Samantha Foster
Contributing Writer
All four men were dressed to the nines, in matching suits and skinny ties, as they gathered around the single microphone to begin their set at the Richmond Folk Festival.
Chatham County Line is described as the “Beatles of Bluegrass.” It’s hard not to fall in love with their sweet, harmonic tunes and thick southern accents.
Originally from Raleigh, N.C., Chatham County Line formed in 1999 as an all-strings bluegrass group. They have released five albums since their debut, including 2010’s “Wildwood.”
Since their inception, Chatham County has become famous in both America and overseas, doing several radio shows in and selling out stadiums worldwide.
The subject matter of Chatham County Line’s songs is inspired by rural southern experiences.
Fittingly, “The Carolinian,” which told the feelings of a man who left the love of his life behind in Richmond, was a favorite at the group’s Saturday performance at the Richmond Folk Festival.
Singer and guitarist Dave Wilson’s soothing vocals captivated the crowd and enticed audeince members to sway in unison. John Teer, the group’s violinist and mandolinist, demonstrated his prowess at both instruments, though his mandolin solos particularly wowed the crowd.
What seemed to energize the audience most, though, was the heavy beat kept during every song. As Chatham County does not have a drummer, Wilson would occasionally stomp preliminary beats before each song to initialize the quartet.
Though many young listeners may be skeptical about listening to a bluegrass band, don’t be afraid. As Wilson said, “We are just a bluegrass band, so that means we wear suits and have a banjo in our band.”