Sugarloaf holds bluegrass fest
Sugar Loaf, N.Y. Like the meeting of The Central and Northern Pacific Railroads in the remote desert of Utah establishing America’s first Transcontinental Railroadthe proverbial site of the historical “Golden Spike” 150 years ago Sugarloaf Music Series hosts the convergence of two premiere bluegrass/newgrass aggregations: Big Spike from Vermont and Appalachian Uprising Band from the tri-state region. These two stellar groups will split the bill in Sugarloaf Music’s now annual Bluegrass Bonanza on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m. at The Pavilion of the Lycian Performing Arts Center, Kings Highway, Sugarloaf, N.Y. One of New Jersey’s premiere bluegrass contingents, Appalachian Uprising has performed at numerous bluegrass/newgrass festivals throughout the nation. Co-lead by the Lutke brothers, they have received critical acclaim. Steve Lutke has cultivated the reputation for being one of the most meticulous banjo players on the circuit. Sing Out Magazine says: “Fasten your seat belts; you’re in for the Indy 500 of banjo playing! Perhaps best known regionally as a member of the band, Kentucky Roots, Steve Lutke brings to the table a musical family background fueled by a keen sense of exploration and experimentation.” That musical family background includes brother Kevin Lutke, a jazz guitar talent who has been on the first call list of many top jazz artists including pianist Richard Kimball. Of equal stature but from the northern end of the Appalachian Mountain range is Big Spike. Carol Beaugard of Lonesome Pine RFD, WFDU writes: “If you love hard driving, traditional bluegrass with great vocals and instrumental excellence, than seek out Big Spike. This Vermont based band is the real deal.” Bluegrass Unlimited says, ”These boys put on a tremendous show: well- paced, wonderful musicianship, perfect harmonies, lots of originals they just look like they are having a terrific time while doing it.” Tickets may be purchased at Village Music, Main Street, Warwick, N.Y., and Van Gelder Music, Route 17M, Monroe, N.Y. Reservations can be made by calling 845-258-JAZZ (5299). For more information, please visit www.sugarloafmusic.org. Future events include for the first time Tony Trischka and Frank Vignola; The Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band direct from New Orleans’ Tipitina’s; and Dave Stryker’s Blue to the Bone premiere jazz/blues band.