Vickie Vaughn, a Western Kentucky native and lifelong bluegrass musician, is well-known as the bass player for the GRAMMY-nominated, all-woman string band Della Mae. She is also well known as a founding member of the traditional bluegrass band High Fidelity. With the release of her new album "Travel On", Vickie is stepping into the spotlight with an album that reflects her own voice, heart, and story. Produced by Deanie Richardson and backed by some of bluegrass’s best, my latest songs offer a fresh but roots-driven sound.

As Vickie puts it, her music is “Bluegrass from the County.” “This is the record you want to put on while weeding your garden, riding your bike down a backroad, hanging out with your cousins in your uncle’s truck bed on the way to Dairy Queen, and coming out your speakers when sipping wine from a Mason jar.”    The record features guest vocals from Ronnie McCoury, Casey Campell on mandolin, Wes Corbett on banjo, Cody Kilby on guitar, Dave Racine on drums, harmony vocals from Justin Hiltner, Lillie Mae, and Frank Rische, and fiddle from Deanie Richardson.

For 3 years in a row (2023, 2024, & 2025), Vickie was named the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Bass Player of the Year. She has performed at DelFest and on the Grand Ole Opry, and has toured as a backing vocalist with Patty Loveless.

Damn Tall Buildings is a celebrated folk-bluegrass band based in Brooklyn, known for their soulful melodies and intricate instrumentals. This seasoned trio—Max Capistran, Sasha Dubyk, and Avery Ballotta—has spent over a decade honing their craft through dedicated touring and recording, creating a distinctive sound that weaves heartfelt lyrics into thoughtful fiddle, guitar, and bass arrangements. Originally honing their skills through busking, they bring infectious energy to their music, blending influences from old-time, blues, and jazz into their songwriting. With seamless vocal harmonies and captivating instrumental solos, DamnTall Buildings creates a cohesive sound that resonates deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting mark wherever they perform. Their vibrant, well-crafted shows invite listeners to join them on a musical journey, earning critical acclaim for their unique blend that defies categorization while offering a warm and reflective embrace that is both enthusiastic and deeply resonant.

“If you like your bluegrass served with a little punch, attitude, grit and gravy, with that busking spirit that was so present and palpable in the early incarnations of Old Crow Medicine Show and made your realize that string band music could be so much more than fuddy-duddy reenactments by crusty ol’ relics, then the Damn Tall Buildings will slide in nice as a welcome edition to your listening rotation. Bluegrass at heart, but pulling from a wide range of influences including swing, ragtime, jazz, and even a hint of contemporary perspective in the songwriting, they offer virtually unmatched energy and enthusiasm, underpinned by intelligent songs that don’t skimp on the infectiousness...” — Saving Country Music

Tall Poppy Stringband is an old time trio that draws from the deep well of American string band music, approaching tradition with playful curiosity. Whether they’re chasing the elusive downbeat of a source recording, playing with the pronouns in a bluegrass standard, or challenging the assumed roles of their instruments, Tall Poppy String Band endeavors to prove that tradition is still being written.

Cameron DeWhitt is a clawhammer banjoist based in Portland, Oregon, named by R.D. Eno of Banjo Newsletter as being “…among the finest clawhammer banjo players alive.” They are the creator and host of Get Up in the Cool, a weekly old time music and interview podcast featuring conversations and musical collaborations with some of the most influential traditional musicians working today.

George Jackson is a New Zealand-born fiddle player based in Nashville, Tennessee. He has toured both as a band leader and with many other artists such as Jake Blount, Jacob Jolliff Band, Front Country, Peter Rowan, Missy Raines, and his own Local Trio. He is the three-time winner of the Australian National Bluegrass Championship on fiddle, and the recipient of the 2019 Mike Auldridge composition award from the DC Bluegrass Union.

Morgan Harris is a guitarist based in Portland, Oregon. Originally from Australia, she has made a name for herself by rethinking the role of the guitar in old time music, developing a style of melodic playing that recreates the droning, driving sound characteristic of old time fiddle and banjo. Her playing has been featured on The Bluegrass Situation and Acoustic Guitar Magazine.

Release the Squirrels, a dynamic bluegrass quintet from Western Montana’s rugged valleys, unleashes a sound that honors tradition while breaking new ground. Formed in 2024, this spirited ensemble blends danceable old-time originals, inventive covers of modern hits, and reimagined bluegrass classics, crafting a repertoire that captivates festival crowds, brewery patrons, and private event guests alike.

Rooted in the legacy of Bill Monroe, the Bluegrass Album Band, and John Reischman’s intricate instrumental compositions, the Squirrels infuse their music with bold arrangements and a modern edge. Their virtuosic musicianship shines through blistering flatpicking, hard-driving banjo, rock- steady upright bass, mesmerizing fiddle melodies, and inspired mandolin runs, all woven together with rich three-part vocal harmonies. Each member’s distinct perspective creates a cohesive voice that’s both timeless and fresh.

From Montana’s bluegrass festivals to mountain venues and regional stages, Release the Squirrels is rattling cages and winning hearts with their infectious energy and community-driven spirit. Whether you’re a diehard picker or a first-time listener, the Squirrels deliver a performance that’s as unforgettable as a Montana skyline.

