Greensky Bluegrass to Debut at Ann Arbor Folk Festival This Weekend

The contemporary bluegrass band Greensky Bluegrass is set to make its debut at the 49th annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival, taking place on January 30-31, 2024, at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This marks a significant milestone for the band, which has built a reputation over the past 25 years but has never before participated in this celebrated event.

Guitarist Dave Bruzza expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. “It’s something that has been on our radar,” he stated, recalling their roots with the festival. Greensky Bluegrass played its first show on Halloween night in 2000 in Kalamazoo and has since evolved into a leading figure in the bluegrass and Americana music scenes. Bruzza highlighted their long-standing admiration for The Ark, the venue hosting the festival, stating, “We’ve always wanted to be part of the Ann Arbor Folk Festival; it just hasn’t worked out before.”

In a departure from the festival’s typical multi-act lineups, Greensky Bluegrass will headline the Friday night performance, alongside opener Junior Brown. Bruzza noted that this format allows the band to showcase a longer set, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into their music. The following night promises an exciting lineup featuring Amos Lee, Dawes, and several other acts.

Greensky Bluegrass’s appearance follows a vibrant celebration of their 25th anniversary last fall, which included a Halloween show and the release of their album, “XXV”. This album features reimagined versions of earlier songs, collaborating with notable artists such as Billy Strings, Sam Bush, and Nathaniel Rateliff. Bruzza emphasized the band’s ongoing creative journey, stating, “We’re always creating and always writing.”

Reflecting on their success, Bruzza expressed gratitude for the opportunities the band has experienced. “It kind of started as a fun thing to do, and throughout the years, we’ve been rewarded with so many different things and experiences,” he said. “I’m just very humbled… and very proud of us.”

The Ann Arbor Folk Festival serves as a significant platform for artists in the folk and Americana genres, drawing crowds and attention to both established and emerging talents. The festival will take place at Hill Auditorium, located at 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. The performance by Greensky Bluegrass and Junior Brown is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, while the Saturday night show will commence at 7 p.m. with a diverse array of performers.

For more information about the festival, tickets, and the full lineup, interested attendees can visit the festival’s official website or contact The Ark at 734-761-1800. The excitement surrounding Greensky Bluegrass’s debut at this iconic festival speaks to the evolving landscape of Americana music and the enduring appeal of live performances.