[ad_1]
Attempting to sum up the second annual Earl Scruggs Music Pageant in 10 photographs is like making an attempt to suit the entire competition’s performers on one stage at one time. But when Scruggs Fest can attempt that second factor (and it did), we are able to actually have a go on the first one. With a stacked lineup together with Emmylou Harris, the Notorious Stringdusters, and Greensky Bluegrass, the competition felt directly like a who’s who of recent bluegrass and a household reunion of not so distant genres — previous time, nation and blues included. Throw in three straight days of late summer season solar, some wonderful native meals distributors, and some thousand followers on the Tryon Worldwide Equestrian Heart, and you’ve got 2023’s Scruggs Fest: a second profitable try at paying homage to North Carolina’s patron saint of bluegrass. Listed here are the highlights.
Native expertise
The Scruggs Pageant highlighted loads of acts based mostly close by in western North Carolina, and lots of gave a few of the competition’s greatest performances. One such standout was the Brevard-based trio The Wilder Flower, who rocked the Foggy Mountain stage early Friday.
Younger bucks
Whereas bluegrass fests have a rep for being full of older followers and musicians, the Scruggs Pageant defied that in a number of methods. Younger gamers — resembling these from the Junior Appalachian Musicians program, or seven year-old Silas Wilkerson of the Biscuit Eaters — have been among the many most charming, whereas followers who attended as a part of a subject journey for Polk County 4th graders have been among the many most stoked followers on the competition.
Jake Blount’s in-crowd efficiency
Any competition can have its technical hiccups. Fortunately, Jake Blount was able to make magic out of a mishap. When their sound went out on the Foggy Mountain stage on Friday, Blount and his band got here off stage and handled followers to a particular set of fiddle tunes performed from inside the crowd, turning what may’ve been a set-ender into some of the memorable performances of the competition.
Del McCoury’s nonetheless obtained it
“How did that sound come out of you?” Jerry Douglas requested Del McCoury onstage after McCoury hit an unworldly excessive observe in the course of his set. Relaxation assured, at 84 years previous, the bluegrass legend hasn’t misplaced the vocal chops that made him one of many competition’s most anticipated acts.
Meals
In western North Carolina, showstopping meals is the expectation. At Scruggs Fest, native distributors didn’t disappoint. Culinary highlights included barbecue from Bear’s Smokehouse, shrimp and grits from Polk County-based Spike’s Kitchen, and livermush on the competition’s personal Bluegrass Brunch occasion on Saturday morning.
“Newgrass”
Scruggs Fest introduced collectively music followers from throughout generations — from bluegrass purists near Scruggs’ personal technology, to youthful pickers enjoying newer variations of the style. Whereas debates in regards to the deserves of “newgrass” might be overheard all weekend, headliners The Notorious Stringdusters rocked a packed, multigenerational crowd on Friday evening with their very own model of progressive bluegrass.
Fan jams
Earl’s Pickin’ Pavilion held usually scheduled jam classes the place competition goers may skip out on watching units to convey devices, circle up, and play. The scheduled jams usually drew crowds of 20-30 gamers — most of whom had by no means met earlier than — to play within the small gazebo close to the Foggy Mountain stage. Most occasions, the gazebo couldn’t include the music, both — jams usually overflowed onto close by sidewalks and outdoors retailers, making the entire competition floor really feel like a stage.
The collaborative spirit
Whereas the competition’s lineup was star-studded with bluegrass greats, Scruggs Fest in some ways felt like a household reunion. It was uncommon to have a set go by and not using a particular visitor look, and headlining artists frequented every others levels with the familiarity of previous associates. Electrifying collabs included Della Mae with Tray Wellington, Greensky Bluegrass with Michael Cleveland, Jerry Douglas with Biscuit Eaters, and lots of extra.
Emmylou
Few artists want as little introduction within the South as Emmylou Harris, whose anticipated presence hung within the air over the competition lengthy earlier than her Sunday evening set. Closing out the competition with a wide ranging efficiency of “Boulder to Birmingham,” Harris greater than backed up the reverence she conjures up, leaving many followers with joyful tears to finish the weekend.
A grand finale
On the finish of Harris’ set, followers stayed close by as an increasing number of performers flooded the stage. On a crowded stage harking back to these sometimes at Newport Folks Fest, becoming a member of Harris for one closing efficiency have been Jerry Douglas, Rissi Palmer, Darin and Brook Aldridge, Michael Cleveland, Twisted Pine, and lots of extra.
[ad_2]
