We’re all experiencing unprecedented disruption to our normal activities as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re making very difficult, but necessary decisions to cancel events, stay home and distance ourselves from each other for the time being.

These decisions are increasingly affecting almost all parts of our economy and the people who contribute to it every day. It’s particularly tough on small local business owners who often operate on slim margins while serving and supporting their communities in important and authentic ways.

As we at the Sugar Maple Music Festival reflect on these consequences, we know that independent musicians are also small business owners and are highly impacted by the effects of this pandemic.

Every day we are seeing large and small music festivals and shows necessarily cancelled, and we know that each cancellation means these musicians lose access to a major source of their livelihood and the loyal and new audiences who keep them afloat.

And yet, during times like this we look even more to music as a distraction, a healing salve and way to feel connected to others. The music we love provides us a glimmer of normalcy even as nothing feels normal.

So, although we may not be able to go out and hear these musicians live at this moment, there are other ways we can support them as we look to them to help us get through this challenging time:

• If you use a major streaming service, consider purchasing music directly from the artists you listen to as well, as it goes a long way to support them in the art they create.
• If you take music lessons in person, instead of cancelling, explore having them virtually or buy a lesson DVD. Technology has come a long way toward keeping us connected and learning.
• See if your favorite bands have a Patreon page and if they do, sign up to become a patron.

At the Sugar Maple, we are, in particular, keeping those artists who have become part of our community in mind. As a fan and supporter of the festival and roots music, please check out and support the artists who were with us at the festival in 2019 and during the previous years – not to mention, our past and present Sugar Maple Concert Series artists. Artist websites where you can buy music directly are easily accessible through these links. 

On a logistical note, our concert series events, which begin again on April 23, are still scheduled as planned as is the Sugar Maple Music Festival on July 31 and Aug. 1. We are watching the situation closely and know that health and safety are priority one. Please check our Facebook page and website frequently for updates and to learn about future shows and the talented musicians we work with.

A big shout out to those who make the music that gets us through the tough times and the good times. Now it’s our turn to give back. Together we’ll get through this.
 
Bob Batyko
President, Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective
bob@sugarmaplefest.org

The border country of Texas is a rich tableau for multicultural traditional music.  Belen Escobedo grew up in San Antonio listening to a savory stew of Norteño, Tejano, mariachi and classic Texas country music.  The old songs left an impression in her mind as she learned violin in school and the local traditional fiddle styles on the side.  Many of the songs she plays are an eclectic mix of waltzes, polkas and other traditional forms brought by early German and East European settlers to Texas, in which the fiddle playing the melody lines came to be replaced in more conventional versions of this music by the accordion. 

Today, Belen is one of the few remaining practitioners of authentic fiddle-based Conjunto music, and Sugar Maple is excited to present her and her band, Panfilo’s Güera, for their first appearance in the Upper Midwest.  Belen was presented the Master of Texas Fiddling Award at the 2017 Festival of Texas Fiddling in recognition of her significance in maintaining this distinctive Texas musical style.  She and her band were recently featured in concert at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.  Panfilo’s Güera includes Ramon Gutierrez on tololoche (bass) and Virginio Castillo on bajo sexto.  Their new self-titled live album showcases 17 traditional songs of the Texas borderlands.

~written by Brad Wolbert

We’re excited to bring the Amythyst Kiah Trio to the stage for their very first Sugar Maple Music Festival performance. Born in Chattanooga and based in Johnson City, Amythyst Kiah’s commanding stage presence is matched by her raw and powerful vocals—a deeply moving, hypnotic sound that stirs echoes of a distant and restless past.

Accompanied interchangeably with banjo, acoustic guitar, or a full band, her eclectic influences span decades, finding inspiration in old time music, alternative rock, folk, country, and blues.

Our Native Daughters, her recent collaboration with Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell (Birds of Chicago), has delivered a full-length album produced by Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell, Songs of Our Native Daughters (out now on Smithsonian Folkways). The opening track, “Black Myself”, written by Amythyst, was recently nominated for a Grammy for Best American Roots Song.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Aug. 1 when the Amythst Kiah Trio takes to the 17h Annual Sugar Maple Music Festival stage.

~written by Kimberly Schmitt

Looking for a great holiday gift for the music lover in your life? Then we have the gift for you!

Sugar Maple Music Festival 2020 tickets will be on sale for one day only this year – Cyber Monday on Dec. 2. For just $20, you’ll be able to purchase a weekend pass for the July 31 and Aug. 1, 2020 event.  It will cost you $50 at the gate, so mark your calendar and don’t miss this chance to get huge savings.

Tickets go on sale here at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2

Confirmed artists for the 2020 Sugar Maple Music Festival include the Amythyst Kiah Trio! Born in Chattanooga and based in Johnson City, Amythyst Kiah’s commanding stage presence is matched by her raw and powerful vocals—a deeply moving, hypnotic sound that stirs echoes of a distant and restless past.

Accompanied interchangeably with banjo, acoustic guitar, or a full band, her eclectic influences span decades, finding inspiration in old time music, alternative rock, folk, country, and blues.

Our Native Daughters, her recent collaboration with Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell (Birds of Chicago), has delivered a full-length album produced by Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell, Songs of Our Native Daughters (out now on Smithsonian Folkways). The opening track, “Black Myself”, written by Amythyst, was recently nominated for a Grammy for Best American Roots Song.

This year’s line-up also includes Appalachian Road Show, a group honoring the music, traditions and history of the Appalachian people and regions.  The group is comprised of banjoist Barry Abernathy, mandolinist-extraordinaire Darrell Webb, Grammy-award winning fiddler Jim Vancleve, and legendary upright bassist Todd Phillips.  On guitar is Zeb Snyder, a young phenom taking acoustic guitar circles by storm.

And we have confirmed Robbie Fulks will be back at the Sugar Maple fest performing a Doc Watson Tribute!  Robbie Fulks is a singer, recording artist, instrumentalist, composer, and songwriter. His most recent release, 2017’s Upland Stories, earned year’s-best recognition from NPR and Rolling Stone among many others, as well as two Grammy nominations, for folk album and American roots song (“Alabama At Night”).  Robbie is a long-time friend of the festival (2004, 2007, 2009 and 2012) and we’re thrilled to welcome him back.

Any one of these performances would be worth the ticket price alone!

More artists to be announced…stay tuned!

Hey gang! For a limited time, Sugar Maple gear is available from our partner, Bonfire! There are kid sizes, hoodies, tanks and t-shirts. Best of all, 100% of profits go toward the fest AND the items will ship directly to you!