I arrived at Key Brewing in Dundalk, MD on Friday, October 15th, a bit early for the Charm City Bluegrass Fall Throw Down 2. I was nervously excited for the event after about a 2-year hiatus from live music festivals. I’ve been out to a handful of local bands mostly in outdoor settings, but this will be the first post-apocalypse festival I’ve witnessed. Hopefully my concert photography skills have not diminished throughout the waning months.
Friday
First band up was on the “Wood” stage was The Bilgewater Bluegrass Band. This 5 piece Annapolis based band warmed up the early attendees and welcomed the new arrivals to the fest.
Next up was on of my personal favorites Jakobs Ferry Stragglers out of the western areas of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland. Jody, Libby, Gary, Trish and Ray played with their high energy sound. Next up on the “Metal” stage was Chatham County Line. I really enjoyed this band. A mix of bluegrass and Americana, drums beats by Dan Hall with Greg Readlings bass and pedal steel along with Dave Wilson’s guitar and John Teer on mandolin and fiddle got the afternoon crowd fired up.
As darkness befell the fest, it was The Old Part of Town up next. This Baltimore based Americana band set the tone for what was to come. With a new album being released at the festival, the band graced us with their music. Now it was time for one of the weekend highlights. Grammy and IBMA award winning Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper. Wow, just wow. Michael’s fiddle rang out tune after tune as his excellent band took turns as highlighting all their talents. The crowd gave its vocal appreciation at the conclusion of the set. Finishing out the regular portion of the night was Colebrook Road. Mark ,Jeff, Joe, Jesse and Wade represented Harrisburg, PA on the “Wood” stage. Their mix of covers and original music sent most of the people home on a good note. I made my way to the truck before the late-night set of Ona, but I did see them on Saturday night.
Saturday
Saturday morning, I found myself heading down I-83 and back to Key Brewing in Dundalk, MD for day 2 of Charm City Bluegrass Fall Throwdown 2. Again, I found myself there early, excited for a second day of live music!
First up today was Rock Creek Revival. The Maryland based band mixes traditional bluegrass with their own songs to covers of The Dead to Merle Haggard and Stugill Simpson. Carlisles Seldom Said No was up next to grace the “Wood” stage with their sound. I enjoyed this band and would definitely love to see them again. Daniel and his crew brought us some PA style bluegrass. Up on the “Metal” stage it was Darlingtyn taking us to an Americana style music fresh out of Philly. Fronted by Jack and Emily, with some great guitar work, bass and drums.
Just about Darlingtyns last song a shower moved over us, only an interlude to the next couple of hours. Personally, I retreated to my truck as many of others crowded into Key Brewing’s tasting room. Apparently, Geraldine the Wildmans and High and Wides provided entertainment for the indoor crowd. I heard it was spectacular. I on the other hand preferably avoided the crowd.
The rain was done and the cool evening breeze blew Mile Twelve up on the stage next. An awesome set with the 5 member Boston based band. Evan Murphy, New Zealander Catherine BB Bowness, Kory Brodsky, Nate Sabat and Texan Ella Jordan really have a great sound. At one time 3 fiddles were on stage at one time! What a treat.
Due to the cold conditions outside, the next performance, David Bromberg Quintet, decided to go into the breweries tasting room and preform. I didn’t want to miss that, so I posted up by the left side and got almost a front row spot. David’s band is exceptional, and as he stated, at 74 his fingers weren’t meant for the cold. He was exceptional. Great acoustic set. Played a mix of bluegrass, blues and at one point did 4 parts acapella song. Awesome.
It was back outside for the last 3 bands. First was the Hamden Bluegrass All-Star Band. A bunch of local musicians from other bands, put together as a house band for the event. The highlight was an an appearance by Caleb Stine. Next up, was The Dirty Grass Players. Alex B, in my black and white shot of him looking like a red headed version of Jerry Garcia, ended the bluegrass part of the evening. Alex along with Connor, Ben and Ryan played some of the tunes they are known for, some good old bluegrass and some Grassyfied covers as well. At one point I heard a Pink Floyd song.
Then to wrap it all up was Ona doing a late-night set. I did stay for them. This West Virginia based Indie-rock band was really good. Maybe just not a bluegrass fan type of band, but a good band just the same. By now I was tired and ready to split.
The Charm City Bluegrass Fall Throwdown looked like a success to me. I’m not aware of the financial aspect, but as a music and bluegrass fan, I thought it was awesome. Hats off to Phil Chorney and Adam Kirr on having the event and to the musicians, vendors and the Stages crew.
Thanks again to Key Brewing for hosting the event. Great location for this!
