If you turned 18 during the late ’60s or early ’70s, you did what everyone did in the summers. You threw a sleeping back in your car or microbus and went on a road trip with concert destinations along the way.

Somewhere in Kansas in 1973, Saddleback Mountain ski instructor Mark Robie and his friends, stumbled on Newgrass Revival. The band, which included at the time Sam Bush and Béla Fleck, bent traditional country and folk music with jazz and jam elements.

“We were into Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, and Jefferson Airplane,” said Robie, who currently runs the Saddleback Mountain ski and snowboard school. “Then all of a sudden we all had Newgrass Revival albums. They were breaking all of the rules.”

39 years later, Robie has added the title of Saddleback Mountain Bluegrass Festival to his resume. And he is especially excited to have The Sam Bush Band headlining the mountain resort’s third annual festival on Aug. 10 and 11.

“Besides being an amazing musician, Sam Bush is such a showman,” said Robie. “I love all music. I love traditional bluegrass music, but I’ve not no problem with a drum. It doesn’t matter to me that they’re not all wearing suits.”

Born in Kentucky, Sam Bush was steeped in the traditional music of his environment. He also had a good dose of Bill Monroe and his costumed Blue Grass Boys. Monroe ironically broke the Old Time music rules of his day to create what came to be known as bluegrass by infusing minor tones, instrumental solos, and distinctive vocal harmonies.

While Monroe gave bluegrass its name, Bush spawned a subgenre known as newgrass. Also called progressive bluegrass, the music may veer into electric instruments and augment with piano or drums. The sound and performance often draws loyal followers of The Grateful Dead, Phish and moe.

“We are focusing on progressive and newgrass bands who are gaining much popularity with a younger crowd,” said Robie. “Telluride is our model of where we’re headed with this festival. And Sam Bush is known as the King of Telluride.”

Coincidentally, it was in 1973 when the Colorado ski resort town of Telluride began its claim to bluegrass fame and eventually evolved into the world famous bluegrass festival of today.

Besides Sam Bush, this year’s Saddleback festival offers a lineup that includes The Hillbenders. To say this group is a jam band is a bit of an understatement. Milk Drive and Della Mae are up-and-coming groups quickly gaining attention as serious bluegrass musicians and crossover artists. For the more traditional fans, The Gibson Brothers bring a tight harmony and clear acoustic prowess. The Travelin’ McCourys, who include a couple of legendary Del McCoury’s sons, bridge the traditional with the progressive as they dabble in their own musical experiments.

Maine musicians Tricky Britches and Local Circus take a turn on the mountain-facing center stage. And Red stick Ramblers add a Cajun flavor to the lineup.

“This is called a bluegrass festival,” said Robie. “And some people say it shouldn’t be called that. But it’s incredible to see this kind of talent, and for people who love it to get together for a couple of days and enjoy it in such an intimate and beautiful setting.”

Saddleback Mountain Bluegrass Festival

Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10 and 11

Music starts at 2:30 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m. Saturday

2-day tickets cost $45; Friday only $20; Saturday only $35

Overnight camping costs $5; for RVs and campers over 25 feet $15

Camping is first-come-first-serve; no electrical hook-ups

Food vendors and beer garden on site

See www.saddlebackmaine.com for additional specific information and full performance schedule.