FreshGrass Festival at Mass MoCA
No Wilco But Fiddle Music September 21-23
By: MoCA - Mar 26, 2012
Building on the success of last year’s first foray into bluegrass, MASS MoCA has announced the dates, line-up, and deeply discounted early-bird pass price for the second annual FreshGrass Festival.
This three-day bluegrass extravaganza will be held September 21-23, 2012 and will feature afternoon and evening performances by David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, Trampled By Turtles, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Lonesome River Band, Joy Kills Sorrow, Cahalen & Eli, Leyla McCalla, and Devil Makes Three, plus Infamous Stringdusters and Spirit Family Reunion on Friday evening.
In addition to nonstop music, festival events include a banjo workshop with Alison Brown, events for kids, and local food and drink, plus admission to MASS MoCA’s sprawling art-filled galleries where festival-goers will enjoy pop-up concerts in addition to the best of contemporary art. The festival is co-produced with Manitou Media.
Tickets for FreshGrass go on sale on Wednesday, April 11, with a two-week “early bird” discounted price on festival passes of just $36. Festival passes for students are just $26. Tickets are available through the festival website (freshgrass.com) and massmoca.org or by calling the MASS MoCA Box office at 413 662 2111.
MASS MoCA Director Joe Thompson explained the motivation for the weekend festival; “In addition to presenting some of the nation’s most inventive bluegrass talent alongside the greats in the field like David Grisman, we hope FreshGrass will draw visitors to our area in what is traditionally shoulder season. The weather in September tends to be warm and sunny -- perfect for a couple of days of outdoor music. When you add the music to the chance to visit our galleries, attend workshops and enjoy great homegrown food and drink, you’ve got a memorable weekend. We’ve kept the all-inclusive price affordable and hope that people who enjoy bluegrass and the festival scene will join us with friends and family.”
After April 25, festival passes will cost $46 for adults, $26 for students, $16 for kids 6-16, and free for children under 6. Day passes for Saturday or Sunday only are $25 for adults, $15 for students, $5 for kids 6-16 and free for children under 6. Festival passes and day passes include gallery admission. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount.
The festival will be held rain or shine, moving inside to the Hunter Center in case of inclement weather. Festival-goers are welcome to bring blankets and cushions to sit on but should leave chairs, coolers, and picnic baskets at home. Limited bleacher seating is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tickets are available beginnning April 11 through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams, open from 11 AM until 5 PM, closed Tuesday. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org.