Tag: horses

PHOTOS: North Carolina’s Earl Scruggs Music Festival is One-of-a-Kind

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

The 3rd Annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival was a smash hit! Held over Labor Day weekend at the stunning, luxurious grounds of the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina – a short drive from Scruggs’ hometown of Shelby and the small crossroads of Flint Hill, where he was born and raised – the event featured bluegrass, old-time, country, and Americana made at the highest levels on three stages. Featuring brick-and-mortar restaurants, a shaded grandstand, dozens of vendors and boutiques, a large campground, posh tiny home cabin stays, and so much more, this is not your standard flatbed-trailer-in-a-hay-field festival. It’s so much more.

BGS was on hand at this year’s event to once again co-present a special tribute set, renamed The Scruggs Sessions and paying tribute to Flatt & Scruggs’ iconic live album, At Carnegie Hall! Festival hosts Jerry Douglas and the Earls of Leicester helmed the special show on the Foggy Mountain Stage, a crowd favorite in years past that formerly highlighted the Earl Scruggs Revue. This year, artists and bands like Shadowgrass, Wyatt Ellis, Lindsay Lou, Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, Twisted Pine, the Faux Paws, Old Crow Medicine Show, and more played selections from Flatt & Scruggs’ legendary performance at Carnegie Hall in 1962. The ESMF crowd delighted in note-for-note replications alongside brand new reimaginations of the album’s essential songs and tunes – complete with a rendering of “Martha White” that elicited plenty of raucous singing along.

Horse jumping demonstrations were held nearby the Legend’s Workshop Stage, where artists from the lineup told stories, shared songwriting pointers, talked about banjo techniques, and so much more. Fine spirits and wines were available for sale at the Spirits of Bluegrass stands and the Earl Scruggs Center – a fantastic museum focused on Scruggs that calls the former courthouse in Shelby its home – sold their Scruggs-ian wares and passed out hand fans to festival goers throughout the weekend.

It was a perfect festival to mark the 100th year since Scruggs’ birth, with artists, bands, and musicians from across the musical spectrum demonstrating the wide scope of the innovative banjo picker’s impact and legacy. On the Flint Hill Stage, headliners like Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives – featuring Chris Scruggs, who received multiple standing ovations from the audience – Mighty Poplar, Yonder Mountain String Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Tanya Tucker illustrated that bluegrass is certainly not a monolith. And, that traditional-leaning festivals such as ESMF can be just as expansive and broad as their more Americana-geared or rootsy competitors.

Though Friday and Saturday were blisteringly hot and Sunday saw more than one weather delay while lightning storms rolled out of the Appalachians and over the foothills, the crowds were resilient and energized and the festival showed, yet again, that this event is being built for the long haul. Conveniently located a short drive from Greenville, SC, Asheville and Charlotte, NC and a mere five hour drive from Nashville, ESMF is a must-visit destination festival where everything you could ever need – from banjos to horse jumping to wood-fired pizza to glamorous camping to high-quality interviews and workshops to international superstars – are all combined in one convenient, luxurious location.

Below, check out select photos from the 2024 edition of the Earl Scruggs Music Festival – and make plans to join us next year over Labor Day weekend in 2025! Tickets are on sale now.

Tickets for Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2025 are on sale now.

All photos courtesy of Earl Scruggs Music Festival and shot by Cora Wagoner and Jess Maples, as marked.
Lead Image: Tanya Tucker performs on the Flint Hill Stage, photo by Jess Maples. 

Jarrod Morris on Only Vans with Bri Bagwell

Posted on by Shelby Williamson

(Editor’s Note: Only Vans with Bri Bagwell is the latest addition to the BGS Podcast Network! Read more about the podcast coming on board here. Find our episode archive here.)

Fellow Texan, country musician, and podcaster Jarrod Morris joins Only Vans on this week’s episode to discuss being “cool,” hygiene, meat, and the origins of farriery. This is a hilarious and honest conversation and it was so great getting to know Jarrod.

