Bluegrass Festival
Information

9th Annual Pepsi Wyoming State BBQ Championship
and Bluegrass Festival - in 2013!

August 16th & 17th, 2013.  Worland, WY.  Washakie County Fairgrounds.  wyobbq@gmail.com
 

Claire Lynch Band

By any measure, the Claire Lynch Band is high on the bluegrass world's A-List, with musicians whose accolades include two International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Female Vocalist of the Year awards and two Grammy nominations for Best Bluegrass Album (Claire); the MerleFest Doc Watson Guitar Champion (Matt Wingate); two IBMA Bass Player of the Year awards (Mark Schatz) and an unprecedented triple first-place win at the Winfield Kansas National Flatpicking Championship on guitar, fiddle and mandolin (Bryan McDowell)

Claire's musical direction dates back to the days of the Front Porch String Band, resulting in a seasoned sound that is simultaneously unpretentious and richly textured. It's a down-home, front porch sensibility—until you realize that it's a rare front porch, indeed, that has ever hosted musicians of this caliber. The band is grounded by bassist Mark Schatz's deft touch and masterful instinct for groove. North Carolina native Bryan McDowell brings gifted chops that reveal a captivating style and a balanced intellect. And Matt Wingate is a remarkably soulful young gun whose mature improvisational musicality is seemingly far beyond his years, making him instantly at home in one of the greatest acoustic bands currently on the scene.

Dolly Parton credits Claire with "one of the sweetest, purest and best lead voices in the music business today." Claire's harmonies have graced the recordings of many stellar musicians, from Ralph Stanley to Linda Ronstadt. Equally gifted as a songwriter, her songs have been recorded by The Seldom Scene, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea, Cherryholmes, The Whites and others.

In 2005 Claire struck her second 3-album deal with Rounder Records. Since then, along with the help of these amazing musicians, she’s toured with a vengeance and produced chart-topping recordings which yielded multiple IBMA nominations. This most recent phase of her career received an exclamation point in the wake of her newest release (Whatcha Gonna Do) when she was awarded the IBMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year title for 2010.

We are so glad that Claire is returning to the Pepsi Wyoming State BBQ Championship and Bluegrass Festival!!

Checkout Claire's website for more information.

Jeff Scroggins and Colorado

Jeff Scroggins and Colorado is a high energy, high mountain “bluegrass explosion,” that features the amazing banjo playing of Jeff Scroggins. Jeff’s fiery style and lightning fast licks have earned him many fans worldwide, and have left many a first time listener in stunned disbelief! It also features the award winning mandolin playing of Jeff’s son Tristan Scroggins. Tristan is also an accomplished songwriter, and his and Jeff’s original instrumentals play a large role in the band’s unique and energetic sound.

The band also features incredible bluegrass vocals, led by the powerful voice of front man Greg Blake. Greg has twice been nominated for SPBGMA’s “Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year” award, and his phenomenal bluegrass guitar playing has earned him 9 nominations and an amazing 5 consecutive wins as SPBGMA’s Guitarist of the Year!

Annie Savage also brings to the group strong vocals and an aggressive fiddle style that is well suited to the band’s high energy approach, and she, along with bassist Sebie Denson round out the band’s stellar bluegrass vocal trio. Sebie attended South Plains College’s Bluegrass music program and his knowledge of bluegrass music and excellent arranging skills have made him the “de facto music director” of the band. Sebie’s tasteful and driving bass playing is the cornerstone of the band’s sound.  Check out their web site or follow them on Twitter or Facebook.

The Tuttles with AJ Lee

This amazing and talented group of young people have been performing outstanding Bluegrass and entertaining large crowds since there were pre-teens.  The Tuttles with A J Lee feature two of the finest young singers in the country.  Their dazzling instrumental contributions are a delight to everyone.

When they returned to the Redwood Bluegrass Associates event, there were hailed as returning "Hometown Heroes" - and for good reason.  This group has been part of that event several times so the attendees there have had the priviledge of watching them grow up on stag with consistent talent that continues to mature and grow musically.  Long ago they surpassed the "pretty great for kids" handle, and would be described by anyone as a truly exceptional band.

Not long ago, Molly won the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest with her original composition "Walden," and Molly and Jack were runners-up in the Prairie Home Companion duet contest.  A J Lee was featured in a Mother Jones magazine article titled, "Could This Kid Be the Next Alison Krauss?" Jack was awarded a Lifetime Membership by the California Bluegrass Association.

Their musical sources and repertoire are varied and ever-changing, but firmly rooted in bluegrass.  Come on out and enjoy The Tuttles!

Sound Provided by Old Blue Sound.

Old Blue Sound is known for their professionalism, attention to detail and artistic talent.  Not only are they good at what they do, but they have fun at it, they work to set everyone at ease both on and off stage.  Look forward to a great experience!  For further information,  check out their website: www.oldbluesound.com .
 

Bring your instrument - and get ready to join the band!  An impromptu gathering of artists are invited to take the stage - and make music - during the jam session in the morning.  Last year, the music was surprisingly good!  Please consider taking part in this open microphone / open stage event - and sharing the fun and excitement.  You'll be glad you did!

***** No Animals Of Any Kind Allowed on Festival Grounds! *****