Perfomers

Thursday	May 23
5:15 PM	The Novelists The Novelists take their storytelling seriously – utilizing a full complement of writers much like Fleetwood Mac and the Beatles. On their new CD, “Backstory,” they feature three including Joel Ackerson, Megan Slankarf and Eric Anderson, all of whom have very different styles. Throw in the talents of Zak Teran and you have a band made up of equally talented singers and musicians who are frequently praised for their four-part vocal harmonies and versatile musicianship. Their music has been compared to Ben Folds Five, Nickel Creek and Toad the Wet Sprocket. Here they are performing Soul Sucker.
6:30 PM	Holly Williams Gaining a great deal of national attention with the release of her third album, “The Highway,” Holly Williams is not one to stand on her laurels. She loves the road and the connection with audiences night after night. Critics are impressed with her songwriting skills and the album is already being hailed as an early contender for “best country album of 2013.” And just to answer the “I wonder if” question – yes, she’s part of the Hank Williams family. Check out her smoky chops in this video of Drinkin'.
7:45 PM	Mia Dyson Like so many artists before her, Mia Dyson has been on a journey. After having achieved award-winning success in her native Australia, her dream is to make it in America. She’s toured with some of the best in the business including Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Nicks. Now she’s got a brand new CD out titled “The Moment,” and she’s ready to share it with Strawberry fans. She lays it all out for you in this video of When the Moment Comes.
9:00 PM	The James Hunter Six Every time James Hunter puts out new material, praise for him rises to new levels. In 2006, he was nominated for a Grammy. In 2008, he earned two Billboard Blues #1's tours with Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Etta James, and Willie Nelson. Van Morrison calls James “one of the best voices and best kept secrets in British R'n'B and Soul.” James and his band, the Six, have hung together through multiple albums and more than two decades of international touring. With their new CD, “Minute by Minute,” they deliver some of their best writing, singing, and playing to date. We predict campers will leave the meadow dancing up a storm. Get a sneak preview of the new CD.
Friday	May 24
11:30 AM	Brown Bird Back by popular demand, Brown Bird will kick off the main stage music on Friday. David Lamb and MorganEve Swain continue to build their sound from the foundations of blues and American roots music. They’ve been busy in the off season recording 11 new tracks for their “Fits of Reason” CD, which incorporates electric guitar, electric bass, and a more prominent display of the band’s Middle Eastern, metal, and psych-rock influences. The subject matter of their songwriting delves into heavier territory citing inspiration from the writings of Plato, Omar Khayyam, and Hitchens. Here’s a taste of the new material.
12:30 PM	Shovels & Rope A duo that prefers not to describe their own music but would rather leave that task to you, Carrie Ann Hearst and Michael Trent of Shovels and Rope have been on the road defining their sound since 2010. Some are labeling them as the next Johnny and June while others compare them to Exene Cervenka and John Doe. Either way, they are tightly bound, powerful in their sound and creative in the music they make using old guitars, a kick drum, a snare, a few tambourines, harmonicas, and a little keyboard sometimes. Sample their music and see if you can come up with an apt description for their style.
1:45 PM	Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers Since their last festival appearance that won over Strawberry audiences, Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers have gained some serious momentum; touring heavily, making special guest appearances with big names and recording their popular You Tube series, Van Sessions. For all the notoriety, their music remains humble and true. It’s a mix of rockin’ country soul with a vintage feel from yester year – “like an enchanting friend you’ve only known for a short while, but feel like you’ve known forever.” Think Fleetwood Mac and Linda Ronstadt. This is classic rock at its best. Here they are performing one of their new releases,Little Too Late.
5:45 PM	Birds of Chicago JT Nero and Allison Russell mesmerized Strawberry audiences last year with their eclectic, soulful sound that is delightful in every sense of the word. They’ve been called “two of the most compelling voices in American roots music today” and we agree. His is a raspy, bluesy sound, hers velvety and smooth. Together they make a magical blend of music that you won’t want to miss. Bring your sweetheart and prepare to cuddle. If you prefer, start the magic now in your own home with this video of Cannonball from their self-titled CD.
