I've begun posting characteristic videos with each of the band profiles for you to enjoy as you contemplate this fine event.
The Bands
Rhonda Vincent & the Rage (Th,Fr)
Rhonda Vincent has been a high profile performer in bluegrass and country music for over a generation. In 2000 the Wall Street Journal called her "the queen of bluegrass." Active since 1970, first with her family band, later in a her own band as well. After a fling with country music in the 1990's, Rhonda returned to bluegrass, where she has been named IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year eight times over a period of sixteen years. Her band is always filled with top performers in their own right, with Josh Williams, three time guitar player of the year, leading the way. One of the hardest working of all bluegrass artists, Rhonda can be relied upon for a terrific performance. Be sure to stop by the Rhonda Vincent Boutique to purchase a CD or a t-shirt as well as to greet the Queen herself.
Jam with Rhonda & the Rage (Th)
SteelDrivers - Saturday
When the SteelDrivers hit the bluegrass world in 2005 with Chris Stapleton, now recognized as one of the top singer/songwriters in Nashville, they turned the bluegrass world upside down. By bringing the rock sensibility with a blues emphasis along with a publicly acknowledged enjoyment of adult beverages to the bluegrass stage, they cultivated new fans, converted some to a wider range in the music, and turned some off. While three of the original members remain (Richard Bailey, Tammy Rogers, and Mike Fleming) to maintain the original vibe, and Brent Truitt has strengthened the band, they have had difficulty finding and retaining a lead vocalist who provides the range of singing Stapleton championed. Nevertheless, for those of us who've come to love their music (I admit to their being an acquired taste for me), they are always a welcome addition and change of pace on any bluegrass stage. The SteelDrivers won the best bluegrass album Grammy in 2015.
Kruger Brothers - Saturday
The Kruger Brothers arrived in the U.S. from their native Switzerland in 2002 in order to live in Wilkes County, NC, the home of one of their musical heroes, Doc Watson. While their roots lie in folk music, which they toured Europe busking. and polishing their skills for years, their development has transcended the limits of genre as their questing musical spirit has been constantly extended. Today, they customarily play at bluegrass festivals as well as before large, eclectic audiences accompanied by a chamber symphony in concert halls and large open air venues before appreciative audiences who travel large distances to bask in their generous musical spirits. We always welcome the opportunity to hear the Krugers play and spend some time with them.
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Gibson Brothers - Friday
Because of their consistently thought provoking and uplifting song writing combined with the charm of their brotherly edginess, the Gibson Brothers have become one of the most reliable draws and delightful performers in bluegrass music. Always staying well within the musical confines of the bluegrass format, their music explores contemporary themes and traditional lifestyles with insight and forthrightness. Their banter and mastery of the pace of their performances stands as a model of showmanship for lesser bands.
Lonely Heartstring Band (Sa)
The Lonely Heartstring Band uses brilliant instrumentals featuring Gabe Hirshfeld on banjo with Matt Witler on mandolin and tight harmonies featuring the twin brother duo of George and Charles Clements with Patrick McGonigle. They stay well within a tradtional bluegrass template while performing new songs from within the band along with covers of challenging rock songs I've never heard from any other bluegrass band, ranging from Beatles to Credence Clearwater Revival and Paul Simon. Their version of John Hartford's "Steam Powered Aereoplane" is near perfect. They've forsaken the raw roughness of traditional bluegrass for a smooth urban sound not quite heard before.
Dry Brand Fire Squad (Sa, Su)
Dry Branch Fire Squad has been a featured performer at Strawberry Park since the beginning, missing only one year out of the forty that have already passed. Ron Thomason's humorous observations on the world he grew up in and the world we have come to currently live in are further enlivened by his appreciation for the ironies of our contemporary world and the wisdom of the hillbilly one he grew up in. The Sunday morning gospel performance by Dry Branch Fire Squad along with Ron Thomason's "sermon" is seen as a signature closing act of the festival on Sunday morning, even though many people remain into the early afternoon for the closing bands.
Dailey & Vincent (Fr)
Dailey & Vincent hit the trail in 2007 with a band, when featured musicians Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent left established headliner bands to form their own aggregation. They were greeted with huge enthusiasm and acclaim, winning IBMA Entertainer of the Year in three successive years, 2008 - 2010. Through the years, they have increased the size and scope of their band while seeking to broaden their audience, successfully finding new audiences for a fast-paced show which combines bluegrass, country, and gospel music delivered with broad humor and variety. They will close Friday night with a single ninety minute set.
Mile Twelve (Fr)
Mile Twelve has its roots in Boston with tentacles reaching all the way to New Zealand, where the talented banjo player BB Bowness hails from. This group is musically well-honed with songs running the gamut from traditional bluegrass to Elton John adaptations. They've been growing in what goes on between the songs, while their music has been on an upward trajectory starting from "good with promise" towards "consistently excellent." This is a band to keep your eyes on.
