Thousands of music fans enjoyed a high desert getaway via three nights of music at this year’s “Fairwell” Festival in Central Oregon.
The massive event showcased 36+ performances highlighting the sounds of folk, blues, rock, country and soul at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.
The Black Pumas, Kacey Musgraves, Billy Strings, The Revivalists and Sarah Jarosz were just a few of the performers to grace the event’s 3 stages over the weekend.
Sierra Hull
Bluegrass mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull played a lively setlist at the Metolius Stage on day one of the Music Fest. And though high temps reached 93, the venue cooled down enough for concertgoers to thoroughly enjoy her show.
Superb mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull is not slowing down anytime soon.
Aside from her reputation as an ace mandolin picker, Hull is an excellent songwriter and vocalist.
First signed to Rounder Records at the age of 13, Hull wowed the crowd with her engaging style, easygoing personality and exquisite musicianship.
Bravo!
Billy Strings
Guitarist and bluegrass musician Billy Strings walked onto the Deschutes Stage while a jaw-dropping gorgeous sunset glowed behind him. It just got better from there.
His extraordinary fingerpicking skills were showcased on popular tracks like “Meet Me at the Creek” and “Hide and Seek.”
Billy Strings, above, captivated fans at Fairwell Fest!
Further into his set, Strings had Sierra Hull join him for four tracks, delighting the crowd with compositions like “Baltimore Johnny ” and “End of the Rainbow.”
Sarah Jarosz
At the Crooked Stage Sunday, Americana treasure Sarah Jarosz played before an enthusiastic crowd of music lovers. Jarosz and her band delivered a diverse setlist from her exemplary catalog.
Americana artist and Grammy award winning Sarah Jarosz, above.
Her enthusiastic fans were treated to many tracks from Jarosz’s new “Polaroid Lovers” release. Highlights included “Jealous Moon,” “High Road,” “Dying Ember” and “Runaway Train,” all from “Lovers.”
Did I enjoy Jarosz?
Let’s just say I sang to her CD all the way home…and then purchased it on vinyl.
The takeaway: if you get a chance to see her live, don’t miss her!
Black Pumas
Other artists to perform at Farewell Festival included Sam Barber, Leann Rimes, Shakey Graves, CAAMP, The War and Treaty, and Colter Wall.
But on Sunday, my friend and I gravitated to the stage of psychedelic soul band Black Pumas.
You might recall they received their first Grammy award nomination in 2020 for Best New Artist.
Today, Black Pumas continue to excel!
Black Pumas, above, deliver a riveting show
Playing at The Deschutes Stage, the band enthralled the audience with a setlist that included “Ice Cream (Pay Phone),” “Know You Better” and “More Than a Love Song.”
Charismatic frontperson Eric Burton sang, danced and basically had the crowd in the palm of his hand. And once again, the audience was treated to a spectacular sunset (see photo).
Kacey Musgraves
All this, and Kacey Musgraves, too?
That’s what yours truly thought when I first saw the artists set to perform at Fairwell Fest.
The country singer-songwriter-superstar closed out the night. Her magical setlist showcased several tracks from her newest “Deeper Well” release.
Superstar Kacey Musgraves closed things out Sunday night
She opened with “Cardinal,” and included others from the new album like “Deeper Well” and “The Architect.”
She remarked on the beauty of Oregon, joked about not getting to ride the ferris wheel, and beautifully belted out “Good Wife,” from her pop-country “Star-Crossed” album.
Musgraves also kept fans happy with other oldies, like performing “Butterflies” from her album “Golden Hour.”
Parting thoughts
Minor quibbles: Does beer really need to be that expensive?
Also, it would be nice to see a booth set up to sell the vinyl, CD’s and merch of the performing musicians.
Event organizers are to be commended, however, for their attention to public safety. A severe weather alert for lightning paused music on all three stages Sunday evening as the venue advised music fans to take cover for impending hail.
Fortunately, the delay only lasted about an hour.
That’s a wrap!
Many thanks to KRVM for the opportunity to attend this fantastic event with nonstop music (and fantastic sunsets)!
Thanks for supporting new music, and for supporting listener-powered radio at KRVM!
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