NORWICH – Thousands of bluegrass enthusiasts from across the country are expected to gather through the rest of the week and throughout the weekend as the 27th annual Norwich Family Bluegrass Festival kicks off at noon today at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.

According to event organizers Mike Tirella and Karen May, the festival will once again feature some of the best local, regional and national bluegrass talent that can be found, including Friday’s headliners Goldwing Express, a native American bluegrass ensemble out of Branson, Missouri. The band, said Tirella, is well known for its energetic live show, an entertaining blend of bluegrass and comedy.

Also taking the stage at this year’s festival – Virginia-based James King, eight-time Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America male vocalist of the year; Danny Paisley & Southern Grass; Smokey Greene; Remington Ryde; Larry Gillis; Plexigrass; Dave Nichols and Spare Change; the Jesse Alexander Band; Travers Chandler and Avery County; Texas Rose and the Matthews Family Band.

Hailing from the mountains of the Adirondacks, Cabin Fever will once again play host band this year, stated Tirella, who plays guitar with the group.