7:15 PM	Preservation Hall Jazz Band Committed to sharing the New Orleans Jazz art form around the globe, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band was originally formed in 1961 with some of the founders of the jazz movement. Their musical traditions continue today and have been passed on to the current generation of musicians who make up the group. Under the auspices of current director Ben Jaffe (son of founders Allan and Sandra, Preservation Hall continues with a deep reverence and consciousness of its greatest attributes in the modern day. Label it how you want, it’s high-energy, foot-stompin’ music that’s part of the American music legacy. Enjoy this rendition of I’ll Fly Away performed on Letterman with the Del McCoury Band.
8:45 PM	Sam Bush Band Over the years, Sam Bush has toured with many friends and musical companions who have enriched our festival experiences and expanded our understanding of just how far any one music form could go. The truth is, there are no limits when Sam Bush and his friends get together. On his new album, “Full Circle,” Sam unapologetically digs into his lifelong love of bluegrass and newgrass and is accompanied by some of his favorite musicians including Scott Vestal, Stephen Mougin, Byron House and Chris Brown. A show not to be missed! You can get an idea of what’s in store from Sam and friends in this video clip of classic tunes from a recent festival performance.
Saturday	May 25
11:30 AM	The Black Lillies The Black Lillies can easily be characterized as a band on the rise. They frequent the Grand Ole Opry stage, have a new album entitled “Runaway Freeway Blues” that is charting well, and have high-powered critics singing their praises. The album is so “vivid and detailed with lush harmonies and instrumental virtuosity, that each song is just as powerful in its quieter moments as it is explosive during the jubilant ones.” From gentle Laurel Canyon folk rock to the honky-tonk heartache of classic country to winding jams, the music of the Black Lillies defies easy categorization. Here they are performing Same Mistakes.
12:30 PM	John Reischman & The Jaybirds John Reischman and the Jaybirds last wowed Strawberrians with their exquisite West Coast bluegrass stylings in 2005. Formed by mandolinist, John Reischman, who used to play with the Tony Rice Unit and Good Ol’ Persons, the members of the Jaybirds are accomplished musicians in their own right and include: Trisha Gagnon on bass, Jim Nunally on guitar, Greg Spatz on fiddle and Nick Hornbuckle on banjo. Together they craft a “trademark, old-time-infused bluegrass sound that respects tradition while advancing the music.” For a front row seat to what you can expect on the main stage, watch The Jaybird Song video.
1:45 PM	Jelly Bread The Saturday afternoon dance slot is the perfect place to lock in the funky sounds of Jelly Bread. They’re part rock, part Americana, part gospel, and absolutely funky through and through. Their performances last year took the meadow by storm and the band fell in love with the festival so much so that they didn't ever want to leave, saying “Camp Mather was like being in another world full of beautiful people, awesome music, incredible scenery and just plain good vibes.” For those looking to make friends while dancing in the aisles, this band is definitely for you! In the meantime, get a feel for their brand of funk with this video of Laid Out from their “No Dress Code” CD.
5:45 PM	Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands Well-regarded as one of the best bluegrass musicians in the country, Laurie Lewis looks forward to playing for Strawberry audiences just as much as we look forward to having her. She recently said, “I feel like I'm coming home to my people, in the most beautiful setting of all.” Along with the Right Hands, including longtime partner, Tom Rozum, Lewis will take us on a musical journey through time-tested treasures and new tunes from her CD, “Skipping and Flying,” a tribute to Bill Monroe intended to honor the spirit of the man as much as his music. Enjoy the sweet serenade in this video of Here Today.
