The Country Bluegrass Jamboree is back for the second time in 2024, from Sept. 6 to 8 at the Keremeos Rodeo Grounds. 

The jamboree, usually held the week after the Summerland Bluegrass Festival,  has been so popular with the musicians that they asked the organizers for a second go at it. 

"They asked us to do a second one because we're all set up here for it and some of the other ones they used to go to cancelled," said Dave Barker, one of the jamboree's organizers. "These people just love to entertain, love to play music."

Unlike jamborees or similar events in other communities, Keremeos doesn't pay any musicians to come in. That keeps the event's cost down as much as possible. 

"They just want to come and have a good time and they said keep it fun and affordable," said Barker. "So if they come for the weekend, the cost is $35 and that's the camping and the whole works."

Some of the musicians stay for a few extra days and enjoy some impromptu jam sessions at the Rodeo Hall, too.

The focus on affordability has helped encourage entertainers to come out from across the province and beyond, and every year, new faces show up alongside more familiar ones.

"There's a group from down in Vancouver that I just had a call from planning on coming up and a new person from Oliver just texted me the other day," said Barker. "We've got a young from up in the Sicamous area and, when they first started coming they weren't even old enough to drive. They're still coming out, they're still jamming."

The music isn't straight bluegrass, but also a bit of country, too. On Sunday, the morning also kicks off with a gospel session. 

"We're starting a little bit earlier this year so some of the guys can go in to play in the church," said Barker. 

The whole event is not only open to anyone but locals and others are encouraged to come and listen to the live music any of the three days. 

"We'd like to see more locals just come out to enjoy the music," said Barker. "We're just asking for donations to come in."

The jamboree starts on Friday afternoon, Sept. 6, and continues through the weekend to Sept. 8. It's all held at the Keremeos Rodeo Grounds, located at 3012 River Road.