Bluegrass music - what's it all about? Well, back in the day when settlers started to migrate out into the south, they began to write songs about their daily lives out in the country. This became known as "mountain music". Bluegrass has Scottish, Irish, Welsh and English roots and is typically played on acoustic string instruments. "Bluegrass" is a common name for grass in the Poa genus, with the most famous being Kentucky Bluegrass. There are several sub-genres of bluegrass music including: Traditional Bluegrass, Gospel Bluegrass and something that has popped up in recent years called "New Grass". They are all great!
You may not have ever heard of this music genre before, and you might not know much about it, or you could have grown up listening to it, like me. For me, Bluegrass festivals are such great experiences. I can immerse myself in the culture and the music and I can remove myself from daily life and take time to truly appreciate the raw talent these musicians possess. It's pure enjoyment to listen to the melodies and sounds. No matter what your take on Bluegrass is, I highly suggest you attend at least one Bluegrass festival during your lifetime!
"Why?" you may ask. Well here is a list I compiled:
1. The setting is typically outdoors, and who doesn't love listening to music outdoors?
This was at the White Oak Canyon Trail, which is part of the Shenandoah National Park. I went on a hike with my dad before the music started at the Graves Mountain Bluegrass Festival. It was very beautiful.
2. The musicians are extremely talented.
And I mean really talented. No offense to all the EDM and Dubstep Artists out there, because I know that is an art form, but these folks actually play the instruments and actually sing and can kill it on some string instruments. Their fingers fly up and down those instruments and most have been playing since childhood.
This is 11-year-old EmiSunshine. She was amazing. I couldn't believe a child this young could write, play and sing music so well! She floored the entire audience.
3. The people that go to these festivals are so friendly and nice.
Everyone leaves their car doors open, their tents and even their campers wide open. Everyone trusts each other. Where else can you feel that safe?
I met some great folks who were from Pennsylvania and Ohio at the most recent festival I attended. They invited me to sit down and we chatted about the music and life for a couple hours. Everyone there is so nice!
4. The tickets are usually a great price.
At the most recent festival I was at, the three-day pass with camping included was $85 for early birds and $105 for tickets bought the day of. Most all of the festivals are in this price range. Day-tickets are around $20-$40 and that will pay for you to see about eight bands during the day. The venues are usually small, low security is needed and the artists aren't money hungry. These are the things that keep the cost low for the consumers.
5. You can actually meet most of the artists in person, and they are extremely humble.
These people are not only amazing musicians, but they are seriously humble. Unlike some music artists, they don't feel like they are above anyone else. They want you to learn about their craft. That just blows me away, but it ultimately makes the music genre even more impressive. You don't have to have a backstage pass, you can just walk right up to them after the show, and sometimes they even let you jam with them.
One of my dad's favorite parts of these festivals is after the main show is over, going and listening to the smaller bands out in the camp site. You can just walk up to any of the bands playing and have a seat and listen as long as you want!
It rained a bit one day at the Graves Mountain Bluegrass Festival, but the weekend turned out great! I actually went out and bought a mandolin to try and learn how to play after my interest was re-sparked at this particular festival. Wish me luck!
Here are links to some local bluegrass festivals. One of my favorites other than the Graves Mountain Bluegrass Festival, is the Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival. What a treat!
