Bourbon & Beyond has announced their 2023 lineup, with headliners including Billy Strings, Brandi Carlile (returning for her second year in a row), Hozier, The Avett Brothers, The Black Keys, and Jon Batiste. Other roots-related main stage acts include Ryan Bingham, Old Crow Medicine Show, First Aid Kit, Brittany Howard, Joy Oladokun, Darrell Scott Band, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, The Lone Bellow, and Mavis Staples.
The Bluegrass Situation returns for our fifth year back in Louisville, bringing you a knockout lineup of curated bluegrass and Americana talent inside the massive Bourbon Tent.
Thursday Kelsey Waldon | Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Friday The Lil’ Smokies | Twisted Pine | The Cleverlys
Saturday Town Mountain | Della Mae | Sunny War | Lindsay Lou
Sunday Dan Tyminski | Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen | Lindsay Lou
…and more announced soon!
The full BGS Stage schedule will be announced at a later date.
Billy Strings headlining appearance highlights the guitar prodigy’s meteoric rise. His first appearance at the festival was on the BGS stage in 2018.
Bourbon & Beyond is a four-day, all-ages festival dedicated to the perfect blend of food, music, and of course bourbon, taking place September 14-17, 2023 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Lousiville, KY.
In Their Words: “Every summer for the past twelve years or so, as the Green River Festival in Greenfield, Massachusetts, rolls around, I’ve had Creedence’s song ‘Green River’ stuck in my head. For about as many years I’d wanted to surprise the audience with a rendition of that perfectly summery tune as my homage to the beloved festival, which is presented by Signature Sounds, the label I’ve been happily working with since the beginning of my career. I have so many great memories of that festival over the years: meeting Lucinda Williams for the first time, getting my guitar autographed by Emmylou Harris, being moved to tears by Mavis Staples singing about the Freedom Highway, loving the music in the rain, or in the sun, or the crazy wind, every year having a distinctly amazing experience.
“Last summer the planets aligned just so and my band and I were able to present our version of ‘Green River’ to the Green River Festival on the main stage, and my daughter, part of the next generation of festival goers, was there to witness it. I’m not sure which Green River John Fogerty had in mind when he wrote the tune. I know he did so long before the Green River Festival began, but just as the song is synonymous to me with all things summer, so is that festival. When we recorded the song in August of last year, we would never have believed that the future of that festival, and nearly all festivals, and our own future as touring musicians, would be so imperiled. It’s my hope that the spirit of those free-flowing summer festival days and nights can live on brightly in our hearts and minds, that we can keep that spirit alive until rosier days, and pass the torch to the next generation to keep it lit.” — Eilen Jewell
The sun’s finally out, and we all know what that means — festival season is here, with its promise of long days, late nights, and all the truck-burgers you can hold down. Look, we love Glasto. But if you’re the kind of music lover who wants to actually be able to see the band while they play — and even, perhaps, locate your tent at the end of the night — can we offer a few alternatives? Here’s our guide to some of the best folk, roots and bluegrass festivals happening in Britain this summer.
Fire in the Mountain, 31 May to 2 June, Aberystwyth, Wales This brilliant little festival in Wales has sold out every year since its inception five years ago. Held on a former riding school that a group of friends and volunteers have loved back to life, it’s an event that exists purely to support and popularise quality roots music, and everything about it holds true to its mission, from the eclectic line-up — which this year includes Bruce Molsky’s Mountain Drifters, Po’ Boys Cajun Band and vintage calypso from Trinidad and Tobago – to the extremely good value ticket prices. You’ll also find only CAMRA-approved local ales and cider at the bar. Camping options include pre-pitched tents and Bell Tent glamping, and this year there’s even a ‘music only’ ticket for sale, although fair warning, it involves wearing a blindfold.
Black Deer Festival, 21 to 23 June, Eridge Park, Kent Launched last year to pretty instant acclaim, the Black Deer festival is run by two women who used to book the much-loved (but sadly short-lived) Hop Farm Festival. Its acts are a who’s who of Americana and roots-rock, including Band of Horses, Kris Kristofferson, The Shires, The Staves and The Magic Numbers, while Billy Bragg, John Smith, Justin Townes Earle and Jessie Buckley fight for second billing. Their food offerings are as lavish as their line-up, with a focus on authentic Southern smokehouse dishes and a barbecue competition. But our favourite thing? Their partnership with Supajam, a nearby school for teenagers who’ve fallen out of education, and who actually get to run one of the stages themselves.
