Bluegrass, Beer and BBQ Festival draws music lovers to North Salem

Along with great performances by bluegrass bands from around the country, there was lots of food, beverages and great weather for the unofficial end of summer.

Carol Wilkinson

Sep 1, 2025, 1:25 AM

Updated 19 hr ago

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More than 1,000 people turned out Sunday to enjoy live music at the second annual Bluegrass, Beer and BBQ Festival in North Salem.
The event at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard attracted attendees of all ages.
"We follow a lot of bluegrass groups. We're excited to be here. It's a great location, great food, lots of families around and its fun to be here," said Donna Halbert, of Vestal.
The event, which made its debut last year, is the brainchild of Event Coordinator Emma Brassem.
"I took it upon myself to plan this bluegrass event where we had a few different bands. I didn't expect 1,000 people to show up," she explained.
Along with great performances by bluegrass bands from around the country, there was lots of food, beverages and great weather for the unofficial end of summer.
"This is a real treat. Three bands as far as I can count and there may be more, so I think I'm dressed correctly," said Eamonn Brady, of North Salem.
His wife, Krista Brady, agreed.
"I think the music is perfect for this type of event, especially for the environment that we're in and it really goes back to the Irish roots, which is very much appreciated," she said.
First-time attendee Akilah Whittaker, of Elmsford, said she'll be back again next year.
"We're having a really good time. The music is good, the drinks are really good," she said.