With 19 featured acts representing four foreign countries and American artists who grew up in states from Massachusetts to Alaska, the 25th annual Rocky Mountain Folks Festival covered the gamut in many ways during three days of genre-bending music in August. If you want to see everyone in this jam-packed lineup, though, plan on eliminating dinner breaks or forgoing other commitments.
In honor of the silver anniversary celebration during a year when the quality of musicianship was especially strong from start to finish, 25 favorite things were selected from one man's compilation of top 10 performers that included old-timers and newcomers. (Listed in order of appearance with scheduled times and dates not allowing for the Aug. 14 lightning delay.)
Peter Yarrow, Aug. 14, 3:45-5 p.m.
A young, talented singer-songwriter performing later at the festival admitted he didn't recognize the elderly gentleman, a guest instructor at the Song School all week before making his first Folks Fest appearance, until the names Peter, Paul and Mary were strung together.
Favorite moment: Yarrow pointing out (probably for the umpteenth time) that "Puff, the Magic Dragon, which the New Yorker co-wrote with Leonard Lipton in 1959 at Cornell University, had nothing to do with marijuana or any other drug because "there was no grass on the campus. ... At the time, the most egregious thing that we did was drink beer in the dorms or go on a panty raid." During his kid-friendly set, Yarrow, 77, invited children as young as three (along with their parents) to join him onstage for the song he reworked to include a happier ending.
Favorite cover: "Blowin' in the Wind." Of course, the 1960s folk trio Yarrow co-founded became a sensation before recording Bob Dylan's song, but the version they released in 1963 became one of their biggest hits and made them an everlasting symbol of the peace movement. Playing his acoustic guitar that included a handwritten card inscribed with "NOT AFRAID!" Yarrow strongly urged everyone to stand up "to recognize that we stand on the shoulders of Dr. Martin Luther King" and put their arms around each other. The feel-good harmony would spread for three days throughout the serene setting.
Kasey Chambers, Aug. 14, 7:15-8:30 p.m.
The first of two Australian acts returning to Folks Fest after a long absence (the Waifs were featured in an Aug. 7 preview), Chambers and her band that included her harmonica- and guitar-playing dad Bill and newcomers from Grizzlee Train -- Brandon Dodd (guitars), Josh Dufficy (percussion, harmonica) -- endured an hourlong rain-lightning delay before zapping the crowd with a super-charged set.
Favorite song: Most of the numbers the three-time Folks Fest performer played from the recently released Bittersweet, her first solo record in four years, were winners but the unreleased "Talkin' Baby Blues" had the crowd cheering heartily. The fast-talking, wise-cracking 39-year-old wrote it while recovering from throat surgery when, unable to sing, she had eight weeks to "reflect on my life." Her five-minute personal journey included musical references to Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Twisted Sister, Lucinda Williams and Kanye West, along with late actor James Gandolfini.
"I wasn't allowed to talk for two whole weeks," Chambers said, still sounding as cheerful as ever while recalling the harrowing ordeal. "Like not even one word. It was seriously the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life."
Countered her dad with a knockout punch line: "It was great."
Favorite cover: "Seven Nation Army," the White Stripes. Saying "Everything sounds better with a banjo," Chambers and Dodd traded acoustic instruments during the momentum-building song before the others joined in for an explosive conclusion.
Sufjan Stevens, Aug. 14,
9-10:30 p.m.
Capping one of the hottest days of the year in Colorado that soon developed into an angry twilight with bolts out of the blue, this self-proclaimed son of "failed hippies" who became capitalists for Amway was a gentle breeze and calming influence, bringing rich texture to songs from his intimate new album, Carrie & Lowell, that beautifully handles the loss almost every mother's son experiences.
Favorite moment: Calling the earlier downpour a "baptism," the Michigan-raised Stevens adroitly summed up the events of the day 15 minutes into his lush set by saying, "Nature's formidable and beautiful and we should be in awe and reverence in the beauty. ... It feels like we're in heaven."
Favorite quote: During a shout-out to the Planet Bluegrass folks who run an event that's the antithesis of those which "treat the audience and the artist like commerce or like cattle," Stevens, playing only his third festival, appreciated the "great community, great people and great vibe" in Lyons. "I feel a little bit sometimes, playing some of these funky pop songs at a folks festival, I feel a little bit like Dylan 50 years ago when he went electric. ... He opened a can of worms when he did that but he created so much freedom and space for all of us."
Favorite song: With a stellar quartet that included Dawn Landes (above right), Stevens went back to his 2004 album Seven Swans to dedicate "The Dress Looks Nice on You" to the charming singer-songwriter whose quiet elegance added even more charm to this already class act.
Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers, Saturday, 3:45-5 p.m.
The San Francisco singer-songwriter and her four-piece band -- Deren Ney (lead guitar), Dave Mulligan (rhythm guitar), Steve Adams (bass) and Mike Curry (drums) -- were some of the hardest rockers of the festival whose versatility should put them of any venue's "most wanted" list.