7:15 PM	Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale are “two of Americana music's most respected singers and songwriters,” Grammy winners, Nashville A-listers, and longtime friends. Independently they are incredibly accomplished: Miller is known for his brilliant guitar playing (Majestic Silver Strings, Band of Joy, etc.), while Lauderdale is equally sought after for his genre-defining sound. Lucky for us, they decided to team up and produce an album of duets that focuses on their love of country music. Legendary talent, incredible songwriting and a whole lot of fun in one show – what’s not to love? See for yourself in this video of I Want to Do Everything for You.
8:45 PM	Richard Thompson Electric Trio Writing music for a trio for the first time, Richard Thompson released his new CD, “Electric” earlier this year. He’s excited about the new direction of the music, saying he’s invented a new genre: funk folk. Whether the world is ready for it or not, he’s ready to bring it to Strawberry fans once again. Thompson will be accompanied by Michael Jerome on drums and Taras Prodaniuk on bass, whom he’s been playing with for the last decade. Get your singing voices ready and let’s see if we can set another post performance singing record. In the meantime see what he has to say about the new material.
Sunday	May 26
9:00 AM	Revival at Birch Lake Selected artists will be performing at the Birch Lake stage.
1:00 PM	He’s My Brother She’s My Sister He’s My Brother She’s My Sister are crafting music that is multi-genre; part glam folk, garage country, cabaret blue, and cirque rock. To say that they’re energetic only scratches the surface of their live performances. They are truly a "harmonic convergence of melody" with brother/sister vocals, a tap dancing drummer, great bass lines, and slide guitar woven throughout like lightening that joins the earth to the sky. Dancing shoes, a fun-loving attitude and a host of friends to enjoy the set with are all recommended. Check out their Electric Love video and see if you don’t agree.
2:15 PM	Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams Every festival needs some straight up honky-tonk music, and in Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams, we indeed deliver! Front-man Wofford is known for his "potent mix of rocked-up honky-tonk, western swing, Dylanesque originality and spaghetti western epics." His classically country voice and distinctive original songwriting are the cornerstone of the Hi*Beams sound. Hailing from Colorado, the members of the Hi*Beams are Bret Billings, Greg Schochet, Ben O’Connor and Damon Smith. Neither revivalist nor retro, the Hi*Beams brand of country music is as boundless and electrifying as America itself. Watch the video to put some kick in your boots.
5:00 PM	John Gorka with Michael Manring John Gorka’s “stunningly soulful baritone voice and original songwriting began turning heads” back in the 70’s. Today he continues to write and tour, often teaming up with his good friends including Nanci Griffith, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Maura O’Connell – all of whom have recorded his music. John’s performance will be accented with the “boundary pushing” style of Michael Manring on the bass, who is regarded as one of the best bass players in the world. Manring’s playing will add a visceral experience to John’s songs that are already full of depth, beauty and emotion. Catch one of their recent performances to get a glimpse of what’s in store.
6:30 PM	The Kruger Brothers The Kruger Brothers have been called “nothing short of magnificent” by the Bluegrass Journal, and had Doc Watson singing their praises, "… they’re just about as fine a band as I’ve ever played with." After years of honing their virtuoso skills with a traditional repertoire, the Kruger Brothers started writing music of their own. It is distinguished by its “rich detail and an insight into the delicacy and complexity of everyday life.” They’re reputation for showmanship precedes them, which means it’ll be a power-packed set from master musicians who know how to entertain. The proof is in the pudding with their rendition of Dueling Banjos.
8:00 PM	John Prine It’s been fourteen years since legendary singer songwriter John Prine last appeared on the Strawberry stage, and the time is right to bring him back! With great songs to his credit like “Angel from Montgomery,” “Souvenirs,” and “Sam Stone,” Prine has been a sought-after singer songwriter throughout his career. Many of his songs have been recorded by greats like Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, Ben Harper, Marty Stuart, the Everly Brothers and many more, making him what the U.S. Poet Laureate, Teed Kooser, calls a “bonafide American treasure.” Get ready to sing along…..this is gonna be fun! Here he is performing Illegal Smile.