NORWICH – People don’t know when it’s going to happen, but they never forget the first time they get bitten by “the bluegrass bug,” Tim Doerfel says.
Doerfel, a classically trained musician, claims to have been “bitten” about 10 years ago. Before that day in Buffalo, he’d figured Bluegrass was pretty lame.
“I was raised in the Rock and Roll generation,” he said. “But I was in awe the first time I heard bluegrass. The music was so intricate. It had so much style and dynamics to it. My wife and I left that concert walking on air.
“You never know who’s going to turn into a bluegrasser,” Doerfel said.
His wife and ten children, ages 1 to 18, make-up “The Doerfel Family Bluegrass,” a traveling bunch from Western New York that’s on the road nearly two-thirds of the year playing gigs from Canada to Florida. They say their musical/semi-theatrical shows are one part Bluegrass, one part “Simpsons,” and one part community.
The Doerfels, along with Mike Tirella and “The Cabin Fever Band,” are co-organizers of the Norwich Family Bluegrass Festival, starting at 1 p.m. today at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.
Unheard of a decade before, Bluegrass – taken to prominence in the 1940s by artists like Bill Monroe, its roots in 1800s Appalachia – is the “glue” that holds this family band together, they say. Tim contends it could also be the glue that brings other families together.
“We’ve forgotten to do things together as a family,” he said. “We can’t always do things for our kids. We need to do things with our kids. Bluegrass is where I’ve learned the best family values.”
The music starts at 1 p.m. Friday and runs through Sunday until roughly 4 p.m. Aside from the main stage; workshops, lessons, kids activities and 24-hour jam sessions will be going on all weekend-long – a great opportunity for local musicians or people interested learning how to play the banjo, mandolin, guitar or bass to “pick” with some of the best.
Tirella says Bluegrass is a voice for the commoner; a voice that tells the common experience.
“Bluegrass has always been played by everyday working folks,” he said. “And their songs are focused on everyday life and experiences.”
Tirella says they’ve lined-up some of the best storytellers in the business. From Nashville to New York, the over a dozen acts include “James Reams and The Barnstormers,” “Miller’s Crossing,” “The Blue Ridge Mountain Boys,” “The Nearly Brothers,” “Dan Paisley and the Southern Grass,” “The James Kind Band,” “Dave Nichols and Spare Change,” “Seneca County Bluegrass,” and “Bill and Maggie Anderson.”
“The talent level of the bands here is all top-tier,” Tirella said. “These are Bluegrass bands that have been in the business for years. I’m talking decades.”
First generation Bluegrass pioneer Smokey Greene will also be playing a special set with former band mates, calling themselves “The Reunion Boys.”
“That is going to be awesome,” Tirella said.
Three-day tickets are now $45 at the gate. Those prices include free camping. Single-day tickets Friday and Sunday are $12, and $24 for a single day Saturday.
When asked why non-bluegrass fans might want to visit the festival, Ben Doerfel, 11, said “Because it’s a great environment.”
“They get to listen to great music and laugh at great kids like us,” Ben’s sister Kim, 17, added with smile.
“We want you to feel like you’re a part of our family,” Tim said. “It’s always about building community. Building that spirit is priceless.
“Turn-off the TV, I guarantee miracles will happen in your family.”

e-mail: mmcguire@evesun.com