It's only September but Oktoberfest is upon us already

Christ the King's Oktoberfest line-up is always surprisingly impressive. It has consistently been one of the fest free fests in town. The line-up usually leans toward solid bluegrass and Americana, with a mix of national and high profile regional artists that can be enjoyable to just about anyone, even if bluegrass & Americana aren't really your cup of tea. (Past artists to perform at Christ the King include JD Crowe, the Felice brothers, Sam Bush and Alejandro Escovedo.)

This year's highlights include bluegrass legends Tony Rice and Pete Rowan on Saturday, and The Minus 5, on Friday. The Minus 5 is a '60-style pop band featuring Scott McCaughey and Peter Buck, both of whom have played regularly with R.E.M. and Robyn Hitchcock, along with a mess of other high profile alt-rockers, over the years. They've produced a steady stream of albums since 1993 (most featuring different line-ups and special guests), including a collaboration with Wilco called "Down with Wilco" (2003). Note: The Minus 5 are playing at St. Francis of Assissi in Louisville on Sept 17th for $28; Oktoberfest is FREE. Other features include beer tents, family entertainment and a humongous rummage sale. More info here.

(from the CKC website)
Friday, September 18th

• 5:00-7:00 Ted & The Polka Dots Polka Party!
• 7:30-8:30 Rodney Hatfield & Tin Can Buddha Electric Blues
• 8:45-9:30 Paul Burch (Solo) Alt-Country from one of Nashville’s finest
• 10:00-11:00 The Minus 5 ‘60s Style Pop featuring Peter Buck & Scott McCaughey
• 12:00-1:00 Slo-Fi Reincarnation of local favorites, the Blueberries

Saturday, September 19th

• 2:00-3:00 Tim Easton (With band) Folk/Rock
• 4:00-5:30 The Fazed Cookies Rolling Stones Revue
• 6:30-8:00 Born Cross Eyed Americana covers that range from Merle Haggard to Jerry Garcia
• 9:00-10:30 Tony Rice & The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band Grammy Award Winning Bluegrass/Jazz