Oliver Mtukudzi made a special stop by The GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance Friday, where he joined returning acts Rusted Root, The Campbell Brothers, Mountain Heart and many more. Photo by Heather Ainsworth
Oliver Mtukudzi, one of Zimbabwe’s leading artists, and an international superstar, served as a fatherly figure Friday night during his set at the GrassRoots Grandstand Stage. Not only did he speak to an adoring audience about respect for fathers, and for peace, but provided the festival’s local luminaries–the Sim Redmond Band–with a sense of familial connection, musically and spiritually. That profound sense of respect for music, and for others permeated GrassRoots on its second full day.
Mtukudzi, better known as “Tuku,” performed with a small band of only three others, but the sound, shimmering and textured, entranced the audience that had gathered at the Grandstand Stage. “From where I am from,” he said towards the end of a set that lasted almost 90-minutes, “you are not allowed to sing unless you have something to say.”
The common thread among the bands at GrassRoots, now in its 20th year, was that bands do speak honestly about themselves, and are rooted in respect. Sim Redmond, for instance, who performed just before Mtukudzi, nodded to the singer and guitarist from Zimbabwe, and celebrated his bandmate’s birthday with the same love and joy.
Jen Middaugh, the vocalist for Sim Redmond (with hat in background), offered sweet songs indebted to African influences, but wholly unique. Photo by Heather Ainsworth
Redmond’s band drew from Zimbabwe, but also might be considered part of a continuity of Ithaca Sound. Featuring a sunny groove, SRB drew from 70s pop at times; “Road Sign,” a new song from the band’s recent release “Open the Door” lifts a rift from “Thunder Road” and makes it the SRB’s own.
Elsewhere longtime favorites returned to GrassRoots. Pittsburgh’s Rusted Root performed late in the evening on the Infield Stage, the identical slot they had taken just last year. After brief absences, the phenomenal “Sacred Steel” family The Campbell Brothers and the inspirational folk punk of Blackfire returned as well.
Darick Campbell, foreground, joins brother Phil (on guitar) nephew Carlton (drums), Denise Brown and Malcolm Kirby in the Dance Tent Friday night. Photo by Heather Ainsworth
Two local favorites stole the night in a day of festive reunions (Kathy Ziegler was joined on backup vocals by longtime friends Jennie Lowe Stearns and Mary Lorson, as well as The Post’s own Amelia Sauter and Leah Houghtaling; The Makepeace Brothers reunited with each other). Two acronyms, JATAS and JBB– offered blistering sets.
Jay Spaker of JATAS in the Dance Tent Friday night at GrassRoots.
Kevin Kinsella, the founding member of John Brown's Body, joined Elliot Martin in a set that also included Thousands of One's Jhakeem Halstom. Photo by Heather Ainsworth
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
heather’s photos rule!