A few pictures from last week’s La Roche Bluegrass Festival.
Although I’m not that big a consumer of recorded bluegrass music I truly do enjoy a warm summer evening, or two or three of it. This festival is really nice, as I wrote three years ago when I last went “…it is free, it lasts four days and if the groups on stage aren’t enough for you, many of the bands can be found playing in the streets or while sitting around a table at a local café…” There are masterclasses, square dance lessons, stands selling Americana tourist trap memorability and genepe green beer.
The atmosphere is relaxed, convivial and completely enjoyable. Although I admit this year the afternoon sun was a bit too hot to be out watching all the bands. However we did catch the Slovakian band East-West (who won this years contest), as well as Oh My Darling, Candy Floss and Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (see pictures). Sunday I didn’t have my camera but nevertheless really enjoyed “The Flatland Mountaineers”, local musicians who were playing together for the occasion.
Not sure as to who would be my favorite but I admit to have been completely in awe of the instrumental parts of the songs the Dirty Kitchen Band played. They created an incredibly dense weave of changing textures, just great!! If these guys play anywhere nearby, don’t miss ‘em!