Suwannee Roots Revival Oct 14-17 w/ Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters

SAM BUSH BAND, LEFTOVER SALMON, THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS,
STEEP CANYON RANGERS, DONNA THE BUFFALO, KELLER & THE KEELS, 
PETER ROWAN FREE MEXICAN AIRFORCE ft. LOS TEXAMANIACS
SLATED TO PERFORM AT THE 5TH SUWANNEE ROOTS REVIVAL

OCTOBER 14-17, 2021 AT THE SPIRIT OF SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK
LIVE OAK, FLORIDA

Tickets on Sale Thursday, June 17 at 10am at suwanneerootsrevival.com/tickets

LIVE OAK, FL — The 5th Suwannee Roots Revival takes place Thursday, October 14 – Sunday, October 17 at the renowned Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) in Live Oak, Florida. A plethora of incredible musicians are slated to perform including Sam Bush Band, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, Steep Canyon Rangers, Donna the Buffalo, Keller & The Keels, Peter Rowan Free Mexican Airforce featuring Los Texmaniacs, Larry Keel Experience, Jon Stickley Trio, Jim Lauderdale, Darrell Scott, Verlon Thompson, Joe Craven & Painted Mandolin, Rev Jeff Mosier Ensemble, Bowregard, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, The Grass Is Dead, Nikki Talley and Jason Sharp, Ralph Roddenbery, Nicholas Edward Williams, Quartermoon, and Tania & Magic Moon Traveling Circus.

Hosted by long time friends of SOSMP, Randy Judy and Beth Judy, Suwannee Roots Revival focuses on showcasing established as well as up-and-coming roots musicians throughout a weekend laced with community based fun, growing friendships, laughing families, and that feel-good feeling you get from hanging out in such a beautiful natural setting.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be returning to our beloved Suwannee and especially to my favorite place to hear music— the natural Amphitheater,” says Beth Judy. “This Roots is a true revival as we bring our amazing community back together after such dramatic and tough times experienced this past year. I believe this Suwannee Roots Revival will bring comfort and joy back to our festival family through the music of so many of our favorite artists along with the laughter, fun and healing we share in the beautiful natural and magical setting of Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.”

Suwannee Roots Revival is jam-packed with stellar music and dance on multiple stages throughout the weekend. This family-friendly festival includes four days of music, camping, yoga, music workshops, a Kids Tent, as well as campground pickin’ sessions. Set in the midst of 800 acres of Spanish moss-draped oak and cypress trees along the Suwannee River, the venue is a playground for endless activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, disc golf, and biking. 

Suwannee Roots Revival kicks off on Thursday with a big start! Newgrass legend Sam Bush will crush a two hour set with his band before Leftover Salmon closes out the night with a spicy set of their own potent brew of bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, folk, Cajun, soul, zydeco and jazz and blues. Master songwriter Darrell Scott will perform the first set of his festival appearances and Thursday will also introduce Sarah Shook & the Disarmers to the SOSMP family.

Friday brings Americana roots troubadours Donna the Buffalo back to the Amphitheater for the first of their festival appearances. They’ll be back at it on Saturday and Sunday including an afternoon set with Mr. Americana himself, Jim Lauderdale, on the Amphitheater Stage, a Porch Stage set, and Suwannee Roots Reviavl’s traditional Sunday closing set on the Amphitheater Stage where they will be sure to include many special guest artists from the festival.

Friday also brings the first of two festival performances by the intrepid knights of bluegrass—Steep Canyon Rangers, the return of Leftover Salmon for their second appearance, as well as sets by Appalachian psychedelic bluegrass trio Keller & The Keels, the cinematic Jon Stickley Trio, and many more including a workshop and Porch Stage set by Darrell Scott.

On Saturday, SOSMP welcomes back The Infamous Stringdusters for some wildly creative bluegrass innovation, the flatpicking legend and his explosive band—Larry Keel Experience, and Peter Rowan flies in with his Free Mexican Airforce featuring Los Texmaniacs. Up and coming Colorado bluegrass band, Bowregard will make their maiden Suwannee appearance. Verlon Thompson will bring his usual wit, charm, and stellar songwriting and musicianship for a set as well as a workshop with Jim Lauderdale and will return the following day for another set.

Vassar Sunday will be filled with festival family favorites culminating with Donna the Buffalo’s closing jam.

Placing a strong emphasis on embracing the traditions that have made the park a national treasure, there will be a wide array of arts & crafts as well as culinary delights ranging from healthy to decadent in the Vending Village. Hands-on and performance workshops will be held throughout the weekend with a variety of artists set to perform. The park itself is a place where kids of all ages can remember why they fell in love with the magic mixture of sights, sounds, and sensations that constitutes a weekend of paradise that is the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

Tickets will go on sale Thursday, June 17th at 10am. Suwannee Roots Revival offers a multi-day Weekend Ticket that includes festival admission for four days of music, as well as primitive camping on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Early Bird Tickets are $140 (includes fees and taxes); Student / Military Early Bird are $130 (with a valid ID). Get your tickets quickly because there is a limited supply before the Early Bird Tier will sell out and they rise to the next pricing tier automatically—Early Bird Tier 2 Tickets at $175. For complete ticket information and to purchase tickets, visit suwanneerootsrevival.com/tickets/.

SOSMP offers guest comforts including a general store, full service restaurant, free showers, indoor bathrooms, and water stations. Upgraded camping, including RV hook ups and cabin rentals, as well as golf cart rentals are currently on sale. Reservations may be made by calling the Park office at (386) 364­-1683. SOSMP is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville and is host to a variety of events. Please visit the park’s web site at www.musicliveshere.com for further information.

Suwannee Roots Revival 2021 Lineup

Sam Bush Band

Leftover Salmon

The Infamous Stringdusters

Steep Canyon Rangers

Donna the Buffalo

Keller & The Keels

Peter Rowan Free Mexican Airforce featuring Los Texmaniacs 

Larry Keel Experience

Jon Stickley Trio

Jim Lauderdale

Darrell Scott

Verlon Thompson

Joe Craven & Painted Mandolin

Rev Jeff Mosier Ensemble

Bowregard

Sarah Shook & The Disarmers

The Grass Is Dead

Nikki Talley and Jason Sharp

Ralph Roddenbery

Nicholas Edward Williams

Quartermoon

Tania & Magic Moon Traveling Circus

For more information, tickets, and to reserve camping, please visit www.suwanneerootsrevival.com.
Also visit us on a www.facebook.com/suwanneeroots, Twitter & Instagram: @SuwanneeRoots (#SuwanneeRoots).

