Last chance to buy cheap tickets

   The San Bernardino National Forest Association (SBNFA) announced today an irresistible ticket offer designed to raise more funds for forest restoration in the Big Bear Valley.  The bluegrass and country entertainment fund raiser for “Forest Aid” scheduled Saturday, July 25, 2009, on the Discovery Center Amphitheater stage is raising funds to restore the burn areas from the 2007 wildfires in the Big Bear Valley.  To encourage more residents to get out and help restore their forest and backyard, adult tickets are now available at a “donation” of 2 for the price of 1; or, 2 tickets for $25.  Teen (13-17) prices are now $10 each; 12 and under are admitted free with a paid sales receipt from Riffenburgh Lumber.  In return, the SBNFA has lined up an amazing group of entertainers from 4:00pm to 10:00pm to celebrate community and great mountain music.  Tickets are available online at www.SBNFA.org, at the Discovery Center Adventure Outpost and at the event gate.

   Gates will open at 3:00pm; the music begins at 3:30pm with Wake the Bard, a local favorite; mega-risers, Scott Gates along with Nathan McEuen (son of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band John McEuen) and Chuck Hailes, Scott just finished an album with Kenny Loggins, Nathan recently appeared on American Idol; you can see this high-energy act featuring lots of standards and original pieces as they appear on major stages; performing for one-night only at the Discovery Center Amphitheater. Sligo Rags, named among the top acoustic bands in LA (by Folkworks Magazine) and two-time winners of the Orange County Music Award for Best Folk Band, this dynamic ensemble presents Celtic Folk with a decidedly bluegrass attitude. Sligo Rags is taking the local and not-so-local Folk and Celtic music scenes by storm with a unique blend of eclectic musical influences . . . The Black Irish Band excelling at Irish, Italian, and American folk music with an assortment of original songs and traditional western ballads will perform hits from their 16th CD, “Out of the Fire”, honoring America’s Wildland Firefighters and perhaps a sneak preview of cuts from their 20th CD to be released in August. . . Ramblin’ Rangers, San Bernardino National Foresters who debuted at last year’s bluegrassfest will share great folk and bluegrass classics along with originals including their signature hit, “The San Bernardinos”. Closing out the evening will be the Johnny Cash Vegas Tribute to the “Man in Black” show performing his legendary hits and bluegrass roots along with special tribute guests.

   Come meet the “Rags” (Sligo Rags) at our launch event at Northwoods Resort in their outdoor amphitheater on Friday, July 24, at 7:00pm.  Don’t be surprised if elements of country, gypsy jazz and swing manage to sneak their way into their show.  Enjoy the cool breezes and great entertainment; admission is free.  Preferred seating will be available to Northwoods’ guests and Bluegrass, Bluejeans and Beyond ticket holders on a first-come basis (present your paid ticket for access).  Standing room will be available for outside guests.  Stillwell’s Restaurant will be serving food and bar drinks in their outdoor space.  Northwoods Resort, the official hotel partner of the SBNFA’s “Music in the Mountains”, is featuring a two-night ticket package including accommodations, tickets, complimentary shuttle to the event on Saturday, July 25, and access to the Friday night preview event.   For more information, please visit www.northwoodsresort.com.          

   "Coldwell Banker and The Tim Wood Group are returning for their 4th year as presenting sponsor of our Amphitheater program," said Sarah Miggins, SBNFA executive director, "they have been so steadfast in their support that we're excited to expand our relationship this year to include the Mountain Music Festival.  We’re pleased to welcome The Lighthouse Project as a nonprofit partner.  Proceeds from the event will assist in expanding their Peace Gardens project in the Big Valley elementary schools.  Through this program, local school children will grow and harvest fruits and vegetables and donate to local families.  Event co-sponsors are City of Big Bear Lake, Northwoods Resort, Big Bear Mountain Resorts, Arrowhead Credit Union, Riffenburgh Lumber, Lagonita Lodge, Big Bear Lake Parks and Recreation District, and YMCA Camp Whittle.

   Bill Knick’s Café and Bar will be open for business; parking is free; overflow parking is planned at the North Shore Elementary School (1.5 miles east of Discovery Center) with free continuous shuttle service; bench seating is limited and first-come; guests are encouraged to bring their own beach chair for the open and casual seating areas.  No outside beverages are allowed. 

About Forest Aid

   The United States Forest Service, the San Bernardino National Forest Association and TreePeople are partnered in planting over 20,000 seedlings in 2009 to help rebuild a healthy San Bernardino National Forest. This partnership is based on a simple belief: That a single person planting a single tree can help revitalize fire-damaged areas, effect climate change, clean the air, capture rainwater and build a sense of community. Forest Aid’s mission is to replant and revitalize the mountains of Southern California.

About the San Bernardino National Forest Association

   The San Bernardino National Forest Association (SBNFA) founded in 1993 is a key education, conservation and recreation nonprofit partner to the U.S. Forest Service creating partnerships that bridge the gap between forest visitors and nature through environmental interpretive programming and initiatives that promote forest appreciation and restoration.  The SBNFA offers outdoor recreational programs that foster respect for the forest, the environment and stewardship, while providing hands-on activities for all ages. For more information call (909) 382-2796 or visit www.SBNFA.org.

About The Lighthouse Project

   The Lighthouse Project will create in Big Bear a child honoring community in which respect for one another, supportive relationships and our community values can be observed and felt throughout our community.  The mission of the Lighthouse is to work collaboratively with other agencies, groups, organizations and individuals to create a community in which all members:

• Have a sense of worth and belonging

• Take responsibility for themselves, each other, and all children

• View children as assets, and use the positive language of asset building in personal and professional settings

• Are further inspired to achieve excellence in all endeavors

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