Play Me Some Mountain Music
Saturday night at 8:00pm,Walton Arts Center was transformed into a bluegrass “mini-festival” that featured three female-fronted bands:Sierra Hull & Highway 111, Dixie Bee-Liners and Uncle Earl. Although it was day 19 of their 25-day tour, there was no shortage of enthusiasm, both on-stage and in the audience. All around it was a toe stompin, string pluckin, hand clappin good time!
All three sets contained moments of humor and brilliance. The all-girl ensemble, Uncle Earl had a sincerity that translated to elegant harmonies as they sang from their album “Waterloo, Tennessee.” The name immediately made me smile as I thought of the Stonewall Jackson classic, “Waterloo.” (Every puppy has its day, everybody has to pay. Everybody has to meet his Waterlooooooo.) Sprinkled with spontaneous Irish-style “clogging,” their performance was exciting and unforgettable! The Dixie Bee-Liners had a traditional bluegrass sound but their story telling was especially captivating. They played from their concept album, “Susanville” which is about different people in different cars all driving from Susanville, CA.
But for me, the biggest surprise was the opening performance. When 17-year old Sierra Hull walked on stage with ruffles, a thick Southern draw and tiny mandolin, you could literally hear the collective, “awwwww.” She was adorable, no doubt. But the second she began to play, a silence swept the audience. She commanded the room with her exquisite voice and the honest words complimented her instrumental intelligence. The title cut of her new album, “Secrets” was especially poignant and tender. In a day of GPS and navigation systems, it was fun to just get lost for a moment. The beautiful strings and wistful lyrics transported me to a tiny mountain town with fresh air and new beginnings. I have since listened to “Secrets” more times than I will ever admit.
The artists of American Revival brought their banjos, mandolins and fiddles from all-over places like Tennessee, New York, Colorado, Massachusetts and California. This demonstrates the emerging influences of bluegrass in contemporary America. “It’s the first time I’ve ever played in Arkansas,” one musician said, while another admits, “It’s the first time I’ve ever BEEN to Arkansas.” This reminded me that when Walton Arts Center brings up-and-coming stars to Northwest Arkansas, we’re not just providing a musical experience; we’re contributing to an important movement that makes up American Roots Music. Please watch for more new music!
-Beth Goodwin
Media & Community Outreach Coordinator