Charm City Bluegrass Festival to rock Druid Hill Park

The Charm City Bluegrass Festival is taking over Druid Hill Park on April 29, bringing a great collection of national and regional acts.

Last year’s festival earned the Event of the Year honor from the International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Awards, and this year’s edition is expanding the fun even more.

Cris Jacobs will play the Charm City Bluegrass Festival on April 29. (Chris Swanson)

With 15 bands on three stages, local brews, foods, crafters, and workshops, there is something for everyone.

Make sure to bring along your instruments to join in the pickin’ circles.

Who’s going to be there?

Headlining the show is The Lone Bellow. Members Zach Williams (guitar/lead vocals), Brian Elmquist (guitar/vocals) and Kanene Pipkin (mandolin/bass/vocals) make up this Americana/folk trio from Brooklyn. Their latest album Then Came the Morning has a rich and shifting sound, with some modern sensibilities, rocking out on songs like Heaven Don’t Call Me Home and Take My Love, while still keeping itself grounded with a more traditional sound on Telluride and I Let You Go.

Also topping the bill is a mash-up supergroup featuring Adam Aijala and Ben Kaufmann from Yonder Mountain String Band teamed up with Leftover Salmon’s Drew Emmitt and Andy Thorn.

Other notables on the lineup include Cabinet (who are legally obligated to do a set at literally every bluegrass festival anywhere because they’re just that good), local icon Cris Jacobs, and a pair of personal favorites, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades and The Dustbowl Revival.

The day begins with a set from The Dirty Grass Players who appear by virtue of their win in the Battle of the Bands competition earlier this year.

What’s the scene like?

The 8×10 and Union Craft stages are side by side and the show alternates between the two in a super efficient manner that eliminates a lot of down time between acts. Make sure to come out early to stake out a nice spot between the two.

A side stage The H.P. Rawlings Conservatory Tent will host several workshops throughout the day in addition to five sets of music.

Union Craft Brewing will be offering a special festival branded beer as well as other libations. A diverse group of area food vendors are lined up with something for just about every taste.  The festival is truly a family affair, kids 10 and under get in free and will find plenty to occupy their time.

If 12 hours of bluegrass just isn’t enough, slide over to the 8×10 for the after party featuring Billy Strings and Friends.

The Dustbowl Revival will be one of the featured acts at the Charm City Bluegrass Festival on April 29. (Chris Swanson)

Wheres, Hows, & Whats

Saturday, April 29  10:00 a.m.- 9:45 p.m.

Druid Hill Park  3100 Swann Dr., Baltimore

Tickets are $55 in advance

$5 more day of show (VIP tickets are sold out)

After party tickets are $16; doors open at 9 p.m.

On site parking is handled by the city and runs $10 per car.

Outside food and beverage is a general no no except for a couple of sealed water bottles. No pets  Bring your blankets, low back lawn chairs, sunscreen, hoops, banjos, dobros, mandos, et ceteros.. No weapons permitted and gloomy dispositions are discouraged. Click here for more details.