If America’s soul could sing, it would sound something like bluegrass, a combination of old-time mountain music, square dance fiddling, blues, gospel, jazz, and popular music.

The Golden Rod Grange is here when you're ready to trade the heavy heat of summer for cool autumn breezes. The Swanzey Preservation Society invites you to attend the Second Annual Golden Rod Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, July 6, on the lawn of the Grange Hall in historic Swanzey Center from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Get ready for a day of foot-tapping, hand-clapping fun! It’s the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family and enjoy the company and the music.
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This year’s festival will feature sets from three award-winning New England bluegrass groups: The Splinters, The New Englanders, and Southern Rail. THE SPLINTERS, a bluegrass and old-time string band from Massachusetts, deliver a relentless groove to accompany tight three-part harmonies. A Splinters set veers from full-on bluegrass to traditional fiddle tunes and back, with the occasional detour into a modern song. Hailing from southern New Hampshire, THE NEW ENGLANDERS serve up a variety of original and popular cover tunes ranging from Johnny Cash and Alison Krause to the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan. As always, their music is toe-tapping and family-friendly. SOUTHERN RAIL will be back in the house, delivering high energy and exuberant fun with stunning harmonies, irrepressible good humor, and sparkling banjo, guitar, and mandolin. New to this year's festival is MR. BILL, a Keene group playing a mix of bluegrass music along with original music and "grassified" favorites from the 60s and 70s. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., these talented artists will play warm Americana and folk classics on our sprawling green lawn and keep the music going until 5:00 p.m.
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Speaking of music, we invite you to check out our Pickin' Field, a designated area on-property where festival-goers who are musicians may play their instruments.

Not a musician? Sit back, relax and enjoy the music in your favorite lawn chair from home or as you stroll the property. We'll have plenty of delicious food and drink options to keep you energized throughout the day. Don't miss the Coffee Connections Café, chicken barbeque, and, of course, traditional outdoor summer fare like hot dogs and cold drinks. Take a guided tour of the Grange and learn about its place as a hub of community life in Swanzey, as well as how you can help preserve this property listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
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Information will be updated on the SPS Facebook and web pages as it becomes available, so check in often for updates. We even have some children's activities in the works!

They are just $40.00 each and include an all-day wristband and barbecue.
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Parking is available within a short walking distance of the venue. Parking for those with disabilities is reserved at the Swanzey Town Hall. There is no parking on the grounds on the day of the event.

This event is sponsored by the Swanzey Preservation Society to preserve the past in the present for the future.

Profits from this event will aid in the restoration and cultural programming of the Golden Rod Grange Hall in Swanzey Center.