The Unwieldies, Honey Buckets, Pitchfork at the LA Bluesgrass Festival, Centennial Park Sat 4-11-26

We've missed the Bluegrass Festival the last couple of years - life interferes - but when we heard that our friends the Unwieldies were coming down from Colorado to play this one, we had to make it out!

We then discovered that Pitchfork, more mutual friends and a wonderful bluegrass combo in their own right, was opening the fest, so we made certain that we got to the park early for their set. This 4 piece - stand-up bass, mandolin, guitar and banjo - is always a good time with excellent musicianship all around (although I always have to give kudos to Eric on banjo, and he truly did excel in this set particularly on his extended solo in one song) and vocals (and whistling by Eric!) and harmonizing by everyone. Plenty of well-written originals and a fun cover of Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Break" for a closer. These cats kinda fell off my radar for a while, but I'm going to have to watch to see if they are playing more often cuz they are a terrific combo!

                

    

After that great start of the day, we weren't sure what to expect from the Honey Buckets, but this four piece - same line-up - really surprised and impressed us with their vocals and instrumental prowess. The stand up bass was plugged in but the rest of the guys simply circled around an amazing, old fashioned microphone for some incredible harmonizing and truly impressive instrumentation! The guitarist was introduced as a flat-picking champion and I truly believe that as he blew me away, but the banjo and mandolinists were inspired as well as they moved around the microphone for their lead vocals or intro breaks. Everyone was exceptional on their 4, 5, 6 and 8 strings as well as their vocals. The finale of “Free Born Man” was a treat as well. Apparently, they are from Rancho Cucamonga, so if you're in the area, search them out!

Then it was time for our pals, the Unwieldies. Of course, I've ranted'n'raved about Rob'n'Dani infinite times before, and they were in top form today as they were joined by their Colorado cohort Tim on dobro and mandolin and Pitchfork's Eric, who played with them for a couple years here in Vegas before their big move and apparently has visited them and played with them on Co., as well! Dani's sweet vocals and guitar strums compliment Rob's gruffer voice and bass stylings, Eric is always a fine addition and Tim truly exceeds all expectations on both of his instruments, filling out the sound appropriately. Plenty of new songs (they're going to be recording their 5th album while they're in town) blended with old favorites and the only complaint is that the set ended far too early! I know that they are happy in CO but they are missed and we hope they won't wait too long before gracing us again with their sweet sounds!

There was lots more to come from the festival (in fact, I believe that it is still going on as I type) but for multiple reasons we had to depart, but truly a great, free festival that tons of natives were happily taking advantage of! We will have to look for this again next year!