Folk Fest had an eclectic line-up representing music for all folk
Some describe Folk music as the music of the common people. It tells stories in a way anyone can understand and bonds people together. Folk comes from the German word ‘volk’ meaning ‘the people’ and folk music is often thought of as being the music belonging to ‘the people.’ Therefore, I say all music is folk music as it is all done by folks.
This year’s line-up was more eclectic then ever, which according to Craig Fergusen (Planet Bluegrass owner and president) is the responsibility of Amy Mendonca, with assistance from consultant Chandler Holt. Craig took care of the headliners but let Amy book the rest of the acts for the first time ever.
I am a huge fan of a diverse line-up, and like Craig, think these two people did an outstanding job. I was not aware of many of the names on this year’s 2024 festival but was pleasantly surprised by them. Here is a list of my favorites from the weekend.
Starting with Willi Carlisle, a true folksinger, who played great guitar, wonderful accordion, sang acapela, and told funny and interesting stories at a rapid pace. To Willi, singing is healing. He got the audience singing with him on some songs, which he and the folks enjoyed.
Willi Carlisle, Sir Women, Handmade Moments, and Making Movies.
(Photos by Dave McIntyre)
Sir Women is a band with soul, funk, R& B, and gospel influences. The singing was first-rate and the energy was unbelievable. They had the audience dancing from the get-go to their songs of troubled times. Austin Music Awards voted them Best New Act in 2020. They are a tight band that rocks.
Handmade Moments – Anna Moss and Joel Ludford from Northern California – were one of the best surprises with their channeling of righteous outrage into soulful joy. They bring alto sax, bass clarinet, sousaphone, mandolin, guitar, and beat-boxing to the mix. Great covers like “Phone Down” from Erika Badu fit in well with their poignant originals and Anna’s unusual vocals.
The Wood Brothers, the Friday night headliner, played roots rock style – a combination of rock, blues, and jazz. The Brothers Oliver and Chris were joined by muti-instrumentalist Jano Rix. They write songs that reflex the joys and sorrows of people. You could expect the Unexpected.
Making Movies – This Latin Grammy nominated band was very dynamic. Their music covers many genres and is exciting. Lead guitarist and historian Enrique played an unusual instrument from Panama called a mejorana that was almost extinct, but it was revived by modern luthiers and is only hand-made now (not commercially sold). This band is the epitome of diverse and eclectic, the audience danced to them and got into their music style.
Mother Hips– Tim Bluhm and Greg Loiacana have been playing their brand of 70’s rootsy rock and power pop for over 30 years and it shows. They blend like they are brothers – nothing fancy but straight-ahead rock with tight vocals and a fine rhythm section to back them up.
Pokey LaFarge – note the guitar player in the back,
who alternated his instrument with a trumpet —
Pokey encouraged the audience to dance along with him,
with such songs as “Run, Run, Run.”
The highlight of the festival for me was Pokey Lafarge, one of the bills best dressed, and his extraordinarily strong group of musicians whom Pokey obviously enjoyed playing with. I will admit to being a big fan of Pokeys’ music for many years, which includes nine recordings over the years. He is one of my favorite bands to ever play for me at Oskar blues over ten years ago. His blend of Jug Band, Honky Tonk, South American, Caribbean, and American Country prove his versatility. He played new tunes like “So Long Chicago” from his latest recording “Rhumba Country,” as well as old favorites like “La La Blues” and “the Devil Ain’t lazy.” He joins the old with the new to make contemporary music for all. He made many new fans.
My festival co-hort, Kathleen Spring, also ranked him as the favorite of the weekend, saying: “I agree with Dave that it seemed like everyone in the audience was smiling, as I found myself smiling pretty much the whole act, and that is very unusual for any concert. Such fun and talent! Plus, he performed with remarkable presence and confidence. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I enjoyed Allisa Amador whose melodic voice makes a person want to listen to it while laying on the grass, and staring at the sky, and just be dreaming.
Jamestown Revival /and/ Brittany Howard
The Harlem Gospel Travelers opened the day Sunday with their brand of gospel music which had the early crowd jumping and shouting, singing, and dancing and praising the Lord. Their high register singing was made for church and got us all feeling good.
The Faux Paws is a four-piece band that defies description, and plays a variety of instruments like the guitar, up-right bass, mandolin, fiddle, saxophone, and Noah’s foot percussion. Their brother style harmonies are spot-on and the saxophone is an unusual but fabulous addition to the string instruments. Their show is a roller-coaster ride that powerfully rocks.
Jamestown Revival was a killer show, not only because of the fabulous harmonies that I was expecting, but a full band that cooks. Zach Chance and Jonathan Clay have been singing together since they were fifteen in Magnolia Texas, and yes, they do remind me of The Everly Brothers. The band includes a keyboard player who also plays sax which kicks the music up a notch. They play rocking Country that will get your attention and make you dance and listen intensively to the harmony vocals. One of my favorite’s that I will look to hear again somewhere. Their song “California Cast Iron Soul” is a gem.
Also on Sunday were the Darling Side quartet and The Watson Twins who likewise had warm, sweeping, harmonizing sounds.
Britany Howard (the Sunday night headliner), from the band Alabama Shakes, is a tour de force, either playing guitar or just belting out her mostly heartwarming songs. She is a sight to see as she dances and prances across the stage, almost prowling, she has a powerful presence. Brittany’s voice covers many octaves and captures you with it. Going from very high to deeply low. She left everyone feeling good with her positive songs; and her delivery, that made you stand up and take notice. Her band was tight, and the backup singers were a joy to behold and fit with her so well. A fine ending to a great weekend of diverse music. See ya next year, if not sooner.
……………….David McIntyre
All Photographs copyright by David McIntrye 2024.