Every year music fans look forward to Denison’s Bluegrass and American Roots Festival, a weekend of concerts and workshops featuring major talent in the genre, presented by the Department of Music. This year’s festival features The Cleverlys on Friday, Feb. 21, and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys on Saturday, Feb. 22. Both concerts are at 7 p.m. in the college’s Swasey Chapel. Each evening will open with a rousing performance by Denison’s Bluegrass and American Roots Ensemble, under the direction of Adam Schlenker.
Schlenker shares his thoughts on the inspiration for the festival, musician selection, and the ever-popular jam session.
What inspired the selection of groups for the festival?
I consider a few things about what audiences the group might reach. Although this is historically a bluegrass festival, it doesn’t have to be “traditional” bluegrass. A traditional-sounding artist along with a more progressive or modern artist showcases the growth and depth of the music.
The Cleverlys stood out to me for a few reasons. They push the boundaries and maybe the comfort zones of bluegrass, which might make them more appealing to the students on campus who are less familiar with this music.
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys represent both traditional and progressive bluegrass. They are younger players from today’s generation and are certainly putting their own fingerprints on the music. They are also very representative of the original bluegrass sounds of the ’40s and ’50s. The best of both worlds.
What do you hope audience members take away from this festival experience?
Anytime you put on a show, you hope that the audience has fun and feels connected to the artist and venue. This festival connects the central Ohio Bluegrass/American Roots music community with Denison’s American Roots program and students.
The band mixer portion on Saturday afternoon in the Eisner Center is hands down my favorite part of the festival. Guest artists, students, and community players all come together, form pop-up bands, and work with each other to develop a set of music.
What makes the jam sessions so popular?
Something that is special about bluegrass music is its accessibility. A common repertoire of songs and the fact that players of almost any skill level can get involved makes it prime for jamming.
Intermediate players can stay in the background and learn from watching and hearing the more advanced players. You can play in the jam, and stand next to an award-winning player. As your skills grow, so does your contribution to the jam. You don’t need to wait until you are “ready” to jump in.
Jams are “making music for music’s sake,” for fun. There is less pressure than putting on concerts and promoting shows. You just show up and play!
- The Cleverlys perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, in Swasey Chapel.
- Band Mixer Workshop, noon-3 p.m. Saturday, February 22, in the Eisner Center.
- Free and open to all; no ticket is required.
- The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, in Swasey Chapel.
More about The Cleverlys
The Cleverlys’ concert is a one-of-a-kind, unique comedy and music experience. Starting from their humble beginnings in the Ozark Mountains, the group has grown to headline festivals and performing arts centers across the country, even regularly taking the stage at the prestigious Grand Ole Opry. One thing is certain: there is no other show quite like this one.
More about The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
At a time when most people feel constantly distracted by technology and barraged by the news, authenticity and straightforward honesty are paramount. There’s something about the music of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys that cuts right through the noise of the world and speaks plainly to the soul.
Formed in the Smoky Mountains, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are at once exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect from a tattooed, East Tennessee bluegrass outfit.
No strangers to hard work, the boys are as much at home riding in their 1965 GM tour bus as they are crawling underneath to fix it when it needs maintenance. But they take pride in being ambassadors of their genre, and the group has brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, with stunning results.
More about the Band Mixer Workshop
This afternoon of workshops brings together students, local musicians, and guest artists to form pop-up bands for rehearsals, jamming, and performances in a band-mixer format.
