Le Vent Du Nord at the 2026 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – photo © Tara Linhardt
Saturday at Grey Fox 2026 had many special moments highlighting hot upcoming emerging artists, watching some of the big dogs and legends of the bluegrass, and the annual Grey Fox Kids Academy showcase, where the next generation of musicians demonstrated that the future of bluegrass is in very capable hands.
Another very important show and celebration on Saturday and throughout the weekend was the celebration of Ron Thomason of the Dry Branch Fire Squad, who was retiring after 50 years with the band following the Grey Fox Festival! Ron and The Dry Branch Fire Squad were the host band of the Grey Fox Festival since its very beginning, back when it was called Winterhawk, and they have been the host band every year since then. Many festival attendees looked forward every year not just to the band’s music and their Sunday gospel sets, but also to Ron Thomason’s hilarious storytelling. His warm humor, quick wit, and unforgettable tales have entertained audiences between songs for decades. This year Ron’s partner, Heidi Clare, also joined the band for some numbers with her hot fiddling and percussive dance. Spirits were high as they celebrated 50 years as a band and launched Ron into a well earned retirement. Crowds were there taking photos and videos of the historic last shows.
The Grey Fox festival does so many wonderful things to encourage new people to enter into playing the music through its workshops and jams for all ages, local outreach, scholarships and more. Some professional musicians gigging across the country got their start years ago at a Kids Academy.
Many people look forward to attending the festival each year, whether as musicians or fans, to see great music, dance, or do yoga, and to see friends who have become like extended family, as well as to make new friends. This festival has so many stages and also so many interactive things that help to foster the sense of community and to make it possible for people to connect. I am already looking forward to Grey Fox 2027, which I am sure will have a great line up and will once again bring together an eclectic crowd of people celebrating music, dance, and community in the bucolic hills of Oak Hill, New York.
Heidi Clare with the Dry Branch Fire Squad Saturday, July 18, at the Catskill Stage…
…and here is one with Heidi clogging with the band.
The emerging artist Farayi wowed audiences with her great songwriting, vocals, and versatility. Here is one of the songs she performed with her band.
…and this fun jazz song too.
Andy Falco and Travis Book play Jerry Garcia had the best suits of the whole festival in my humble opinion. It’s hard to top these tie-dyed suits.
Seeing the amazing band from Quebec, Canada, Le Vent Du Nord, was a real treat. They brought foot percussion, hurdy-gurdy, powerful vocals, and instrumentation for a veritable party and celebration of music on stage.
Trey Wellington sat in with AJ Lee’s band.
…and then here are some photos.