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Suwannee Springfest 2015 Initial Lineup: Wood Brothers, Shovels and Rope, Infamous Stringdusters, Keller Williams & The Travelin’ McCourys, Blind Boys of Alabama

Suwannee Springfest 2015 Initial Lineup: Wood Brothers, Shovels and Rope, Infamous Stringdusters, Keller Williams & The Travelin’ McCourys, Blind Boys of Alabama

Announcing The 19th Suwannee Springfest Initial Lineup
~ March 19-22, 2015 at Spirit of Suwannee in Live Oak, FL ~
Tickets on Sale Sat Nov 15th
www.suwanneespringfest.com/tickets

Wood Brothers, Shovels and Rope, Infamous Stringdusters,
Keller Williams & The Travelin’ McCourys, Blind Boys of Alabama, Larry Keel Experience, Donna The Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Joe Craven, Verlon Thompson

The Seth Walker Band, Fruition, Town Mountain, Dread Clampitt, Jon Stickley Trio, Taylor Martin’s Acoustic Band, The Shook Twins, Shinyribs, Ralph Roddenbery Band, Cabinet,
Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Grits & Soul, and more!

On March 19-22, 2015, the 19th annual Suwannee Springfest kicks off the spring festival season at The Spirit Of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL. A gem of a festival with beautiful early spring weather in a stunning natural setting, Suwannee Springfest is excited to announce a stand-out initial lineup with the Wood Brothers, Shovels and Rope, Infamous Stringdusters, Keller Williams & The Travelin’ McCourys, Blind Boys of Alabama, Larry Keel Experience, Donna The Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Joe Craven and Verlon Thompson. Tickets are on sale in advance starting Saturday, November 15th and will also be available gate.

Others on the initial lineup include The Seth Walker Band, Fruition, Town Mountain, Dread Clampitt, Jon Stickley Trio, Taylor Martin’s Acoustic Band, The Shook Twins, Shinyribs, Ralph Roddenbery Band, Cabinet, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Grits & Soul, Sloppy Joe, The Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project, Steve Pruett’s Back from the Brink, Quartermoon, Okay Hay, Nikki Talley, Short Straw Pickers, and the Sarah Mac Band. Stay tuned for additions to eh lineup as the event draws nearer.

Festivalgoers experience four days of superb music in the midst of a friendly, family-style environment with good times including music from usual festival favorites, as well as lots of talented new faces in Bluegrass & Newgrass, Acoustic Blues, Roots Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Cajun/Zydeco, New & Traditional Folk and other forms of American Roots music.

Get your tickets for Magnolia Fest now and save for $145 until 1/11; $165 until 2/15; $180 until 3/18 ($200 at the gate). Student / Military Ticket $145 Advance. Tickets are inclusive of all taxes and fees, and include 4 days of primitive camping and music Thursday – Sunday nights. Kids under 12 are invited to join for free. Attendees can also upgrade for a VIP Experience which includes a four-day ticket with primitive camping, dinners Thursday – Saturday evenings, a VIP Laminate, a swag bag with the festival poster, a cap, and other goodies for $300.  If you purchase a VIP Ticket you will be entered into a drawing for a pair of upgraded All Access Passes.

Along with the camping, there are nearly 12 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature exploring. For RV hook ups, cabin rentals and golf cart rentals, please call SOSMP at (386)364-1683. SOSMP is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville and is host to  a variety of events including Wannee, Magnolia Fest, Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival, Hulaween, and Aura Music Festival amongst others. Please visit the park’s web site at www.musicliveshere.com or call them at 386-364-1683 for information.

Further information at suwanneespringfest.com. Also visit us on at facebook.com/suwanneespringfest, twitter.com/SuwanneeSpring and instagram.com/SuwanneeSpringfest.

Suwannee Springfest Initial 2015 Lineup
Wood Brothers
Shovels and Rope
Infamous Stringdusters
Keller Williams and The Travelin’ McCourys
Blind Boys of Alabama
Larry Keel Experience
Donna The Buffalo
Jim Lauderdale
Joe Craven
Verlon Thompson
The Seth Walker Band
Fruition
Town Mountain
Dread Clampitt
Jon Stickley Trio
Taylor Martin’s Acoustic Band
The Shook Twins
Shinyribs
Ralph Roddenbery Band
Cabinet
Grandpa’s Cough Medicine
Grits & Soul
Sloppy Joe
The Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project
Steve Pruett’s Back from the Brink
Quartermoon
OKay Hay
Nikki Talley
Short Straw Pickers
Sarah Mac Band

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Larry Keel Experience w/ Jeff Sipe at Oskar Blues’ 3rd Annual NYE Hootenanny in Brevard, NC along with Jeremy Garrett, Travis Book, Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry, Mike Guggino & Jon Stickley Trio

The Larry Keel Experience with Jeff Sipe
at the 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Hootenanny at Oskar Blues
Wednesday, December 31 at Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, NC

The New Year’s Eve Experience:
The Larry Keel Experience with Jeff Sipe
PLUS
Jeremy Garrett & Travis Book (of the Infamous Stringdusters)
Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry (of Acoustic Syndicate)
Mike Guggino (of the Steep Canyon Rangers)
AND THE
Jon Stickley Trio

Show Details:
This event is 21+ only; 7pm ‘til after the beer drops
$30 adv/ $40 dos, Locals-only $20 tickets for a limited time at the Tasty Weasel
Package ticket includes entry to the CANuary 1st Hangover Brunch at the Oskar Blues REEB Ranch in Hendersonville, NC on 1/1/15 -$100

Oskar Blues Brewery
342 Mountain Industrial Dr Brevard, NC 28712
http://brew.oskarblues.com/events/nye-brevard

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The Larry Keel Experience is excited that Jeff Sipe is joining the band for the evening to perform at The 3rd Annual Holiday Hootenanny at Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, NC on Wednesday, December 31, 2014. Based in Lexington, VA, the Larry Keel Experience is Larry Keel on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Jenny Keel on stand up bass and harmony vocals, and Will Lee on Banjo and lead vocals. Also performing for NYE are Jeremy Garrett & Travis Book (of the Infamous Stringdusters), Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry (of Acoustic Syndicate), Mike Guggino (of the Steep Canyon Rangers), and the Jon Stickley Trio.

The NEW Oskar Blues CHUBurger food truck will be slingin’ the goods throughout the evening and a photobooth will be onsite to capture all of your NYE memories (so that you don’t have to). Hotel specials are available, just check the Oskar Blues website for more info. The Oskar Blues trolley will be making the rounds to local hotels and downtown Brevard to give you a safe ride to and from the Hootenanny. Trips will start at 6 p.m. and the trolley will stop at each stop roughly every 30-40 minutes. Tickets are on sale now and more information is at http://brew.oskarblues.com/events/nye-brevard.

The CAN’uary 1st Hangover Brunch will be hosted the following afternoon at noon at the Oskar Blues REEB Ranch, their new 145-acre farm that is located about 8 miles from the Brevard-based Oskar Blues brewery in Hendersonville, NC. The January 1, 2015 brunch will be hosted by Jeremy Garrett, Travis Book, Sarah Siskind, and Larry & Jenny Keel. Proceeds from the brunch will benefit Oskar Blues CAN’d Aid Foundation. Included in the $80 ticket price (or as part of the NYE package deal) are a Southern-style family-style meal, drinks (including Mama-mosas and Café con FIDY), and the exclusive VIP concert.  Limited tickets are available. The CAN’d Aid Foundation will give an update on their work in our community and the work ahead in 2015.

