By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Get ready to groove with Lovegrass Music Festivals as they ignite the stage with a fundraiser at Defiance Brewing Company.
Lovegrass Music Festival Association is dedicated to bringing bluegrass arts to rural Kansas, promoting regional and upcoming artists.
The executive director of the nonprofit, Aimee Riegel, said the collaboration aligns with the organization's goal of delivering entertainment.
"This partnership with Defiance is part of our mission to work with other businesses and nonprofits, helping them provide live music at their venues," she said.
Lovegrass on Tap marks the second year Lovegrass and Defiance, 2050 Old Highway 40, have partnered for a fundraiser.
The event is set to take center stage from 3 to 11 p.m. on April 6. Kicking off with a cornhole tournament, which requires a team entry fee of $40.
"There will be different ranges of competition, so anyone from a backyard [player] to a pro can enter," Riegel said.
Through the tournament and a raffle, prizes including a Bluetooth speaker, a Samsung Galaxy tablet, earbuds and concert tickets will be up for grabs.
From 4 to 7 p.m., you can enjoy performances by bluegrass bands, including The Tequa Trio, Bartlett and 80 Proof Alice, followed by an open jam at 9 p.m.
"Anyone that wants to come out and play their instrument can join us for an open group jam," Riegel said.
The free and family-friendly night at Defiance will feature plenty of brews alongside food trucks from Tacos El Eguero Guey and PFONZ Smokehaus and Catering.
Reigel said money from the fundraiser will support other Lovegrass events, including their annual three-day August festival in Wilson.
"If someone purchases a pint glass and a raffle ticket, their first beer is donated by Defiance," she said.
You can purchase exclusive merchandise and beer at the event, with proceeds from activities that spotlight the bluegrass genre.
"We want to promote the arts in our region," Reigel said. "Our mission is to provide outlets for individuals to experience music and for musicians to be seen."
Local businesses, including Nextech Wireless, Auto World, Breathe Coffee House, and Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, donated raffle items and prizes.
Businesses interested in donating raffle items can reach out to Lovegrass through its website or by emailing [email protected].
Lovegrass collaborates with Defiance for jam sessions on the first and third Thursdays of every month.
"We want to thank Defiance for their continued support," Reigel said.
Another Lovegrass experience, the Whisky Mash Band, is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday in Wilson.
You can follow Lovegrass and Defiance on Facebook. For more information on Defiance, visit its website.