Guest article by Candi Sawyer
After a long and cold winter, summer’s just around the corner in Vermont, and it’s time to get ready for that state's premier bluegrass festival, now celebrating its 15th Anniversary!
June 25th through the 28th, the JENNY BROOK FAMILY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL returns to the beautiful Tunbridge Fairgrounds for four days of world-class bluegrass, camping, workshops and activities for the whole family.
Hosted by Vermont’s own Seth Sawyer Band, this year’s lineup is the festival’s best ever and features, among others, festival favorites The Gibson Brothers.
Eric and Leigh Gibson grew up not too far from the JENNY BROOK FESTIVAL in the farm country of upstate New York, but their musical reach extends far and wide. Indeed, The Gibson Brothers have won multiple awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) including 2012 and 2013 Entertainer of the Year, 2011 and 2013 Vocal Group of the Year, 2013 Song of the Year, and 2011 Album of the Year, and just released “Brotherhood” on Rounder Records. Eric and Leigh are joined by a group of extraordinary musicians: founding member Mike Barber on bass, Clayton Campbell on fiddle, and Jesse Brock on mandolin.
In addition to the Gibson Brothers, the festival spotlights an array of award-winning national bluegrass acts including Blue Highway, The Lonesome River Band, the always-entertaining Leroy Troy with the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, the Larry Stephenson Band, Nothin’ Fancy, the Spinney Brothers, Danny Paisley and Southern Grass, and newcomers the Bankesters.
Filling up the musical menu are some of the best regional bluegrass acts playing today: Bob Amos and Catamount Crossing, Beartracks, the Feinberg Brothers, Zink and Company, and the Zolla Boys, and the iconic Smokey Greene!
Festival-goers are encouraged to come early, settle in to a campsite, and join the fun on June 24th for the signature festival kick-off potluck dinner and barn dance, with classic country music from the Clem Hawkins Revival Band. The band is a resurrection of the original Clem Hawkins Band, started in the 1940s by a past generation, and which in its current incarnation features Julie Venne-Hogan, Tom Venne, and Bob Newton. And who knows, maybe even a special guest or two. A great way to start the festival and reconnect with old friends while making new ones.
For tickets or more information, visit the festival website: http://jennybrookbluegrass.com/
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