Larry Keel has had a fantastic 2014 and is excited to celebrate with you! Some highlights include his appearance with Sam Bush at this year’s Lockn’ Festival and he’s been on tour with Yonder Mountain String Band throughout South east, Mid West, North East this fall. He’ll be heading to Puerto Morelos, Mexico w/ all the Bluegrass buddies to play Strings and Sol in Mexico in mid-Dec. Also, stay tuned for more information on an upcoming studio release due out in the spring of 2015 with some very special guests!

Larry Keel is described by some reviewers as the most powerful, innovative and all-out exhilarating acoustic flatpicking guitarist performing today. Keel has absorbed the best lessons from his Bluegrass family upbringing, both sides deeply steeped in the rich mountain music culture and heritage of Southwest Virginia. From there, he has always integrated that solid musical grounding and natural-born talent with his own incomparable approach to flatpicking the guitar and composing original music. He’s also got a knack for choosing interesting and appealing material from all realms of music with guts, whether it’s a tune written by a fellow songwriter/musician friend, or a tasty cover from any number of genres all over the map.

Keel has a variety of musical formats swirling around the calendar each year: look out for his core band, The Larry Keel Experience (featuring Will Lee on soulful, blues-grass 5 string banjo, penetrating vocals and exceptional song-writing contributions and Jenny Keel on upright bass, with impeccable timing, solid yet imaginative bass lines and vocal harmonies). “Hot and fluent bluegrass act showcasing Larry Keel’s dazzling guitar skills and gruff, baritone vocals, wife Jenny’s granite-firm bass guitar work… Good folks, amazing roots music,” writes Tad Dickens with the Roanoke Times.

Other projects of Keel’s include Larry Does Jerry (Keel performing the music of Jerry Garcia), Keller Williams and The Keels, Keel paired with artists such as Drew Emmitt, Danny Barnes, Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, and a multitude of guest spots in great bands on the tour circuit including the Traveling McCourys, Steep Canyon Rangers, Infamous Stringdusters, and Greensky Bluegrass.

The versatility of his talents is pretty irresistible, and has earned Keel the highest respect and billing among the top acoustic musicians alive, and some now gone: Tony Rice, Chris Thile, Vassar Clements, Sam Bush, Del McCoury, John Hartford, Bill Monroe, Peter Rowan, and Darol Anger to name a few. And his fierce, high-spirited energy also appeals to young rockers, jammers and alt country pickers and fans who are equally drawn to Keel’s deep rumbling voice, his earthy and imaginative song-writing, and his down-home-gritty-good-time charm. Keel regularly collaborates with JamBand and Rock giants Yonder Mountain String Band, Keller Williams, Jorma Kaukonen, David Nelson, Little Feat, Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass, Railroad Earth, members of String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon, amongst others.

Throughout his career, Keel has released 14 albums and is featured on 10 others. The most recent release, March 2012, is CLASSIC, the 3rd album recorded by Keel and his powerhouse ensemble, Natural Bridge. The project is filled with originals written variously by Keel, the band members or by musician/song-writer friends. “Classic is not a derivative work stuck in the quagmire of a romanticized past. It’s forward-thinking, spontaneous, audacious, and full of surprises. Fresh. All the Keel’s are doing is watering the seeds the old Masters planted and widening the Circle a little bit,” writes Robert Kimmel with Bluegrass Today.

For Keel the musical mission is always clear: to let technical skill, honest emotion and fearlessness connect the playing and singing to audiences, to entertain and to thoroughly enjoy the experience of creating and sharing in music.

Larry Keel Experience on Tour
11/11 Tue – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC*
11/12 Wed – Higher Ground Ballroom – South Burlington, VT*
11/13 Thu – Paradise Rock Club     Boston, MA*
11/14 Fri –  Theatre of the Living Art – Philadelphia, PA*
11/15 Sat – Brooklyn Bowl Brooklyn, NY*
11/21 Fri – The Lincoln Theatre – Marion, VA
12/05 Fri- The Southern Charlottesville, VA
12/06 Sat – Acoustic Stage Concert Series – Hickory, NC
12/11-15 – Larry Keel at Strings & Sol – Puerto Morelos, Mexico
12/19 Fri – Clementine Cafe – Harrisonburg, VA
12/31 Wed – – Oskar Blues Brewery – Brevard, NC %
01/01/15 Thu – Oskar Blues REEB Ranch – Hendersonville, NC ^

* LKE w/ Yonder Mountain
% LKE w/ Jeff Sipe. Alsoperforming are Jeremy Garrett & Travis Book, Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry, Mike Guggino, and the Jon Stickley Trio
^ The CAN’uary 1st Hangover Brunch with Jeremy Garrett, Travis Book, Sarah Siskind, and Larry & Jenny Keel. Proceeds from the brunch will benefit Oskar Blues CAN’d Aid Foundation.

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Message from the Keels: Recaps From The Festy & Harvest Fest as well as Bass and Grass News!

Here’s a fun message from Larry and Jenny Keel:

It’s been an absolutely beautiful and magical fall festival season for the Keel crew, rolling around America’s hills and dales and doing our thang!

The Festy in Roseland, VA was an epic weekend of ideal festivating! Hosted by the wildly talented Infamous Stringdusters, this event represents all the best best elements of a great and inspiring music festival- loved all the collaborations the jams and pickin around the campfire were wide open and memorable, to say the least (larry’s guitar head stock smells like barbecue now! it’s got some awesome mojo in it forever more!) .. a stage highlight was seeing that nuclear jam during the Toubab Krew set, when Larry and members of the String Dusters got up with em and blew the roof off the place.. our new favorite version of ‘Cluck Ol Hen’!

Then we bolted across the middle of the country and headed over to Yonder Mountain String Band’s Harvest Fest, in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.. spectacular autumn scenery, awesome property there at Mulberry Mountain- and a perfect music festival, complete with amazing stage acts, killer art and vending everywhere, and lots of spontaneous pickin jams among the world class artists- Larry and Will Lee, Scott Law and Darol Anger spent a whole late afternoon jammin away behind the main stage… late night picks included Keel, Mark Schimick, Will Lee, Drew Emmitt, Bill Nershi, Andy Thorn, gals and guys from Elephant Revival and Railroad Earth! all crammed into an RV ! super fun- look out for flipped out video on all that- coming soon! Stage highlights included Larry and Adam Aijala’s guitar duo set, with special guest Darol Anger, our Keel and Natural Bridge set, with a grand finale including almost all of the Greensky Bluegrass dudes, and then a wonderfully deep and spiritual set by Peter Rowan, on his own- he got Larry up to do some tunes with just the 2 of them.. on their guitars- Pete said he wanted to test drive a new tune he had just written that morning, and he wanted Larry and he to explore it together, on the spot.. it was awesome- look out for footage on that soon too!

