When it comes to bluegrass, many folks have a preconceived notion on the sound they can expect. Swiftly picked guitars that hold a steady rhythm, fiddles that cut straight through the mix, a smooth riding bass line and some harmonies. It’s a fairly reasonable expectation really, considering how static the genre could be perceived throughout its history. However, as new generations take on these traditional genres they find new horizons, expanding into a melting pot of influences that makes for one refreshing take. That’s where acts like the Jon Stickley Trio come into play.
Jon Stickley is a Durham native, (you may know his brother Jeff as the drummer for Hammer No More The Fingers) but in recent years he’s called Asheville home. Stickley was one of the founders of Big Fat Gap, a North Carolina bluegrass institution, and has since gone on to perform alongside roots music icons like Larry Keel, Leftover Salmon, Keller Williams and more. After all of his band-based endeavors, Stickley settled in to the solo digs and found himself two stunningly talented musicians. Lyndsay Pruett is on fiddle, bringing her classically trained skills to the forefront by adding in hints of Latin and Jazz influence while drummer Patrick Armitage pulls in subtle hip-hop influence to make for a well-rounded and unique take on this typified genre. Pruett and Armitage have worked with Futureman and hip-hop group Atmosphere respectively, so their back catalog provides a wonderful glimpse into the work they produce.
The trio came in for some live performances and interviews on Carolina Grown this past Friday before their set at the NC Roots Showcase at Tir Na Nog. The band discussed their origins, influences and forthcoming album throughout the segment, but most importantly they laid down some seriously stunning tunes.
I recently sat down with the directors of Hopscotch Music Fest to talk about this year’s plans for festival. The conversation touched on everything from background to business, what makes 2015 different and where the small company is heading in the future. Interviewee’s Greg Lowenhagen and Nathan Price provide valuable insight about the lineup, along with some exclusive information about performer locations and other info that has yet to be rolled out formally. Listen to the extensive Interview here.
This past week, we collaborated with our friends from Radio K for a summery song swap compilation. All Summer No Bummer highlights new and exclusive hits handpicked by each station to represent the North Carolina and Minnesota music scenes.
The next time your friend looks at you and says “Hey, we should make a music festival!” you should maybe consider it before looking at them like they’re crazy.
That was almost exactly how Reverb Fest got started a year ago by Phil Pucci when he and his girlfriend were hanging out by the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte.
“I come up with good ideas all the time but I never follow through with them,“ said Pucci, “My girlfriend was the one who pushed me to start Reverb Fest. We booked a bunch of local bands to play in Charlotte and ended up raising over $2000 for charity.”
The first Reverb Fest benefitted the Chronic Illness Relief Fund (CIRF). It featured local Charlotte bands including Pullman Strike, Late Bloomer, and Hectorina. There was a mini Reverb Fest earlier this year titled “Eskimo Kisses,” also benefitting CIRF.
“The last one we had the first time we got a headliner, Diarrhea Planet. That was pretty special because it clearly indicated we were growing at a fast pace and getting more appreciation.”
This year, for Reverb Fest III: Slamdunks, the festival brought in a regional headliner – Beach Fossils – and expanded from just Charlotte to include other North Carolina acts like Elvis Depressedly, Jackson Scott and Family Bike. The festival this year benefitted the Humane Farming Association.
Pucci, a member of Charlotte bands Aggrocragg, Serfs, and Melt, believes Reverb Fest is unique from other music festivals in the area for multiple reasons.
“We try to get a lot of under the radar acts to play with bigger headliners. We have lots of these smaller bands playing with these big acts that they normally never would be able to perform with,” he explained “We also put a lot of emphasis on younger bands, people in their 20s…bands playing their first shows…some might just get passed up on other festivals.
“There’s also a pretty big DIY aspect to it. I think a lot of other music festivals lose that DIY feel eventually – which is perfectly fine, they’re still great – but it’s definitely something I want to hold onto with Reverb Fest,” said Pucci.
Pucci hopes the festival will continue to grow in the future – possibly to a 3-day event – but definitely wants it to stay in Charlotte.
“I want Charlotte to have an alternative music festival destination for people in the region…something to help put Charlotte on the map,” said Pucci.
Wherever it’s headed, Reverb Fest has already left a lasting impression on the Charlotte area.
Thanks to Live Nation, this week we are giving away 5 pairs of tickets to see Dave Matthews Band at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre! Be the correct caller when the DJ asks for it, and you could win a pair of tickets for the May 22nd show! Tickets are available for purchase from Live Nation here, and we’ll be giving away one pair each day during the week of May 18th – 22nd.
