Podunk 2012: August 2 - 5 in Norwich, CT - Preview

The Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival kicks off its 2012 season in less than ten days and will run from August 2 - 5 at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, CT.  Winner of the 2010 IBMA Distinguished Event of the Year award, Podunk has developed a reputation for great lineups and innovative programming. Its program of workshops, Kids Academy, Band Contest, children's activities and more have become noted among bluegrass festivals. Promoter Roger Moss has continued his vision for the festival while moving its location to Dodd Stadium in Norwich, CT. Still convenient to festival goers from all New England as well as nearby New York and New Jersey, Podunk also attracts visitors from around the world.  If you haven't been to Podunk before, be sure to get there this year. If you're concerned about the new venue, give it a try and continue to support this superlative event.

Dodd Stadium

 for larger view, click here

 

Dodd Stadium lies only 40 miles southeast of the festival's former home.  Just off I-395, transportation is easy and fast. Norwich  Dodd Stadium is the home of the Connecticut Tigers, an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.  It will provide a comfortable and spacious home for Podunk.

2012 Lineup

  Kathy Mattea

 Kathy Mattea, Grammy Award winning country singer, has returned to her bluegrass and Appalachian roots and is touring in support of her soon to be released new album "Calling Me Home," a follow-up to her critically acclaimed "Coal."  Her dynamic performance at IBMA's Fan Fest two years ago was greeted thunderously. Her appearance at Podunk represents a  rare opportunity for her fans to see her and for bluegrass audiences to appreciate her music.

Podunk Debuts

The Hillbenders

This very contemporary young band features a distinctive band sound with fine arrangements of their own material combined with first rate vocals and instrumentals. They're a band  heading up, exciting and innovative!

Katy Penn & NewTown

 This band has been making huge strides and has come into its own.

The Spinney Brothers

 Based in Nova Scotia, the Spinney Brothers are a brother duo supported by a strong band. They cover traditional bluegrass tunes as well as contributing their own originals with energy and quality. No strangers to New England audiences, they are an act that can be counted on.

The Roys

 This brother/sister duo, born in Massachusetts and raised in Canada, they bring a country tinged sound and increasingly effective bluegrass chops. Their young band and constant touring over the past couple of years have led to constant improvement. 

Belfry Fellows

 

 Once known as "Rockin' Acoustic Circus," this band has undergone significant changes in personnel and sound over the past year or so. It's hard to know exactly what they'll develop into, but it will certainly be interesting to watch and listen.

The Rest of the Lineup

Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters

Dailey & Vincent

Dale Ann Bradley

Eddie & Martha Adcock with Tom Gray

  Photo by Baldeaglebluff

The Grascals

Lonesome River Band

Original New Coon Creek Girls

Special Consensus

Travers Chandler and Avery County

 Winner of last year's band contest at Podunk along with emcee Kym Cyr and Promoter Roger Moss.

The Details

Make full use of the Podunk web site by accessing the schedule of performances and workshops and information about tickets. Information about the bands competing in the Band Contest can be found here. Be sure to stay for this exciting opportunity to see new bands on Sunday afternoon. Don't forget about Kids Academy, again directed by Vicki Baker and Tim St. Jean as well as the new Podunk Intergenerational Academy aimed at two levels of older learners. Podunk is always one of the best organized and most innovatively produced of eastern bluegrass festivals. Roger Moss and his small army of experienced volunteers will do their very best to make the transition to Dodd Stadium and Norwich as enjoyable and painless as possible.

How to Get to Dodd Field in Norwich, CT

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If you've been to Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival before, continue to support it. It you've never gone, now's a good time to discover an great event.