And now! Stokin the home fires back in VA (well, getting the wood ready for the winter, more like it!), and preparing for our next adventure! Bass and Grass down on our favorite lake in the South: Goose Lake, near Perry GA.. join us and fishin/pickin/partyin instructors Jeff Mosier, David Blackmon, Steve McMurry and Gove Scrivenor as we dig in for a weekend of country style resort music and nature retreat together ! no need to know how to play an instrument- you just gotta know how to smile! bring it on, Oct 27-30!

Larry Keel Tour Dates:

Fishin and Pickin
Larry Keel, Jenny Keel, Mark Schimick, Will Lee
10/27-30/11 BASS and GRASS 4 Green Bell Bed and Barn Perry, GA

Larry Keel and Natural Bridge
10/16/11 LKNB HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL Ozark, AR
11/03/11 LKNB Boone Saloon Boone, NC
11/05/11 LKNB Private Eastern, NC
11/10/11 Eric Anderson’s Birthday Bash O’Neill’s Pub Lexington, KY
11/11/11 LKNB 123 Pleasant Street Morgantown, WV
11/12/11 LKNB Coffeepot Roanoke, VA
11/18/11 LKNB Gottrocks Greenville, SC
11/19/11 LKNB Private Somewhere, GA
12/09/11 LKNB Legal Grounds Rutherfordton, NC
12/10/11 LKNB Pour House Charleston, SC
02/04/12 LKNB Shepherdstown Opera House Shepherdstown, WV

Keel Brothers
Larry Keel – Guitar and vocals Gary Keel – Guitar and vocals
11/25/11 Larry & Gary Keel Bulls and Bears Pub Hagerstown, MD
11/26/11 Larry & Gary Keel Richardsville Firehall Richardsville, VA

Keller and the Keels
Keller Williams – Guitar and vocals Larry Keel – Guitar and vocals Jenny Keel – Bass and Harmonies
12/31/11 Keller and the Keels Brooklyn Performing Arts Center Wilmington, NC
01/09/12 Keller and the Keels JAM CRUISE 10 Ft. Lauderdale, FL

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Free Download of the Title Track of Dehlia Low’s ‘Ravens and Crows’ Which Releases Through Rebel Records on Aug 2, 2011

Newly signed to Rebel Records, Dehlia Low echoes the sounds of early country with a strong bluegrass flavor, crafting a fresh originality that feels like home in the flourishing roots music soundscape. Their new release ‘Ravens and Crows’ was produced by the Infamous Stringdusters’ Travis Book and hits the streets on August 2nd…

Dehlia Low’s vocal harmony and instrumentation reflect a deep connection to traditional music with modern arrangements and relevant, smart songwriting. The band combines their gripping, rustic-flavored vocal style with extraordinary instrumental prowess in original songs that feel at once both old and new pushing their sound into the emerging Americana genre. The group’s sound is focused on original music rooted in bluegrass but with a distinctive country/folk feel true to their southern Appalachian roots.

Dehlia Low’s eagerly-anticipated Rebel Records debut ‘Ravens & Crows’ is released August 2nd. Produced by Travis Book of The Infamous Stringdusters, this album helps to firmly establish Dehlia Low as one of the most compelling and distinctive young groups on the acoustic music scene today. With their tasteful, sometimes moody blending of different styles, the group has created a unique sound that already seems fully mature and established.

Dehlia Low formed in late 2007 as part of Asheville, North Carolina’s roots music renaissance. Singers Anya Hinkle (from Blacksburg, VA on fiddle) and Stacy Claude (from Atlanta, GA on guitar) pulled together a group of talented pickers from the region: Aaron Ballance on Dobro (Winston-Salem, NC), Bryan Clendenin on mandolin (Hurricane, WV) and Greg Stiglets on bass (Jackson, MS).

Here is what the press is saying about Dehlia Low’s Ravens and Crows:

“The group has taken off like a skyrocket…and deservedly so: in a musical world that doesn’t always treasure creativity, Dehlia Low has staked out a good piece of ground all its own.” ~ Nashville Scene, Jon Weisberger

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“Dehlia Low’s “Ravens & Crows” is carefully crafted to lure traditional, country, bluegrass and Americana fans. They are generally appealing to all of these genres without alienating anyone, which is hard to do.” ~ Boone Mountain Times, Ashley Wilson

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“Heavenly lead & harmony vocals…superb original songs…musical prowess.” ~ Al Shusterman, Backroads Bluegrass on KCBL

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“…bittersweet vocal harmonies and spirited picking…Dehlia Low promises to bring the sounds and soul of the Blue Ridge Mountains …” ~ Art News New Orleans

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“…relying on the warm tones of acoustic guitar, mandolin, upright bass, slide guitar, and not to mention fiddle thumpin’, strummin’ and pickin’ underneath honeysuckle vocal harmonies — the Asheville, N.C., quintet seems like it has rolled straight off a mountainside and right onto a wraparound wooden porch in some summer-grass valley.” ~ Style Weekly, Mike Hilleary

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“The real highlight on Ravens and Crows is the vocal harmony. Lead singer Anya Hinkle, guitarist Stacy Claude, and bassist Greg Stiglets’ voices blend beautifully on songs like the album’s title track.“ ~ Americana Music Examiner, Chris Griffy

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“…really special. I have added them to my “must see” list permanently.” ~ The Bluegrass Blog, Diane Farineau

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In 2011, Dehlia Low will be taking their “Appalachiagrassicana” sound across the U.S. in support of the new album:

Sun, July 24th – Mast Farm Inn – Banner Elk, NC
Fri, July 29th – North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center – Nevada City, CA
Sat, July 30th – Sutter Creek Theatre – Sutter Creek, CA
Sun, July 31st -Freight & Salvage – Berkeley, CA
Tues, August 2nd – House Concert – Bear Valley, CA
Wed, August 3rd -The Abbey at Hopmonk Tavern – Sebastopol, CA
Thurs, August 4th – The Red Fox Tavern – Eureka, CA
Fri, August 5th – Dead on the Creek Festival – Willits, CA
Sat, August 6th – Oaksong Music Society at Gray Pine Farm – Oak Run, CA
Sunday, August 7th – House Concert | Berkeley, CA
Sat, August 13th- Stecoah Valley Center -Robbinsville, NC
Mon, August 15-21st – Northern Lights Bluegrass Festival |- Big River, SK
Fri, August 26th – Bacchus Bistro – Marshall, NC
Sat, September 3rd – The Station Inn – Nashville, TN
Thurs, September 8th – The Evening Muse – Charlotte, NC
Sat, September 10th – Mountain Song Festival – Brevard, NC
Fri, September 23rd – Hendershots Coffee Bar – Athens, GA
Sat, September 24th – Jammin’ at Hippie Jack’s – Crawford, TN
Mon, September 26th Abbeville County Career Center – Abbeville, SC
Tues, September 27th – The Basement – Nashville, TN
Sat, October 1st – The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center – Asheville, NC
Sat, October 8th – Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival – Silk Hope, NC
Fri, October 14th – Private Event – Seneca, SC
Sat, October 15th – Private Event – Candler, NC
Sun, October 16, 2011 – Poplar Knight Spot – Aberdeen, NC
Thurs, October 20th – Cafe Nola – Frederick, MD
Fri, October 21st – The Purple Fiddle – Thomas, WV
Sat, October 22nd – Elk Creek Café – Millheim, PA
Sun, October 23rd – Puck Live – Doylestown, PA
Sat, November 12th – The Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC
Fri, November 18th – Ashland Coffee & Tea – Ashland, VA
Sat, November 19th – Southern Cafe and Music Hall – Charlottesville, VA
Tues, December 6th – Wilbert’s | Cleveland, OH
Wed, December 7th – Circus – Ann Arbor, MI
Thurs, December 8th – Salt of the Earth – Fennville,MI
Stay tuned to DehliaLow.com for more tour dates TBA!

