Get ready for Crest Fest, a day filled with live music and dancing, farm and pond tours, goat hikes, children’s activities and entertainment, and food, wine, beer, and soft drinks for sale.
The event will be held 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at Willow-Witt Ranch, 658 Shale City Road, Ashland. No dogs or outside alcohol are permitted. Visit thecrestatwillowwitt.org for more information.
Featured musical artists include:
Ben Rice and the PDX Hustle
Ben Rice might be described as quiet and unassuming – until he picks up a guitar. That stealthy quality has earned him the moniker “blues ninja,” evidenced in his vocal chops and songcraft as well as his guitar playing. While Ben started in traditional blues, over the years he’s built upon that foundation with soul, R&B, folk and country to fashion a welcoming front porch where everybody wants to hang out into the wee hours. Since his large-stage debut at the International Blues Challenge in 2014, Ben has made the leap from Northwest act to national and international touring artist, featuring at festivals and stages far and wide.
Rice’s guitar style has been described as “fearless,” “inventive,” and “powerful.” Whether he’s sliding up and down on a steel resonator or reeling off stinging leads on his custom-crafted electric, Ben’s intensity and inventiveness never fail to turn heads. Audiences also respond to his heartfelt songwriting that carries a classic, strongly relatable vibe.
In 2023 Ben added horns, vocal harmonies, piano and organ to his lineup for a larger, more energetic band that he calls Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle. The response locally and on tour has been electric.
Victoria Lawton-Diaz
Victoria is a local singer/songwriter who you might have had a chance to hear at Martino’s or the Vintage Cafe. She writes beautiful songs and performing covers of other musicians.
Rachel Buklad & the Creekside Dance Band Performing Contra Dance tunes with a dance caller
Rachel and the advanced students of Creekside Strings, a nonprofit providing young fiddlers a variety of activities to develop their skills and their relationships, will perform contra dance music. The audience is invited to join the fun and get up and dance. Contra dance is done in two long lines of couples. The movements are similar to square dance steps. No experience necessary. There will be a caller to teach the moves and tell you when each is to be done.
The Blueberry Blossoms
Blueberry Blossoms, the duo of Jodie Jean Marston and Andrea Johnson, offers whimsical bluegrass and folk-inspired music for children of all ages. Marston and Johnson combine years of teaching early childhood education, friendship and performing music with songs about the magic of nature into an act that teaches as well as entertains.
