It’s almost time for our favorite day of the year! The Savage Bluegrass Festival makes its annual summer appearance at Savage Mill on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Due to popular demand, this outdoor festival has added an additional hour, running from 12-5 pm, to accommodate 4 bands. Also new this year are a free jam session and seating under a festival tent for patrons to easily dine on fare from Savage Mill-based restaurants.
Satyr Hill Band
The festival kicks off at noon with the five-piece Satyr Hill Band. Known for putting on “extremely tight” performances with superb vocal harmonies, Satyr Hill Band has been a mainstay of the Savage Bluegrass Festival since its founding in 2021. Classic instrumentation of banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass, and mandolin gives a fullness of sound that belies the fact that their sound is essentially acoustic.
Dave Zelonka
At 1:15 pm the stage welcomes central Maryland singer/songwriter Dave Zelonka. New to the Savage Bluegrass Festival and winner of Charm City Bluegrass Festival’s 2016 Battle of the Bands, Dave’s sound is heavily influenced by bluegrass traditions, infused with the spirit of the punk rock he grew up on. His songs feature lyrics steeped in thoughtful storytelling and rich imagery, harmonies inspired by The Stanley Brothers, and intricate yet melodic guitar breaks.
Moose Jaw Bluegrass
Lauded by The Washington Post as “today’s preeminent bluegrass ensemble. Carrying the tradition of the music into a new era,” Moose Jaw Bluegrass returns to the Savage Bluegrass Festival for a performance starting at 2:30 pm. Rooted in the high lonesome sound of the 1940’s, this Prince George’s County-based ensemble brings the timeless tradition of American roots music into a new era. Their focus on putting a new spin on the old-time tales of ramblers, rovers, and revivals has led them to be featured on National Public Radio and an intimate performance for his Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Geraldine
At 3:45 pm, Baltimore-based headliner band Geraldine takes over. This country-leaning string band brings songwriting to the forefront, while blending elements of old time, American folk, bluegrass, and alternative country in a distinctive, enthusiastic sound. Described by Charm City Bluegrass as “A high-energy progressive roots band featuring outstanding musicianship and uplifting vibes”, Geraldine promises a great show and a good time for all.
Jam Session, Food, and Libations
Concurrent with the festival, the indoor New Weave Commons space will host a free jam session for musicians from 1:30-3:30 pm.
Savage Mill-based restaurants Dive Bar and Grille and the newly-opened More Than Java Café will be set up in the festival space. Dive Bar and Grille’s menu will include baby back ribs, shrimp tacos, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, Southern-style sides, and beer, while More Than Java Café will feature summer-themed sandwiches, salads, desserts, and lemonade. Patrons can elect to enjoy their meal on the shady hillside overlooking the band or under the adjacent festival tent.
Tickets are $20 (children 6-12 $10; 5 and under free) and may be purchased online at Eventbrite or day-of.
We hope to see you there!