Dehlia low on the web:
www.dehlialow.com
twitter.com/dehlialow
www.reverbnation.com/dehlialow
www.facebook.com/pages/Dehlia-Low

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Rebel Records to Release Ravens and Crows from Dehlia Low ~ Street Date Aug 2, 2011

Newly signed to Rebel Records, Dehlia Low echoes the sounds of early country with a strong bluegrass flavor, crafting a fresh originality that feels like home in this new album produced by the Infamous Stringdusters’ Travis Book…

Dehlia Low pushes bluegrass squarely into the Americana genre, combining their tenacious, authentic vocal style with extraordinary instrumental prowess in original songs that feel at once old and new.  Their newest project Ravens and Crows will be their first release on the venerable Rebel Records label (Ralph Stanley, Steep Canyon Rangers) on August 2, 2011.

The vocal harmony and instrumentation on the album reflect a deep connection to traditional music with modern arrangements and relevant, smart songwriting.  Fans of Dehlia Low immediately latch onto the compelling, nostalgic vocals of Anya Hinkle, the group’s lead singer and fiddler, uniquely paired with guitarist Stacy Claude’s clear, unyielding singing.  Greg Stiglets, on bass, has the edgy country vocals reminiscent of Steve Earle’s early days.  Aaron Ballance frames their sound through his virtuosic and expressive resophonic guitar playing that is punctuated and textured by Bryan Clendenin’s inventive and powerful mandolin.

The project, their fourth record to date, was recorded and mixed close to home in Asheville, NC at Echo Mountain Recording.  “We were thrilled to get into the studio and get these songs recorded, and grateful to the wonderful folks at Rebel for making the record possible,” said Hinkle.  “Each song has a story behind it that is personal for each one of us.  For me, it is a privilege to be able to share my thoughts, the melodies that run through my head, and my influences as a reflection of those who inspire me in this record.  To stand in front of the incredible mics at Echo thinking about sharing those songs with the world was very emotional for me.  After laying down “Living is Easy” at around midnight on a cold March evening with the rest of the band in the booth, I could hardly sleep.  I felt like I was already dreaming anyway.”

The album was produced Travis Book, a member of the International Bluegrass Music Association multi-award winners and Grammy-nominated The Infamous Stringdusters.  A singer, songwriter, bass player and lifelong “band guy,” Book was the perfect fit.  “The stars really aligned to have Travis come out to Asheville and work on this project during a break in the Dusters’ busy touring schedule,” said Claude.  “He has a terrific ear and tremendous experience with arranging music in the studio.  He was on the same page with us immediately in developing the songs and arrangements we brought to the project.  His positive energy made all the details fall into place.  The whole experience was a great lesson in faith and fun, and you can really hear that on the album.”

About the record, Book says, “the band and I are traveling the same path, creating music with friends that speaks from our experience, ignoring convention and following our ears.  The traditional aesthetic and down-to-earth nature of the music initially drew me to the project, but the raw creativity and uniqueness of the members and the seamless integration of their influences and biases were what made this project really special.”

The record is the latest release on Rebel Records.  Rebel’s president Mark Freeman says, “Rebel Records is thrilled to have Dehlia Low as a part of the Rebel family. The Asheville, North Carolina-area has seen the emergence of a number of amazing roots-oriented groups over the last few years and Dehlia Low is certainly one of those bands at the forefront of the scene!  They project a highly energetic, contemporary sound that is fresh yet still very much rooted in tradition.  I have no doubt their distinctive singing and original material will quickly win over new audiences everywhere.”

The ten original songs are filled with compelling poetry that conveys a sense of time and place wholly familiar yet hard to categorize.  Hinkle’s songwriting ranges from a coming-of-age gallop in “State of Jefferson,” to southern sounds and mythology in “Goin’ Down” and “Ravens and Crows,” to the mesmerizing, bluesy “Drifting on a Lonesome Sea.”  Stiglets’s wordplay and cadence are Dylanesque in “Thunder,” while his imagery and melody are both intriguing and heartbreaking in “Ride” and “Better Left Unsaid”– all in sharp contrast to the hard-edged, bluegrassy “$40 Chain.”   Clendenin’s “Change Up” showcases the instrumental work of the group.  Of the two covers on the album, the band swings Willie Nelson’s “What Do You Think Of Her Now” behind Claude’s vocals, while taking “Cannonball Blues” to bare bones.

Ravens and Crows follows two previous studio albums and one live album that have been released since the band formed in 2007.  Their inaugural EP Dehlia Low and full-length studio album Tellico both scored in the top 20 of WNCW 88.7FM’s top 100 new releases of 2009 and 2010, respectively, and garnered praise from Bluegrass Unlimited, SingOut!, No Depression and others.  The buzz led to an exciting tour in 2010 in support of Tellico, with appearances some of the most prestigious festivals in the U.S., including Merlefest and the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, where they shared the stage with the Stringdusters, Seldom Scene, and Alison Krauss and Union Station.  In 2011, Dehlia Low will be taking their “Appalachiagrassicana” sound across the U.S. and Canada in support of the new album.

www.DehliaLow.com

Photos by Sandlin Gaither

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Full schedule of events awaits Rooster Walk 3 patrons on Memorial Day weekend!

MARTINSVILLE, VA. – A lights-laden performance from Grammy-nominated headliners the Infamous Stringdusters, two long sets from festival hosts Folk Soul Revival and a packed list of events at the workshop stage: These are just some highlights from the Rooster Walk 3 schedule recently released by event organizers.

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The Infamous Stringdusters, a progressive bluegrass band from Nashville, Tenn., will perform from 8:40-10:10 p.m. on the Creekside Stage at Blue Mountain Festival Grounds on Saturday, May 28. The band, which tours throughout the country and abroad, will be making its first trip to Rooster Walk.

