GREAT String Festival in Alabama, and the venerable Florida Folk Festival This Weekend

One of the best little out-of-the-way music festivals happens this weekend about 70 miles northwest of of Birmingham, Alabama. It's called the Acoustic Cafe Ampitheater, but it isn't exclusively acoustic. It is, however, heaven for people who love talented string instrument players. Even if you haven't heard of some of the people on the lineup, you will not be disappointed.

This is a small, family-friendly camping festival where the crowd really LISTENS. And it's a deal -- $60 at the gate, plus $10 to bring in your car or motor home. No electric or water hookups, but there are common spigots and a nice shower house. Kids 12 and under are free. No pets. There are a few vendors, but my advice is to bring what you need. The space is beautiful. Here is the lineup this year:

Todd Snider
The Tony Rice Unit

The Claire Lynch Band
Dread Clampitt
Ed Pickett
The Herb Trotman Band
Scott Ward & Big Mule
The Stuart McNair Band (doing acoustic versions of Dylan & the Dead)
Caroline Webb

Also this weekend, the state-run Florida Folk Festival happens in White Springs, along the Suwannee River in the Panhandle. You can check out  this year's performers here. 

Tickets are $60 for the weekend or $30 for the day. Kids 6 and under are free, and kids 6-16 cost only $5 for the whole weekend. Unfortunately, even though it is in a state park, you can't camp onsite (and be part of the late-night picking scene) unless you are a performer or a  registered volunteer. There are, however, some nearby  campgrounds  where you can park your tent or RV.