Black Deer Festival. Photo by Carolina Faruolo
Maverick Festival, 5 to 7 July, Easton Woodbridge, Suffolk The UK’s first Americana festival, with 11 years under its belt, Maverick is proof that the people of Suffolk knew a good thing when they heard it. This year’s line-up includes the sensational Brother Brothers, so it’s clear they’ve still got great taste. The rest of the bill is a thoughtful one that uncovers so much lesser-heard talent we’d suggest the organisers move into R&D. Oh, and Otis Lee Crenshaw – the redneck jailbird musical alter ego of comedian Rich Hall – will be playing a set too, which makes it just about unmissable.
HebCelt, 17 to 20 July, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis A magical combination of folk, pop and tradition, the Hebridean Celtic Festival is one of those destination festivals where the venue is truly worth the trip. Set in the grounds of Lewis Castle, with views that look out over Stornoway Harbour to the ocean, this is a chance to experience ancient (and modern) music in one of the wildest, most remote parts of Britain: the Outer Hebrides. Expect upbeat headlining from KT Tunstall, fantastic support from the Elephant Sessions, and a whole host of Scottish folk royalty including Kris Drever and Talisk. After 20 years of making their visitors wish they lived here year round, HebCelt have even brought their own cookbook, so you can recreate the comfort of that haddock pie at home.
Beer and Bluegrass, 26 and 27 July, Poole, Dorset A relative newcomer to the scene, Beer and Bluegrass has successfully identified the two key elements to the happiness of mankind. It’s a great place to discover new international bands – from I See Hawks in LA (who are, not surprisingly, from Los Angeles), to The Local Honeys (Kentucky) and Massy Ferguson (Seattle). But it has a serious commitment to what’s behind the bar too, sourcing a wide range of craft ales and ciders both locally and nationally. They even have sessions where you can meet the brewers – and there’s a Somerset hog roast to help you soak up the booze.
Cambridge Folk Festival, 1-4 August, Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridgeshire The original and still the best. You won’t hear a bum note at this perfectly curated event. Cambridge has been showcasing the brightest and best since the folk revival reached the UK in the 1960s, and was founded as a direct inspiration of the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island (its first year’s line-up included a young Paul Simon). The mouthwatering line-up includes legends Ralph McTell, Graham Nash, and Lucinda Williams; elsewhere, Blind Boys of Alabama will be teaming up with Amadou and Mariam to present “From Bamako to Birmingham.” The glamping’s already sold out but you can still get in at the Cherry Hinton and Coldham’s Common Campsites.
Fairport’s Cropredy Convention, 8 to 10 August, Cropredy, Oxfordshire Festivals don’t get much more personal than this one. There’s something of the family reunion about it – no surprise since it’s been held every August since 1976 as a way for the band members of Fairport Convention to get back together, long after they went their separate musical ways. This will be a big year for guitarist Richard Thompson (although aren’t they all?) who’s celebrating his 70th birthday in 2019, and as ever the single-stage line-up is a blend of veteran and young folksters from across the UK, including Martin Simpson, Martin Barre Band, Seth Lakeman and Frank Turner.
Shrewsbury Folk Festival, 23 to 26 August, Shropshire Someone in Shropshire has clearly been working the phones. This one has a belter of a line-up, with stellar US acts like Birds of Chicago and Amthyst Kiah rubbing shoulders with British (wait, let’s not be modest about this – global) sensation Kate Rusby. There’s an appearance by evergreen Celtic giants Capercaillie, while Rev. Sekou will be bringing the blues and Mankala the Afrobeats. And if you don’t enjoy comedian Grace Petrie’s set, we suggest you get to the doctor stat and have them check your funny bone.
Photo of The Long Road: Steve Turvey
The Long Road, 6 to 8 September, Stanford Hall, Leicestershire Full disclosure – there’s a reason BGS gets especially excited about The Long Road, the UK’s most comprehensive three-day celebration of country, Americana and roots music. And that’s because, for the second year running, we’ll be staging a takeover of the Honky Tonk to bring you some of our favourite singer-songwriter acts. With performances from Rhiannon Giddens, Sam Outlaw, John Paul White and Kip Moore – not to mention a whole host of family entertainment with a country feel – you honestly can’t afford to miss this one.
Britons, rejoice. We know it’s not been an easy year for you, what with Brexit, and Prince Harry being taken off the marriage market. But we have good news. The first-ever BGS event hits the UK this summer, and it’s going to be, as they say over there, bloody brilliant.
BGS’s overseas debut follows the launch this week of the Long Road, a major new festival taking place September 7-9, 2018. A celebration of everything Americana, the Long Road is set to bring a slice of the South to the English countryside. For three days, the elegant grounds of Stanford Hall — a 17th-century stately home in Leicestershire — will rock out to the sounds of dozens of country and roots artists, including Lee Ann Womack, the Wood Brothers, Parker Millsap, and the Lone Bellow. And, when it’s not too busy, it’ll be doling out bourbon, moonshine, and Southern cooking, and inviting you to swim in its beautiful lake.
