The fourth annual Catskill Chill Music Festival will take place September 6-8, 2013 at Camp Minglewood in Hancock, NY. After selling out in 2012, organizers have announced that, in an effort to preserve the intimate feel and family vibe of the Chill, capacity will remain the same in 2013 and will not surpass 5k guests.
Camp Minglewood is an intimate lakeside venue with less than 5k capacity. The Catskill Chill features free parking, free camping, on-site cabin rentals, and outdoor covered stages. Activities include an Open Mic Stage, Yoga, Drum Circles, and a communal bonfire each night. The 2013 event will offer more music than ever before with 60 acts performing live on five stages during the 3-day camping festival. Featured artists include: The Meter Men featuring Zigaboo Modeliste, Leo Nocentelli and George Porter, Jr. with special guest Page McConnell; Lotus; Galactic; Conspirator; Lettuce; Papadosio; Tea Leaf Green; The Motet – Funk is Dead; Particle, Dopapod; Kung Fu; Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds and many more.
2012 has been a breakout year for Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, who have been touring since the release of their self-titled first album in 2010. They have been constantly on the road, playing their funk & soul at shows and festivals including Bonnaroo, Mountain Jam, and opening for bands such as Gov’t Mule and The Avett Brothers. Led by Arleigh Kincheloe’s rich, sultry voice, the eight member band makes for a powerful performance highlighted by a horn section and harmonica. Arleigh talked with the Jamwich about what it’s like to travel with her band family and why she’s excited to be at Catskill Chill!
What artists initially inspired you to play the soul and funk infused genre of music that you do?
My parents played in a blues/rock/soul band while I was growing up, so I was exposed to that kind of music at a very early age. Aside from that, I was definitely inspired by Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, and The Band.
Besides the obvious soul or funk influences, what are some bands or genres that influence your sound that we might not expect?
I listen to a lot of folk and country music as well as blues and soul. Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, The Wood Brothers, among others.
I saw that Randy Jackson recently produced an album of yours, how do you think his influence made this album different than what you have done before?
Randy had a way of making us all feel really comfortable and relaxed. We were then able to let go of our nerves and just play the music. His presence is felt in the record when I listen back. That’s the mark of a great producer I’d say.
What is your favorite venue that you have had a show?
We see so many great venues across the country, it’s hard to pick just one! A few of the greats would be the 9:30 Club in DC, The Snail Pie Lounge in PA, and the Bowery Ballroom in NY.
What are some challenges you face on the road, especially some of you being related and being so close?
It’s hard to coordinate 8 people everyday. We’ve really learned so much over the last 2 years on the road. We used to let the little things bother us, but now we’ve figured out that life is much more simple and happy if you let that stuff go.
Who are some other emerging artists on the scene that you think would be fun to collaborate with?
There are a ton of great bands coming out of NYC these days – The Pimps of Joytime, Lake Street Dive, The London Souls… So many more.
I saw that you were at Catskill Chill in 2011 also, why are you looking forward to going back to the Chill?
My brother and I grew up in the Catskills, so it’s really wonderful to get to play such a great festival so close to home. The lineup of bands is awesome this year too, so it’ll be a really fun weekend.
