The Virginia Piedmont is known for its beauty, its history, its crystal streams and hardwood forests, but it is also the home of a rich musical tradition. Drawing on a Scots-Irish heritage, the Blue Ridge settlers added voices from Africa and, in a unique medley of fiddle, banjo, bass and guitar, sang of America. Join us to enjoy this uniquely American sound on Saturday, August 18, 2012 when Wintergreen Performing Arts will present the voices of the Blue Ridge through its 7th Annual Blue Ridge Mountain Music Fest.
Nothin' Fancy (2:00 & 5:00 pm)
The 2012 program features the return of Nothin’ Fancy. Nothin’ Fancy formed as a bluegrass band in September 1994 to compete in the East Coast Bluegrass Championship in Crimora, Virginia. Since their auspicious debut, they have grown in popularity, released eight full length albums and one CD single, played the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the Lincoln Center in New York City, the Birchmere in Alexandria VA, have hosted their own festival in Buena Vista, VA since 2001, and won Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America’s “Entertaining Group of the Year” three consecutive years (2008, 2009, 2010) in a row. Their unique blend of zany on-stage humor with impressive bluegrass musicianship makes them audience pleasers wherever they perform.
The Steel Wheels (1:00 and 4:00 pm)
Also returning to the Mountain Music Fest will be The Steel Wheels. The Steel Wheels are truly an Americana band, rooted in musical styles that explore the territories between blues and bluegrass, old-time sing-alongs and foot-stompin’ fiddle tunes. They are subtle innovators who respect the past but whistle their own tunes, layering in rich textures and decidedly modern energy to forge a new sound. The four-piece band is based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where lead singer and primary songwriter Trent Wagler has been a staple for nearly a decade.
The Virginia Ramblers (Noon and 3:00 pm)
From a successful performance at last year’s Mountain Music Fest comes the Albemarle and Nelson County-based traditional bluegrass music of The Virginia Ramblers.
The Carys and Vigours (6:00 pm and jamming)
The day’s performances will conclude with the Appalachian string band music of Kim and Jimbo Cary & Pete and Ellen Vigour. The Carys and Vigours will be leading jamming sessions throughout the day.
Ticketing will be by wristband purchase on the day of the Fest, but you can also reserve your tickets in advance.
Ticket prices:
ADULTS – $25
STUDENTS (6-17) – $10
CHILDREN (UNDER 6) – FREE
To go to Nothin’ Fancy’s website click here.
To go to The Steel Wheels website click here.
To go to The Virginia Ramblers website click here.
For Kim and Jimbo Cary go here and for Pete and Ellen Vigour here.