Favorite song: "Queen of the Rodeo," from Bluhm's April release Love Wild Lost, is a sweet ballad about two of her favorite things -- dogs and horses -- that proves this royal highness rules with a heart of soul.
Favorite cover: "Somebody to Love," Jefferson Airplane. The Folks Festival was all about commemoration, with references to Woodstock and, on this day 50 years ago, the Beatles appearance at Shea Stadium in New York. Though no one mentioned Jefferson Airplane's 50th anniversary as a band, Bluhm was a Graceful presence whose own powerful voice was a natural phenomenon that didn't require a bagful of Slick tricks.
Martin Sexton, Aug. 15, 5:30-6:45 p.m.
A Folks Festival staple who's appeared six times since his 1997 debut, all this 49-year-old native of Syracuse, New York, needed from the opening notes of "America the Beautiful" was his soulful falsetto and bluesy electric guitar to connect with an adoring crowd. Afterward, with guitar stored in a blue carry-on bag strapped over his shoulder, he interacted with fans and artists (fellow singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier was especially engaged) in the area behind the stage for about as long as his 75-minute set.
Favorite song: Yodeling in the folk tradition of Jimmie Rodgers, Sexton's "Virginia" from 2015's Mixtape of the Open Road was sung "for my mom back in Syracuse, and I sing it everyday out on the road so I can get it perfect so I can sing to mom back there later this fall." With lines like, "When life throws lemons, you smile and serve lemonade," his tribute is a Mother's Day dream.
Favorite cover: There were a medley of some of America's most familiar classics near the end of his set, including "For What It's Worth," "This Little Light of Mine" and "Amazing Grace," but the "Purple Rain" encore not only was timely but just as colorful as the double rainbow that earlier stretched beyond the Planet Bluegrass Ranch. The folks of Lyons clearly welcomed this Princely reign on their parade.
Jason Isbell, Aug. 15,
9-10:30 p.m.
The three-time winner at the 2014 Americana Music Awards has made great strides since the release of 2013's Southeastern that were discussed in our interview before his Folks Fest debut. Though a key member involved in his rebirth was missing from the usual tour lineup, Isbell's 400 Unit that includes Derry deBorja (keyboards), Chad Gamble (drums), Jimbo Hart (bass) and Sadler Vaden (guitar) did provide powerful support.
Favorite song: "Children of Children," from July's superb Something More Than Free. Isbell's extended solo was as movingly beautiful as anything I've heard live on electric guitar since Mark Knopfler performed Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet" at Denver's Buell Theatre in 2010. The fact that this was Isbell's last show before he and his lovely wife, singer-songwriter-fiddler Amanda Shires, celebrate the birth of their first baby (due to arrive in September) made it even more endearing.
Favorite quote: "In six weeks, my wife's gonna have a baby. It's very exciting And then that baby's gonna have to put up with me for a month (before touring resumes). ... Guess what? You're gonna have to deal with this neurotic fool that is your father. ... I'm gonna do my best. I can change a diaper. That's all I know going into this."
Heather Maloney, Aug. 16, noon-1 p.m.
A personal favorite among the up-and-coming crop of singer-songwriters, from the first time I heard "Great Imposter," the opening cut of her 2013 self-titled album (near the top of my list that year), this western Massachusetts-based artist continues to explore new territory on Making Me Break, her April follow-up that was produced by Band of Horses' Bill Reynolds. With touring members Brennan Leeds (guitars) and J.J. O'Connell (drums), this newbie to Lyons can't wait for what lies ahead, and will discuss more in an in-depth article here next month.
Singer-songwriter Heather Maloney (left) performs
with touring guitarist Brennan Leeds.
Favorite song: It's a toss-up between "Linger Longer," where she played a borrowed blue electric guitar, and Making Me Break's title cut. The latter ultimately hits the hardest emotionally, though its inspiration and opening line -- "Everything's making me break" -- came from a surprising source. "I wrote this song while driving," Maloney said. "This one I wrote in the fall in New England where I'm from, where lots of leaves tend to tumble across the road. I always think they're animals, so I brake for leaves." That's a humorous comment from a gentle soul who, in the same song, displays the poetic ability of our finest folk heroes. She heartbreaks for humans, too, delivering one of the saddest lyrics I've heard in a while:
"I don't remember the last time I saw your face in the daylight."
Favorite cover: "Woodstock." On the weekend when they celebrated Peace, Love and Music 46 years ago on Max Yasgur's farm, Maloney added a hauntingly melancholy touch to the song written by Joni Mitchell, who suffered an aneurysm in March.
The Family Crest, Aug. 16, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
Asking "Are you guys ready for something completely different?" right off the bat, frontman Liam McCormick and his six bandmates -- co-founder John Seeterlin (bass), Laura Bergmann (flute, piano), Owen Sutter (violin), Charly Akert (cello), Charlie Giesige (drums) and George Mousa Samaan (trombone) -- introduced themselves to Lyons for the first time. One of the most energetic, creative sets of the festival put a broad smile on the face of Planet Bluegrass owner Craig Ferguson, who credited staffer Brian Eyster for recommending the San Francisco-based band after seeing them perform multiple times at South by Southwest in March.
