The people of Red Level hope to experience two different kinds of “blues” today — one of the blue-sky nature and another of the musical variety.

When combined, the two would equal a great ninth annual Crystal River Bluegrass Festival.

Lynn Bush, co-organizer of the event, said everyone involved is praying for good weather and good music at the event, which begins at 6 p.m. tonight at Red Level’s Crystal Springs Park.

“We’ve had a very good turnout the last nine years,” she said. “We’re hoping the weather holds out. Right now, it’s just a wait and see. We’re hopeful it will do like the last couple of afternoons and skirt around us.

“We’d love to see a great crowd come out with the lawn chairs and listen to some great Southern gospel and bluegrass music,” she said.

Scheduled to perform are Stephanie Cartwright, the Turman Family, the Lighthouse String Ensemble from Troy and the Sullivan Family.

“The Sullivan Family have been singing for 65 years in festivals,” Bush said. “They sure know how to make some great music.”

The event was established nine years ago by Bush’s husband, Michael, and is hosted by the Bush family.

“This is something he started nine years ago to bring in more gospel music into the area,” she said. “A lot of people used to hear the old Southern gospel music in churches, and some had really gotten away from doing it. Michael loves that sound and so do we.

“We knew that a lot of people may not go to church that love that music, but will come out to a festival,” she said. “Nine years and counting, we’ve had a great turnout.”

Concessions will available and there are restroom facilities on site.

“All we ask is that you bring a lawn chair and come out and hear some great music,” she said.

The event is free and open to the public. Bush said a love offering will be accepted to help cover booking fees.

In the event of “pouring” rain, the festival will be canceled.

“But (Michael Bush) won’t make that call until 4 p.m. or so,” she said.