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Find Jarrod’s music, podcast, tour dates and merchandise here.

Thanks to our sponsors for this episode, The MusicFest at Steamboat, Lakeside Tax & CH Lonestar Promo!

WATCH: Caitlin Rose, “Nobody’s Sweetheart”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Caitlin Rose
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Nobody’s Sweetheart”
Album: CAZIMI
Release Date: November 18, 2022
Label: Missing Piece Records

In Their Words: “For a long time I was doing a little series on Instagram where I would punchline all of the old sheet music I was collecting. There’s a 1924 tune called ‘Nobody’s Sweetheart’ and I added ‘and nobody’s fool’ as a crack. I ended up taking it down because I knew it would be a really fun one to write. Daniel Tashian just happened to be on my schedule that week and was the perfect musical cohort to explore this. I wanted something anthemic and fun (and easy) to play in sets and that definitely scratched the itch.

“Similarly, the video just came out of wanting to ride horses and, more specifically, that I always thought Nobody’s Sweetheart was a perfect racing name. We were able to film at the Loretta Lynn Ranch thanks to some amazing friends. Crystal Lynn patiently guided me through an entire week’s worth of riding lessons in one day. I’m so thankful to the Lynn family for one of the best days I’ve had in a long time and for this perfect opportunity to become a born-again horse girl.” — Caitlin Rose

Photo Credit: Laura E. Partain

BGS 5+5: Brigitte DeMeyer

Posted on by Editor

Artist name: Brigitte DeMeyer
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Latest album: Seeker
Personal nicknames (or rejected band names): Well, my husband calls me Bubba. My friends sometimes call me B, or Brig. My nieces and nephews call me “Tante Brigie.”

What was the first moment that you knew you wanted to be a musician?

I always knew I loved to sing, as far back as age 12 when I won the talent show at summer camp. I sang whenever I could, in church, in school musicals, in various bands, just for the fun of it. But, in my late 20s I was asked to jump in and sing at an informal party with a very talented friend who was playing acoustic guitar for folks. He played in such a way that a feeling came through me when I began singing, it was like I left the building and got lost in the song. I felt like notes were coming through me from somewhere else.

When I opened my eyes at the end of the song the room of people had gone quiet and all had gathered around me and erupted into a joyous cheer at the end of the song. It was the first time I remember getting naturally high from singing. I have spent my whole career chasing that feeling of connection to whatever came through me that day. It can come from anywhere. Collaborating with someone with the right chemistry, connecting with the audience, or just being by myself writing. They may not be the best performances of my life when that happens. But, it’s about the feeling I get, from connecting to something higher. It’s also really fun to play with friends. Energy exchanging and collaborating. Hope all that makes sense.

What’s the toughest time you ever had writing a song?

I guess I would say the toughest time trying to write a song is when I am super happy. You have to really dig in deep and create something out of nothing. “Cat Man Do” came out that way. It took me a year to write that song. You have to make up a character or situation from scratch. I have enough life experiences to draw from. And, inspiration can come from anywhere so I force myself to be open and pay attention. You mix a little fiction with imagination and add a bit of grease and salt, or sugar if that’s what the song calls for. Approaching a song like a poem or a story is something I enjoy as well, or using old language that isn’t vernacular is fun. It makes the song feel deeper and have more character I think. Though it has to make sense to the listener as well, so finding balance lyrically there is tricky at times.

What’s your favorite memory from being on stage?

I have so many. But one of them, was at Humphreys in San Diego in 2014, when I opened for Gregg Allman. He was in the wings watching and listening to me during my whole set. When I came off the stage, he approached and told me I had a beautiful voice. I told him he did. That was a great day. Another great memory was in Ullapool, Scotland, sitting in at the pub with those raucous Scots listening in. They are so appreciative and warm in the U.K. I love performing there.

Which elements of nature do you spend the most time with and how do those impact your work?