On Sunday, September 9, BGS will takeover the Long Road’s Honky Tonk stage to celebrate some of the fiercest females in modern roots music. The all-female line-up includes artists making waves on both sides of the Atlantic. From the U.S., we’ll be bringing you Ashley Campbell, Angeleena Presley, and Amythyst Kiah, while breakthrough British acts Danni Nicholls, Cardboard Fox, and the Worry Dolls will be flying the home flag. Look out, too, for Australian singer/songwriter Ruby Boots.
This is a thrilling — dare we say, pivotal — time for American music in the UK. The Long Road is one of three brand new festivals celebrating roots music to open this summer, including the Black Deer Festival, headlined by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. In August, Rhiannon Giddens will curate the Cambridge Folk Festival for the first time, and the Guardian recently reported that this year’s Country 2 Country festival, at the O2 arena, has enjoyed a four-fold increase since it began in 2013.
With so much good stuff happening just a plane ride away, BGS has exciting plans to bring you more great music both from and in the UK. Keep your eyes peeled for future announcements.
SXSW’s Music Festival took over Austin last week, a musical milestone that marks the transition out of winter and into spring. More importantly, it heralds the coming of the spring festival season, with a number of excellent smaller festivals whetting our appetites for the big things to come this summer. Get ready to kiss those winter blues goodbye and check out six of our favorite spring festivals.
Treefort Music Festival — Boise, Idaho — 3/22 – 3/26
Treefort doesn’t limit itself to just one genre of music so, if you enjoy more than roots music, this Idaho fest is a good choice. For the roots fans, though, there’s plenty on tap — Courtney Marie Andrews, Angel Olsen, Joshua James, and many other BGS-approved artists are scheduled to perform.
WinterWonderGrass Tahoe — Squaw Valley, California — 3/30 – 4/2
Yeah, it technically has “winter” in the title, but since it kicks off 10 days after the first day of spring, this California festival gets a pass. Look for Greensky Bluegrass, Yonder Mountain String Band, Sam Bush Band, and many more of your bluegrass faves.
Old Settler’s Music Festival — Driftwood, Texas — 4/20 – 4/23
Enjoy beautiful weather and beautiful scenery at this Texas festival, which is a little over half-an-hour (by car) outside of Austin. Highlights this year include Mandolin Orange, River Whyless, and Sarah Jarosz.
High Water Festival — North Charleston, South Carolina — 4/22 – 4/23
A festival curated by Shovels & Rope? Sign us up! This is the first year the husband-and-wife duo are trying their hand at festival curation and, by the looks of the line-up — which features Charles Bradley, Dawes, John Moreland, and more — it won’t be the last.
MerleFest 2017 — Wilkesboro, North Carolina — 4/27 – 4/30
It goes without saying that MerleFest is one of our favorite festivals, thanks to consistently killer lineups, on-site nature walks, midnight jams, and so much more. This year we have Chatham County Line, Jerry Douglas, and Front Country on our radar.
Shaky Knees Festival — Atlanta, Georgia — 5/12 – 5/14
One of the biggest festivals of the spring season, Shaky Knees brings musicians from around the world to Atlanta for three days of music. Ryan Adams, Dr. Dog, Margaret Glaspy, and Shovels & Rope are among the many artists on the festival’s fifth-anniversary lineup.
Ladies and gentlemen, Bonnaroo is upon us. We're so excited for our BGS Superjam (as well as a few other sets we plan to hit up in our downtime) that we're all packed and ready to, counting down the hours until we can head down to Manchester from Nashville on Thursday morning. As seasoned veterans of the 'Roo, though, we know that it isn't all fun and games, and each year we learn a new lesson — sometimes the hard way — about how to navigate a weekend at the Farm. So, here are some survival tips for making the most of your Bonnaroo experience.
Learn the rules: Check the Bonnaroo site so you know what you can and can't bring. Toilet paper? Yes. Firearms? Not so much. If you aren't sure what should be on your packing list, it's a great place to start.
Fill up your gas tank: The lines to drive in and out of the festival are always long, and the last thing you want is to be the asshole who holds everyone up because your car ran out of gas. Stop for gas as you're approaching Manchester, and go ahead and grab a snack or two for the long wait ahead.
Don't skimp on your campsite: We all wish for a rain-free festival, but sometimes Mother Nature has a different idea. Bring a tent that can withstand the elements, and make sure you have a shaded area to hang out in and rest on sunny days. If you think you'll have a difficult time finding your campsite after a beer or five, put up a flag or a large balloon so you can see your tent from far away.
