In Creative Pursuit

THE FRESHGRASS AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS AND SUPPORTS EMERGING ARTISTS

By Benjamin Lerner
Photos Courtesy of the Artists

Artists nominated for FreshGrass Awards from top, Emily Johnson-Erday, nominated for a FreshGrass Award in the “Banjo” category; The Wildwoods (Andy Vaggalis, Chloe Gose, Noah Gose), nominated in the “Band” category; Luke Black, nominated in the “Guitar” category; Nick Weitzenfeld, nominated in the “Guitar” category.

Every Year, amidst the stunning landscapes of North Adams, Massachusetts, and Bentonville, Arkansas, music lovers and artists from around the world gather to experience an uplifting blend of bluegrass, folk, Americana, and roots music performances at the highly-acclaimed FreshGrass Festival, which will be held this year from September 22–September 24 on the MASS MoCA campus. The exhilarating lineup features the energetic Dropkick Murphys (Acoustic), the soulful melodies of Lukas Nelson + POTR, the captivating musicality of Sierra Ferrell, and the mesmerizing vocals of Rhiannon Giddens, among many others.

In addition to hosting the two festivals (FreshGrass in Bentonville will be at The Momentary on May 17–18, 2024), the FreshGrass Foundation offers various grants, commissions, and awards, extend- ing a helping hand to musicians in pursuit of their creative endeavors. The FreshGrass Awards program stands as one of their most impactful initiatives, recognizing emerging artists who present refreshing renditions of bluegrass and roots music. Musicians apply in four categories: Band, Banjo, Fiddle, and Guitar. Nominated artists selected through the application process are given the opportunity to perform at FreshGrass, where they perform in front of a sizable crowd with deep appreciation for their music. Afterwards, their performances and submission recordings are judged by FreshGrass, and winners are selected. With prizes totaling over $20,000 in cash and coveted studio time at Compass Records in Nashville, Tennessee, the FreshGrass Awards beautifully manifests the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the growth of promising musical talents.

FreshGrass Executive Director Chris Wadsworth adds the following: “FreshGrass’s mission is to support grassroots musicians to foster creativity and an innovative spirit. Providing opportunities and a platform through our FreshGrass Awards for the rising talent in our industry is critical to ensuring that new generations of artists continue to thrive.” In the weeks leading up to the North Adams festival, several nominated artists and bands, including The Wildwoods, Emily Johnson-Erday, Luke Black, Nikolai Margulis, Maggie Shar, and Nick Weitzenfeld, shared their stories, thoughts, and aspirations.

Artists nominated for FreshGrass Awards also include Maggie Shar in the “Banjo” category and Nikolai Margulis in the “Banjo” category.

The Wildwoods
Lincoln, NE
@thewildwoods
thewildwoodsband.com

The Wildwoods, a Folk and Americana trio hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, draw their inspiration from nature, love, their experiences on the road, and their Nebraska roots.

Comprised of husband-and-wife team Noah (guitar and vocalist) and Chloe Gose (violin, vocalist, and guitarist), as well as Andrew Vaggalis (bass), the Wildwoods’ path to the FreshGrass Awards was serendipitous, as Chloe explains: “Hilarie Spangler, one of the people on the FreshGrass team, reached out to us via email and invited us to come and perform as part of the competition. We’re happy to be a part of it!” When asked what advice they would give to other musicians and bands, Chloe emphasizes the promotional power of social media. “If you get good recordings of your songs and put time and energy into making content, it can really help you find new fans and show people what you love to do.”

Emily Johnson-Erday
Brooklyn, NY
@thebanjowitch
emilyjohnsonerday.com
emilyjohnsonerday.bandcamp.com

Emily Johnson-Erday, an award-winning songwriter and composer, developed her musical skills in her home state of North Carolina. Currently residing in Brooklyn, she has seamlessly merged her love for folk music and theatre. She also showcases her musical prowess with the neo-folk band, The Starlight Darlins. Johnson- Erday finds ample inspiration in the beautiful, tragic, complicated nuances of everyday life. She also sees boundless potential for storytelling through the intersection of musical theater and American folk music. Johnson-Erday’s current projects include an evolving collaboration with the monthly immersive event series, “The Fantasy Tavern” at Caveat in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, in which she skillfully weaves banjo and traditional music through troubadour and bard-style performances. Her latest two-song offering, The Inwood Sessions, can be purchased on her Bandcamp page. It is an intimate pairing of singles with minimalist, melancholy production, through which Johnson-Erday showcases her sing- ing and guitar skills.

