Tucson Day Trip - See Banjo Virtuoso Tim Wiedenkeller at Fiesta de la Primavera
"Banjo" and "Virtuoso" may seem to be contradictory terms, but not when the name Tim Wiedenkeller goes with them. I never want people to think Tim's talent is limited to banjo, in forms ranging from his orignal classical numbers to bluegrass and classic country and other genres not usually not thought of for banjo. So I quickly add that he's also world-class on a number of instruments including guitar and mandolin. Tim's vocals are beautiful and exciting as well.
He just toled me he'll be participating at the Fiesta de la Primavera this weekend (Mother's Day, Saturday and Sunday). It's easy to get there from Tucson, and only 57 miles from the city center at I-10 and Congress. Just take I-10 to the east, and in Benson take Arizona Hwy 80 E to St David, about 11 miles down the road.
St David is a farming community, just over 4,000 elevation, so expect the weather to be slightly cooler than in Tucson.
The Festival runs on Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday 10-4. The only cost is $2 for parking, and that gets you at least one raffle ticket for cash prizes. There will be food (including a BBQ in the main hall), and other entertainment all day, including bluegrass, Tongan singers and dancers, guitarists, etc.
There will also be about 150 arts and crafts vendors. I've been to this event, and I know you can expect some unusual and wonderful items to be available.
Tim's shows will be Saturday from 2-3 in the chapel and Sunday from 3-4 (closing the festival) in the outdoor soundstage.
NOTE: Tombstone, "The Town too Tough to Die," is only another 15 miles down Hwy 80, in case you'd like to take in some more sightseeing in the town with the wooden sidewalks and some interesting old museums.
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