Pack comfortable clothes and shoes: This is a no-brainer. You're going to be out in the oppressive Tennessee heat for three-and-a-half days, so throw your fashion concerns out the window and get comfy. Your feet will thank you.
Stay hydrated: Drink water. So much water. Don't stop drinking water. Ever. Really.
Bring your own food: Food at Bonnaroo is expensive and not always the healthiest. Save a little cash (and a lot of time waiting in long lines) by packing your own snacks and meals.
Take care of your skin: Nothing will harsh your Bonnaroo vibe faster than a sunburn, so keep applying that sunscreen! Hats and bandanas are great ideas, too, for the less follicly inclined among us. Don't forget the bug spray, either!
Try to get some sleep: Yeah, we know, this is a hard one. When your favorite band is playing a 2 am set, it's hard to trudge back to your campsite to catch some zzzs. Just remember: It's a marathon, not a sprint, and you'll enjoy those Sunday shows more, if you squeezed in a little rest.
Keep your phone charged: With tens of thousands of people in one area, cell reception isn't the best, which means your battery is going to drain more quickly than usual. Bring some form of battery backup, and be mindful of keeping your phone charged so you don't become disconnected from your group. It isn't a bad idea to memorize the phone number of someone from your campsite, too, in case you drop your phone in a mud puddle or lose it dancing at the Silent Disco. And if memorization isn't your jam, write some numbers down on paper and carry it in your pocket.
Use the buddy system: There are few things worse than getting lost in a sea of stoned festival-goers with no friend (or cell service) in sight. Make sure you always know where at least one of your fellow camp-mates is and designate an easy to find meeting spot in case you still manage to get separated.
Pack a flashlight: You'll thank us when you're trekking back to your campsite in the dark at 3 am.
And last but not least, have fun and come say hey! We'll be hanging out at That Tent all day Sunday and would love to see all your bright, shining, muddy faces. Come see us!
-17 beaded hemp headbands -Bikini bottoms -25 hula-hoops -Heart-shaped Ray Bans -Backup heart-shaped Ray Bans -9 asymmetrical gemstone rings (per hand) -Hella coconut water -Bubbles -Moonstones -Shorts that look like belts -Your mom’s Woodstock sarong -Chihuahua rescue -Boastful yet #grateful hash tags -Friend to sneak you into VIP -Dude who’s crushing you to save spot at the front -Ring pops (for hunger)
The above is a work of satire. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental … although entirely likely.
Big festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza are amazing, if you want to experience hundreds of bands with hundreds of thousands of your closest friends. But in recent years, smaller festivals have made big names for themselves thanks to eclectic lineups, beautiful locales, and the kind of intimacy you just can't experience at some of their larger counterparts. From the curated countryside of Wildwood Revival to the hot air balloon rides at Green River Festival, these five small festivals are sure to leave big impressions.
1. NORTHWEST STRING SUMMIT // NORTH PLAINS, OR July 14 – 17, 2016
True to its name, the Northwest String Summit brings together all of your favorite string bands for three days of pickin' and grinnin'. The Summit, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, offers a limited number of spots for RV camping, as well as a variety of ticket options. Catch Yonder Mountain String Band, the Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass, and more on this year's bill. [More Info]
2. HUCK FINN JUBILEE // ONTARIO, CA June 10 – 12, 2016
Founded in 1975, the Huck Finn Jubilee is one of North America's most celebrated bluegrass festivals. Camp on-site or stay in town and enjoy all that Ontario has to offer. This year's lineup includes Punch Brothers, Leftover Salmon, Earls of Leicester, Della Mae, and many more. [More Info]
3. WILDWOOD REVIVAL // ATHENS, GA August 26 – 28, 2016
One of the newer festivals, Wildwood Revival is back and better than ever in its third year. Featuring amazing food, artisanal crafts, and Americana music galore, Wildwood offers a complete cultural experience, all located in the beautiful Georgia countryside. This year's lineup features Gillian Welch, the Lone Bellow, and Houndmouth. [More Info]
4. GREEN RIVER FESTIVAL // GREENFIELD, MA July 8 – 10, 2016
Since its inception in 1986, the Green River Festival has been a festival mainstay for fans of roots music. And with local beer, camping (a newly added lodging option), great music, and hot air balloon rides, it's no surprise why. Headliners this year include Shovels & Rope, Dawes, and Shakey Graves. [More Info]
5. ROCKLAND-BERGEN MUSIC FESTIVAL // TAPPAN, NY June 25 – 26, 2016
If you're looking to expand your musical horizons, look no further than the Rockland-Bergen Music Festival. The festival, which also highlights non-profit organizations in the New York/New Jersey area, features a wide array of genres, with performing artists including Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Jorma Kaukonen, and New Riders of the Purple Sage. [More Info]
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