bluegrassers: Joe Val Friday Night

Monday, February 21, 2011

Joe Val Friday Night

The 26th. edition of the Joe Val Festival opened to a full house at the Sheraton in Framingham, Mass. on Friday afternoon, parking was at a premium as were seats in the Hotels two restaurants. But all went well, parking spots were found, stomachs were filled and the great lineup of bands got underway. The music began with the Berklee Bluegrass Allstars who amazed the audience with their musical skills, they received loud applause after every number and got things off to a fine start.
Next up, Hot Mustard, a band featuing two banjos and two couples, the Stockwell's, Bruce and Kelly, and soon to be married, Bill Jubett and April Hobart. Fine pickin and strong vocals define this band and they were well received.
Northern Lights 1995 Reunion Band took the stage to a round of welcoming applause and showed why they were so successful for over thirty years. Great singing, stellar instrumentation and harmony. Many in the audience suggested they would have liked to see more of them over the three days, but you know, the weekend was packed with talent and I don't know how they could have gotten all the bands to fit the time schedule.
Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen proved to be crowd pleasing with their amazing playing and great vocals. A group of super-pickers, Frank on mandolin, Mike Munford, whose incredible on the banjo, Lincoln Myers on guitar and Steve Custodi on bass.
The fabulous Tony Trishka and his band Territory closed out the night. Michael Daves was terrific with his unique style of singing, something you'd probably hear in the early days of mountain music, really different. Late in the set Mike Munford joined Tony for some double banjo treats. In the photo below Tony and the band had been posing for a photo shoot in the hotel hallway and graciously allowed me to take this shot, they're good people.