Savannah made simple
Savannah made simple

Introducing the inaugural Savannah Bluegrass Festival

 

Putting some ‘Newgrass’ into your Bluegrass

New traditions are popping up around Savannah, and one of the most exciting is the first Savannah Bluegrass Festival coming Feb. 16, 2024.

Savannah, a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and southern charm, is now preparing for its first-ever bluegrass festival, aptly named the Savannah Bluegrass Festival. This exciting event is set to showcase the finest talents in the bluegrass genre, with the renowned Yonder Mountain String Band headlining the festival.

Yonder Mountain String Band, who hail from Colorado, bring a non-conformist approach to bluegrass, combining jazz, country, folk, and even reggae influences with authentic roots music. By incorporating non-traditional instruments like drums, they add complexity and depth to their compositions. Their electrifying live performances, often featuring extended jam sessions, have captivated audiences worldwide, creating an unforgettable experience.

Yonder Mountain String Band’s progressive spirit has inspired numerous other bands to experiment with different styles while honoring the essence of bluegrass. This notion speaks to the power of their sense of community, the bond they have forged with listeners who crave innovation yet appreciate the traditional elements that make bluegrass unique.

It’s important to understand the historical context of bluegrass to appreciate its recent rise in popularity. Bluegrass emerged in the early 20th century, combining Appalachian mountain music with the energy of the modern industrial age. Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, with the banjo stylings of Earl Scruggs, transformed the genre into something fast, virtuosic, and unforgettable. However, bluegrass’s popularity declined with the rise of rock and electric instruments, leading many to consider it outdated.

Times, however, are changing. Acoustic music, with its unfiltered and authentic sound, is regaining its appeal. America’s younger generation, in their search for authenticity, has rediscovered the country’s earliest string bands, finding their sound replicated in trendy bars across major cities. You cannot find further proof of Bluegrass’s popularity than Billy Stings playing monster festivals like Bonnaroo. Even in traditional concert halls, bluegrass’s influence is felt, with classical musicians like Yo-Yo Ma embracing instrumentalists whose virtuosity mirrors their own. But what has sparked the surge in bluegrass’s popularity?

Connect Savannah asked Yonder Mountain String Band’s bassist, Ben Kaufman, about the revival of bluegrass music across the United States and beyond. Kaufman quickly responded, “The simple answer to the question is because bluegrass music is awesome,” he chuckled. “But it may also be because people from different backgrounds are finding bluegrass bands, with perhaps non-traditional styles, that provide access to this amazing music.” Kaufman believed that without innovation, traditional musical forms run the risk of becoming museum pieces. Luckily, bluegrass had managed to break free from that fate, with countless banjo-driven melodies captivating audiences worldwide.

As Kaufman reflected on their journey, he marveled at how bluegrass had evolved over the two decades they have been together. “From what I’ve seen, the evolution of bluegrass involves musicians with non-bluegrass backgrounds falling in love with the sounds, songs, and instruments of bluegrass and then combining their own influences and songwriting instincts with that more traditional form,” Kaufman said. “I think of it as many limbs and branches growing from the trunk of a vital and thriving tree.”

Yonder Mountain String Band had always been known for their incredibly dedicated fanbase, a community of passionate music lovers known as the “Kinfolk.” When asked about their secret to cultivating such a deep connection with their listeners, Kaufman smiled and said, “So much of Yonder’s fan base was self-motivated. We created an environment at our shows where people felt themselves part of a community and a family. It’s telling that our fans came to call themselves ‘Kinfolk.’ I certainly hope that can be felt by the people who come to see us and that when attending a Yonder show, they feel at home.”

The inclusion of homegrown talents like Swamptooth and the Salt Flat Pickers in the Savannah Bluegrass Festival showcases the strength and vibrancy of the local music scene. These bands not only contribute to the festival’s diverse lineup but also demonstrate the wealth of talent that resides within Savannah.

Filling out the roster is Florida’s own, Remedy Tree, and Colby T Helms and The Virginia Creepers.

