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For three days, enjoy folk, Americana and bluegrass music from dozens of bands featured on four stages at the 28th Annual Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, set for April 12-14 at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds.
The festival honors Gamble Rogers and his musical storytelling that forever changed folk music. Headlining the festival is AJ Lee & Blue Summit and the John Jorgenson Quintet, with supporting acts including Verlon Thompson, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, Remedy Tree, The Krickets, Red and Christopher Henry & Their All Star Band, Wyatt Ellis and more.
AJ Lee & Blue Summit is a bluegrass band from the Bay Area that draws influences from country, soul, swing, rock and jam music. Led by singer-songwriter and mandolinist, AJ Lee, the band includes Sullivan Tuttle and Scott Gates on steel-stringed acoustic guitars, Jan Purat on fiddle and Chad Bowen on upright bass.
John Jorgenson Quintet is a dynamic, authentic gypsy jazz band led by music virtuoso John Jorgenson, known for his fast guitar licks. In addition to acoustic and electric guitars, Jorgenson plays the mandolin, saxophone, clarinet, bouzouki and pedal steel and performs as a vocalist. His quintet has been hailed the “U.S. ambassadors of gypsy jazz,” and is comprised of Casey Driscoll on the jazz violin; Rory Hoffman on guitar, piano and the accordion; Simon Planting on bass; and Rick Reed on percussion.
One of the highlights of the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival is the YoungFolk Stage, where a new generation of musicians have an opportunity to perform on a nationally recognized professional stage. These up-and-coming performers are aged 19 and younger and epitomize how the festival is keeping the folk music tradition alive for future generations.
Mandolin prodigy Wyatt Ellis returns this year with his band as a highlight performance of the YoungFolk Stage.
Three-day tickets are $100. Friday night ticket is $35. Saturday day ticket is $65. Sunday day ticket is $35. Primitive camping and RV sites are available, and kids 16 and under are admitted free. There will be food trucks, local artisans, craft vendors, activities for kids, workshops and more. Pets are also welcome on a leash. Bring blankets, hammocks and chairs to relax and revel in the tradition of folk music. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com/o/gamble-rogers-folk-festival-51483367423.
The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival and Concert Series is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to commemorating the life and music of Gamble Rogers, the folk legend who shaped American folk music with his poetic storytelling and passion for folk tradition.
The annual festival and concert series aims to keep the folk music tradition alive for future generations by encouraging and supporting young musicians. They also host monthly music workshops for students from local area schools.
Learn more at gamblerogersfest.org and follow along on social media @gamblerogersfest.
