SELAH GRIFFIN, Staff Writer—
You wouldn’t expect to find anything but serenity nestled into the outskirts of Granville, OH, but Ohiolina raises quite a ruckus. The three day Americana string band festival took place this past weekend, September 16-18, at Infirmary Mound Park.
The annual family friendly event included a kids corner with a petting zoo, hayrides, and games. Other activities included camping, workshops, venders, food trucks, and more.
With ties between Ohio and North Carolina making up the sounds of the festival, a diverse variety of music was on display with the lineup showcasing a selection of Americana acts and featured headliners: The Tillers, Hogslop String Band, and Po Ramblin Boys.
“American roots music is a product of migration,” explains Adam Schlenker, coordinator of the Denison Bluegrass Program and board member of Ohiolina. “So… even though a lot of the same songs and a lot of the same material is played, it’s like [with] different accents or dialects.”
The Denison American Roots Ensemble had their third show of the semester at Ohiolina where they played three additional sets over the weekend.
“They’re playing three hours of music this weekend and they’re not repeating a single song,” says Schlenker. “There’s often as much or more music played off the stage then there is on the stage. It’s like, ‘Okay, the band is done, the stage is finished, but let’s keep playing!’”
As a Denison sponsored event, students from all ranges of academia are encouraged to come and support their peers.
“We’re here today to support our friend; he’s in the band,” says Margret Lloyd ‘25, talking over the plucking and strumming of banjos and guitars. “It’s really nice! And really quaint” says Lloyd and advises people to see it for themselves.
If you missed the festival this year, this annual event is certain to return near Denison’s campus! So if the weather calls for it, take time away from your home on the hill and go out to explore music, food, and other fun activities!