Saturday, June 18, 2011
11:00 am - Gates Open
Welcoming you at the gate will be Susan Withers and Patrick Fenning of Craggy Island performing old-time music and country blues unplugged.
On the Stage
12 to 12:45 pm
The Woodshedders are known as the original spark on the American soundscape. This talented 
band’s album Catch That Yardbird debuted on the SoundStage! Network’s “Top 10 Albums of 2009.” The Woodshedder’s music features a slew of new songs and sounds inspired by older times. With a fiery fiddle, gypsy guitar, rambling bass, pouncing drums, and songbird harmonies, the band veers from hard-swinging Django-esque romps to hot country jump blues and misty mountain ballads. This original and dynamic new sound called Indie Roots Americana, makes The Woodshedder’s who they are. Among the band’s influences are Minnie the Moocher, Andy Goldsworthy, fireflies and Hobo Fires.
1 pm to 2pm
One of the most eclectic bands around, Kelly Bell Band (KBB), formed as a back up band for Bo Diddley. KBB uses the sounds of reggae and rock with Muddy Waters style to keep their fans on the edge of their seats. In 2008 the band released Live from Dr. Unk’s (DVD), That’s What’s Up and I’m Just Sayin’ CDs. This band channels Sammy Davis Junior with highlights of modern rappers to make even the oldest groupies enjoy their rhythmic blues. KBB doesn’t take any show, song or phrase for granted. The band’s goal is to put on the best show every night for every fan, striving to make personal connections. Look for KBB before their performance from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm during Music Fest, or after the show to sign CDs. Their fans are extremely important and KBB goes out of their way to make each and every audience member feel their passion.
2:15 to 3:45pm
Donna Ulisse and the Poor Mountain Boys
Bluegrass singer/songwriter and poet, Donna Ulisse, was born in Hampton, VA surrounded by a musical family. She made her first appearance singing at the tender age of three when she wandered onto the stage with a bluegrass band. From that moment until now, there has never been any doubt that she would be creating music. Recently Ulisse had songs recorded by Claire Lynch, Darin & Brooke Aldridge and she had the title cut to Louise Mosrie’s Home, which was the #1 Folk album in the nation in January 2010. Bluegrass fans have gotten to know Donna over the past few years through her own brand of bluegrass; mostly self-written. Her influences are Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Norma Jean all of which she shared on her album Walk This Mountain Down. Ulisse’s traditional-style bluegrass vocals and Gospel numbers feature banjos and haunting story songs that only an artist as traditional-minded as Ulisse could pull off. The Music Fest audience will hear Donna and her band The Poor Mountain Boys from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm the day of the Music Fest.
4 to 5:30pm
Beaucoup Blue Band, a Philadelphia based quartet, takes pride in bridging many gaps in American music. The band’s soulful, traditional and contemporary styles mesh into an innovative and authentic sound. Although blues is a staple in their repertoire, their love of folk, soul, R&B, jazz, country and bluegrass resonates in their original scores. A handsome range of instruments like six and twelve string guitars, slide guitar, round neck resonator guitar, combined with the band’s soulful voices, encompasses a rich and honest feel, noticeably influenced by familial ties. Beaucoup Blue released two albums: Out Of The Woodwork, 2003, and Hearts At Home in 2005. The long awaited third album, Free To Fall, is produced by Grammy nominated Jim Salamone.
6 to 7-30pm
The fifth performer and highlight of the evening is a young talented quintet led by identical twin sisters, Maria and Sarah Fitzmaurice. Embracing a crossover sound between progressive bluegrass and alternative country, Fitzmaurice Band captured the attention of people on both sides of the tracks. This band kicked off 2010 by placing in four categories of the top 15 in The Bluegrass Legacy’s People’s Choice Awards. Their bluegrass sound is one of the most progressive in the young music scene today. The magic in this band is rooted in the fact that they are not just band mates, but also the best of friends, and this is clearly seen on stage. The energy, interplay, and synchronicity they possess are characteristic of the most seasoned of bands, and their love for music comes across with clarity, absorbing the audience into their experience and generating a genuine bond between listener and performer. Watch the band at their appearance in Lucketts on April 23 to whet your appetite Fitzmaurice Band at Lucketts April 23