This weekend, the Ed Helms-helmed Bluegrass Situation kicks off its fifth year in a new location at the Theatre at Ace Hotel this Friday. It'll be two nights of raucous and beautiful bluegrass, with sets from the likes of Lord Huron, Josh Ritter and Shakey Graves. I didn't think I could get more excited, until I had the opportunity to talk to the man himself.
Thanks for taking the time to talk with us! Can you tell us a bit about how the Situation has grown over the years?
Well, Largo will always be part of the event—there's the most incredible energy and community there. It was just a matter of getting more people more access to the event. The Theatre's general manager actually reached out to us—they were eager to do it and it felt like a perfect fit. At that point, no one quite knew what the Ace Hotel would become, but their passions and interests seemed to align with ours. And being right in the heart of the city speaks to who we are.
For sure—it's surprising just how much old-time music is in LA.
Yeah, it's really cool. It's been getting easier to find in the seven years I've been here. With great spots like 1642 and Villain's Tavern in Downtown, a wonderful spirit has coalesced, and we've felt very lucky to be a part of it. And the square dance scene is fantastic!
It is! Do you go often?
I've been to a square dance or two—it's just so awesome. It's fun to see it taking hold in a way that doesn't feel ironic or exploited in some silly way. It brings people together so effortlessly in a way that few activities do.
Will square dancing ever be a part of the Situation?
You know, it's not something we—as a website or an event—have connected to as well as I think we can. I'm eager to forge those connections—the more people that can get together and have a good time, the better we're doing. If we grow to a point where this is a big outdoor event, like in LA State Historic Park, then I think it's mandatory that we have square dancing!
Ha! Agreed. Other than Villain's and 1642, where do you go to see bluegrass in LA?
My favorite venue in all of LA is Largo. The audiences are always so respectful and thrilled to be there, and it's the best place to both perform and consume entertainment. Other than that I'm sort of venue agnostic—I'm more interested in seeing the band I'm psyched about. I saw Steve Martin at the Hollywood Bowl recently, and it was one of those perfect fits of artist and venue and occasion. It was the Fourth of July and the LA Phil played, there was a fireworks show, it was just fantastic.
I know Steve Martin is a big influence for you. What about John C. Reilly, who also plays old-time music?
Oh, I am a massive fan of his on so many levels. We did the movie "Cedar Rapids" together and he blew my mind as an actor, and then he's just such a legit musician, incredibly fun to listen to and play with—a really engaging performer.
Do you know any other actor-slash-old-time musicians on the scene?
It's funny, I'm consistently surprised by who's a fan of bluegrass. It's really fun and reassuring to hear random people pipe up about music they've heard or a show they've seen. It seems to have more prominence in the music landscape right now for some reason, which is an exciting thing. A lot of people are being exposed to it and really feeling that old-time soul attachment.
Old-time soul attachment! That's a good way to put it.
Yes! I'm so grateful to you and excited to get the word out. We want to keep getting closer to the great tradition of bluegrass festivals, and I think it's gonna be an epic weekend. A really good time.
A good old time.
Exactly!
For more information on The Bluegrass Situation and tickets, click here.