Last weekend, bluegrass vibes filled the air as The Festy got underway. Hosted by The Infamous Stringdusters, it was held at a new venue, the Nelson County Preserve in Arrington, Virginia, next to the home of the LOCKN’ Festival.
The first day of Festy was overcast, and slightly muggy, but the potential rain stayed away during the day. The afternoon was filled with acoustic melodies, bluegrass jams and smiles all around. Vendors flowed around the venue, making easy access to food, souvenirs and merchandise. Old Salt Union, based out of St. Louis, opened up the fest, followed by Asheville natives, River Whyless. These openers eased attendees into the day at the Skyline Stage before Béla Fleck took to the Blue Ridge Bowl with wife, Abigail Washington. They performed a gentle, relaxed set as they sat in front of the mic to open up the weekend on the main stage. Sara Watkins continued the afternoon flow at Skyline Stage, with fiddle heavy tunes made complete with her angelic vocals.
Early evening brought an intimate set with Steep Canyon Rangers, hailing from North Carolina, in the Hayloft building on site. Tones of the mandolin created a false impression of fiddle sliding along the tasty jams. Jumping right into their performance, and not wasting any time, the group made sure to fill every note to capacity for the small crowd. Well placed harmonies kept the set at a smooth pace. Fiddle player Nicky Sanders, however, was not involved in the set, due to being stuck in traffic and not making it to the venue in time. Not technically a bluegrass band, due to the additional drum inclusion, they snuck in charming melodies, complete with relaxed banjo and whistling notes throughout. They closed their set with a quick paced, energetic jam session bursting with energy. Their performance was completely impromptu, playing suggested songs by the audience, who all loved being so close to the musicians.
All kinds of activities were available for attendees to get up close and personal with the artists, as well as get involved with the community. Saturday provided an opportunity to ride with members of The Infamous Stringdusters on the bike trails surrounding the property. Festival goers could also join in on a bike build, which featured 55 bikes to be donated to first graders at Rockfish Elementary. Yoga, hooping, and drum workshops were available, as well as a rock climbing wall, disc golf, and so much more.
In the early evening, Mary Chapin Carpenter rocked out to a primed crowd. Fan favorite, “Passionate Kisses,” made an early appearance. Mid-set she belted out “I Take My Chances,” which got the crowd completely revved up as the sun started to go down. Steep Canyon Rangers blew the doors off during their set over at the Skyline Stage, following Carpenter’s performance. The crowd was going nuts and their cheers were at maximum volume. The fiddler, Nicky Sanders, made it to their main set and wowed the audience with his dramatic display of musical prowess.
The hosts of the festival, The Infamous Stringdusters, finally got a hell of a show in for attendees, who highly anticipated their performance on Friday as they busted out the full live performance of their album, Ladies and Gentleman. The group got into a spacey, elongated jam early on, which matched perfectly with the slight rain that fell upon the crowd. Mary Chapin Carpenter showed up to join in, as well as Nicki Bluhm, who also performed on the original album. Overall, the crowd was on a musical high during this incredible set. Friday evening closed with a ball busting performance by Cabinet.
Gallatin Canyon opened up a rainy Saturday at the Skyline stage. The crowd gathered, even with mud soaked grounds. The music kept spirits high. Emisunshine, at the young age of 11, brought her powerful vocals and crisp guitar work to the stage and basically blew everyone away at her incredible talent. Young girls lined the rail to catch her set.
Anders Osborne did a set with long time friend, Bill Taylor, sitting by his side in the Hayloft for a handful of attendees. Taylor talked about how Osborn saved his life and helped lead to his sobriety. He went on to discuss how they formed a partnership with Can’d Aid to create a network of support for musicians who want to get back on the road with a life of sobriety. The two noted that the number one problem when you get sober, is that it’s suggested to to take a year or two off from music. When you’re famous, you can easily design a backstage to help stay sober. However, individuals in other aspects of the industry, such as roadies and sound engineers, may experience a much more difficult journey while touring.
The goal behind this new organization they are forming is not to try to get people sober, but to help guide people to change their perspective, and have AA members join in on sets with musicians, to let them know there is a support system out there for those willing to make the decision to get sober. Send Me A Friend is looking to set up a network in place to have sober ambassadors ready when musicians, or other industry folk, make the call to have some support while at a show. The idea is to have someone show up about a half hour before the show, and a half hour after the show, just to show support while remaining sober at a venue. Please visit Candaid.org for more information on this amazing program.
After talking about the project, Osborne then went on to perform a moving acoustic set. Toward the end of his performance, he sang “Sentimental Times,” a song rarely performed. He then finished with “Louisiana Gold” followed by a fitting “Send Me A Friend.”
Back over at the Skyline, Jon Stickley Trio busted out a powerful set. Incredible hard driving punch and gritty notes, filled with tight tones, blew everyone’s mind. It’s amazing how much energy can come from of a guitar, fiddle and drum set. Highlights of their set included teases of Nirvana and Michael Jackson. “Flight of the Durban” was just one example of a song that kept the energy rolling higher and higher. Just when you thought they would cool down, absolutely not. The energy thrown out from this trio was positively insane.
