The Firewater Tent Revival will leave behind the balmy climes of Florida for the fresh air of northeast Pennsylvania to debut at this year’s NEPA Bluegrass Festival. They will play twice during the four-day event, including bringing down the curtain on the Progressive Stage in Lazy Brook Park on Saturday Evening.
The clock is ticking down to the return of the NEPA Bluegrass Festival, which will be held in Lazy Brook Park in Tunkhannock from Thursday to Sunday, May 29 to June 1. Not only does the festival feature a stellar line-up of nationally and internationally known bluegrass artists, attendees will be able to purchase great food, browse merchandise from new and returning vendors, get tips on picking techniques from professional musicians, and enjoy music from some alternative bands who blend traditional bluegrass with their own variations on Americana music.
This is the 18th year that co-promoters Danny and Christa Stewart of Wyalusing have brought the festival to Tunkhannock. Headliners include familiar names like The Kody Norris Show and Little Roy & Lizzy, as well as Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, and Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul. Two new acts will be headlining on the Progressive Stage situated along Tunkhannock Creek about whom the Stewarts are especially excited. Some bands will perform on both stages.
The Firewater Tent Revival calls Atlanta Beach, Florida, home. They very well might be the most eclectic band to grace the Progressive Stage with a style described by some as a fusion of punk, world beat, and rock, blended with gypsy and klezmer melodies. They admit that they’re not sure whether to call themselves folk rock or “punkgrass.” They are led by founder Tod A, who has served as singer-songwriter and bass guitarist since 1996. Banjo player Nigel Ledford is credited with bringing the band their bluegrass licks.
Private Stock is from Central Pennsylvania and delivers a blend of folk, country and acoustic rock. Lead singer Gigi Kaluzny is accompanied by Watson Thompson, who plays guitar and fiddle, and Pete Wert, who plays guitar and also provides vocals. Reviews from a variety of websites and social media focus on the trio’s harmonies and the variety of music they play. NEPA Bluegrass fans should not be surprised to hear unique covers of songs by Tyler Childers, Pink, Little Big Town and AC/DC.
“The NEPA Bluegrass Festival is more than just a concert, it’s a huge social experience,” said Christa. “We solicit a wide variety of talent to provide services and activities beyond the wonderful music.”
Lazy Brook Park is a favored venue among both the musicians and their fans due to its paved streets, shade trees, flowering shrubs, and a restored, historic pedestrian bridge that connects the main park where the Traditional Stage is located to creek side of the park where the Progressive Stage is situated. Camping is free with the purchase of a weekend pass.
Key sponsors of this year’s event include Paige Capo, Shores Sisters, MR Dirt, B&K Equipment, Turtle Hill Banjo Company, and NEPA Yoga. There will be a gospel sing and jam on Sunday morning. Muckles Ink from Binghamton, NY, will be on hand throughout the event printing and selling festival merchandise. Jesse James of Animal Care Sanctuary will have adoptable dogs onsite.
Returning vendors will include Horr’s Hot Dogs, Ruby Blue Concessions, The Lunch Box, Haven Handmade, J&M Concessions, Tunkhannock Lions Club, Jelly Bird Dyes, Hippy Henna Chick, Clay & Clarity Designs, and Susquehanna Brewing Company and Deep Roots Hard Cider, both offering adult beverages for purchase. There will be instructional workshops on Saturday, and Danny Stewart’s Jam Tent will be open all weekend.
Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their instruments with them. In addition to pop-up picking parties throughout Lazy Brook Park from morning to night, there will be a series of professional workshops focusing on specific instruments.
Tickets are available online at www.nepabluegrass.com, and regular updates are posted on the NEPA Bluegrass Festival Facebook page. Free camping is available only to those who purchase weekend passes, which are $125 per person and can also be purchased at the gate. Through April 15 only, weekend passes can be purchased for $105 each.
Private Stock Trio is one of the most local acts at this year’s NEPA Bluegrass Festival, hailing from the Williamsport area. They will be featured on the Progressive Stage at this year’s event.