NORWICH – Music is as important off-stage as it is on at the Norwich Family Bluegrass Festival.

For some, the chance to pick into the wee hours of the morning at a new-found friend’s campsite is the whole reason they come, says festival promoter and bluegrass musician Mike Tirella.

“This is a jamming festival,” Tirella said. “It’s a chance for people to jam with friends or connect with people they’ve never met before. That’s the whole reason some people come; just to play in those informal picking circles.”

The festival also added a fourth day so it could offer more open-stage time to budding bluegrass musicians who want to play in front of an audience.

“We want people to be a part of the music,” said Tirella. “Bluegrass is of the people, by the people and for the people.”

The festival runs from today through Sunday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Admission is $50 for an adult four-day ticket. Kids under 16 are free. Daily rates are also available (Thursday $10, Friday $15, Saturday $25, Sunday $10).