Music, music, music at the Waterford World's Fair

WATERFORD — Come one, come all. The 2012 Waterford "World's Fair" is back July 20, 21 and 22.

Again this year, they'll have a full schedule of top notch musical acts performing on the Norway Savings Bank stage. Starting at 4 p.m. Friday, Portland-based Tricky Britches kicks off the music lineup with a progressive, high energy bluegrass set that will make you smile and they guarantee your toe will be tapping.

At 4:30 p.m., Trailer Trash takes the stage. These guys are truly a local favorite. Performing around the Oxford Hills and beyond for more than 25 years, Paul Dube and Ellen Linsey will give you a show you'll always remember, playing many familiar folk-rock, blues, and country tunes along with some of Paul's awesome original songs. And when Eric Grenier joins them with his wailin' harp, you'll simply be blown away.

At 7 p.m., The Swamp Donkeys will make you wonder, "how can these guys say so many words so fast?" Close your eyes and you'll think you're in an Irish pub. This southern Maine Celtic/bluegrass trio, with their well blended harmonies, will give you the foot stompin' show that makes them popular.

Topping off Friday night, Waterford's own beloved Jordan Kaulback takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. Jordan (Kauls) has a large following wherever he plays. His very rhythmic style would even impress the likes of such world class players as Jack Johnson and Zack Deputy. He'll also surprise you with the medleys he puts together, some of which include older standards than you'd expect a guy his age to even know. Jordan's known for his looping skills as well. This is where he'll electronically lay down multiple live tracks, while he's performing, and sing and play lead on top of them. I guess you could call it "build-a-band."

Saturday, at 4 p.m., Terry Swett and the Milltown Roadshow start the evening on the NSB stage. Terry, a prolific songwriter, along with his longtime friend and backup singer, Debbie Stanford, have formed a solid bond with Connecticut native Jack Jolie. Jack, who now calls So. Bridgton his home, adds an impressive flatpicking bluegrass guitar style to the mix. The Roadshow's tight harmonies and musical arrangements provide a sound you won't soon forget.

If Blues are your calling, you will not want to miss the 5:30 p.m. performance of Black Cat Road. Steve Bailey's well-rounded guitar skills and enthusiastic performance are great just as they are, but when you watch and listen to Jessica Hines with her passionate, almost provocative vocal skills, this band will knock your socks off.

At 7 p.m., recently formed S. F. Jones will take the stage. Harrison's Jerry Adams, a well-polished lead guitarist, heads up this band of classic rockers, that is comprised partly, of members of The Olde Mill Tavern's house band, The Afterburners.

Your Saturday night will feel complete after you listen to the 8:30 p.m. performance of veteran players, Rollins, Tyoe and Hobson. This time-tested band of top notch locals are simply some of the most seasoned musicians in Maine. Between Krister Rollins' strong bass presence, Jerry Hobson's eloquent guitar work and "RIP" Tyoe's ever present vocal mastery, you'll see, with their confident smiles and their effortless performance, without a doubt, these guys command respect in the Maine music scene.

Sunday morning at 9 a.m., a new tradition is taking shape as Pastor Doretta Colburn from the North Waterford Church conducts the Sunday worship service from the new Norway Savings Bank Stage. The Milltown Roadshow will return to share a few bluegrass gospel songs during the service.

At 10:30 a.m., Vessel Recording artist and well known pianist/composer Heather Pierson will take the stage along with Erie, Pennsylvania's Davey Sturtivant, also a world class guitarist and composer. Between the mastery of their instruments and their well-woven voices, you'll ask yourself "what are these people doing in little ole Waterford, Maine?" Enjoy!

At high noon, bluegrass veteran and national award winning mandolin player Al Hawkes will be joined by his Americana Trio. They're sure to tickle your fancy with their fine blend of traditional bluegrass. Al and his band of pickers have delighted audiences and earned the respect of fellow bluegrass musicians all over the country.

Jim Gallant will grace the NSB stage at 1:30 p.m. Jim's amazing finger style guitar work can easily be compared to the likes of Chet Atkins or Leo Kottke. Getting to know the humble man that Jim is, you'll surely be surprised when you see the fire fly from his fingertips. He sings a darn good song to boot!

Cooped Up, a group comprised of Ed and Linda Cooper from Sebago, and a selection of other well-seasoned players, will take the stage at 3 p.m. Ed's big bottom bass, along with Linda's keyboard and mandolin chops, original lyrics (and contagious smile) add a dynamic element to their repertoire of popular standards.

The 2012 Waterford "World's Fair" will wrap up its music program at 4:30 p.m. with a toe-tapping performance by Harrison's own Hemingway Brothers. If traditional bluegrass is what you're hoping to hear, this group is sure to make your wish come true. Their collaborative sound of banjo, guitar, bass and mandolin gets wrapped in a tight little package when they add those bluegrass harmonies.

Admission to the Fair is only $5 each day. Children five and under are free. Senior citizens are $3 on Friday.

Along with such an impressive music lineup, the Waterford "World's Fair" has several art, sculpture, craft and commercial vendors. For the second year, they'll have a full and active fiber tent.

As always, WWF will showcase their strong agricultural presence.

Games, soak-a-dope, the popular and famous Tractor Train and many other things will be available for the kids! Don't forget Old Macdonald's Farm and oh goodness....the pig scramble.

There is also the ladies' skillet throw, back seat driver contest, he man contest and horseshoe tournament.

New this year, there will be ATV pulls in the new ring, new Blacksmith's building, a new deck to sit on and enjoy your food at the cook shack, a lot of new paint and many other ongoing improvements.

The Pig Roast is back, by popular demand. They will be roasting two pigs this year.

The Senior Citizen Luncheon and Dance is on Friday.

Much more to see, do and eat! For more information and event dates and times, please visit waterfordworldsfair.org.