PREVIEW: Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival Announces Lineup for Gathering in Oak Hill, NY
07/16 - 07/20 @ Walsh Farm, Oak Hill
Photo by Jay Strausser
Now in its fourth decade, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is gearing up for another great lineup this summer. Fans from all over the world travel to upstate NY to be a part of this wonderful tradition, and this year's festival, taking place July 16-20, is already primed to be an amazing event.
The hay farm in Oak Hill is transformed into a small city with vendors, workshops, and six stages which offer fun and entertainment for the thousands of campers, day visitors, artists, vendors and more.
This year's lineup boasts 50 bluegrass, newgrass and roots music groups including festival favorites Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush Band, I’m With Her, Sierra Hull, Della Mae, and others. Once again, the host band is Dry Branch Fire Squad, led by Ron Thomason. This year’s Artist-in-Residence will be Grammy award-winning bluegrass guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer, Woody Platt. As Artist-in-Residence, Woody will not only collaborate with other artists throughout the festival, but also perform with his own band, Woody Platt and the Bluegrass Gentlemen.
While many of the artists are firmly rooted in bluegrass, several attendees stretch the definition of the genre to the point of making them nearly impossible to categorize. This approach almost guarantees that Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will offer a highly diverse and finely curated lineup.
Another tradition at Grey Fox is presenting up-and-coming artists through its Emerging Artist showcase. Dozens of artists apply from around the country and beyond for only a handful of spots. Fans can catch the Emerging Artist showcases at Creekside, Grassroots, and New Belgium-Bells Gig Rig stages throughout the weekend.
The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is about more than just the music; it is about community. Every year you will find campers sharing meals, jamming together and generally just looking out for one another.
Tyler Campbell, a photographer from Chestertown, MD, says, “It’s all about community and the sense of belonging. Once you go, you know. Add the finest music I can imagine and it’s the week I look forward to all year round. It’s my place to unwind, relax, and connect with things that really matter.”
In keeping with a tradition of helping the community, this year Grey Fox is honored to present several North Carolina bands whose lives or communities were greatly impacted by Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods last fall, among them Grammy-winning Steep Canyon Rangers.
Photo by Gary Jared
The festival's nationally recognized youth music program, Grey Fox Bluegrass Academy for Kids, returns this year for three days of learning and a performance on the main stage. Academy registration for 8 to 17-year-olds begins April 1 for classes in guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bass, and cello. There is no charge for the program.
With 50 bands, a litany of activities for all ages, dancing, music, and food, this year's Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will be one for the record books.
Camping is available from Wednesday - Sunday, July 16-20 with the purchase of a full festival ticket. Camping options include dry camping, electric hookups, and glamping. Day tickets and senior discounts are available for Thursday - Saturday. Kids 12 and under are free with ticketed adults. Day parking and shuttle buses are free. Handicapped parking, camping, and transportation are available. Service animals only. Foods, beer, wine, crafts, clothing, and more are for sale Wednesday - Sunday. Tickets are available now at www.greyfoxbluegrass.com.