Rocket Man - Elton John
Sideline (Sa)
Sideline, making its first appearance at Strawberry Park, has gone from a startup band of established veterans seeking a few gigs during the slow season, to a band in a wrapped bus wearing out the roads with nearly 100 dates a year. Three of the original band remain, while the addition of Troy Boone on mandolin and Bailey Coe on guitar and vocals, have improved the band. Original fiddler, Nathan Aldridge, has moved on, to be replaced by Daniel Greeson, who's both young and deeply experienced. Specializing in first and second generation bluegrass delivered with high energy and deep skill, the core of the band, consisting of Jason Moore, Skip Cherryholmes, and Steve Dilling, one of the best band emcees in history, continues to improve. They come to each festival prepared to entertain and spread bluegrass.
Thunder Dan - Sideline (Official)
Twisted Pine (Th)
Twisted Pine is a rootsy bluegrass-based string band bringing jazz and rock to bluegrass and Americana festivals while winning band contests. This is the third years Twisted Pine has come to Strawberry Park, and I look forward to hearing and watching their growth as a band.
21 & Rising
Box Car Lilies (Fr)
Jenny Goodspeed
Jenny Goodspeed
Stephanie Marshall
The Boxcar Lillies have been improving each year they've appeared at Strawberry Park, seemingly molding their band before our eyes. What's emerged is a delightful range of folk-Americana, singer/songwriter musicality that communicates pure enjoyment and enthusiasm while showcasing the blend of the two lead singers' voices. Be sure to come to the stage on Friday at noon to catch their performance. I'll be there...for sure!
The Stockwell Brothers (TBD)
The Stockwell Brothers have been a highly recognized and appreciated eclectic band around New England, but especially in Vermont and New Hampshire for a generation. Bruce, a banjo stylist of rare versatility and taste, won the Merlefest band contest some years ago, and is a highly sought after banjo teacher for years, despite the fact he toured as a rock and roll electric guitarist "back in the day." Brother Barry has developed the Next Stage in Putney, VT as a go-to venue for a range of music as well as theatrical performances. Brother Al runs a recording studio in Brattleboro. Meanwhile, sister-in-law Kelly, Bruce's spouse, has helped build the reach of the always reliable band to new and interesting venues.
Blackstone Valley Boys (Sa, Su)
The Blackwell Valley Boys is a quartet of well-known New England bluegrass musicians based in nearby Massachusetts. They clearly enjoy themselves and their enjoyment captures the audience.
Gail Wade (TBD)
We've seen Gail Wade as far away from New England as WDVX's Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, and Bristol Rhythm and Roots in Bristol VA/TN where the state line runs down the middle of main street. In New England she can be seen with her own trio, in the Hot Flashes, and as a single singer/songwriter. In each case she brings shimmering, well-crafted songs along with strong rhythm guitar.
Gale Wade - Wash Me Down
Strawberry Park has, traditionally, also featured excellent workshops, now being showcased on a small stage in the snack bar area. As of this writing, no schedule has been posted. I'll include it as soon as it becomes available.
Workshops
This festival has recovered from damage which would have destroyed less well-established events by building its lineup while listening to the complaints and needs of those who attend and adjusting to them. Plaudits for this go to Carl Landi, the festival manager, whose attention to detail and quick learning have done the trick.
Carl Landi
The Details:
Tickets: Tickets can be ordered online using a form like the one below. Here's the Link.
You can also call Strawberry Park at 1800-356-2460 to purchase tickets or make camping reservations. The range of alternatives for camping and admission.
Camping: Strawberry Park is a comprehensive resort campground with a variety of accommodations available including full service campsites, rental camping units, and in-the-rough camping in both an overflow area and a sixty site "jamming" area on a ball field above the main campground. Here's a link to the 2018 Camping Rates. Note that special information about the bluegrass festival can be found on the column to the right.
A number of hotels and motels are available in the area, including, for those who are intrested, at the casino.
Many activities are available on the Strawberry Park campus for people attending the bluegrass festival. The pools are open, as are the tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and much more take a look at their web site here, for more sense of its breadth of opportunities.
Many activities are available on the Strawberry Park campus for people attending the bluegrass festival. The pools are open, as are the tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and much more take a look at their web site here, for more sense of its breadth of opportunities.
Snack Bar
Vendor Area
How to Get to Strawberry Park
Click on the map then place your location in the Zero
Click for your route
Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival is one of the oldest continuing festivals in New England, if not the country. It has a storied place in bluegrass history, which will continue into the future. Hope to see you there.
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