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Charm City Folk And Bluegrass Festival Will Bring History & Music To Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It was a sellout last year, and now it's moving to a bigger location. The hills in Druid Hill Park will be alive with the sound of music Saturday.

Ron Matz reports on the second annual Charm City Folk and Bluegrass Festival.

It's music at its purest and it's coming to Druid Hill Park. Saturday is the second annual Charm City Folk and Bluegrass Festival.

Baltimore's Cris Jacobs will play before thousands in his hometown.

"It's the greatest just to be able to play in your hometown in front of a lot of friends and the extra people you've never met.  It's fantastic. On a nice sunny day at a place like this, you can't beat it," said Jacobs.

Thirteen-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas is the headliner.

Festival co-founder Jordan August says it doesn't get any better.

"Jerry Douglas is our big, big act.  He's the Nashville session player and he hasn't played in Baltimore for over a decade.  So it's very special to have him here for this event," said August.

Baltimore's bluegrass roots date back to the 50s. That's one reason John Way is thrilled to be the emcee.

"I love bluegrass music. It makes me happy.  Baltimore has a long history of bluegrass so the opportunity came up and I jumped on it.  And I think we're going to have an amazing day," said Way.

"Back in the 50s, it was either Nashville or Baltimore [for bluegrass]. Baltimore held its own for a long time and slowly kind of drizzled out.  Our biggest mission with doing this event is to keep this brand and bring bluegrass back to Baltimore in a big, big way," said August.

The festival will take place next to the Rawlings Conservatory and a big crowd is expected.

"We couldn't be more excited to be back in a new location.  Last year, we were sold out.  So we encourage everyone to get their tickets as soon as possible.  We are a little bit bigger this year, but we still anticipate a large crowd," said August.

"There has been a big resurgence of bluegrass. It's just great, honest, authentic music, and I think people realize that.  In today's day and age, it's nice to hear something pure and homespun like that," said Jacobs.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday.  For more information, click here.

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