Bluegrass music’s power lies not only in its musicality but also in its cultural significance. It sits on the fault line of America’s political divide, being deeply rooted in the folk tradition of the South. Bluegrass is an art form learned from generations before, played communally in informal jam sessions, where solos are passed around, each instrument attempting to surpass what came before. It remains a fundamentally democratic and social music, inviting anyone who can hold their own to join in.

The peculiar cultural exchange that occurred between the blue-collar performers and middle-class city kids at festival campgrounds widened bluegrass’s appeal further. This fusion led to the exploration of boundaries, with artists incorporating jazz, rock, and psychedelic influences into bluegrass. While the definition of bluegrass has been fiercely contested, with strict rules regarding rhythm and instrumentation, the genre has proven to be adaptable, attracting artists who want to take it somewhere new while still honoring its roots.

Rich Henrich, Savannah Bluegrass Festival’s executive director, explained why Savannah was chosen as the location. “Savannah’s dynamic nature and rich musical history were the main factors that drew me to host the festival here. The blend of regional and international culture, along with the thriving music scene, makes Savannah a perfect fit for a bluegrass festival,” Henrich said.

Henrich also mentioned the charm of the Starland District, with its multitude of small businesses, restaurants, and shops, as a contributing factor in choosing Savannah as the festival’s location. “The Starland District has a unique vibe and offers the perfect setting for a festival of this nature. It adds to the overall experience for both performers and attendees.”

When asked about why the Savannah Bluegrass Festival is such a good fit for the city, Henrich highlighted the growing demand for music festivals in Savannah. He said, “We have seen the success of events like the Savannah Music Festival and Savannah Jazz Festival. Bluegrass adds another dimension to the music scene, and we believe there is a demand for it.”

Henrich acknowledged the tremendous support from Brian Goldman and Victory North in bringing this vision to life. He mentioned, “Victory North is a fantastic venue with a dedicated team, and they have been instrumental in making this festival possible. It’s great to have their support.”

Dr. Mohamed Eldibany, the owner of Victory North, expressed his delight in being chosen as the host venue for the Savannah Bluegrass Festival. He said, “I am thrilled to have the festival at Victory North. This is the beginning of another long-standing festival in our city, and we are already witnessing many wonderful things happening in the Starland area.”

Eldibany mentioned that Victory North has had great success with bluegrass-themed concerts in the past, featuring acclaimed artists such as the Dead South, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country. He added, “We have a history of hosting exceptional bluegrass acts, and having the festival here is a testament to our commitment to promoting this genre of music.”

With the enthusiastic support of Victory North and the vision of Rich Henrich, the Savannah Bluegrass Festival promises to be an exciting addition to the city’s vibrant music scene. Henrich said, “By bringing together renowned artists like the Yonder Mountain String Band and celebrating the thriving music and cultural fabric of Savannah, we aim to solidify the Savannah Bluegrass Festival as a must-see event for both locals and music enthusiasts from afar.”

Finally, Henrich noted Savannah’s popularity as a tourist destination as a contributing factor in creating an event that would appeal to locals and music enthusiasts from other areas. “Savannah is a city that attracts tourists from all over the world. Bluegrass is a genre with wide popularity, reaching audiences across the country, Europe, and beyond. It’s an ideal fit for Savannah’s blend of roots music and culture,” he said.

As Savannah prepares for its inaugural bluegrass festival, excitement fills the air. This event not only celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage but also exemplifies the resurgence and evolution of bluegrass music. From the traditional sounds of Bill Monroe to the groundbreaking innovations of the Yonder Mountain String Band, bluegrass continues to captivate and inspire, making its mark on audiences worldwide.

As the Yonder Mountain String Band prepares to return to Savannah for the festival, Kaufman couldn’t contain his excitement. “We’ve enjoyed every moment we’ve gotten to spend in Savannah and can’t wait to come back!” he exclaimed. The city holds a special place in their hearts, and they cherish the opportunity to share their music with the people of Savannah once again.

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