The annual Huck Finn Jubilee returned to Ontario, CA last weekend, welcoming a number of prized bluegrass artists to the beautiful Cucamonga – Guasti Regional Park. The festival has seen quite a bit of growth since its foundation in 1976, but the fundamental respect for the traditions remains the same. 40 years later, the music may have grown, but the heart of the festival is steeped in bluegrass.
Our team made it to the Saturday edition of the festival, which featured performances from Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Dan Tyminski Band, The Cleverlys, Leftover Salmon, and the Soggy Bottom Boys. Each act brought their unique flavor to the laid back atmosphere, with lots of homages to legends like Bill Monroe, Del McCoury and more.
The Cleverlys took bluegrass in a new direction, mixing the Americana instrumentation with pop and hip hop music. Their covers were quite the hit, including this fun rendition of “Gangnam Style.”
It was Leftover Salmon that stole the show however, powering their set with some great music throughout the night. With new keyboardist Erik Deutsch bringing a jazzy sound into the mix, elevating the band’s performance into new jamgrass realms.
The family-friendly event was a good time for all in attendance. Check out a full gallery of images below, courtesy of Brandon Weil.
