An American Melody at ROMP Fest
Each year for three days in June, fans come together to celebrate the truly original American music known simply as Bluegrass. What better way to capture a musical genre that is directly tied to the American experience than with Leica cameras that are themselves so closely connected to the history and tradition of photography. Developed from elements of folk traditions where family history was passed along through music, out of Appalachia came this mix of sounds characterized by the fiddle and the banjo that shape the Bluegrass sound.
Following in the boot-steps of such giants as Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, Chubby Wise and all of the Bluegrass Boys as they would come to be known, these new young performers of today are stretching the limits and pushing the traditional styles into distinctive sub-genres. And while many of the bands preserve the traditional Bluegrass sounds, the younger performers are creating a newer sound, known as Progressive Bluegrass. Using the Leica Q and M 240 I set out to capture the energy, passion and talent from the musicians who came to perform.
River of Music Party, The Roots and Branches Festival, or simply ROMP FEST are all names that describe what is arguably one of the best Bluegrass Music Festivals in the United States today. Just 30 miles or so from where it all started just outside of Rosine Kentucky, where Bill Monroe’s birthplace still sits on a hilltop known as Jerusalem Ridge. ROMP Fest as it has fondly become known hosts three days of American heritage and history through finger pickin’ foot stompin’ toe tappin’ Bluegrass Music played before 26,000 fans from 40 states and nine countries. This is clearly the place to be if you love Bluegrass Music. Whether you come to pitch your tent, park your recreational vehicle or simply plop down on a blanket there is something for every age over these three days in late June.
And this year’s musical line-up certainly did not disappoint, with bands offering up a variety of musical genres from traditional to progressive Bluegrass, Country and Rock-a-Billy. Throw in a Beatles cover song, say so long to Mr. Bojangles who danced for you in worn out shoes, and you have a mix that old Bill himself would sing along to. The line-up in part included Peter Rowan, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Jerry Douglas Band, Billy Strings, Rhiannon Giddens, The Punch Brothers,\ Los Lobos and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, just to name a few.
What better way to
spend a summer night
than with your Leica
and great music?
Your festival experience begins Wednesday night with performances in downtown Owensboro Kentucky at the International Bluegrass Music Museum and moves to Yellow Creek Park, just outside of Owensboro on Thursday. The gently rolling land that makes up the park is a perfect setting and its natural amphitheater the perfect spot to enjoy the next three days. To get a sense of the scope of the talent at the festival go to rompfest.com. It is a remarkable three days of music from some of the best musicians and talent in the business today.
Managed and produced by the International Bluegrass Music Museum (IBMM) located in Owensboro, ROMP Fest is now in its 15th year. Owensboro is as progressive as a Chris Thilie composition and as smooth as a Rhiannon Giddens ballad, the city has witnessed an explosion of economic activity, downtown redevelopment, arts and music all the while maintaining the charm of this community of 100,000 located along the banks of the Ohio River in Western Kentucky. The perfect place for down home hospitality, friendliness and great American Bluegrass, not to mention world famous BBQ.
The International Bluegrass Music Museum is home to exhibits and the extensive oral history project that according to the museum, “captures the first generation Pioneers of Bluegrass as they recount their stories, struggles and successes through the burgeoning time period of the 1940’s and 50’s all the way to present day.” The museum experience includes the IBMM Hall of Fame which currently has 200 members. Photographs, an extensive music collection and vintage instruments round out the museum’s offerings. And in 2018 the museum will be moving into its new $20 million dollar home on the Ohio River and at the center of Owensboro’s new $80 million waterfront park.
ROMP FEST never strays too far from the core values of its founders and that is to celebrate and honor the contributions in its many forms, therefore the “roots and branches” of this truly American musical tradition. From Earl Scruggs and
Lester Flatt and Doc Watson, to Chris Thilie and Sam Bush, from Maybelle Carter to Rhiannon Giddens that tradition continues with jaw-dropping talent across broad musical tastes. All of whom have something in common – they’re all great talents you won’t want to miss.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Leica Q
This year I photographed with the Leica Q and its 28 mm f/1.7 and with the Summicron 90 mm f/2.0 mounted on my M 240. Both performed well and as any of you know who have shot concerts or festivals you have to be prepared and anticipate not only what the musicians are going to do but what the stage lighting is going to be like at the moment you press the shutter. The auto focus on the Q and the EVF 2.0 on the M 240 make focusing a non-issue so you can concentrate on scene and subsequent composition - as best you can in the limited space of the "photo-pit" in front of the stage.
Rhiannon Giddons, Leica Q
Surrounded by monster sized DSLR's with foot long lenses I ignored the glances and smirks directed at the guy with the little point and shoot camera and went about my business quickly and quietly. And my equipment did not disappoint. Shooting at ISO ranges of 1600 to 3200 and an occasional bump in either direction with exposure compensation I set my aperture and shutter speed manually. At times I will choose aperture priority, but the lighting is so unpredictable and constantly changing, I've found it easier to control the settings manually. Ready to accept some noise for the sake of shutter speeds that would produce relatively sharp images I was pleased with the result. Both cameras and respective lenses handled the every changing light and unpredictable movement of gyrating musicians without a bad note.
Peter Rowan, Leica M (Typ 240) & 90mm APO-Summicron
Punch Brothers , Leica M (Typ 240) & 90mm APO-Summicron
I’ve had the opportunity to shoot other music festivals such as Jazz Fest in New Orleans, but this is my favorite event to photograph. The staff is friendly and accommodating and access to the photo area was easy to arrange. And it is critical
I’ve found to get close and get your spot early on before the musicians come on stage. As a result I feel confident that my Leica’s performed as well or better than the other professional cameras on-site. There is no reason why you cannot shoot musical events and concerts with Leica. Of course the legendary Jim Marshall had already demonstrated how effective these wonderful cameras can be at a concert. While I’m no Jim Marshall my Leica’s give me the opportunity to make some great images. What better way to spend a summer night than with your Leica and great music? And not lost on me were the deep traditions of Bluegrass music and Leica Cameras. Two originals who over time have proven their place and continue to delight and amaze those lucky enough to hold and play a great instrument.
Chance McCoy – Old Crow Medicine Show Leica Q
Rhiannon Giddons Leica Q
Rhiannon Giddons Leica Q
Jerry Douglas Band Leica M (Typ 240) & 90mm Summicron