Published: July 14, 2008 08:54 pm            

MMF set to celebrate its 15th year

Somerset — Sure, the popular song said there were “Sixteen Candles.” But 15 will be plenty for the Master Musicians Festival.

Somerset’s own outdoor music festival turns 15 years old this go-around, scheduled for July 18 and 19 at Somerset Comm-unity College’s Festival Field, and organizers are commemorating the occasion with one of its most anticipated line-ups ever: A collection of returning favorites, a former MTV regular, an up-and-coming show-stopper, and yes, even a birthday cake — though it’s actually for a pair of blues legends.

“In observance of this being our 15th anniversary, we have tried to bring back some old favorites from the previous 14 festivals,” said the festival’s executive director, Robyn Baker, “and to boot, some great new acts.”

The list of MMF all-stars is sure to tickle the ivories of any festival loyalist: Honeyboy Edwards, Pinetop Perkins, Jonell Mosser, The Kelly Richey Band, Chris Knight, Goose Creek Symphony, and BonePony, the energetic “power folk” band which Baker said the festival has “practically adopted.”

Indeed, BonePony has made a habit of closing out the festival and sending people on their way clapping — but Baker said not to underestimate the appeal of Goose Creek Symphony, the country-rock-folk-blues fusion act which last appeared in 2003 and has proven “a tremendous ticket seller,” according to Baker.

“We do survey cards every year, and we continue to pay attention to what the audience requests,” said Baker, describing how the festival arrived at the “who’s who” list of returning favorites.

Don't forget the rookies. Sister Hazel is a big-name coup for Master Musicians Festival. The group had a huge hit in 1997 with alternative rock track “All For You,” which reached 11 on the U.S. Hot 100 chart and topped the adult Top 40. Anyone who spent hours of their day watching MTV music video line-up in the late 1990s should remember the song, and the band's music has appeared on the soundtracks of Hollywood productions like “The Wedding Planner,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” and NBC's “Scrubs.”

It’s an act that isn't quite as familiar to MTV junkies of the last decade that might just be entering MMF as the hottest ticket, however. The Avett Brothers bring the traditional festival sounds — a little rock, a little country, a little folks and blues -- that's been described as “grungegrass.” Made up of brothers Seth and Scott Avett, along with bassist Bob Crawford and cellist Joe Kwon, recently appeared at huge outdoor festival Bonnaroo, held in June in Manchester, Tenn., where they got a tremendous response, according to Baker.

“They blew the Bonnaroo festival away,” said Baker. “The Bonnaroo festival exceeds Woodstock (in attendance), and the Avett Brothers are coming here. I would describe them as being in the same genre as (previous MMF act) Old Crow Medicine Show, with a certain irreverence.”

If the Avett Brothers are on the way up, Honeyboy Edwards and Pinetop Perkins can show them what it’s like at the top. The two venerable bluesmen are bother former MMF performers — Edwards last year and Perkins in 2002 — and have each been in the music industry for the better part of the 20th century up to today.

They’re also longtime friends — and since Edwards celebrated his 93rd birthday on June 28 and Perkins turned 95 on July 7, the festival will roll out a giant birthday cake to honor the two veteran musicians, their accomplishments, and their close bond.

How big is the cake, which is provided by the Amons South bakery? Not even Baker is sure.

“We said to make it as big as they could, so there will be plenty for the audience to enjoy,” said Baker, who thanked Amons for being “so nice” in donating the special surprise. (And yes, it’s a supposed to be a surprise for Perkins and Edwards — so nobody say a word.)

Edwards will be conducting a storytelling and workshop — an event so popular that it was standing-room only last year — and Perkins will meet and greet his fans. The Sheltowee Artisans return to sell their handcrafted wares, as will other independent artists.

Additionally, a piece of original artwork by Malcolm Grear, a Somerset native and internationally acclaimed graphic artist, has been donated in order to be auctioned for the benefit of the festival. A second piece will be auctioned to benefit MMF's outreach programs for children and the Sister Hazel’s charity, “Lyrics for Life,” which benefits cancer research and treatment.

Other musical acts this year include rockers The Omega Plague, bluegrass group 23 Strings, and folk band Bawn in the Mash.

Sound exciting? If so, you're not alone — tickets are flying into festivalgoers’ hands, suggested Baker, who said that the advance ticket sales are, to date, “competing” with 2007’s figures. Not bad, since 2007 was MMF’s most-attended event ever. A strong Friday night line-up, featuring The Avett Brothers and Goose Creek Symphony along with Mosser and local band The Omega Plague, likely has a lot to do with that.

“Saturday at MMF normally has two to three times Friday's attendance,” said Baker. “As of right now, ticket sales indicate that Friday night (this year) will be every bit as big as Saturday. In my experience, Friday night has never competed so closely with ticket sales with Saturday night.”

In other words — better get your tickets now. Tickets are available at the Somerset-Pulaski Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Citizens National Bank downtown and on South U.S. 27 locations, Monticello Bank on Ky. 80 and South U.S. 27, and The Center for Rural Development box office. Those interested can also call MMF at 606-677-2933 or toll free at 866-349-1738, or visit mastermusiciansfestival.com.

Even though it’s been a Somerset summer institution for a full decade and a half now, it’s safe to say this won’t be just another year for the Master Musicians Festival. The history and artists that have made the event what it is today will go a long way toward making 2008 a year to remember.

“Recent years’ line-ups have definitely put MMF on the map,” said Baker. “Last year was phenomenal. Some of the artists that have been (here) have really earned some respect for MMF within the music industry.”

        

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