Here is a collection of photos I took during this year’s Smoked Country Jam Bluegrass Festival, which took place June 17-19 at Quiet Oaks Campground near Cross Fork (north of Renovo). I was in attendance from Thursday night through Saturday morning. Proceeds from Smoked Country Jam benefit the Lupus Foundation of America Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter.
I was able to see 13 of the 22 bands and performers at this year’s festival, plus the special Friday evening performance of the soundtrack from the popular 2000 film “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou” (presented by four bands: The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers, Echo Valley, The Millbillys and Well Strung). Pictured in order are the bands Dead Horse Revival, Strawberry Ridge, The Millbillys, Echo Valley, Mama Corn, Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers, Colebrook Road, Silas Powell & the Powell Family Band, Van Wagner, the “Oh Brother, Where Are Thou” presentation, The Hillbenders and Van Wagner’s “North of 80” workshop gathering and open jam. I also threw in a few other photo tidbits – including the happy Yogi Bear that greets motorists passing by (and entering the “PA Wilds”) near Moshannon, my “elaborate” camp set-up, a few of the festival’s emcees, the bonfire (popular on Thursday night when temperatures dipped into the mid-40s), the campground’s “Roadkill Cafe,” a passing Army plane, one of a number of dogs that show up every year, and more!
Other groups and artists that performed at this year’s festival included the Lockport Drifters, Doug Forshey, the Texas Rose Band, Fireside Collective, Grass Stained Genes, Bug Tussle, the Hillbilly Gypsies, The Dirty Grass Players and Williamson Branch. Also taking place on Saturday was the presentation of the top three winners for this year’s annual Pennsylvania Heritage Songwriting Contest. First place went to State College area songwriter William Ryan for his tune “Pennsylvania Grass,” second went to Lancaster’s Leonardo DiSanto for the song “Letters from Centralia,” and third place went to Baltimore’s John Kingman Smith for his song “Grainery Road.” Each won cash prizes, admission to Smoked Country Jam and an opportunity to perform their winning song entries on stage.
Smoked Country Jam has become one of my most anticipated events of the summer – it’s always a special blend of fun music, fun people, fun wilderness and an opportunity to escape civilization, the daily grind and grid for a long weekend! The 2022 event happens on June 16 through 18 – and it’s already etched “in concrete” on my 2022 calendar!
Enjoy the photos!
