Anastasia Music Festival Brought Amazing Bluegrass to Nation’s Oldest City
The inaugural Anastasia Music Festival delivered a lineup of top-caliber acts from across the bluegrass world. The festival was held at the newly upgraded St Augustine Amphitheater the weekend of March 16-18.
Let me get this out of the way, and then I will get into the music. With a lineup that included performances by Del McCoury, Sam Bush, David Grisman, Cabinet, Mandolin Orange and Sierra Hull, I was expecting there to be a big crowd. However, the attendance was very low. I am not sure if the cold weather (highs in the 50s are considered cold down here), the very limited camping sites available nearby, or just lack of marketing, but a ton of people really missed out on a weekend of fantastic music. There also seemed to be a bit of unwise placement for the two outside stages. When bands on the Acoustic stage and Porch stage were playing simultaneously, the closeness in proximity caused some major bleed-over which was distracting to fans and musicians alike. Ok, all that being said, the small but enthusiastic crowd got front row seats to many stellar performances over the three-day event.
David Grisman’s Bluegrass Experience delivered a history lesson of old-time and bluegrass music. This latest collaboration for mandolinist, composer and producer David Grisman delved into his traditional roots, accompanied by a handpicked ensemble of true talent. With Billy Strings adding his magic on both guitar and vocals to this latest collaboration, it was a treasure to experience a set of roots perfection.
Sierra Hull and Ethan Jodziewicz
Grammy-nominated Sierra Hull brought a rare talent to stage with her sweet voice and gifted mandolin skills. She was recognized at the age of 11 as an up-and-coming star in the bluegrass world and signed her first record deal at 13. Her skills seem to be endless, and, with Ethan Jodziewicz lending vocals and harmonic upright bass, they created a melodic and hypnotizing set of modern bluegrass with classical undertones.
Legendary Del McCoury is one of today’s most recognized masters of bluegrass, and for good reason. His voice echoes that high lonesome sound that has earned him the respect and admiration of generations of music fans and musicians alike. With his infectious smile and gentle laugh, you can’t help but smile through his entire set. Joined with the family harmonies and expert pickin’ skills of sons Ronnie and Robbie McCoury were Jason Carter on fiddle and bassist Alan Bartram. The quintet create a dynamic explosion of mountain music. In usual Del fashion, he asked the audience for requests which brought out a range of suggestions, but most of all his classic version of Richard Thompson’s “Vincent 52.” He eventually played that song and went right into a crowdpleasing sing along of “I Need More Time.” The family harmonies shone bright with “Get on Your Knees and Pray” and “Cornbread and Creekwater.” Some people just get better with age, and Del is most certainly one of them. His voice is impeccable, and you can’t find a missed lick when he is playing guitar.
Sam Bush has got to be the happiest man in music. You can tell from the start of his set that he is a man who truly enjoys every minute of being on stage and making music — and make music he does. His musical path has expanded the horizons of what the definition of bluegrass means. Sam has been hailed as the king of newgrass with a style that takes his influences in gypsy jazz, folk, rock and mountain music and blends them into a unique sound that defies boundaries. From a rip-roaring version of Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” to the traditional bluegrass song “Riding the Bluegrass Train,” the band was on fire. Sam’s endless catalog is well worth a listen.
The closing set for the festival featured the Grateful Ball with members of the Travelin’ McCourys and master mandolinist Jeff Austin. It was a rip roaring show and their rendition of “Friend of the Devil” had the crowd jumping. You tell that these guys enjoy playing together and cutting lose with some improvisation.
There were so many more good sets throughout the weekend that it would be impossible to mention them all, but here are a few more highlights.
Based out of Portland, Oregon, Fruition tore up the stage with their electrified sounds for multiple appearances. This group has some powerful skills and deliver perfectly ranged three- and four-part harmonies. They flooded the amphitheater stage with a mix of rockabilly and soul-filled roots music.
Asheville guitarist Taylor Martin has deeply resonant vocals and rapid-fire guitar skills which are taking him quickly up the Americana ladder. He had a few guests join him for each set. First was renowned Jacksonville mandolin player Steve Pruett, who added his syncopated licks for a few songs. The next night fiddle player Lyndsay Pruett and guitarist Jon Stickley of the Jon Stickley Trio joined in. It was a fast-paced explosion of music and highlighted the direction that the new kids on the Asheville scene are taking music.
Nikki Talley had toes tapping with a set that highlighted her powerful, soul-filled vocals and well-written lyrics. Her husband and band mate Jason Sharp’s precision guitar and harmonies rounded out the duo’s dynamic sound. One of her sets included Nikki on clawhammer banjo singing “John Abry’s Bride” that made you want to dance your boots off.
The Anastasia Music Festival has plenty of room to grow over the next year, so make plans to be there and expect a lineup of top-notch performances. We hope to see more of you there next time to share in the music.
Check out our gallery below showcasing the weekend’s performances by The Del McCoury Band, David Grisman’s Bluegrass Experience, Elephant Revival, Sam Bush, Fruition, Cabinet, Jeff Austin Band, The Travelin’ McCourys, Mandolin Orange, Sierra Hull, The Broomestix, The Dustbowl Revival, Joe Pug, Jon Stickley Trio, Grits & Soul, Nikki Talley, The Honeycutters, Taylor Martin, The Applebutter Express, Paper Bird, Flagship Romance, Town Meeting, West King Band, The Alastair-Byrd Revue, Remedy Tree, I Like Dandelions, Robbie Dammit and the Broken Strings and artist-at-large Steve Pruett.
