaw Boys. This Americana band from Charlottesville, Va., mixes bluegrass, folk and old-time music with a show-biz style and some humor.

10:30 pm: Redheaded Stepchild. Built around Kathryn Koch's fiery vocals - reminding some of Janis Joplin -- the songs are steeped in tradition, yet intensely original.