The Malpass Brothers - a bluegrass group that will headline the Lakes Bluegrass Festival in Pine River - show sincerity, honesty and an utter ease on stage that belies their years. Their smooth vocal blend and skillful musicianship layer infectiously into the deep respect they pay to legends who have paved the way.
Add the funny, off-the-cuff quips between the two 20-something siblings, and the engaging concert becomes a magnetic time-traveling journey to when a calmer rhythm reigned supreme.
The Malpass Brothers toured with the late Don Helms, former steel guitarist for Hank Williams, have opened for music legend Merle Haggard on multiple tours and appeared on stages from the Shetland Islands to Ryman Auditorium to Merlefest.
Gifted musicians and songwriters, the brothers have shared billing with artists including Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Doyle Lawson, Rhonda Vincent, Marty Stuart, Doc Watson and more. The title cut video from their "Memory That Bad" album hit CMT Pure Country's Top Ten.
"My brother Taylor and I do the type of music we do because this music speaks to us, and speaks to the souls of its listeners," Christopher Malpass said. "For us, traditional country music is the 'real deal' - every song portrays life's joys, heartaches, problems and happiness. It comes from the heart, and has depth and truth. Nothing is sugar coated. Our goal, really, is to see this music be revived, to help ensure it doesn't fade away. It is so encouraging to have young people come to our shows with a new interest in our 'old music.' Being able to introduce what we love to another generation feels like a great accomplishment for us. We want this music to be around for our children's children."
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This is music steeped in the legacy of the Louvin Brothers, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Hank Williams Sr. and others. Count on classic, real country. Count on new Malpass tunes. Count on a couple of old-time traditional gospels. Count on their probably coming down into the house at intermission and asking what you'd like to hear. Count on giggles and ribbing between brothers, along with Daddy on the bass, who's bound to be thinking, "What the heck are they doing now?"
Count on some big, high man hair, and maybe an Elvis twitch or two. Count on lines at the CD table.
And count on seeing them at the 13th annual Lakes Bluegrass Festival on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24 and 25, at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River.
In addition to the Malpass Brothers, the festival features several other top national and regional groups, including David Parmley and the Cardinal Tradition, The Darrell Webb Band, The Purple Hull, Amanda Cook and Kennesaw Ridge, The Bluegrass Martins, The Bluegrass Express, Monroe Crossing, The Eelpout Stringers, Tim and Cindy & Friends, Shaffer's Lost Forty, and The Biscuit Boys.
In addition to four days of main stage performances, the festival also features instruction workshops taught by the musicians, impromptu jam sessions throughout the grounds, camping, food, dancing and more.
At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, there will be a polka and country dance and, new this year, an Old Time Square Dance from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, led by the Eelpout Stringers and professional dance caller Robin Nelson.
On Thursday, Aug. 23, the main stage will run music from 5-11 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25, performances will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 26, gospel bluegrass will start at 10 a.m. with the festival winding up at 2 p.m.
The show will go on rain or shine as the concert area includes large tents for shade or inclement weather, or for extended bad weather the music will move inside. Concert-goers should bring a lawn chair and relax and hear some of the most accomplished bluegrass music artists in the world.
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Flexible ticket packages are available (in advance or at the gate) from a single day, single evening or various weekend packages. Kids are free and teenagers are half price with a parent. Camping is available for an additional fee.
For tickets and more information, go online to www.lakesbluegrassfestival.com or call the Pine River Chamber at 218-587-4000.
The Lakes Bluegrass Festival is presented by The Pine River Area Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