The Infamous Stringdusters will headline Rooster Walk 3 on May 27-28 at Blue Mountain Festival Grounds near Martinsville, Va. Members of this Grammy-nominated band are (on floor): Travis Book, (on couch, from left) Jesse Cobb, Jeremy Garrett, (standing, from left) Andy Falco, Andy Hall and Chris Pandolfi.

“It sounds like a good time, and that’s largely one of the guiding principles of what we do these days: What sounds like the most fun, for us and for people who want to come be a part of it?” said Travis Book, a vocalist and upright bass player for the Stringdusters. “And Rooster Walk fits the bill. It’s gonna be a really great time, and that’s one of the most important things to us. Since we’re all just spinning around on this planet, why not try to enjoy it as much as possible?”

Roots-rockers Folk Soul Revival are the only band scheduled to perform during both nights of the festival. The group, which formed in Wise just three years ago, will play on the Blue Mountain/Bassett Furniture Stage from 10:25 p.m.-midnight on Friday, May 27. FSR will play one night later on the Creekside Stage from 5:30-6:50 p.m.

“We’re very excited to be a part of this and be the festival hosts,” said Folk Soul Revival guitjo player Justin Venable. “We’re pumped to play, and also we’re excited to be there as fans of the other bands. It’s gonna be a great time.”

Joanne Lane (left) and daughter Hunter Lane pause for a picture during Rooster Walk 2 on Memorial Day weekend, 2009.

Another new addition to the festival is the Arts at the Rives Theatre (ART) Workshop Stage, a smaller, temporary structure that will play host to nine activities on Saturday, May 28, ranging from children’s programs (painting, guided creek walk, drum circle) to yoga, songwriting and guitar workshops.

“We’re very excited about this year’s offerings at the ART Workshop Stage,” said Johnny Buck, a co-founder of Rooster Walk and an ART board member. “Being able to add programs like an educational children’s nature walk along Snow Creek, a Saturday-morning yoga class and a songwriter’s workshop will really compliment the atmosphere we’re trying to cultivate and promote. Music, the environment, education: Each one is a critical part of the Rooster Walk experience.”

Festival gates will officially open at noon May 27, with the Blacksburg-based kids rock band Levi’s Gene Pool getting things started at 4 p.m.

Mainstreet Moonshine, a band of Hampden Sydney College students that features Martinsville native Riggs Roberson on guitar, will play at 4:50, followed by the Stuart-based band Poverty Level at 5:50 and Relacksachian, of Roanoke, at 6:55.
Festival favorites Sanctum Sully will hit the Blue Mountain/Bassett stage at 8 p.m., followed by Charlottesville pop-troubadour Travis Elliott, Folk Soul Revival and jamband stalwarts the Kings of Belmont.

Gates will open at 8 a.m., on May 28, and the Pan United Youth Movement Steel Drum Orchestra will start the day’s music. The Martinsville Community Jazz Ensemble will perform at 11:35 a.m., followed by the Australian-born singer/songwriter Mariana Bell. Bluegrass behemoths Big Fat Gap will fire up at 1:45, and the soulful vocals of the Lizzy Ross Band will start soaring at 2:55.

Charlottesville rockers Rob Cheatham & GUNCHUX! Will play at 4:05. Folk Soul Revival will then perform on the Creekside Stage, followed by reggae-rocker Jesse Chong on the Blue Mountain/Bassett stage.

The Infamous Stringdusters will get going at 8:40, as Berkeley Dent of 81 Productions cranks up a full-fledged lights show. Guitar wizard Jamal Millner, of Jamal Millner and Comrades, will begin at 10:20 before giving way to The Mantras, a popular jamband from Greensboro, N.C., who will close out the festival.

A mother and daughter dance at Rooster Walk 2 on Memorial Day weekend, 2009.

Proceeds from Rooster Walk go to the Penn-Shank Memorial Scholarship Fund at Martinsville High School. The fund, like the festival itself, is named in memory of late Martinsville natives Edwin “the Rooster” Penn and Walker Shank. In just two years, festival organizers have donated $10,000 to the merit-based scholarship fund.

This year’s scholarship winner will be chosen from the current senior class at Martinsville High School. He or she will then be honored during the festival on May 28.

Tickets are currently $40 for a general admission weekend pass ($105 for VIP), and camping is $20 per vehicle with no limit to the number of occupants per vehicle. Tickets are available in the Martinsville area at the Southern Virginia Artisan Center uptown, Woodall’s Music in Collinsville and Binding Time Cafe in the Druid Hills shopping plaza.

Ticket prices will increase to $50/G.A., and $125/VIP at the gate on festival weekend.
For more information, visit www.roosterwalk.com. For a detailed band schedule, head to the festival blog at www.roosterwalk.wordpress.com.

MUSIC SCHEDULE:

Friday, May 27 (Gates open at noon)
4:00 – Levi’s Gene Pool – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
4:50 – Mainstreet Moonshine – Creekside Stage
5:50 – Poverty Level feat. Sammy Shelor – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
6:55 – Relacksachian – Creekside Stage
8:00 – Sanctum Sully – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
9:20 – Travis Elliott – Creekside Stage
10:25 – Folk Soul Revival – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
Late Night – The Kings of Belmont – Creekside Stage

Saturday, May 28 (Gates open at 8 a.m.)
11:00 – Pan United Youth
Movement Steel Drum Orchestra – Creekside Stage
11:35 – Martinsville Community Jazz Ensemble – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
12:45 – Mariana Bell – Creekside Stage
1:45 – Big Fat Gap All-Stars – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
2:55 – Lizzy Ross Band – Creekside Stage
4:05 – Rob Cheatham & GUNCHUX! – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
5:30 – Folk Soul Revival – Creekside Stage
7:00 – Jesse Chong Band – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
8:40 – Infamous Stringdusters – Creekside Stage
10:20 – Jamal Millner & Comrades – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
Late Night – The Mantras – Creekside Stage

ART WORKSHOP STAGE SCHEDULE:
Saturday, May 28
10-10:30 a.m. – Yoga
Join Allison Wilkie, the yoga instructor and fitness director of Chatmoss Country Club, as she leads you through a stretch of exercises that will get you ready for another awesome day of festival goodness.

11:05-11:35 a.m. – “Honey Bee Where Are You?”
“Honey bee, where are you?” is a serious question being asked around the world today. Honey bees are extremely important, but they are becoming extinct! Join Patrick County author Martha Scott as she reads her rhyming children’s book that explores life inside a honey bee colony. The book also gives ideas about how people of all ages can help these tiny, fuzzy insects continue their fight for survival.

Noon – 12:30 – Kids Painting with Redbeard
Jonathon Blake has been a fixture at Rooster Walk since Day 1, painting live performance art as the bands perform. Blake’s reputation as a performance painter is well established along the East Coast, and now he’s going to share some of his tips with kids at the festival. The result of the workshop will be a group-made painting.