This is an easy one for me. I am an avid horse enthusiast. I am often out at the barn where I board my horse, which is surrounded with rolling hills and wildlife, like hawks, coyotes, goats, etc., and a neighboring cattle farm. Horses for me remind me nature is king, and give me that feeling of connection to something higher as well. I come home way happier every time I go and spend time with my horse. It is also a confidence builder.

If you had to write a mission statement for your career, what would it be?

I would say trust your gut, and just be yourself. Don’t try to sound like anyone else, or write like anyone else. And don’t let anyone tell you what is right for you. If you need to get your mix right, do it. Don’t settle. Also, I was told I was too old in my late 20s to begin my career. I did not listen. I forged my own path kind of organically. Oh yeah, and ALWAYS surround yourself with people who make you happy in your work. If the vibe is there, the music will follow. It shows in the music.

 

Harmonics with Beth Behrs: Beth Behrs & the Brothers Koren, ‘The Moon Will Stay’

Posted on by Shelby Williamson

Beth Behrs, host of the BGS podcast Harmonics, is premiering her new album with the Brothers Koren, The Moon Will Stay – now available on Bandcamp.


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The project was originally intended to be purely therapeutic, a merging of Behrs’ personal poetry and the Korens’ music it inspired. But over time, with the growth of the Harmonics community and a decision to be more vulnerable with her listeners, Behrs decided to release the album via Bandcamp, donating the proceeds to three organizations near and dear to her heart:

Songwriting with Soldiers provides weekend retreats across the U.S. for veterans who have served in all conflicts. Since 2012, they’ve connected with hundreds of veterans and military families, and created a safe and inspiring environment to share their experiences and write with professional songwriters, like Mary Gauthier, a guest on Season 1 of Harmonics.

Jewel’s Never Broken program, in partnership with the Inspiring Children Foundation, aides struggling children through mental health support, mentoring, education, and equip them with life skills and tools to earn college scholarships. Jewel will be the first guest on Season 2 of Harmonics, premiering next week.

The Equus Foundation is the only national animal welfare foundation in the U.S. that is 100% dedicated to protecting the country’s horses, and strengthening the bond between horses and people. Their mission is to safeguard the dignity of America’s horses throughout their lives, and to share the ability that horses have to empower, teach, and heal. Equine therapy has had a huge impact on host Beth Behrs’ and her family’s lives — horses have been instrumental in her mental health and loving connection within her family.

Subscribe to Harmonics to stay in the loop for Season 2, premiering on Tuesday, March 9, featuring guests like singer-songwriter Jewel, legendary comedian and entertainer Carol Burnett, renowned singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth, and so many more incredible guests!

Follow @harmonicspodcast on Instagram for more updates on these incredible organizations, and to stay updated on the podcast.

Album Art: Hana Behrs

LISTEN: Terra Lightfoot, “Two Wild Horses”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Terra Lightfoot
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
Song: “Two Wild Horses”
Album: Consider the Speed
Release Date: October 16, 2020
Label: Sonic Unyon

In Their Words: “I had booked some time to write in Nashville and was having a hell of a time finding songs, inspiration, lyrics, any of it. I was out for a drive, having a bit of an existential crisis to be honest, feeling down about everything.… when suddenly I nearly slammed into two horses in the middle of Franklin Pike on a Saturday night. They walked slowly across the road, totally oblivious to all these speeding cars around them. I pulled over and tried to corral them away from anything that might hurt them, and eventually they ran off into the night.

