The sounds of America's south will be heard in the Catlins this weekend.
The Niagara Falls Bluegrass Festival will be staged over two days - tomorrow and Sunday - at the Niagara Falls Cafe and Restaurant near Waikawa, in the heart of the Catlins.
Musicians, including former Southland entertainer of the year Marty Astone and fellow blues enthusiast Barry Fitzgerald, will join the Progress Valley Possum Pickers to perform at the open air musical event.
Possum Pickers band member Steven Hayes said the bluegrass festival was all about fun.
"Bluegrass is a style of music not usually heard in traditional Southland circles, so this is a great opportunity for people to experience it," Hayes said.
With its roots in the southern United States, bluegrass is notable for its five-string banjo and fiddle and is often viewed as a cross between hillbilly and jazz.
Organiser Amanda Banhidi said family was the main focus of the event.
"There will be something for everyone - good food, good music and hopefully good weather.
"This is a community which embraces events like this," she said. And we're just 200m from the second largest Niagara Falls in the world."
Childrens' activities will include pony rides. Arts and crafts will also be represented.
The cafe will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at the festival, she said. Wilderness camping sites are available.
