Washington, D.C. – On May 18 and 19, 2024 (1-5 pm) President Lincoln’s Cottage will host its biggest annual fundraiser: Bourbon & Bluegrass. This year’s star-studded lineup is truly one for the ages.
On Saturday, May 18, award-winning singer-songwriter Letitia VanSant will open the festival for the second year running with her dulcet calls for social justice. VanSant’s performance will be followed by Hubby Jenkins, the Grammy-nominated multi-instrument sensation who has been a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Rhiannon Giddens Band. The final act of the day will be Adeem the Artist, a fan-favorite last year, who will be back with their catchy, Appalachian-style tunes and lyrics that probe issues of faith, gender, identity, and self-acceptance.
On Sunday, May 19, Afro-futurist performer Jake Blount will return to his native DC along with Mexican-inspired Charlottesville band David Wax Museum. The festival will conclude with a performance by Senora May, the acclaimed experimental songstress who hails from Kentucky, just like Old Abe.
“We are so excited for the talent that will grace Abraham Lincoln’s historic veranda this year. Each of these artists speaks to some unique aspect of the human experience,” said CEO & Executive Director, Callie Hawkins. “If you’re a musician yourself, we invite you to join our jam session, which will take place at 12:15pm, before the festival officially begins.” The Log Cabin Jam Session is a first for the festival. It will be led by local fiddler Will Sears of the Goldbug Revival.
Letita VanSant performing at Bourbon & Bluegrass ’23. Photo by Brian Rimm.
The music will be the focal point of an award-winning festival that incorporates food, history, cocktails and mocktails, lawn games, and even beard-trimming (a nod to Abe’s signature style). Beam Suntory is providing bourbon for the event, which will complete specialty cocktails provided by RSVP Catering. Teetotalers (like Lincoln) will also enjoy a selection of zero-proof cocktails. In addition, there will be delicious food trucks on hand to provide a base for the beverages—including Rocklands Barbeque, and Captain Cookie.
Lawn games at Bourbon & Bluegrass 2023. Photo by Brian Rimm.
All proceeds from the event will support the preservation of Abraham Lincoln’s beloved summer residence, where he lived for a fourth of his presidency and developed the Emancipation Proclamation. Audience members with an affinity for historic architecture can sign up to take an exterior preservation tour with the Cottage’s Director of Preservation, Jeff Larry, between sets.
“Music is a wonderful way to connect with one another and our own humanity,” said Hawkins. “Abraham Lincoln loved music. This is a great way to honor him— by showing up and connecting with one another through great American music at this place that he loved. Plus, Bourbon & Bluegrass is always a ton of fun. We hope you’ll join us for one day, or — better yet — both!”
Media contact: Rebecca Kilborne
Categories:Press Releases
Tags:Abraham Lincoln, Americana, Bluegrass, Bourbon, Bourbon and Bluegrass, Folk, Preservation