“Seeing those horses really stirred something in me, made me want to forget about whatever was troubling me before that moment. I guess it fast-tracked me into the present, where I realized that the only thing that mattered was what was standing right in front of me: two beautiful wild horses in the middle of a highway on a Nashville Saturday night. About five days later, I found the song I was gonna write about the whole experience — and then, one by one, I found each song that you’ll hear on Consider the Speed with ease.” — Terra Lightfoot

Photo credit: Mat Dunlap

WATCH: Colter Wall, “High & Mighty”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Colter Wall
Hometown: Swift Current, Saskatchewan
Song: “High & Mighty”
Album: Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs
Release Date: August 28, 2020
Label: La Honda Records/Thirty Tigers

In Their Words: “’High & Mighty’ is a Saskatchewan saddle bronc song written by Lewis Martin Pederson III. LMP hails from around Abbey, Saskatchewan, not far from where I grew up. He’s known for rodeoing, his poetry, and in the ’70s he put out three great records (that I know of). Saddle bronc riding is my favourite rodeo event and upon hearing Pederson’s album Rodeo No.1 Sport, I immediately knew I wanted to cut it on a record.” — Colter Wall

Photo credit: Robert Stilwell

LISTEN: An American Forrest, “Dark to Dark”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: An American Forrest
Hometown: Powatke, Oregon
Song: “Dark to Dark”
Album: O Bronder, Donder Yonder?
Release Date: May 10, 2019
Label: OK Records

In Their Words: “When I apprenticed to the study of horsemanship, my wages were bed and board; my hours were dark to dark. This song comes from being just as ‘green,’ or uneducated, as the horse you’re riding, and a song about growing from that, maturing in ways you don’t expect, learning patience and discipline and sensitivity from the horse while teaching those things to the horse. What is a ‘horse as light as morning?’ Well, that horse could be light in color, or it could be finely trained and ‘light’ on the reins. A Barb-y Mustang would be a horse descended from feral North American horses showing characteristics of the old Spanish Barb breed.” — Forrest Van Tuyl, An American Forrest

Photo credit: Nicole Freshley

3×3: Lillie Mae on Time Jumping, Train Riding, and Touring without Dogs

Posted on by Amy Reitnouer

Artist: Lillie Mae
Hometown: Nashville is home! But hometown was any RV park or parking lot across America until the year 2000 when Nashville became home. 
Latest Album: Forever and Then Some
Personal Nicknames: LM

If you could go back (or forward) to live in any decade, when would you choose?

My decade of choice? Whatever decade will let me travel by horse … But not too early for instrument STRINGS to not be easily accessible. And I’d like to be a boy then, also, because I wouldn’t be happy wearing them hot-ass thousand-degree dresses (been there). Though they sure are pretty!

Who would be your dream co-writer?

My dream co-write? Does the dream get half????? Shoooooot, rats! 

If a song started playing every time you entered the room, what would you want it to be?

“Raging Rivers” sung by my friend Billy Droze, written by my friend Kathy Hudson

 

Killer gig last nite !!!!!! Thanks for the photo miss jaedra Wedel!

A post shared by Lillie Mae (@littlefiddle7) on

What is the one thing you can’t survive without on tour?

Can’t survive without INSTRUMENTS and dogs. (I do survive without dogs on tour occasionally, but it’s pointless and way, way, way less fun.) Toothbrush … and a football helps things along sometimes … all the time!

What are you most afraid of?

I’m afraid of letting people down!!!!!!!! It’s my least favorite thing. Example? Possibly forgetting the words or a part or simply not performing to my capability.   

Who is your celebrity crush?

No celebrity crush this week. (I don’t have a TV or a computer, so I’m kind of out of the loop.)

 

Having a blast on the road with @BenHarper & The Innocent Criminals! by @mcspixs at Soul Kitchen last Saturday.

A post shared by Lillie Mae (@littlefiddle7) on

Pickles or olives?

Olives, but how about less salt olives?

Plane, train, or automobile?

Hate flying, my arms are always tired when we get to the gig! (hehehehe) TRAINS every day! And I love driving, so yes to trains and cars. Preferably pick-up trucks. But I’d trade both of them for a horse or two.  

Which is worse — rainy days or Mondays?

Mondays, we get to start anew, and it was my only day off Lower Broadway for 10 years plus … and the Time Jumpers play, so we need those. And we need rainy days!!!! Both are treasured!