To FreshGrass and beyond
Quick takes and snapshots from the second FreshGrass Festival in Bentonville, AR
I never planned to write this story. It just fell out of my head in a stream of consciousness when I woke up this morning — just hours after the conclusion of the annual, two-day FreshGrass Festival in Bentonville, Arkansas.
It’s amazing to me to think that just a few short years ago the very site on which the festival takes place — The Momentary — was an abandoned cheese factory. The building was boarded up and the grounds where the pavilion now stands was overrun with weeds taller than me. Today, the building is an amazing arts venue and the outdoor space hosts family/community gatherings and Momentary events all year round.
One of those events is FreshGrass Festival, which brings together a carefully curated lineup of the most interesting roots music that the country and, in some cases, the world has to offer. Bluegrass. Folk. Country. Jazz. And all kinds of fusions and variations between them. When the first FreshGrass in Bentonville was announced a few years ago, the great Alison Krauss was set to headline. Covid, however, had other plans. But when live music finally returned in 2021, bluegrass phenom Billy Strings and his band headlined. And the crowds — which came from across Arkansas, as well as from several other states (I met folks from New Jersey, Louisiana and Washington state) — were back this weekend.
Dozens of bands, across a main stage, side stage and a red barn, for two full days — all just four blocks from my front door. I spent the weekend moving back and forth between the stages with my oldest daughter’s boyfriend, Reese, snapping hundreds of photos and videos and, most importantly, soaking it all in. My entire family spent time at the festival, as did a number of friends. And I’m pretty sure they’re all in agreement that this festival has the potential to turn into something even more special than it already is. The following are my quick takes on the sets (in no particular order) at Bentonville’s 2nd FreshGrass Festival on May 20–21, 2022:
Sam Bush
I’d never seen Sam Bush and his band live before, but having been attracted to the bluegrass scene like a magnet a few years back, his music and brilliance have found a spot in my sphere. I was thrilled to learn he’d headline the very first night of FreshGrass and had high expectations — and he and the boys didn’t disappoint.
They came out smokin’, right out of the gate. Sam turned 70 years old the week prior, but he seemed like a 20-year-old kid out there, having the time of his life. Absolutely shredding solos and diving into mind-bending improv in the spaces between his hits and other mainstays. The only flaw in the entire experience was the fact lightning moved into the Ozarks, cutting his set about 20 minutes short. But the way he and the band came out guns-a-blazing right from the get-go, I honestly didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. Reese and I walked home happy campers, adrenalized and looking forward to Day 2.
Red Baraat
Red Baraat was an absolute treat — and a prime example of why you should NEVER ignore the side stage at a festival. They commanded the audience from the second they stepped on stage with their — well, the only way I can think to describe their sound is “global.” Actually, it’s like Indian meets jazz, blended with a bit of a tribal feel.
THIS is why festivals like FreshGrass are so influential and important. It’s not just about seeing all the bands you love live. It’s also about exposing yourself to something new and exciting that you probably never knew existed. It’s about embracing culture. And, holy crap, Red Baraat did that in a big way. Two days later, I can still feel the rumble and shockwaves they sent up and down my spine.
Hayes Carll
I’d heard some of Hayes Carll’s catalog and knew he’d earned the respect of many as a wonderful songwriter — cut from the cloth of the great Ray Wylie Hubbard. But, honestly, most of my familiarity of Hayes came from my hearing him as a guest on several music-related podcasts I listen to regularly.
I’m not sure why I never put 2+2 together before seeing him take the stage as the downpour of rain to start Day 2 of FreshGrass Festival finally eased to a gentle sprinkle, but the brilliant storytelling and easy-going personality that grabbed my attention via podcasts absolutely shined through live. His songs were great, he and his band were tight — but his enthusiasm and ability to work the crowd with his monologues between songs stole the show. I look forward to seeing him perform again some day soon.
Amos Lee
Amos Lee headlined the second and final night of FreshGrass— and he delivered exactly as I suspected he would. While his music isn’t in my go-to rotation, his voice was worth the price of admission on its own. He put on a wonderful show and the pure soul projected from his voice just commanded the attention and respect of everyone. His is one of those voices where you find yourself closing your eyes with your face pointed to the heavens, over and over again.
Arkansauce
Tight. That’s my word for Arkansauce. I’d just seen these guys live in nearby Rogers, AR, less than a week before they graced the stage at FreshGrass. But it didn’t matter. I could absorb the Arkansauce experience multiple times per week, every week. They’re tight as hell, full of energy, and, to me, their rootsy, bluegrassy sound feels just like Arkansas. Don’t miss an opportunity to see these guys if you ever have the chance.
Lost Bayou Ramblers
Take bluegrass, anything you might happen to like about Zydeco, throw in a fiddle, turn the volume and thump way, way up … and shower it with a heavy dose of cajun whathaveyou. That’s Lost Bayou Ramblers. And, what made their performance even more special was the fact FreshGrass Festival opted to slot them on the side stage right before Amos Lee ended the night on the main stage. Amos and Lost Bayou Ramblers couldn’t be from more different worlds, but going from one right into the other covered a hell of a lot of ground in a short window of time. Somehow, it worked. It hasn’t even been 24 hours since I witnessed them, but my Lost Bayou Ramblers t-shirt is already ordered and in the mail.
