L.A. Bluegrass Situation 2014 Kicks Off at the Ace Hotel

Julianne Ishler

The Bluegrass Situation has returned for its 4th annual music festival at the newly renovated Theatre at the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The fest aims to gather bluegrass fans of all generations to enjoy two nights of performances by the country’s hottest bluegrass artists on October 10 and 11.

The Friday, October 10 lineup includes Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, who will do her first solo performance in Los Angeles. Also appearing on Friday is Josh Ritter, who was discovered by Glen Hansard of the Frames and the Swell Season. Armed with an extensive educational background in folk music studies, Ritter has six studio albums and usually plays with a big band. A talented one-man show, Willie Watson will perform “Mexican Cowboy” and other tunes in a large cowboy hat for an energy-filled set.

The Saturday lineup on October 11 features Shakey Graves (a.k.a. Alejandro Rose-Garcia) in his first Los Angeles performance. The former “Friday Night Lights” actor will show off his singer/songwriter skills while simultaneously playing kick-drums and guitar. Blind Pilot is set to showcase a rich, indie folk sound. Based in Portland, Oregon, the four-piece band is currently working on their third studio album. Straight out of Los Angeles, Lord Huron will be at home performing indie bluegrass with a blend of electronic and folk instruments. Langhorne Slim will also perform on Saturday.

The L.A. Bluegrass Situation was created by Largo Founder Mark Flanagan and The Hangover Actor Ed Helms, a “bluegrass nerd” who wanted to bring bluegrass musicians and L.A. fans together. He writes on the festival’s official website:

“The roots music scene in Los Angeles has been exploding for some time. So in 2010 Largo Founder Mark Flanagan and I decided it was time for a serious Bluegrass Situation. We rounded up a few of our favorite artists and had a fabulous weekend at Largo. L.A. seemed to like it — a lot. So after a few more great years at Largo, we’re thrilled to expand the L.A. Bluegrass Situation into the stunning Theatre at Ace Hotel downtown. At this rate, I predict bluegrass music will eclipse the movie industry in Los Angeles in about six months, give or take.”

Previous L.A. Bluegrass Situation festival performers include the Watkins Family Hour, John Reilly & Friends, Ed Helms and the Lonesome Trio, and Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers.

The L.A. Bluegrass Situation 2014 kicks off at 7 p.m. on October 10. Tickets can be found here.