Thursday through Sunday, pluckers from around the country descended on Tacoma’s Hotel

September 24, 2012 12:00 am
Norris Astor plays banjo with for the Ebony Hillbillies from NYC.
Norris Astor plays banjo with for the Ebony Hillbillies from NYC.

Thursday through Sunday, pluckers from around the country descended on Tacoma’s Hotel Murano (formerly The Sheraton) for one of the season’s largest festivals of its kind in the nation.Published on February 25, 2008

Ancient fiddles, including more than one Stradivarius, on sale.

Ancient fiddles, including more than one Stradivarius, on sale.

And banjos, too.

And banjos, too.

Russ Barenberg picks Thursday night.

Russ Barenberg picks Thursday night.

Banjo girl wall hanging.

Banjo girl wall hanging.

The former Sheraton in Tacoma, now the Hotel Murano, is undergoing a serious face lift.

The former Sheraton in Tacoma, now the Hotel Murano, is undergoing a serious face lift.

One of the main attractions of Wintergrass is jamming with friends and strangers.

One of the main attractions of Wintergrass is jamming with friends and strangers.

There was no fee to perform in the lobby.

There was no fee to perform in the lobby.

Or anywhere else, for that matter.

Or anywhere else, for that matter.