Luke Black
Birmingham, AL
@lukeblack_music

Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Luke Black is an exceptional “flatpicker” guitarist who is pursuing his artistic passions at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Black was introduced to FreshGrass last year, when he performed at the 2022 festival in North Adams. Black is nominated for two FreshGrass Awards—one for his solo guitar performance and one with the Boston-based bluegrass band, The Cahaba Roots. The Cahaba Roots’ lineup consists of Black, Drury Anderson (mandolin and vocals), and Teddy Kent (upright bass). All three attend The Berklee College of Music in Boston together. As Black continues to make strides in his musical career, he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of folk and roots music. He encourages other aspiring musicians to seize every possible opportunity, persevere through rough beginnings, and stay committed to their projects. He adds, “It’s important to keep going and get involved in the musical community as much as possible.”

Nikolai Margulis
Princeton, NJ
youtube.com/@nikolaimargulis8098

Nikolai Margulis’s artistic journey as a banjo player began at the tender age of five. He initially started as a classic-style player under the tutelage of prominent Arkansas banjoist Clarke Buehling, and he went on to transition to the three-finger-style of banjo playing four years ago. At 16 years old, Margulis already has made a significant impact in the world of bluegrass and progressive banjo and has shared the stage with celebrated artists like Béla Fleck, Tony Trischka, and Tray Wellington. “Everyone’s really excited to share what they know at FreshGrass,” says Margulis. “It’s a big community where you can look up to people like Béla Fleck and see their amazing performances, but it’s small enough where you can really form close relationships with your musical heroes.” As Margulis continues to develop his skills and repertoire, he is excited to continue his participation in notable musical programs like the Blue Ridge Banjo Camp and International Bluegrass Music Association. For aspiring young musicians, Margulis’ advice is clear: “Apply for things you don’t think you’ll get nominated for and attend festivals like FreshGrass. They offer wonderful opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.”

Maggie Shar
Easthampton, MA
maggieshar.com

Maggie Shar is an innovative clawhammer banjo player, performer, and teacher who was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Shar’s expressive, syncopated playing style has earned her multiple accolades, including first-place wins at the 2018 Northeast Fiddler’s Convention Banjo Contest and the 2018 Oldtone Roots Festival Banjo Contest. In addition to her solo banjo performances, Maggie regularly performs with The Ephemeral Stringband and The Moon Shells.

Shar is currently based in nearby Easthampton. She is an active banjo teacher and co-founder of the Little Roots Studio in Florence, Massachusetts, and she also imparts her knowledge through private lessons. She is deeply devoted to nurturing the musical growth of aspiring banjoists of all ages. Shar first learned about FreshGrass through social media. She adds, “I like going to music festivals, and the lineup at FreshGrass is always excellent. I have attended the festival a few times, and I am honored to have the opportunity to perform this year.” Her FreshGrass Award nomination has given her new levels of motivation to pursue a solo banjo album. “That would be the thing I’d be most excited to use the grant and recording time for if I won the award.” Shar offers the following advice for all prospective banjo students: “Whatever you feel like you want to do, you can do. It’s just a matter of taking time, taking a risk, and being willing to be bad at something in order to learn more. Everyone wants to be great from the start, but we all have to grow from mistakes in life and in music.”

Nick Weitzenfeld • Johnson City, TN
nickfallonweitzenfeld.bandcamp.com

Nick Weitzenfeld is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who showcases his talents as the singer and lead guitarist for the Tray Wellington Band. “My bandmate, Tray Wellington, actually won a FreshGrass award two years ago,” says Weitzenfeld. For Weitzenfeld, FreshGrass is more than a festival: it’s a celebration of musical kinship. “When you’re up there with all your friends, you don’t feel like you’re competing against them—you just want them to do well, too.” As Weitzenfeld prepares for the 2023 FreshGrass festival, he looks forward to a promising year ahead, with plans for a full-length original project in the works. Reflecting on his journey, Weitzenfeld offers the following advice to young musicians: “People want you to succeed, and they’re not judging you as intensely as you’re judging yourself. I like to think we get better as musicians by express- ing ourselves, performing, taking big and rewarding risks, and embracing the consequences.”

freshgrass.com

Nikolai Margulis plays with Béla Fleck.