The line-up of great bands and artists has been expanded for the 4th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival, taking placeMay 29-31, 2014 at the Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground in Bean Blossom, IN. Joining the festival line-up this year will be Great American Taxi, The Freight Hoppers, Sam Grisman (performing with Colin O’Brien), Branded Bluegrass, Chicago Farmer, Jalan Crossland, o Bardo e o Banjo, Woodstove Flapjacks, John Till, Indiana Boys, and The Leadfoot Band.
Great American Taxi (GAT) will be returning to the John Hartford Memorial Festival for one special performance. The band has performed at every festival and have been big supporters from the beginning. “The first year Great American Taxi played the festival we were supposed to headline the last night on the main stage,” recalls Chad Staehly of GAT.
“As many will remember, that never happened as a vicious storm rolled in and forced us to move under the pavilion. We set up on a few tables and still played for everyone,” he said. “I think that was a defining moment in the trajectory of the festival and what it has become. The John Hartford Memorial Festival has formed a big giant family. The vibe is great and you get this feeling that we’re all in it together, honoring the great tradition of John’s music and his sense of community and family,” Chad shared.
Some things that set the John Hartford Memorial Festival apart from other festivals is the meaning, mission, living history, and sense of family at the event. “I see all these young pickers, more and more, showing up every year and that is encouraging both for John’s legacy and the state of roots/acoustic/bluegrass/Americana music,” said Chad. “John’s spirit, the festival grounds at Bean Blossom, the people and the bands that turn out every year for this gathering are my favorite things about being involved with this festival,” he said.
The John Hartford Memorial Festival is a 3-day, family-friendly music festival that takes place in scenic southern Indiana. The park offers cabin rentals, shaded camping, electric hook ups for RVs, hot showers, a fishing pond, playground, golf cart rentals and more, and is conveniently located near Brown County State Park. Campground and campfire acoustic pickin’ is encouraged and a usual sighting around the festival.
New to this year’s festival will be John Hartford Storytelling. John’s friends will share their memories and stories with the audience. While this informally happens every year, it will be an organized event held under the Boogie Tent at specific times. There will also be a Chompdown pitch-in breakfast with live music on Friday, May 30 from 10 am – Noon for all to participate in, and a Children’s Tent with planned activities. Pickers and players are encouraged to participate in the Old-Time Fiddling Contest and the John Hartford Songwriting Contest with cash prizes and more.
“This is an early summer event that’s not to be missed,” said Chad. “It will set you on a path of happiness for the rest of the season. The friends you will make there and the fun you will have will be unrivaled by anything else you do all summer! Show up early and stay late, you won’t regret it,” he concluded.
Tickets are on sale now for the 4th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival. Visit the website for further details and to purchase tickets. www.johnhartfordmemfest.com
2014 John Hartford Memorial Festival Line-up ADDITIONS
Sam Grisman (performing with Colin O’Brien)
Branded Bluegrass
John Till
