Every Jam Saves the Bay: Baygrass Festival 2024 Bridges Music, Conservation, and Community By Dan Rozman with Photos by Mark Raker
The Baygrass Music Festival returned to Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 21st and 22nd, 2024. The festival, which mixed bluegrass music with efforts to help the environment and mental health, took place near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
The festival’s motto was “Every Jam Saves the Bay.” This meant that while people enjoyed music, they also learned about keeping the Chesapeake Bay clean and healthy. There were also booths where people could learn about mental health and drug overdose training.
On Saturday, the music started with Geraldine. They were followed by The Lil Smokies, where their lead singer, Jake Simpson, talked about a new album they’re making: “Our new record is coming out, hopefully, in February of next year. It contains songs we wrote during COVID and is a bit different from our past music, but so far, it’s my favorite album we’ve made.”
While listening to music, people could eat local food like crab cakes and oysters as well as enjoy local craft beers and spirits. There were fun things to do besides listening to music. People did yoga on the beach, hung out on the sand, and played in the water. You could shop for crafts, and get education on various topics. There were booths teaching about mental health and drug overdose treatments. NASA had a booth where kids and adults could learn about space. The Infinite Love Project had a station where people could paint their own “Be Kind” signs.
A number of musician workshops took place during the festival as well. Sam Bush, the “Father of Newgrass”, played music and led a workshop where he played and told stories. Later in the day, Leftover Salmon played. Vince Herman from the band said: “Man, what a beautiful place to be. A bunch of our friends are here, and this looks like it’s going to be some kind of fun. Great turnout and beautiful weather.” They had some special guests join them on stage, including Sierra Hull and Sam Bush.
At night, Oteil Burbridge and his band closed the show. Oteil said: “We’re excited to be here at Baygrass. The weather’s perfect. Everybody working here is really nice. It’s great seeing old friends like Ron Holloway, Jen Hartswick, and Natalie Cressman.” These Artists At Large joined Oteil on stage.
On Sunday, The Dirty Grass Players started the day. It was Alex Berman’s last show with them as he takes a hiatus to work on other projects and spend time with his family. Another highlight of the day happened during Cris Jacobs and Friends set when we were treated to an impromptu guitar duel between Jacobs and Daniel Donato. Donato came back later to play his “Cosmic Country” music. He describes: “Cosmic Country as yin and yang in musical form. It’s three chords and the truth, and on the other side, it’s exploration and bravery.”
The Kitchen Dwellers played their “Galaxy Grass,” which mixes bluegrass, rock, and metal. Among other tunes, Big Richard played songs from their new album “Girl Dinner.” Brown Eyed Women, an all-female Grateful Dead tribute band, offered fresh interpretations of the Dead’s catalog. Their set showcased individual skills and collective passion for the music, proving to be more than just another tribute act.
Grammy award-winning The Infamous Stringdusters ended the festival. They got everyone dancing and bassisy Travis Book talked to the crowd between songs. Andy Falco & Travis Book will be back in DC for their Play Jerry Garcia show on Nov 7, 2024, at The Hamilton Live in Washington, DC.
The group who founded the festival, Ron Peremel, John Way, and Ron Katz, wanted to do more than just have music. They want to teach people about taking care of the environment and mental health self-care.
At the end of the festival, Ron Peremel said: “As the sun sets on Baygrass 2024 and the autumnal equinox transitions from summer to fall, I’m filled with gratitude for those who made this event happen. I’m in awe of the talent, passion, and commitment to fulfilling this dream, which has collectively become the dream of many.”
Daniel Donato summed up the weekend by saying: “With every note we had the chance to play. It was an astounding day on the bay. We’ll see you another day.”
The Baygrass Music Festival was more than just a music show. It brought people together to enjoy music, eat good food, and learn about important things. Fans are already looking forward to next year.
Photos by Mark Raker Check out the photos of the festival here.
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