1:05-1:45 – Songwriters workshop
We’ve brought together two accomplished young songwriters to discuss their craft. Travis Elliott (Charlottesville, Va.) has written about  subjects ranging from love to spaceships on the way to a song catalog of more than 500. Lizzy Ross’ work has been drawing critical acclaim since she hit the scene in Chapel Hill, N.C. roughly three years ago.

1:50-2:30- Kids’ Creek Walk
Put on your water shoes and join Robin Jensen of the Virginia Museum of Natural History as leads a guided walk along – and into – beautiful Snow Creek. Children will learn about macroinvertebrates and aquatic ecosystems as well as the importance of protecting their environment.

3:35-4:05 p.m. – Guitar workshop
Two guitar masters from different disciplines will combine forces for a very special guitar workshop. Jamal Millner brings a jazz background and classical training, while John Garris has been playing bluegrass since he was old enough to hold the guitar. Both are incredible musicians.

4:15-5 p.m. – Tie Dye
Follow our group leader step-by-step as you tie dye your own Tshirt! Buy a Rooster Walk shirt from the Merchandise Tent or bring your own. Fun for the whole family.
5-5:30 p.m. – Kids Drum Circle
Bring your budding musician for the chance to play on bongo drums of various shapes and sizes. Led by Martinsville native Jeff Sharp, kids will try their hand at keeping a beat and making some music for all to enjoy.

6 p.m. – Joe Washrag Memorial Duck Race
Once, there was a band. A band so skilled that their every song was a perfect soundtrack to the incredibly popular duck race at Rooster Walk. … Though Joe Washrag has disbanded, their spirit lives on in the form of tiny plastic birds floating down Snow Creek, with great prizes awaiting the quickest finishers.

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The Infamous Stringdusters to headline Rooster Walk 3 on Memorial Day Weekend near Martinsville, VA

The Infamous Stringdusters, a 2011 Grammy-nominated progressive bluegrass band, will headline the third-annual Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival on Memorial Day weekend near Martinsville, Va.

A six-piece outfit from Nashville, Tenn., the Stringdusters received a Grammy nomination in the Best Country Instrumental Performance category for their song, “Magic #9.” The band will perform at Rooster Walk 3 on Saturday, May 28 at Blue Mountain Festival Grounds.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have the Infamous Stringdusters at Rooster Walk this year,” said festival co-founder Johnny Buck. “This is a band that sells out shows across the country and tours abroad. They’ve won some of the biggest awards in the bluegrass world, but they’re also hugely popular on the jamband and ‘newgrass’ music scenes. We can’t thank them enough for coming on board. They are the perfect fit for the atmosphere and vibe we’re trying to cultivate at Rooster Walk.”

The Stringdusters achieved almost instant stardom. In 2007, while touring in promotion of their debut album, “Fork in the Road,” they won three awards at the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Association awards ceremony: Emerging Artist of the Year; Album of the Year; and Song of the Year.

The band’s live performances have been described as “anti-formulaic, groove friendly, and mind‐expanding – not your granddaddy’s bluegrass, unless your granddaddy was Jerry Garcia.”

“We are really intently focused on creating music in the moment,” said Travis Book, vocalist and upright bass player, when asked to describe the band’s style. “That means there’s some improvising and some jamming going on. People are playing different solos every night, and it seems to me to be a more dynamic experience than your typical bluegrass or string-band show. … It’s definitely a good time. That much I know.”

The ‘Dusters just finished a two-day performance at Merlefest over the weekend, where they were once again main-stage performers. Other notable events on their summer tour schedule will include sets at DelFest in Cumberland, Md., the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Telluride, Colo., the legendary Red Rocks venue in Morrison, Colo., and the band’s own event, The Festy Experience near Charlottesville, Va.

Despite nearly unlimited options, Book said playing at Rooster Walk made sense on a number of levels.

“It sounds like a good time, and that’s largely one of the guiding principals of what we do these days: What sounds like the most fun, for us and for people who want to come be a part of it?” said Book. “And Rooster Walk fits the bill. It’s gonna be a really great time, and that’s one of the most important things to us. Since we’re all just spinning around on this planet, why not try to enjoy it as much as possible?”

The Mantras are a jamband from Greensboro, N.C., with a rapidly growing fanbase

RW3 will feature 19 primary bands. The current lineup offers rock, jam, bluegrass, blues, soul, folk, funk, jazz, country and reggae. Rooster Walk will also feature arts, crafts and food vendors from the area, children’s programming, a new workshop stage and on-site camping.

Bristol-based roots rockers Folk Soul Revival (FSR), this year’s festival hosts, are the only band scheduled to play both nights of the festival.

Asheville, N.C.'s Sanctum Sully will bring their infectious mix of bluegrass, rock, folk and improv Rooster Walk

Other bands performing will include: The Mantras, the Jesse Chong Band, Sanctum Sully, Rob Cheatham & GUNCHUX!, the Lizzy Ross Band, the Kings of Belmont, the Big Fat Gap All-Stars, Jamal Millner & Comrades, Poverty Level with special guest Sammy Shelor, Relacksachian, Travis Elliott, Mariana Bell, the Martinsville Community Jazz Ensemble, Levi’s Gene Pool, Riggs Roberston and the Boys and Girls Club Steel Drum Band.

Rooster Walk honors the memory of two young Martinsville natives who passed away in the last four years: Edwin G. Penn IV and Walker E. Shank. Both were graduating members of Martinsville High School’s class of 2000. Proceeds from the volunteer-led festival go to the Penn-Shank Memorial Scholarship Fund at Martinsville High School.

In two years, organizers have donated $10,000 to the scholarship fund. Sara Kasey, a current freshman at Randolph College, was the inaugural recipient in 2010. The announcement of the second annual winner is expected in May.

General admission tickets for RW3 are currently $40 for a weekend pass and $90 for a VIP weekend pass. Those prices will increase to $50 and $125, respectively, on festival weekend. Tickets are available online or locally at the Southern Virginia Artisan Center in uptown, Binding Time Cafe and Woodall’s Music.

For more information, including details on tickets and band biographies, visit www.roosterwalk.com.

Rooster Walk is a family-friendly festival set for Memorial Day weekend at Blue Mountain Festival Grounds. Last year, 100 percent of all parents survey said they would bring their children back to Rooster Walk 3.

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Interview with Larry Keel at the Festy by Diane Farineau

Interview with Larry Keel at the Festy

by Diane Farineau

Author, Diane Farineau, is  researching & co-writing The Festival Project, a photo book project which features the combined works of photographers Chester Simpson &  Milo Farineau

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One of the highlights at the Infamous Stringduster’s new Festival “The Festy” was a Sunday appearance by Larry Keel and Natural Bridge. The trio quickly became a quartet as they were joined on stage by guitarist and Larry’s brother, Gary. When asked if they played together a lot, Larry responded “It’s rare. But when we do festivals in the area, he comes out and does some picking with us, it’s always so fun! ”

After their rousing set, the band spoke with members of the press and then settled in to just hang out for a little bit. “Everyone’s just here to want to hang out for a bit, which we don’t get to do much” said Mark Shimick. “The Stringdusters will play a lot of traditional bluegrass festivals, where we play some jam band festivals, so we don’t get together that much so it’s nice to see
them.”

