PORT ANGELES — A banner turnout for the 10th annual Snowgrass festival thrilled organizers and showed Clallam County’s love of bluegrass and related music.
About 850 fans showed up at the Port Angeles High School auditorium Jan. 28 to enjoy the music and support First Step Family Support Center, an organization that provides education and support services for young, at-risk families.
“It’s the most successful year since our first year,” said Melissa Randazzo, First Step’s development director.
Randazzo said Thursday that First Step would not release the amount of funds raised at Snowgrass.
Past organizers told Randazzo not to expect more than about 600 people for the annual event.
The much larger crowd was “incredible,” Randazzo said.
“I think part of it was that people wanted to get out after the snowstorm,” she added.
Randazzo said many audience members were aware of First Step and were there to support the organization while enjoying the music.
“And the bands were amazing,” she said.
The acts, Abby Mae & the Homeschool Boys, Crescent Blue, the Old Sidekicks and the Rock Island Ramblers, represented the North Olympic Peninsula and beyond: Port Angeles, Forks, Sequim and Vashon Island, respectively.
One of the best moments in the concert was when master of ceremonies Denny Secord Jr. and his son performed a guitar duet, Randazzo said.
Another great moment was the singalong at the end, when all four bands and the audience came together to share some classic songs, she said.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
