MADISON, Wis. -- A new two-day music festival on the shore of Lake Waubesa will benefit Dane County parks.

The Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival at Lake Farm County Park is set for Aug. 6 and 7. Organizers will donate $1 from every ticket the Dane County Parks Commission.

"It has been great working with the Dane County Parks Office," said Jef Pertzborn, an event organizer. "DCP staff has been a tremendous help in logistical planning. They support our educational mission and advocate this cultural event as a great way to encourage community members to enjoy the beautiful setting of Lake Farm Park."

The inaugural festival includes national, regional and local acts performing and leading workshops among a variety of musical styles, from Celtic and bluegrass to Cajun and klezmer. Children's activities, acoustic music jamming circles, and food will also compliment the two-day event.

The festival is produced by the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective (FLTMC), a group of traditional music enthusiasts who recently incorporated as a non-profit educational and arts advocate. FLTMC has produced a number of successful fundraisers in the area, including the annual Madison Bluegrass Food Drive.

"We are dedicated to building an ongoing, thriving partnership among musicians and the Madison community. Our hope is that the Sugar Maple Festival contributes to the rich cultural landscape of Madison for years to come," said FLTMC president Evan Murdock.

Tickets

Advance tickets, including discounted 2-day passes, are now available at a number of locations throughout Madison, or by mail order. Children 12 and under will be admitted free at the gate.

Friday's entertainment line-up offers up an old-fashioned, foot-stompin' Barn Dance complete with hillbilly blues, Cajun music, and bluegrass, starting 7pm at the Lussier Heritage Center (3101 Lake Farm Rd, Madison, WI 53711).

Saturday's eclectic Tent Show, from Noon to 7:30pm at Lake Farm Park Shelter #3 area (4330 Libby Rd, Madison, WI 53711), features Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show, an all-acoustic, traditional bluegrass and country music group hailing from Texas. Other traditional music styles that will showcase on Saturday include Celtic, Klezmer, children's folk, alt-county and old-time music.

For more information go to Sugarmaplefest.org or call (608) 251-6247.

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