Modern bluegrass takes root at festival

While many bluegrass traditionalists still worship at the altar of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs and even Ricky Skaggs — and rightfully so — there’s a new type of ’grass taking root. This weekend, that modern sound will fill Lazy Brook Park in Tunkhannock at the second annual NEPA Bluegrass Festival, a three-day hootenanny where traditional bluegrass and “newgrass” commingle.

“We have a traditional stage and a progressive stage,” says founder Danny Stewart, a Laceyville resident and mandolin player who launched the festival last year as a way to play closer to home with his own band, Remington Ryde. “Traditional bluegrass is mostly acoustic. They even frown on electric bass, and there are no drums allowed on stage. Progressive bluegrass can (incorporate) steel guitars, drum sets. It’s no holds barred.”

It’s also well-represented at the festival, thanks to groups like Philadelphia’s Mason Porter and Wilkes-Barre’s Cabinet. Stewart estimates that one-third of the 22-act lineup — which boasts more traditional pickers the Doerfels, Louie Setzer and the Appalachian Mountain Boys, and headliner Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass — are of the alternative bluegrass variety.

“Danny really supports the nontraditional bluegrass scene,” says Joe D’Amico, singer and mandolin player for Mason Porter, a thrilling live band making its second appearance at the festival. “By drawing from both the traditional crowd and a newer, more diverse crowd, he is ensuring the festival will continue to grow into the future. And to me, it just makes it more fun.”

Mason Porter, formed in 2006, is a standout on the burgeoning Philly bluegrass scene — which also includes festival acts Painted Blue and Wissahickon Chicken Shack — and a prime example of the newgrass movement’s penchant for bending the rules.

“We don’t even have a banjo,” D’Amico said with a laugh. “That changes the whole sound right off the bat. A lot of bluegrass is about picking. We’re more of a vocal group. Our vocal harmonies are more influenced by the Beatles or Crosby, Stills and Nash than country music. We’re all big Beatles fans.”

Other bands on the bill, such as Blue Wheatgrass Massacre, seem to have even more unconventional influences. The New York City group’s Web site offers up its twangy version of Steppenwolf’s psychedelic “Magic Carpet Ride,” retitled “Banjo Carpet Ride.”

Classic rock mixing with bluegrass? Stewart says not to worry. “The festival’s a fun time for the entire family. It’s not like a hippie fest. If a guy brings his small kids and wife, he’ll come out smelling like a hero.”

Or perhaps like smoky barbecue. Stewart has a pit master coming from Bangor, Pa., to cook a whole pig. Other food vendors also will be on hand, along with 16 craft merchants. Music teachers will offer instrument workshops on bass, fiddle and banjo. Stewart suggests taking advantage of the lessons and encourages festival-goers to bring their instruments, along with lawn chairs, blankets and their tents and RVs. Camping is included free with a weekend pass.