Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

First-ever Windblown Arts Festival set for Aug. 15 in Bushnell

The Village of Bushnell will be the place to be Aug. 15. The Sisters Grimm, Bushnell’s bookstore and coffee shop is hosting Windblown Arts Festival, with live music, food, crafts and more. There is no cover charge.

Live music will feature Martin Gilmore (2–2:50 p.m.), Ryan Head (3–3:50 p.m.), Ben Treffer (4–4:50 p.m.), Deb Carpenter-Nolting (5–5:50 p.m.) and Jake McIntosh (6–6:50 p.m.). The last hour is scheduled as an open mic for individuals or groups wishing to share a song or two. The music ranges from bluegrass to folk to country to classical.

Martin Gilmore is a man with stories to sing and tunes to play. His love of history is blended into original songs taking audiences on journeys to places in time that may have faded in memory. The influences of bluegrass, folk, jazz, Irish, classical and rock and roll merge when he steps on stage.

When not performing, Martin can often be found conducting workshops at festivals, teaching lessons at various venues around the Denver metro area or working as a studio musician and producer.

An upcoming singer/songwriter, Ben Treffer was born and raised in the wide open spaces of western Nebraska. Ben sings of everyday people, ordinary places and real life events. His simple, yet poignant lyrics speak of home, hard work, love and heartache.

Even though he is just a few years into his musical career, Ben sports an impressive resume. He has opened for Marty Stuart, Julianne Hough, Trailer Choir, The Boulder Acoustic Society, Jim Salestrom and The Jim Rice Band.

Deb Carpenter-Nolting’s voice is as smooth as her music. Her story songs tell of people and events, as well as love and loss. Their messages are universal and abiding.