Barnfest presents melting-pot lineup

Experience some of the best sounds of bluegrass and folk at the fourth Barnfest presented by Red House Records.

Held all afternoon Saturday Aug. 4 at Hobgoblin Music's outdoor amphitheater, Red House Barnfest will feature a host of artists in addition to the Minnesota Songwriter Spotlight … on singer Jon Rodine.

Years ago, Red House held a summer folk music festival, but as time went on the tradition slipped away, explained sirector of publicity and promotions Ellen Stanley. Fans made it clear they missed their gathering and when Hobgoblin’s outdoor stage and barn was discovered by Red House staff through their artists’ performances, a new gala grew.

“We thought this was the perfect venue to resurrect the festival – the beautiful setting was just a perfect space for summertime,” Stanley added.

As the sound-filled celebration has grown over the last three years, the musical menu continues to expand.

“We are really excited about the performance lineup,” Stanley said, “Not only for the great talent, but musically speaking the selection is very eclectic … there is a little something for everyone.”

Barnfest has now turned into a destination trip for families and artists alike - with attendees traveling from Iowa and Chicago and top-selling artists coming from as far away as New York City and the New England area, Stanley explained.

The melting-pot lineup is:

1 p.m. Americana/soul performer Jon Rodine;

1:45 p.m. blues/gospel artists the Black Audience;

2:35 p.m. acoustic roots/rock singer Drew Nelson;

3:25 p.m. folk/blues entertainer Natalia Zukerman;

4:15 p.m. bluegrass group the High 48s;

5:05 p.m. folk artist Bill Staines;

5:55 p.m. folk/pop musician Lucy Kaplansky;

6:45 p.m. Celtic/acoustic duo Dean Magraw and John Williams;

7:20 p.m. grand finale.

Last year, Kidsfest was added into the festival – with kid-friendly tunes on the stage inside.

“We had so many young families with children and we wanted to provide activities for that younger audience,” Stanley said.

This year there will be an expanded Kidfest with funky children's activities and more musical performances on the family stage.

The set for the Family Stage inside the barn is:

2 p.m. Bill Staines;

2:45 p.m. Kid’s yoga with Learning Tree Yoga;

3:30 p.m. Open Eye Figure Theatre Puppet Show;

4:15 p.m. Jayanthi Kyle and the Crybabies

Other children's activities available outside include a water play area and crafts by Heartfelt.

Although families are welcome to bring picnics and coolers, there will also be a variety of food vendors.

Don’t forget a lawn chair or large blankets for lounging.

“Last year I even saw someone with a low-sitting table complete with picnic table cover set up in the audience,” Stanley said with laugh.

Tickets to Red House Barnfest are on sale now online at www.redhouserecords.com/barnfest.html and will be available at Hobgoblin Music in Red Wing.

Barnfest is sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio, Sue McLean & Associates, the Electric Fetus, KFAI Radio and the Cedar Cultural Center.

At a glance…

Red House Records presents Barn Fest. Enjoy a full day of some of the best singer/songwriters in folk and roots music.

When: 1-7:30 p.m. Saturday Aug. 4

Where: Hobgoblin Music’s Outdoor Amphitheater, 920 Highway 19

Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the gate, free for ages 12 and under

More info: 651-644-4161 or 877-866-3936 or online at www.redhouserecords.com/barnfest.html.

Performing at Barnfest 2012

Jon Rodine

Jon Rodine has been singing in the Twin Cities area for some time, playing folk/roots music and rock ‘n’ roll, and also concentrating on cover songs. His first album earned him the City Pages Acoustic Performer of the Year award.

"Last Star," his sophomore effort, is a mainly full-band electric project, still rooted in folk and Americana, but featuring a first-time collection of all-original material. It features guests Dan "Daddy Squeeze" Newton and Molly Maher.

More info: www.cdbaby.com/cd/jonrodine

Black Audience

The Minneapolis-based group performs a cappella/acoustic pieces. Members include Jayanthi Kyle (vocals), Doug Anderson (banjo and bones), Tony Paul (percussion), Jon Davis (bass and bass clarinet) and Robin Kyle (guitar).

More info: www.myspace.com/blackaudience

Drew Nelson

Navy veteran Drew Nelson is a storytelling songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. A fly fisherman and world traveler, he writes as a witness to the lives and journeys of those he has met along the way, mixing Americana and roots-rock with traditional folk styles.

Nelson's Red House debut “Tilt-A-Whirl” came out in early 2012. He also can be heard on the new album “Dark River: Songs of the Civil War Era,” with Jon Dee Graham, Slaid Cleaves, James McMurtry and new label-mate Eliza Gilkyson.

More info: www.redhouserecords.com/Nelson.html

Natalia Zukerman

With diverse influences that include folk, jazz, blues, rock, bluegrass, country and classical, Natalia Zukerman has been described by public radio as “an example of the finest Americana.”

Her latest album, “Gas Station Roses,” exemplifies her electric, acoustic and lap steel guitar playing while featuring guests Patty Larkin, Garrison Starr, Meghan Toohey (the Weepies), Adrianne Gonzalez (the Rescues), Todd Sickafoose (Ani Difranco), and Ray Bonneville.

More info: www.nataliazukerman.com

The High 48s

As traditional bluegrass bands go, the High 48s are about as non-traditional as they come. Members were born and raised in the Upper Midwest. They are songwriters who perform original material in addition to “festival favorites.” They are relative latecomers to bluegrass who found a passion for the music after playing rock, alternative country, indie rock, punk and jazz.

Their latest release is simply titled “The Gospel Album.” It includes a stirring a cappella recording of the Stanley Brothers’ classic “Gloryland.”

More info: www.thehigh48s.com

Bill Staines

Bill Staines has spent four decades on the road singing his songs. Over eighty of his songs have been published in three songbooks: “If I Were a Word, Then I’d Be a Song” and “Music to Me: The Songs of Bill Staines” and “All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir.” His radio and television appearances have included “A Prairie Home Companion,” “Mountain Stage,” “The Good Evening Show,” and he has hosted local programs on PBS and network television.

He has recorded 26 solo albums, the latest was the 2008 Red House release “Old Dogs.”

More info: www.redhouserecords.com/Staines.html.

Lucy Kaplansky

Starting out singing in Chicago bars, then, barely out of high school, Lucy Kaplansky took off for New York City. After dropping out of the music scene to pursue a doctorate in psychology, Kaplansky continued to sing and eventually was recording albums.

Her rising popularity has led to appearances on several shows including “The CBS Morning Show” and “All Things Considered.” Her song “Guilty as Sin” was featured in the NBC television show “Ed.”

More info: www.lucykaplansky.com/site.html

Dean MaGraw & John Williams

Ever since he heard the opening riff to the Rolling Stones' "19th Nervous Breakdown" Dean Magraw has been transfixed by the guitar. Over the course of his career, Magraw has grown into one of the most innovative guitarists around with an astounding ability to weave soulful melodic grooves with fluidity, taste and tonality.

John Williams is internationally regarded as one of the foremost players of Irish music today. With five All-Ireland titles to his credit, he is the only American-born competitor ever to win first place in the Senior Concertina category.

More info: www.redhouserecords.com/Magraw.html and www.johnwilliamsmusic.com.

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