Highlights of Saturday evening included North Mississippi Allstars getting a little help from Jim Lauderdale, Carl Dufrene, Jr., and Anders Osborne. Grungy guitar work, combined with the pounding double drum sets, made for a white hot rocking performance. Andy Dunnigan, of The Lil’ Smokies, as well as Nicki Bluhm, joined in with Fruition’s set. Bluhm sang in on “That’s Just Love Sneaking Up On You.” The band blazed on for a crowd that was ready to get down with the band. Fans screamed out in joy to their fantastic foot stopping tunes that rolled along without skipping a beat.
The Stringdusters eased into their double set on Saturday evening. Even though times were pushed back due to the earlier mud caked conditions on the grounds, it didn’t stop attendees from babystepping through the slosh to catch their set at the Blue Ridge Bowl. They performed a version of “Festy In The Rain,” which could not have been more appropriate for the weekend’s weather. They took the audience on extended jams, with wide open spaces, while enjoying impromptu moments throughout their melodies. Once again, Bluhm joined in during their performance. Saturday’s set closed with a tribute to Bill Monroe, known as the father of blue grass, by performing an uplifting “Uncle Pen.”
When The Lil’ Smokies came out to play, they simply crushed it. These guys came out in full force and blew the crowd away. Mimi Naja, from Fruition, joined in early on in their set to include mandolin goodness in their tunes. They busted out Elton John’s “Rocket Man” and simply kept the party rolling right along.
Saturday’s headliner was Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds. For those who’ve yet to see this band, do yourself a favor and put it on your “must-see” list. Their set was crammed with not only ridiculous energy that took everyone to another level, but was simply on fire. Lead singer Arleigh Kincheloe’s velvety voice captivated the audience, as the brass backing brought the heat up to boiling point. Fan favorites included “Don’t Be Jealous,” and “Boogie Man.” Mimi Naja joined the band during “Millie Mae” and simply brought a completely new element to this already jamming tune. Overall, the closing set was unbelievable. The crowd was on fire when the last notes dropped, leaving many people partying into the wee hours under the light of the moon.
Sunday opened up with Garrettgrass Gospel Hour under beautiful clear skies. Jeremy Garrett was joined by Andy Hall, of the Dusters. The dobro and guitar, along with angelic harmonies had the crowd in high spirits. After an a capella melody he introduced the Infamous Stringdusters to the stage, to help close out his performance for the morning.
During Dar Williams, a fire broke out in the food vendor area. The show was completely shut down and both concert fields evacuated. Swift action by the organizers put emergency plans into play. Fire crews, police, and EMT’s showed up immediately. Attendees who were shuffled out of both fields either went back to their sites, or lingered on the hills near the stages. To lighten the mood, Emisunshine performed in the high field for attendees. People were handing out water and Gatorade while the situation was being handled with the fire.
After 90 minutes, the update that the show would go on was received. Set list times were adjusted and everyone went back to enjoying the show. Elephant Revival was the first to start the show back up for fans, who found their way back to the field at the Blue Ridge Bowl. The band was welcomed to heavy cheers and thanks from the audience, who patiently waited for the music to return. “Remembering A Beginning” was a perfect example of their mysterious tones they throw out to the crowd, enticing new listeners to join in and dance away to their magical melodies. Their much needed set was joined by Naja, of Fruition, on mandolin and Chris Pandolfi, of the Stringduster’s on banjo. An a cappella version of “High Flying Bird” finished off their anticipated set.
David Wax Museum took over the Skyline Stage and delivered unimaginable energy to the late afternoon set. Their colorful outfits were a delight to the crowd. They jammed out and had everyone dancing and hooping during their super intense set. Their sound varied from bluegrass, to an upbeat Mexican-style tone, to Americana. This is one enjoyable band that does not disappoint, as you never know what fresh tones will be sliding around the corner out of their instruments.
A highly anticipated show by Lyle Lovett, with Robert Earl Keen, kept the Sunday festivities at the Blue Ridge Bowl going. Songs were tossed back and forth from one musician to the other, with tender touches thrown in by guests, including Sam Bush, to create a beautiful performance. “Private Conversation” and “The Front Porch Song,” of course made it on to their set, to no one’s surprise.
Rubblebucket brought the festival to a close and, mother of god, what a performance. They blew away fans with their incredible set crammed with brass backing and intense vocals that made the audience dance their ass off. “Carousel Ride” and “Came Out of A Lady” are just a few of the songs that exploded onto their set. If you’ve never seen them, again, put them on your “must-see” list as you will be begging for more at set close. Lead singer Kalmia Traver and trumpet player, Alex Toth made it out into the crowd and, at times, were carried over head back towards the stage. Interaction between the band and audience could not have gotten any closer. This was an exceptionally top choice for a festival closer. Fans screamed “just one more!” even after the show ended.
Overall, with hiccups from weather and a fire, the festival went off without a hitch at the new venue. The acts were top notch. Attendees could not have asked for a better line-up to kick-off the new venue for The Festy. For more information regarding the festival, please visit their official website. See you on the Farm next year!
Words by Sarah Bourque
Photography by Sam Shinault Photography (See the full gallery below!)