Chet O'Keefe is a gifted, prolific singer-songwriter who has more than 3 albums of original tunes including the award winning song Ring the Bell which received the ‘Song of the Year’ by the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Chet has traveled to many venues across the country and in Europe pleasing folks with his engaging lyrics and well-crafted tunes. He’s beat the streets of Nashville as a regular in the local venues and resided for a decade in Texas playing in the Honky Tonks and Juke Joints not only as a frontliner but also in a variety of groups as a supporting musician and is still traveling to fulfill engagements. His musical prowess covers a gambit of genres and has a great ability to “play the room” with deft song choices and with an easy stage banter endearing himself to the audience.

He recently moved to Stevens County to care for his mother and the family's mountain home and has put together some of the areas' finest musicians to bring a great show as only he can do. Musicians include Chet O’Keefe, guitar and vocals, Gunnar Nelson, fiddle, Kelly Taylor drums and percussion and Mark Harding, bass.

The Full House Band is a high-energy folk band of talented teenagers. They have been playing together for years, and love to play classic folk tunes, old-time fiddle music, gospel, and bluegrass inspired melodies.

The Full House Band showcases dynamic group performances of classic folk songs, lively bluegrass tunes, old time gospel, and twin-fiddle arrangements. Featuring a string ensemble of guitar, double bass, mandolin, fiddle, and cello, the band brings rich harmonies and vibrant energy to the timeless traditions of American folk music.

Poor Boy’s Delight was originally a trio born out of the Auntie’s Bookstore jam, with LaVona Reeves, Phil Kleinman and Kirk Rowbotham. As a trio, they have also played at the Spokane Fall Folk Festivals and Showcases, but their true “delight” was playing at Saint Joseph’s Rehab Center for Alzheimer’s patients and temporary residents recovering from surgery—many of whom knew Dr. Rowbotham as their physician and loved him. When he unexpectedly passed in 2019, LaVona and Phil decided to keep the group going as Kirk would have wanted them to do. They now play primarily as a duo with LaVona on vocals and guitar and Phil on dobro, banjo, or mandolin and vocals. Joining them will be Philip Brown on fiddle and David Miranda on bass and vocal

The Welter Brothers (Corban and Jackson) are simultaneously scholars of traditional music, and practical working musicians. They demonstrate a technical flash that comes from a youth spent jamming at bluegrass festivals, alongside an interest in the folk process and the art of aural storytelling (across many cultures). They have special affinity for eclectic and obscure regional music, but aren't too proud to play "Folsom Prison Blues" or "Pancho and Lefty" for the tipsy guy waving a $20 in the back of a small town bar. As with any sibling duo, their "blood harmony" sets them apart, proving that the "brothers" part isn't just a band name.

Shiloh Mountain consists of three local kids who love to play music --especially love Bluegrass!

Robby Bailey (17) started playing banjo at age 9, taking lessons from Kaleb Dion. He also has gone on to compete at contests, winning 1st place in multiple states. His love of music also led him to pick up guitar, mandolin and sing lead.

Helen Huguenin (13) is an amazing musician, coming from a long line of musicians including her grandmother, Sheila Wright. From a very young age, it was obvious that she was very talented. She plays the fiddle, piano, bass, tenor guitar, and harmony vocals. She has performed at many events, and also has competed at many contests, winning 1st place several times!

Will Bailey (19) began playing fiddle at age 11, taking lessons at Ludiker Music. His love for fiddling led him to compete in several competitions in the Northwest and multiple other performances. He went on to also play the guitar, bass and sing harmony vocals.

Will and Robby were members of JayDean Ludiker's kid fiddle group, where they met Helen. Both families have a lot in common, including Helen's and the boys' dads both being locomotive engineers! They often got together playing music for hours. It was at this point that the boys realized that they needed the very talented Helen to join them in a band! They together have gone on to perform for several events, shows, and places, including their favorite, the local Veterans Homes. Bringing happiness and joy to these respected veterans is such an honor and joy. The elderly are also another beloved audience. Together, they all love to share with others their love of music!

Camping at Blue Waters is managed by the City of Medical Lake. Camping passes can be purchased online using this link: Camping Tickets

Please note that a weekend festival pass is required of all campers!

There are two camping areas:

• Upper camping - RVs only. Dry camping -- there are no RV hookups or services available.
• Lower camping - Tents only.

Absolutely no campers, popups, etc. will be allowed in the lower parking lot or camping area! Sleeping in vehicles is allowed, but no camping activities are allowed in the lower lot. This is a city mandate which is out of our control. See the FAQ for additional information about camping.

Other Camping Options

For those that need a full service RV site, there are some other options nearby:

• The RV resort at Northern Quest Casino.   Festival sponsor!!
• Ruby's on Silver Lake, (509) 299-RUBY.

Other Lodging Options

For those out-of-town guests who are not interested in camping, there are several quality hotels within a short drive of the festival. We encourage you to check out the establishments below. Several of these hotels have become friends and sponsors of our festival and we can wholeheartedly recommend their establishments.

• Northern Quest Casino Hotel.   Festival sponsor!!
• Wingate by Wyndham, Spokane Airport.
• Day's Inn Airway Heights
• Peppertree Inn
• Ramada Spokane Airport
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Holiday Inn Express
• Super 8 Airport West

Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival. We are so fortunate to have a large group of generous, enthusiastic, friendly, and hard working volunteers. The volunteers are the first to greet visitors when they arrive, and set the tone for a fun filled weekend.

If you are interested in being a part of our volunteer team, click the link below to download our volunteer form:

Volunteer Form.

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