Friday, April 3, 2020

Big Medicine

On Friday, April 3, 2020, the string band Big Medicine will perform a special reunion concert for the Brandywine Friends of Old-Time Music. Big Medicine gained its fame with old-time melodies and mountain harmonies, ancient ballads and archaic fiddle tunes, beautiful original songs, hollers, hymns, and a touch of early bluegrass music. One of the most influential old-time bands in the American traditional music scene since it was founded in 1999, Big Medicine went on hiatus a few years ago, but members of the band always kept open the possibility of making music.

The band released three critically albums, toured the world, collaborated with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis and appeared on A Prairie Home Companion. Members of this award-winning band are some of the best-known and most exciting musicians on the traditional music scene: Kenny Jackson (fiddle, guitar, banjo, and vocals), Jim Collier (mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and vocals), Joe Newberry (banjo, guitar, and vocals), and Bobb Head (bass, guitar, banjo, and vocals)

The music that Big Medicine plays has remarkable power, nuance, and timeless appeal.  It is a balm for the modern maladies of the soul, and Kenny, Jim, Joe, and Bobb are looking forward to standing together on stage once more to share it with the Brandywine Friends audience.

8 p.m. at the Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 420 Willa Road, Newark, Del. 19711

Tickets online now or at the door: Public $20; Seniors $17; BFOTM Members $15; Students with school ID $10; Ages 17 & under FREE!

More info: concerts@brandywinefriends.org, www.brandywinefriends.org, or (302) 321-6466

The Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival is pleased to announce our line up for our 49th annual festival over Labor Day Weekend 2020. Tickets on sale now at Brown Paper Tickets.

Del McCoury Band
            The most awarded group in the history of bluegrass music

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
            One of the great bluegrass performers of all time

Kathy Mattea
            Country and bluegrass superstar featured prominently in Ken Burns’ PBS filmSister Sadie
            All star performers and winners of the IBMA 2019 vocal group of the year

Rhonda Vincent & the Rage
            One of the best-loved talents on the bluegrass circuit, with world-class musicians

Appalachian Roadshow
            Powerful presentation of the very soul of traditional Appalachian music

Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass
           One of the best hard-driving bluegrass bands in the world

Kenny and Amanda Smith
            Fine instrumental work with beautiful harmonies

Compton and Newberry
            Two legends of old-time and early bluegrass, together again

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley
            Grammy-nominated instrumental and vocal masters

Alan Bibey and Grasstowne
            Much-acclaimed band, with 2019 IBMA mandolin player of the year

Bill & the Belles
            Innovative interpreters of vintage roots music

Irene Kelly
            Brilliant songwriter and performer of captivating story songs

Pine Leaf Boys
            High energy Cajun music direct from Louisiana

Tatianna Hargreaves & Allison de Groot
            A deep dive into the heart of old-time mountain music

Henhouse Prowlers
            Worldwide ambassadors of bluegrass music

Blue Octane
            Mid-Atlantic regional favorites

Brandywine Friends Regional Jam List

Below is a list of bluegrass or acoustic jams in the Delaware, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey region.  If you know of changes in these jams or jams that are not included in this list send an email to bobslinden@yahoo.com.  We would like to acknowledge the work of Ed Pollak to compile the initial list that this was drawn from.

Go to: Delaware | Southern PA | Philadelphia | Central PA | Northeast PA | Maryland | New Jersey

The International Bluegrass Music Association has named our 44th Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival as their 2016 IBMA Event of the Year!

Thanks to all of the great volunteers who work so hard to make the festival a success.

Sociable? "Like" us on Facebook (Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival) and "Follow" us on Twitter (@delvalbg) for the latest festival news and bluegrass happenings.

BRANDYWINE FRIENDS CREATES PROJECT TO SUPPORT SLIPPERY-HILL

Memories from Festivals Past

Our official Festival Photographer, Priscilla Warnock, now has a selection of photos she has taken at the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festivals for sale on her web site.  This includes many from the 2009-2011 festivals and a selection of shots from previous festivals, too.  You have probably seen her work on the festival web site, in bluegrass magazines like Bluegrass Unlimited and even on a number of bluegrass CDs.