Photos by Gene Knapp
The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival has been going strong since 1984. The four-day extravaganza has evolved into a true 21st century event, with four stages, shuttle buses, scholarships, workshops, and more. What remains the same is the exceptional musicianship, the fervor of the fans, and joyous, peaceful atmosphere. Harmony vocals fill the air with sweetness. Fiddles, mandolins, guitars, and banjos keep it all real.
Saturday’s entertainment provided everything one could want. The music itself has also evolved but never strays far from its acoustic roots. The spirit of Flatt and Scruggs looms large, blending beautifully with hints of Dave Matthews and masterful covers of Creedence Clearwater Revival and others. Substitute performers Colebrook Road proved their worth with self-penned beauties and creative covers of Billy Joel and Paul Simon.
Headliners like Sam Bush, the “King of Newgrass,” bridge the world of old and new, making room for the future artists and giving them room to grow. While fans expect—and get—exceptional entertainment from the “big guys,” the surprises come from the younger artists who bring hunger, promise, varied influences, and incredible talent. Artists like the Lonely Heartstring Band (hmmm…a play on Sgt. Pepper?), as others, paid homage to Paul Simon.
The ethereal blending of traditional sounds with hints of jazz and Pink Floyd were striking. Magical harmonies and songs inspired by Maya Angelou distinguish these new artists from the “pop” artists who rule the airwaves these days. They eat, breathe, and live the music they love with no pretentions —and are more than happy to share it.
—Gene Knapp
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