Favorite song: From their most recent album Beneath the Brine, "Howl" was dedicated to all the early morning fans who joined in the tarp run when the gates opened at 10 a.m. Samaan's jazzy trombone set the stage for a festive celebration with this timeless tune. These cool cats could blow the roof off any northern Mississippi juke joint or swing era nightclub.
Members of the Family Crest (from left): Laura Bergmann, John Seeterlin,
Liam McCormick.
Favorite cover: "Maps," by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The Karen O-fronted trio's original version is enigmatic enough, but the addition of strings, a flute and McCormick's romantic croon are capable of transforming this puzzle piece into a late night filled with orchestral maneuvers and party animals. (From left: Charly Akert, George Mousa Samaan and Owen Sutter.)
Favorite quote(s): Preceding "Marry Me," Bergmann pleasantly informed the audience: "This is probably the folkiest song we're gonna play in our whole set at Rocky Mountain Folks Fest. This song is about true love and marriage."
Eliciting the biggest "Awwwww" of the festival, McCormick added, "I wrote it for this one," smiling at his wife, who earned a master's degree at Southern Cal, joined the group in 2009 and wed the bandleader in 2013. "But we're really stoked because now everybody can get married. Right? It's all about love."
Richard Thompson, Aug. 16,
6:45-8 p.m.
With his latest album Still produced by Jeff Tweedy, the British beret-wearing singer-songwriter who earned the Orville H. Gibson award for best acoustic guitar player in 1991 and is one of Rolling Stone's top 20 guitarists of all time, seems thoroughly at ease at the age of 66 as an active participant in what he calls the "folk-rock dinosaur business."
Favorite moment: With the Donald stealing the political spotlight these days, Thompson couldn't help but poke fun in introducing "Fergus Laing," his song about a particular property developer: "He's an American. This particular person, he's been coming over to Scotland and he's been building golf courses ... putting up hotels on areas of historical interest. As we say in Britain, he's a bit of a wank. ... I can't possibly give his right name or he will surely have me killed."
Favorite song: I'm embarrassed to admit it, but the first song I ever heard Richard Thompson sing or play was "1952 Vincent Black Lightning," in September 1991 at Macky Auditorium in Boulder, Colorado, where he opened for Crowded House. On second thought, it was the perfect introduction. I went out and bought the Rumor and Sigh cassette shortly thereafter and have been listening to him ever since.
Favorite cover: "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" became identified with Fairport Convention but was written by the late Sandy Denny before she joined Thompson in the 1960s British folk band. He vows "to keep her memory alive" by continuing to perform it. Besides, in 2007, the group's version on 1969's Unhalfbricking was voted by BBC Radio 2 listeners -- "What do they know" Thompson joked -- the favorite folk track of all time.
Gillian Welch, Aug. 16,
8:30-10 p.m.
Joined by partner (and phenomenal guitarist) David Rawlings (left) for the fifth time on the Folks Fest stage since 1996, one of Americana's most influential singer-songwriters whose presence on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack floated roots music into the mainstream was fittingly the festival closer -- just like on this night six years ago.
Favorite moment: Welch is human after all, and she proved it while still thinking this night about Elvis. Performing "Elvis Presley Blues" 38 years after he died on this very day, she mangled a line near the end of her own song. While Rawlings smiled but continued to play, Welch laughed it off with a logical explanation, saying, "I just heard Tom Jones sing this song today and I can't get him out of my mind. And it's really messing me up." The understanding crowd yucked it up, too, especially after the song ended and Welch continued: "I just never thought I'd have to process Tom Jones singing one of my songs. I'm not, like, teasing him or anything. It was really, really good."
Favorite song: "Revelator" from Welch's groundbreaking 2001 album Time (The Revelator) is just as seductive now as it was then, her smoky vocals slowly stirring the pot that boils over with Rawlings' searing flatpicking on his archtop guitar that certainly will get another workout on the Sept. 18 release of Dave Rawlings Machine's sophomore album Nashville Obsolete.
Favorite cover: "Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor," a traditional tune she and Rawlings learned from Doc Watson. Their voices were perfectly in sync just like they have been throughout much of their musical history from the time they met at Berklee College of Music. Expect the collaboration to continue well past September, when they go hand in hand to the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting by the Americana Music Association.
Favorite quote: "Y'all, whatever you're drinking, let's hoist them and say happy 25 years to the very good people of Lyons Folks (Festival)," Welch (above right) said 40 minutes into the 90-minute set. "There are certain festivals as we travel around ... the performers, we do talk to each other and if we have a real bad gig or a real bad place or if someone's crooked, if someone treats us bad, we do talk to each other. And if someone treats us really right and makes us so happy that this is what we do with our lives and just puts on a great festival, we talk about that, too. And that's how we talk about Lyons."
Hear, hear. So let's have another round (of applause) for these performers and, after another successful year, at least three cheers for the fine folks at Planet Bluegrass.
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival photos by Michael Bialas. See more from the 25th annual event that took place on Aug. 14-16, 2015, in Lyons, Colorado.