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Bluegrass on the Grass


Nearly 3,000 music fans flocked to campus July 9 to take in the 2011 Bluegrass on the Grass festival. Now in its 16th year, the free, daylong event shines a spotlight on well-known musicians and draws fans from several neighboring states.

Supported by the college, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts/Jump Street, music-industry representatives and local businesses, the festival has grown from a small concert attracting approximately 200 people to the college’s largest annual, public-service event.

It is a labor of love for Davis Tracy, the now-retired director of Dickinson’s Counseling Center who has headed up the festival since its start. A musician and longtime host of bluegrass radio shows on WDCV, Tracy has many industry contacts, and he knows how to attract top talent. “Our festival is prized by artists because we treat them graciously, and the artists always sell a lot of their recorded music,” he explained. [Story continues below.] 


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  • Bluegrass legend Louie Setzer (third from left), known as the "Duke of Bluegrass," smiles while performing with his band, the Appalachian Mountain Boys. Setzler, whose career spans nearly 40 years, combines traditional bluegrass, country and gospel influences to create an infectious, honky-tonk sound.
    Louie Setzer
  • Audience members dance to the music.
    Hoe-down
  • Billed as presenting "the most professional show in the business," the nattily-dressed Chatham County Line stands out in sea of blue jeans and T's. In the band's bio, singer/guitarist/songwriter Dave Wilson writes, "We've worn out two vans by now, and a couple of ties, as well."
    Chatham County Line
  • Like the experienced musicians who billed the festival, these fiddles have seen a lot of miles.
    Well-traveled
  • Vocalist/bassist Laura Walker brings a distinctive sound to the Dismembered Tennesseans. The band was originally founded in 1945 by a group of Tennessee schoolmates.
    Laura Walker
  • Bluegrass blends country, gospel and Americana influences, and is typically divided into two subgenres: old-timey, also known as “Americana,” and traditional. Above, a young audience member dances to the music.
    Dance!
  • Fletcher Bright, a 2005 recipient of the Tennessee Governor's Award in the Arts (Folklife Heritage Award), leads the Dismembered Tennesseans. Founded 60 years ago, the band is known as the Blue Grass on the Grass "house band," having performed in every festival thus far.
    Fletcher Bright
  • The festival is well known for attracting top talent. Some past performers, such as Dale Ann Bradley, Mike Bubb and Emory Lester, have earned multiple awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association and/or the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America. Above, early-arrivers fill the front rows, eager to get a good view of the accomplished musicians onstage. 
    Early birds
  • Many festival-goers brought a picnic lunch.
    Picnic
  • He can't see anything, but he's probably listening. Or sleeping. Or both.
    Siesta
  • Davis Tracy, a DJ of several bluegrass radio shows on WDCV and driving force behind the festival, enjoys the fruit of his labor. Each year, he works hard to create a fresh, balanced bill that generates excitement. 
    Davis Tracy
  • An estimated 2,800-3,000 people attended the event, which featured two identical sets.
    Shady Spot
  • Martin Guitar Company of Nazareth, Pa., has fashioned guitars since 1833. At each Bluegrass on the Grass festival, the company gives away a guitar to a lucky sponsor-ticket-holder. But this particular beauty is reserved for one of the pros.
    Thing of beauty
  • The Dismembered Tennesseans makes its 16th appearance on the Bluegrass on the Grass stage.
    View from the stage
  • The Freight Hoppers performs as a group for the first time since 2002. The band specializes in Americana.
    The Freight Hoppers
  • An audience member drinks in the entertainment.
    Sheer enjoyment
  • Music appreciators of all ages enjoy the sunny afternoon on campus.
    Family affair
  • Claire Lynch, leader of the Claire Lynch Band, was recently named the International Bluegrass Music Awards' 2010 Female Vocalist of the Year. Her band was described by the Bluegrass Blog as "the best backing lineup of her career."
    Claire Lynch Band
  • Something riveting at stage left has captured this dog's attention. But he or she is staying put, as instructed. Good dog!
    Good dog!
  • Guitarist Matthew Wingate, who also performs on the dobro and mandolin, lends a cool vibe to the show.
    Matthew Wingate
Bluegrass legend Louie Setzer (third from left), known as the "Duke of Bluegrass," smiles while performing with his band, the Appalachian Mountain Boys. Setzler, whose career spans nearly 40 years, combines traditional bluegrass, country and gospel influences to create an infectious, honky-tonk sound.Prev ImageNext Image

As a result, Bluegrass on the Grass consistently features top-drawer musicians. Many come to Carlisle from southern Appalachia, home of the bluegrass movement. And some, such as the Dismembered Tennesseans, return for repeat performances.

This year, the Tennesseans shared the stage with Louie Setzer & the Appalachian Mountain Boys, The Freight Hoppers and Chatham County Line. The internationally recognized Claire Lynch Band headed the bill.

Before embarking on a solo career, Lynch was a backup singer for Dolly Parton, who described the younger musician’s voice as “one of the sweetest, purest and best lead voices in the music business today.” Lynch also has shared the stage with legends Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea and Ralph Stanley. Last year, she was awarded the 2010 IBMA trophy for female vocalist of the year.

Tracy, who has featured Lynch’s music on his radio show for 15 years, said that the crowd was particularly quiet and attentive during Lynch’s set. “It could have been because [she] sings such thoughtful and reverent tunes so beautifully,” he said.

See photos of last year's festival.

By MaryAlice Bitts Jackson
Photos by A. Pierce Bounds ’71