The FreshGrass Festival at MASS MoCA is what happens when you take grassroots music, toss in a dash of wild creativity, and shake it up with some fine art for good measure. It’s like bluegrass found its soulmate in a quirky museum—and, quite frankly, it’s about time they tied the knot. Set in the breathtaking Berkshire Mountains, this isn’t just a concert; it’s a celebration of music, food, and art wrapped in one neat, family-friendly package.
From the moment we stepped onto the sprawling MASS MoCA campus, it felt like we were embarking on a journey through sound, surrounded by towering installations, sculptures, and the constant buzz of life. The festival’s unique setup sprawls across three stages, both indoors and outdoors, with performances echoing through galleries and courtyards. It’s like being at a world-class art museum… that just happens to have a bluegrass soundtrack.
The Artists: A Soulful Mix of Masters and Mavericks
Friday night was an experience in itself, kicked off with performances from Adia Victoria and Shakey Graves. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of hearing Adia Victoria’s soulful voice, well, you might want to rethink your entire playlist. She effortlessly wove stories into her songs, offering a glimpse into her heart and soul with each performance. And when Shakey Graves took the stage? It was a moment. He started out solo, just him and his guitar, stomping a beat on a suitcase drum like he was playing a private gig for you and you alone.
You know those festival moments where you get to stand ridiculously close to the stage without having to elbow your way through a sea of sweaty strangers? That’s FreshGrass. One minute, you’re basking in Shakey’s guitar riffs, and the next, you’re strolling around to discover a food truck serving up locally sourced maple sausage tacos. Pure bliss.
A Venue That Feels Like Home
MASS MoCA is not just any venue. It’s the kind of place where art isn’t something you look at—it’s something you walk through, breathe in, and maybe even accidentally bump into on your way to the next stage. The space is so beautifully balanced, you could find yourself standing in front of a jaw-dropping contemporary art piece, all while listening to Béla Fleck tear it up on his banjo nearby.
What makes the festival a true gem, though, is its layout. Families, friends, and music lovers of all ages can enjoy the day without feeling overwhelmed. The grounds are vast, but not to the point of exhaustion. There’s just enough space to keep things relaxed, while offering cozy corners for those who want to kick back with a beer and enjoy the view (whether it’s of the stage or the Berkshires). The noise? Never overpowering—just a gentle hum of laughter, music, and conversation, blending perfectly with the art.
Food and Fun for the Whole Family
Not to be outdone by the music, the festival food offerings were pretty spectacular. Local vendors rolled up with trucks offering everything from fusion dumplings to gourmet grilled cheese. And let’s not forget the sweets: fresh-made donuts that smelled so good, even the art installations seemed tempted. (No word on whether the sculptures indulged.)
If you’re the kind of person who appreciates good music but doesn’t necessarily want to spend the entire weekend packed into a sweaty crowd, FreshGrass at MASS MoCA is your scene. Even with kids in tow, the event was manageable and enjoyable—no marathon treks from one end of the festival to the other, no ear-splitting noise. It’s a place where you can bring the family, listen to world-class musicians, and still have time to explore the museum’s renowned galleries in between sets.
An Unforgettable Weekend Getaway
The FreshGrass Festival is more than just a series of concerts. It’s a full-blown experience, where the music, the art, and the Berkshires themselves come together to create something magical. It’s approachable, it’s fun, and it’s a weekend that stays with you long after you’ve packed up your picnic blanket and gone home.
And if you’re still on the fence about attending next year, remember this: not every concert gives you the chance to stroll past masterpieces while listening to a banjo solo. You can check out the FreshGrass Foundation’s website for updates on future lineups and tickets, and be sure to take a peek at MASS MoCA’s upcoming exhibitions. Because let’s face it, art and bluegrass? That’s a combination we didn’t know we needed.