Boats and Bluegrass Festival: A Celebration of Community and Music
WINONA, Minn. — The Boats and Bluegrass Festival, a cherished gathering for 3,000 music lovers along the Mississippi River, embodies much more than just music and recreation. As co-director Rebecca Sammis explains, it represents a vibrant culture and a strong sense of community.
Starting 22 years ago to support a former canoe outfitter, the festival sells out even before the lineup is revealed. It shares a fan base with the Blue Ox Music Festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, both deeply rooted in the contemporary bluegrass scene of the Upper Midwest. However, this isn’t your traditional bluegrass; instead, attendees enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with tie-dye and dancing to a mix of Americana and jam bands, reminiscent of the style popularized by Grammy winner Billy Strings.
Strings, who headlined Boats in 2018, has significantly enhanced bluegrass and “jamgrass” visibility, yet the scene remains tightly knit, primarily composed of dedicated fans who are often musicians themselves, sometimes in multiple bands.
A unique aspect of these festivals is the camaraderie found around campfires each night. Duluth musician Sonja Martin notes that it’s about collaboration and spontaneous jam sessions, where festival-goers bring instruments to create music together, often led by artists who perform on stage.
This authenticity resonates with festival veteran Mark Bischel, co-owner of Blue Ox, who believes good music attracts a good crowd. He points out that the term “bluegrass” might deter some who would enjoy the festivals, which actually encompass a wide variety of music genres.
Family-friendly by design, both festivals allow free admission for children and feature activities focused on art and nature. Attendees like Amelia Goetz appreciate the atmosphere, stating that these festivals provide hope and joy amid life’s pressures.
Organizers Foster collaboration among festivals, choosing to support each other rather than compete. Newer entries like the Boogiedown Music Festival have joined the scene, fostering a sense of community among grassroots, volunteer-run events. Unlike corporate entities like Live Nation, which dominate the live music industry, these festivals emphasize affordability, with weekend tickets costing under $300, a stark contrast to soaring resale prices for major acts.
While attracting big national acts, these festivals maintain their commitment to local talent. Boats secured performances from bands like Leftover Salmon, pioneers in genres like “slamgrass.”
Notable bands such as Trampled by Turtles played a significant role in establishing Boats back in 2005. The founders, Tom and Julie Fassbender, envisioned a festival that would capture younger generations’ attention, a vision carried on by the current co-owners, Isaac and Rebecca Sammis, who took over seven years ago.
With their own family growing—expecting their fourth child—the Sammis are deeply invested in nurturing the festival’s spirit, likening its atmosphere to a family reunion. With nearly 300 volunteers—many friends—and a shared commitment to creating a harmonious community, they continue to foster a culture where love for music and the outdoors flourish.
Isaac Sammis sums it up: “There are 3,000 people here that feel the same way… about music, being outside, taking care of each other. That’s so encouraging, so reassuring.”
