Bluegrass at Chattanooga Market - July 21

photo Slim Pickins will play at 2 p.m. Sunday during Chattanooga Market's Mountain View Bluegrass celebration.

IF YOU GOWhat: Mountain View Bluegrass at Chattanooga MarketWhen: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, July 21Where: First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St.Admission: FreePhone: 423-648-2496Website: www.chattanoogamarket.comENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE• 11 a.m. Possum Hunters Bluegrass Band• 12:30 p.m. Bluetastic Fangrass• 2 p.m. Slim Pickins

One of Chattanooga Market's biggest theme days is expected to draw a large crowd Sunday, July 21, as Mountain View Bluegrass showcases the talents of three area bands.

The turnout at the market has been heavy all season, according to spokeswoman Melissa Siragusa, with draws including locally grown fruits and vegetables, handmade arts and crafts, mouthwatering food and live entertainment.

"It's hard to say who's there for what reason, but whatever is the reason, the crowds have been phenomenal this year," she says. "We expect a big crowd on Sunday for bluegrass because the three bands playing are hugely popular."

Set to perform are the Possum Hunters, Bluetastic Fangrass and Slim Pickins.

The Possum Hunters Bluegrass Band will kick things off when the market opens at 11 a.m. The six-piece ensemble specializes in high-energy, foot-stomping music that ranges from hard-driving traditional tunes to more modern songs with a rock or jazz flair.

The band has been together for more than 20 years, with three of the original members still performing. They have recorded two CDs: "The Possum Hunters" and "Still Grinnin.' "

Bluetastic Fangrass will take the stage at 12:30 p.m. Fronted by resonator guitar/slide guitar player Lou Wamp, the band plays original material based in bluegrass, swing and blues. Wamp has been performing for more than 25 years and has toured with nationally known bluegrass bands including James Monroe & The Midnight Ramblers and Blue Moon Rising.

"Lou Wamp is known for playing the Dobro, and it's not an easy instrument to play," Siragusa says. "It's really cool to listen to and watch."

Filling the last slot at 2 p.m. will be Slim Pickins, a five-piece band whose talent, instrumentation and song selection bring to mind New Grass Revival, Doc Watson or David Grisman and an energy level not seen since the Ramones, Siragusa says.

"Their fast-paced, lively shows are reminiscent of the diverse musical influences that the band shares," she says.

Members include John Boulware, 2006 Tennessee State Fiddle Champion.

Contact staff writer Karen Nazor Hill at khill@times freepress.com or 423-757-6396. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/karennazorhill. Subscribe to her posts on Facebook at www.facebook.com/karennazorhill.

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