The Huntertones will be the closing band at the Great American Brass Band Festival May 31 in Danville. (Free Great American Brass Band Festival Photo)
The 35th Great American Brass Band Festival will be May 29-31 in Danville and while there have been some changes made to the event one thing remains the same — it is still three days of free live music.
Festival executive director Michaelle Perros believes the diverse musical lineup and a few other tweaks made to the festival in downtown Danville should make it even better for festival goers of all ages and shared these insights about the event:
Question: What was the thinking behind making the music lineup on Saturday more diverse than ever before?
Perros: “There is so much more to brass music to be explored at an event like this. It’s important to expand our horizons and explore brass traditions from roots other than the British brass band tradition. We want our audience to know that the brass band festival is culturally diverse and suited for many tastes. When they come to the festival, they’ll know they’re going to see music outside of anything they’re used to or have heard before. It’s an incredibly exciting event in that way.”
Question: The closing band in the Huntertones. Tell me a little bit about the Huntertones, the closing band for the festival, because I don’t remember words like ‘jazz/funk fusion sound and beatboxing’ being used to describe a band at the Brass Band Festival ever before?
Perros: “Yes! Those are words I’m proud to be able to introduce to this legendary event. Huntertones bring a very unique writing style that really defines their band. Great melodies, lots of improvisation, and a sprinkle or two of beatboxing. The best part is that these horn players are THE center of the group— not just a backing horn section. They are front and center and all of the musicians on the stage bring their jazz and funk backgrounds together to make music that is very flavorful.
“Sometimes more jazz, sometimes more funk, sometimes soul inspired, but there are many genres that come together to make a fusion group and for their case, that includes a very talented beatboxing trombone player.”
Question: Red Baraat from New York is described as a band that “brings groove, rhythm, percussion, and brass to the stage with electrifying bhangra music with a little punk rock energy,” so are we really going to see/hear punk rock at the main stage?
Perros: “You won’t hear punk but you might SEE punk. This is a very high energy group that can groove. Pounding percussion, repetitive melodies and vocals, and horns to set it all off and make it even more electric. They are great musicians and true performers, featuring amazing visuals and colors to add to make the show pop. It’s not a band to be missed and it’s very special that they’re here in Kentucky!”
Question:Overall, how would you describe the musical lineup for this year’s festival?
Perros: “I think we’ve done an excellent job of continuing to honor tradition as well as offer more variety. There’s music for the listeners and there’s music for the dancers (and we plan to see plenty of people dancing in the evening hours.) Whether you’re a listener or a dancer, you’re equally welcome and invited to come hear the music you enjoy. The lineup is diverse, musical, cultural, vibrant, colorful, and true quality.”
Question: What major changes have been made to the festival this year, including the picnic table schedule and how that might impact patrons on Saturday?
Perros: “The way we’ve structured the music schedule allows listeners to come for a more genre-focused part of the day and we extended the picnic hours to reflect that. Plus, you rented the table, why not be able to enjoy it as long as you want? Music begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday and your table will be ready by that time. Our hope is that patrons are able to enjoy the table for more hours (instead of just the evening), share it with friends and family, and have somewhere to eat while you listen to the music.”
Question: Finally, why would you tell someone they should come even if they have never attended and why should those who have attended two or more festivals also want to attend?
Perros: “This is the most unique musical experience that you can find in Kentucky and almost anywhere in this country. We’re offering an event that is free and continues to provide quality music, no matter what. Whether you’re new or have attended before, this event introduces people to music and styles they may never have known existed before. We want this event to continue to stay and surprise its listeners with brass and horns being the center of it. It’s an experience from top to bottom and you’ll never find a festival quite like it.”
The festival kicks off May 29 with the “Downtown Downbeat” with two bands playing at Weisiger Park. May 30 will have one band at Shaker Village in Mercer County from 4-5:30 p.m. and then “Bayou and Brass” at the Pepsi Main Stage at Centre College from 4-10 p.m.
The music starts at 9 a.m. on May 31 at Centre College and goes until 11 p.m. with a break at 11 a.m. for the downtown parade that ends at the main stage.
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Indoor or outdoor event ?