The band is known to end up picking in the parking lot on occasion, which they enjoy, and Larry explained; “when I started going to festivals/fiddlers conventions, that’s what it was all about, before being a performer at them it was about all our friends getting together, making a big ol’ pot of soup or something, playing a bunch of music all night and then all day, then playing all night again. That’s where you get your chops down, where you learn to play. It’s very special.” Jenny agreed “That’s a great place to go when you’re just learning, listening and absorbing and getting in to the pulse of it all, watching others, the old-timers, new-timers and everything in between, and then slowly you start picking yourself, it’s a great way to absorb it and take it further, if you want to or just enjoy it for what it’s worth. “

The band has had a busy but fun year, listing some of their highlights “we’ve had a wonderful season this year, Telluride, Grand Targhee, Music on the Mountaintop, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco was really awesome too, French Broad, Watermelon Park.”

I couldn’t resist asking for a fishing update as well, “I haven’t done as much of that as I’ve wanted to,” said Larry, “I did some out in Idaho, fly fishing. I fish every kind of way I can, I do a lot of bass fishing, I did some fishing in the Outer Banks this summer, some saltwater fishing. I caught a lot of bass in Georgia. Every chance I get, I go!”

I wondered what it was like to be on the road as a musical couple, Mark pointed out (and Larry agreed) “Jenny is the bedrock of the band, seriously, she takes care of a lot of stuff to let Larry have his creativity and she’ll let me know if I have something I need to do.” “We wouldn’t want it any other way,” explained Jenny, “we knew, one way or another, we wanted to work together
and be together, so here it is!”

When asked about the noticeable absence of a banjo in the group, Larry explained: “We had our banjo player for a while, he’s out in Colorado now, he’s restarted up his old band and we’re back to our trio that we’ve had for 10 years, and that’s our core part of the band but we have a few very special guests we like to bring in to make it a quartet. Today it was Nate Leath on the fiddle, which, he’s as great fiddler player as there is, really. We have quite a few special guests we like to get out, like Will Lee on the 5 string banjo, he’s a master and a wonderful singer too. We sort of switch it up, have trios, have a banjo or a fiddle, we like to mix it up. And I think our audience likes that. It keeps it fresh for them and it keeps it fresh for us.

When asked where their evening was headed, Larry smiled “I’m looking forward to picking with as many of these folks as I can, we don’t always get to hang out, so it’s sure nice when we do!”

Also, check out this article by Diane about the Festy itself: https://dreamspider.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/introducing-the-festy-experience/

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Introducing The Festy Experience!

Check out this great article about the inaugural Infamous Stringdusters Festival, The Festy, that took place this past weekend in Nelson County, VA.   Diane Wildman Farineau is the author and Milo Farineau is the photographer that took this amazing shot!  The two of them have joined forces with Chester Simpson Photography and are working on a book called, The Festival Project to document the music festival lifestyle and to chronicle all types of music festivals, with an emphasis on the revival of bluegrass music... Also click here for Diane’s complete interview with Larry Keel and Natural Bridge at the Festy!

Introducing The Festy

by Diane Wildman Farineau

Incredible music, a breathtaking venue and promotional visionaries got married about a year ago and gave birth to a baby this weekend and its name is The Festy.

The first cries issued forth from this newborn on Saturday, October 9th on the double stages in front of the Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company, in beautiful Nelson County, Virginia were soft and sweet, with performances by Sarah Siskind, Robinella and Crooked Still, but as the evening and weekend progressed, the cries turned lusty and ferocious culminating with stage thumping and fist pumping performances by the Infamous Stringdusters (the event’s curators and hosts) and Railroad Earth.

Like most newborns, this baby didn’t get much sleep this weekend, as the jams went on well into the wee hours both on stage and in the form of impromptu campfire performances throughout the campground. “I was walking back through the camp zone after it got dark and I saw all these fires, and heard the sounds of picking and people hanging out and that’s a big piece of the whole puzzle that makes a great vibe,” said Stringdusters guitarist, Andy Falco, “there are not enough facial expressions that we can make to show how excited we are about this festival.”

That the award winning Stringdusters could line up a few friends to “gig for a weekend” wouldn’t surprise anyone. The true indicator of success, however, lay not only in the breadth of talent represented, but also its depth. Included in the line up were legendary flat pickers Larry Keel and Tony Rice. The crowd was in awe, as were a number of the performers. Said Keel about their involvement: “We were called by the Stringdusters and they said they were having a festival up here…I couldn’t believe it, I love playing in the hills of Virginia, and they said they really wanted us to be a part of it, so we worked it out and we’re real glad we did.”

Unlike some festival events, where bands roll in and roll out in a dizzying cloud of dust, the goal of these organizers was to create an environment and a vibe where performers would want to stick around, not only to catch up with friends, but also to sit in and jam with one another, something so many love to do, but for which they don’t always find the opportunity. Said Jenny Keel; “The hanging out factor was good. Having the band mastermind it all had a great impact and a very positive one.” There was a veritable love-fest backstage, between artists, organizers, the production team, and volunteers and this vibe flowed from behind the curtain out across the stage and into the crowd which sang and danced their hearts out for two full days and nights. Said Allan “El Ron” Ronquillo, promoter from Running Smooth and good friend of Railroad Earth “When an event is done well like this, everyone, from the band to the fans, walks away feeling empowered.”

More than just a concert, the Festy was designed as a lifestyle, wellness and music experience. In addition to music, the event hosted both a trail running and mountain bike race on the two mornings. Yoga classes were free and available to all participants. A climbing wall, massage therapists, a host of food and beverage vendors, instrument workshops and educational workshops on environmental sustainability were all in the mix. “What we’re doing here” said Michael Allenby, (owner of The Artist Farm, and event co-producer) “is creating an experience for people who love the outdoor culture.” Said Devils Backbone Brewing Company owner and venue developer, Steve Crandall, “we’ve done a lot of work to point event participants in the direction of local resources here, we’re about creating sustainability.” With crisp fall weather and access to hiking and biking trails, participants took full advantage of what the area had to offer. “People come to this area and fall in love with it instantaneously, we can’t manufacture or fabricate any of these mountains around us, that’s their dream, the Blue Ridge Mountains, when folks pull in here…..it’s overwhelming ” said the event’s production company, Cerberus’s co-owner, Justin Billcheck.

Great time, great music, great location, this nascent event just knocked it right out of the park. Go ahead and mark your calendars, this baby will turn one next year on October 8 & 9, 2011 and that’s going to be a birthday party no one should miss!

Click here for the post on the Bluegrass Blog with more photos from Milo and here for photos from the Festy staff photog Tom Daly.

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