Dry Branch Fire Squad (T/F/S/S)

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Dry Branch Fire Squad

From the early days of the Winterhawk bluegrass festival on into the wonderful days of the world renowned Grey Fox Festival, Dry Branch Fire Squad has served as the Host Band. It is an honor that the band cherishes.

Noted for its aggressively traditional bluegrass music, the band adheres to the mountain culture of its predecessors, many of which the band has introduced to both the festivals in step and in person over the years.

DBFS works together like a well-oiled machine relying on the music and ideas it has brought to the stage during its 48 years in the business of both song and fun. The band is known for its subtle humor as well as its many recordings, a full run movie, performing at more than 100 individual festivals (some many times over) in both the U.S. and other countries, and it’s true affection for the fans that the band has accumulated over the years.

DBFS always looks forward to each year as the third weekend in July brings with it an additional Grey Fox Festival, because friends and bluegrass music make for wonderful good times that seemingly are never forgotten. Reuniting with the Grey Fox staff, revisiting the haughty Catskills, and looking forward to the new adventures that Grey Fox always brings simply can’t be beaten.

“Ron Thomason is a National Treasure.”

Ted Lehmann

No Depression

“It’s a matter of receptiveness, of openness to a tradition…(they) show sensitivity and respect for the people who “made” this music…(The music) is beautiful but there is another side to this band that must be experienced in the flesh: humor…I’ve seen full barrooms grow so quiet I could hear the soda fizz in my glass. And I’ve seen audiences so convulsed with laughter that minutes had to pass before the show could go on.”

Joe Wilson

National Council of Traditional Arts

“Simply put, this is the best live band playing today…each time I was moved not only to laughter, but tears and joy as well. Every time.”

Chris Stuart

Bluegrass News