BrianRImm- Saturday, May 2: 1-5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 3: 1-5 p.m.
Bourbon & Bluegrass, the Cottage’s biggest, most rollicking fundraiser of the year, is back and better than ever for an extra-special line up in honor of the Nation’s 250th! With your support, it has become the little festival that could, beating out much bigger festivals for the coveted title of Best Music Festival in DC for two years running!
Tickets HERE!
Alison Brown (Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3)
GRAMMY-winning banjoist and Compass Records co-founder Alison Brown is a pioneering artist known for blending bluegrass with jazz, Celtic, and Latin influences. As an IBMA Banjo Player of the Year and 2019 American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame inductee, she is celebrated for expanding the instrument’s sonic possibilities.
She continues to push the boundaries of the banjo with albums like On Banjo (2023) and collaborative projects with Steve Martin.
For more details, visit Alison Brown official website.
Jake Blount (Saturday, May 2)
Jake Blount (pronounced: blunt) is an award-winning musician and scholar based in Providence, RI. He is half of the internationally touring duo Tui, a 2020 recipient of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize, and a two-time winner of the Appalachian String Band Music Festival (better known as Clifftop). A specialist in the early folk music of Black Americans, Blount is a skilled performer of spirituals, blues, and string band repertoire. Blount has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Newport Folk Festival, NPR’s Tiny Desk, and numerous other venues across and beyond the United States. He has presented his scholarly work at museums and universities including the Smithsonian Institution, Berklee College of Music and Yale University. His writing has appeared in Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, No Depression, and NPR. His most recent album, The New Faith, is the latest installment of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings’ African American Legacy Series.
For more details visit jakeblount.com.
Split String Soup (Saturday, May 2)
Hailing from the darkest hollows of Northern Virginia, Split String is a veritable Soup of musical influences all mixed together. From traditional bluegrass to classic rock and country, and even a few contemporary influences, Split String Soup creates an eclectic Americana sound all their own.”
For more details visit splitstringsoup.com.
Hubby Jenkins (Sunday, May 3)
Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music. Born and raised in Brooklyn he delved into his southern roots, following the thread of African American history that wove itself through America’s traditional music forms. As an integral member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and later Rhiannon Giddens band, Hubby has performed at festivals and venues around the world, earning himself both Grammy and Americana award nominations. Today he spreads his knowledge and love of old-time American music through his dynamic solo performances and engaging workshops.
For more details visit hubbyjenkins.com
Goldbug Revival (Sunday, May 3)
Goldbug Revival is what happens when Bluegrass Multi-instrumentalists, Avant Garde Percussionists, Indie Rockers, and Jazz Cats coalesce into a band committed to their shared love of creating new and authentic Americana and Bluegrass music. Their unique Award Winning Songwriting reflects their collective deep-read into all the chapters of the American Songbook. Based out of Washington DC, members have performed with Grammy winning and Hall-of-Fame artists, toured internationally and played many local DMV venues including the Kennedy Center, AMP at Strathmore, Hank Dietles, Lucketts, Earps Ordinary and New Deal Cafe.
Their debut album is a collection of 14 songs that effortlessly blend novel-worthy stories, Dylanesque poetry, evocative melodies, and carefully considered musicianship. A new gathering tent has been raised with stakes driven deep into the Americana Frontier. Come one, come all.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7JRUxjAFy9VE86aVFSOoaY?si=ScJ5IJdKRDi4asn7Ixcg3A
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldbugrevival/
Website: www.goldbugrevival.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bourbon & Bluegrass?
The festival is on the South Lawn of President Lincoln’s Cottage on the grounds of Armed Forces Retirement Home. For GPS use 140 Rock Creek Church Road, NW as your destination address.
Do I need an ID?
Yes! Because we’re located on a federal campus, visitors will need to check in and show their government ID at the entry gate.
Can I explore the grounds?
No! Exploring beyond the boundaries of President Lincoln’s Cottage is not permitted.
Can I bring my dog?
No! While we share Lincoln’s love of animals, pets are not allowed on the grounds.
Can an unaccompanied minor attend?
No! We ask that those under the age of 18 have an adult with them.
What’s the parking situation?
Parking onsite is limited and only available with advance purchase of a parking pass. Parking passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. They are for sale for $20 via our website ticket page. Parking passes will not be sold day-of.
Guests are encouraged to walk, bike, use public transit, taxi, or rideshare to the event. There are two bike racks available.
Does my child need a ticket?
Children ages 0-6 are free of charge. However, we do ask that you include them in your registration. Children and young adults aged 7 – 20 will need a Youth ticket.
How much are tickets and what do they include?
One-Day General Admission
- Adult (with two drink tickets): $70.00
- Adult (non-drinking): $50.00
- Youth (ages 7 – 20): $35.00
- Child (ages 0 – 6): Free
Two-Day General Admission
- Adult (with two drink tickets): $115.00
- Adult (non-drinking): $75.00
- Youth (ages 7 – 20): $50.00
- Child (ages 0 – 6): Free
Single Day Parking Pass: $20
Each General Admission ticket includes:
- An afternoon of live bluegrass music from critically acclaimed musicians
- Exterior preservation tours of Lincoln’s Cottage (sign up day-of)
- Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, more food options available for purchase
Adult With Drinks tickets also include:
- Two drink tickets for specialty bourbon cocktails or premium non-alcoholic drinks (ID required; additional drink tickets available for purchase during event)
How much are additional drink tickets?
$10 each
Do You take cards?
Yes! We take Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AmEx.
Do you take cash?
Yes, but you will need to make cash transactions in the museum store and bring your receipt to the check in table to redeem.
Can I go inside the Cottage?
Not during Bourbon & Bluegrass! The Cottage is closed to the public for the festival. However, our visitor center will be open, so you are welcome to browse the exhibits there. Additionally, exterior preservation tours will be held between sets.
I know this is a fundraiser. Are my tickets tax deductible?
A portion of ticket cost is also tax deductible. Email Emma Tanner at [email protected] for more information.
I can’t make it. Can I get a refund?
All sales are final, including unused drink tickets.
Can I get a discounted ticket?
If you one day and get a free ticket for the other festival day. Email [email protected] for more info & to volunteer.
What if there is inclement weather?
This event is rain or shine. There will be a large audience tent. Additionally, we suggest bringing an umbrella and other appropriate gear in the event of rain.
What’s the food situation?
You can purchase delicious food from the following food trucks:
Saturday
- J&J Taqueria; Rocklands BBQ; DC Slices, Captain Cookie, Clayboys, Arikibuna
Sunday
- J&J Taqueria; Rocklands BBQ; Nick’s Pizza, Captain Cookie, Clayboys, Arkibuna
What can I bring?
We encourage you to bring a picnic blanket or a folding/camp chair.
What can I NOT bring?
Prohibited items include outside alcoholic beverages, pets, cigarettes or other smoking paraphernalia, a tent or canopy that stakes into the ground.
I’m interested in volunteering.
Amazing! Please email [email protected].
What is the event schedule?
Saturday Lineup (times are approximate)
- 12:00PM Log Cabin Jam Session (Bandstand)
- 1:00PM Jake Blount
- 2:20PM Split String Soup
- 3:35PM Alison Brown
Sunday Lineup (times are approximate)
- 12:00PM Log Cabin Jam Session (Bandstand)
- 1:00PM Goldbug Revival
- 2:20PM Hubby Jenkins
- 3:35PM Alison Brown
I have another question you didn’t cover. What should I do?
Email [email protected]