Amythyst Kiah
The first time I heard of Amythyst Kiah was a year or two ago, when she was included in a BitterSoutherner.com roundup of top southern albums of the year. Whatever that story said about her grabbed my attention but, for whatever reason, I never looked her up on Spotify … until seeing her name on the FreshGrass Festival lineup jogged my memory. And, when I did, the first song that came pumping through my headphones was “Black Myself.”
Listen to that song once and you’ll know exactly why I had Amythyst’s name circled on my FreshGrass calendar. Do yourself a favor and look her up on Youtube. But, until then, what I can tell you is she has one hell of a booming voice, writes songs from the soul, and is, without a doubt, one of the great up-and-coming roots artists around.
Her set on the side stage (I have no earthly idea why she was on the side stage instead of the main stage) not only met but exceeded my lofty expectations. Heck, even her bass player earned a few rounds of applause from the crowd. Mark Amythyst Kiah’s name down. The only unknown in my head about her is how many years it will take before she’s headlining a FreshGrass Festival.
Margo Price
I’ve seen all kinds of press on Margo Price as a rising star in the country/roots scene. And I can hear what the appeal is all about when I give her stuff a spin. But I had no idea what I was stepping into until she and her band walked on stage as the sun was setting in the Ozark skies over the second day of FreshGrass. Her energy — and the energy of her band — stunned me.
They came out strong and never really let off the gas. While Hayes Carll had rallied the crowd after the rain had finally begun to let up, Margo turned up the volume and replaced the stormy skies overhead with the thunder of applause from the growing crowd. She absolutely has an amazing voice — and it became immediately clear her band could match her. It was a fun set. And, anyone who throws in a live cover of Leon Russell’s “Stranger In A Strange Land” has my full attention (Who’s Leon Russel, you ask?). There’s no doubt a quick poll of FreshGrass attendees would reveal Margo’s set as one of the favorites of the entire festival.
Emmylou Harris & the Red Dirt Boys
I’m gonna admit right up front, I’m not a huge Emmylou fan. And I’m fully aware that puts me in the minority. That said, as a music history enthusiast, I was not about to pass up the opportunity to see a living legend live. The queen brought the masses out to see her and she put on a show, even bringing Sam Bush on stage to jam a few tunes they did together years ago on their “At The Ryman” album. Respect.
Jerry Douglas Band
Seeing Jerry’s set on the main stage had been high on my list, as I’d read he was among the greatest dobro players in the world. But I had to step away from the festival at some point, and it ended up being during the bulk of his performance. I ran home quickly to get my friend Jason a dry pair of shoes and socks, while also rounding up the rest of the family as they were planning to join us for the evening festivities. Jason and his friend Chase caught the majority of the show and gave it their stamp of approval and I trust their judgement. But, as I was re-entering the festival, I was proud of myself for recognizing Douglas’ “Gone To Fortingall” (which Chase had just introduced me to a matter of hours earlier) from a distance.
Gravel Yard
Gravel Yard opened the festival at 4pm Friday. I’d been immediately drawn in by this new Arkansas-based bluegrass six-piece when I explored their debut album “Strange Times” prior to FreshGrass. Classic bluegrass sound that feels like home, with a few great voices trading on vocals.
The second I wrapped up work for the week, Tammy and I hustled over to The Momentary grounds to set up our lawn chairs by the main stage. Just as quickly, I jogged over to the side stage to kick off the festival with Gravel Yard. I dare you to not sing along or at least find yourself tapping to every song on their “Strange Times” album. They sound exactly like the album as they do on stage.
Willi Carlisle
While I didn’t get a photo of Willi, his side stage set kicked off the second day of the festival for me. It was still raining at a pretty good clip and I was sporting my Razorback poncho … but the elements didn’t seem to bother Willi and his band. Willi has made a name for himself in recent years in Northwest Arkansas through his association with House of Songs. He’s a younger guy with an old soul — an old-school folkster, picking on the guitar, mixing in some accordion and telling stories through song. What’s not to like when you break a century-old tune out of the vault. I found the following quote about him from the Washington Post and I think it sums up his performance perfectly: “Carlisle has a poetry in describing songs passed down through generations as a most precious cultural commodity, and a passion and immediacy in performing them. Both down home and brainy, [Willi] is worth seeking out.”
A festival to remember
There was some rain and some shine. I somehow managed to take in all but a few performances over the course of the entire weekend. And, just like last year, I left the venue pinching myself that a festival like this — that not only brings an amazing experience for all, but offers an opportunity to dig deeper into the roots of music from across the country and around the world — happens right here in the town I call home. My thirst is fueled once again … until the next FreshGrass comes around.
