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By Mike Barnhardt

Enterprise Record

It’s been quite a ride during the last year for Jamie Harper.

The Farmington fiddle prodigy played for the first time on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., as a guest of Rhonda Vincent.

He got married.

He got a new job.

He and wife Lakyn had a new baby.

And on Saturday, area folks can reconnect with Harper as he plays fiddle for The Grascals, which will headline the Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival.

“Next year will mark 20 years of me being able to travel and play music professionally,” Harper told John Lawless of The Bluegrass Blog. “In that time, I’ve had the pleasure to perform with and meet so many wonderful people, and in this new season of my life I am absolutely thrilled to be joining The Grascals.

“Making music and traveling with these consummate professionals is going to be a blast, and I am so excited for what the future holds. Thanks so much to Jamie, Danny, Terry, Kristin, and John for the opportunity to come on board and be part of The Grascals.”

Harper had been fiddler for Sideline, which disbanded.

The Grascals are scheduled to take the stage at 4 p.m. at the camp, 1988 Jericho Church Road, Mocksville.

The 2023 Grascals includes a return of Jamie Johnson  on guitar/vocals.

This is the second year in a row that the CBC Festival will feature a winner of the Steve Martin Award for Excellence in Banjo.  Grascals’ banjoist Kristin Scott Benson was the 2018 award winner, while last year’s festival included 2013 winner Jens Kruger.

Tickets are on sale at www.cbcbluegrass.com, $20; $25 at the gate; children under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult. This is an all volunteer event, and all proceeds go to benefit this non-profit camp and its children so that no camper ever gets turned away because he or she cannot afford to pay.

The line-up this year also features the Becky Buller Band, Williamson Branch, His & Hers, and Colin Cutler.  CBC Bluegrass is the 2019 and 2021 winner of the statewide Carolina’s Finest “Best Festival” award, and as usual, will also offer numerous free activities for kids, a car show, a silent auction, numerous vendors, and berbecue.

Carolina Bible Camp’s scenic 68-acre property features shade trees, cabins and the unique “Front Porch Stage” of the dining hall which serves as the backdrop.

Schedule

10:45-11 a.m. Opening Ceremony; national anthem by Fairfield Bluegrass

11-11:45 a.m. Colin Cutler

Noon-1 p.m. His & Hers

1:15-2:15 p.m. Williamson Branch

2:30-3:45 p.m. Becky Buller Band

4-5:15 p.m. The Grascals

5:25 p.m. Parade of Kids – 2024 Festival Lineup Announcement

5:30 p.m. Will the Circle Be Unbroken? Jam led by The Grascals

Gates open at 10 a.m. Parking is free. Handicapped parking and assistance is available for guests with special needs. No alcohol, no coolers, no pets. Bring your own chair. The festival will be held rain or shine under professional grade tents.

The festival will feature a classic car exhibit (weather permitting) and unique vendors. An online and silent auction will offer a variety of items and experiences. Musicians (including the young) can bring their instruments to take advantage of the free Pickers’ Place jam tent.

Free events for kids includes Music with Miss Laura, Nature Walk with Miss Charity, Ga-Ga Ball demonstration with Mr. Andy, and the annual Parade of Kids to announce next year’s festival line-up. A special “When I Grow Up” segment at the AGAPE of NC Kids’ Activities tent will feature a meet and greet with various workforce people, including NC Highway Patrol Trooper Brady White and his patrol car.