By JULES SHINKLE
BG Independent News
Music, dancing and cheering can be heard all across Bowling Green this weekend. The Black Swamp Arts Festival has begun, and as always, it brings an abundance of musical talent.
First up was BGSU’s Falcon Samba Bateria, an ensemble many might recognize for their regular appearances in Bowling Green’s downtown festivals. Dan Piccolo leads the ensemble, whistle in mouth. Artists were still setting up their booths when the Bateria hit the street.
The drum group is based on what one might hear in Brazilian parades, performing a continuous stream of infectious dance music while shimming back and forth.
Northwest Ohio locals Leadfoot Granny opened for the Main Stage. The rock-n-roll quartet had already played Bowling Green several times (mostly Howard’s Club H, but also once in a DIY venue named The Swarmyard) and were thrilled to perform for the BSAF. Leadfoot Granny’s songs are filled with verve and catchy guitar hooks. Their music hearkens back to classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin.
Fans of their set can catch them again this weekend at Toledo’s Old West End Concert Series.
A few of their bandmates are also regular performers at Howard’s Wednesday evening classic rock shows.
Meanwhile over by the Community Stage, Corduroy Road cooked up a set of Americana and country.
The Main Stage’s second act was Telula, a funk-pop outfit that played with virtuosic flair. Each instrumentalist, from keyboard to bass to tenor saxophone, had multiple star-power moments.
Lead singer Tais Torres brought a beautiful shine to the group’s already massive talent. It’s no surprise Telula cites Vulfpeck as one of their major influences – both groups make music that blend pop progressions and melodies with a groovy, tight rhythm section.
It takes time for an audience to warm up to the dance floor – often, energetic and unabashed youngsters break the ice and show the crowd their moves. Once Telula busted out a few disco numbers, the floodgates opened. As the night progressed, concert-goers moved forward to embrace the bands’ sound and move to the music.
The rest of the night was ruled by bluegrass. AJ Lee & Blue Summit played their set while the sun set and the Main Stage was cast with blue light. The band hails from California and began playing together as teenagers. Their songs move gently between the charms of folk, country and bluegrass.
Shadowgrass wrapped up the night with their gripping performance. Shadowgrass’s set was a mix of driving, fast-paced bluegrass and lengthy solos that gave the audience time to drink in each musician’s personality.
Fiddle player Madison Morris and bassist Evan Campfield took turns as singer, both equally talented instrumentalists as they were vocalists. The entwining melodies of fiddle, guitar, and mandolin made for a mesmerizing way to conclude the festival’s first night.
The BSAF continues Saturday and Sunday. Seven acts can be heard on the Main Stage starting at noon on Saturday. The community and family stages will feature music from 10:30 a.m. to around 6 p.m.
