Dogwood Arts, a non-profit arts organization in Knoxville, knows how to stage a music festival. First, get the local born and bred band, The Dirty Guv’nahs, to curate the music lineup. Second, pick a central spot suitable in size and accessibility. Third, pick a day that revealed itself to be perfect for the event, and lastly, staff it with a host of friendly volunteers.
Dogwood Arts, a non-profit arts organization in Knoxville, knows how to stage a show. First, get the local born and bred band, The Dirty Guv’nahs, to curate the music lineup. Second, pick a central spot suitable in size and accessibility. Third, pick a day that revealed itself to be perfect for the event, and lastly, staff it with a host of friendly volunteers.
There was general admission and VIP, of course, but there was ample room for everyone, with the wisest settling in as the gates opened with their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the day.
This year, they expanded the festival to include Tennessee whiskey distillers as an add-on event, with about 15 participating. It cost extra, and fans were able to sample their wares in in tasters or mixed drinks as well as purchase bottles for pickup on the way out. Well done!
Following: What you saw, or what you wish you saw!
Old Crow Medicine Show… and what a show it is for fans of bluegrass who like their music served with old-time theater showboating. With a rotating cast of musicians stepping forward to sing, there’s lots of variety in what they play and how they stage it, be it straightforward, overactive, or even parodying… But, there’s no question they’re there to have fun and entertain, and it works, with the crowd clapping, singing along or dancing where they can. Overall, a great headliner for a splendid day celebrating music!
Setlist:
This is Chapter One for the DG’s four chapter novellete of performances in 2024. It’s not that they’re semi-retired. They made a collective choice of family rather than a life on the road.
How they stay sharp is a bit of a mystery, but when you see them play, you can tell they’re seizing the moment for both themselves and their audience. Every band should demonstrate that kind of joy.
Overheard at a food truck. “No, I’ll pay with my card. I need my one’s for the Guv’nahs show.” (A TDG tradition is throwing dollar bills during “Blue Rose Stroll).
Setlist:
Maggie Rose played a soulful, if not rocking, set, featuring seven songs from her 2024 release, No One Gets Out Alive. Rose has personality to spare, engaging the audience conversationally or exhorting them to participate, with an obvious veteran stage savvy, meant in a good way and in no way “tired.” She was backed by an awesome band, featuring Kyle Lewis on frequent blues-rock lead guitar.
Setlist:
What a beautiful voice! Deep, nuanced, strong, lending itself to “roots” music – not quite country in vocal style, not quite americana for musical accompaniment, notably strong electric guitar leads. Amen!
She was nominated in the Grammy’s Best American Roots category for her song, “Black Myself.” Try her cover of a Green Day song. She makes cover versions uniquely hers.
You have to love festivals. I hadn’t heard of Grace Bowers, yet another great young talent at 17 years old, a two year resident of Nashville after growing up in Northern California. She’s a great guitarist, and I look forward to hearing more from her. As incredible as she is, often, an artist with the “&” plus a band name is a cool thing, but they exist to support the lead, e.g. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit. Here the “&” could also be “AND.” It appeared the combined band is just finding their way together, and there were all sorts of smiles as they played through their set. Vocalist Esther Okai-Tetteh is a natural performer, and together, there’s a ton of versatility waiting to happen – blues, soul, funk, rock… it’s all going to have a great groove… Can’t wait to hear more from GB AND THP!
Wyatt Ellis may be a new name to bluegrass fans, but he won’t be for long. He was called out by Rolling Stone magazine days ago for making “a big stir,” in the business, has worked with icons in the business and appeared at the Grand Ole Opry.
To my era, he comes from another era live, his manner of introducing each song and members of the band, the pacing of the songs and his general tone recalling days that preceded me where folks would get their entertainment from a radio show.
That he is talented is no question. He rarely bothers to look at his mandolin. His fingers know where they need to be. Later in the day, he would also sit in with Grace Bowers, The Dirty Guv’nahs and Old Crow Medicine Show.
Oh. And he’s 15 years old.
Note: The girl trusting her sixth sense to catch the football was not harmed, and parental permission was gained prior.
