Brandi Carlile at the 2022 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival; photos by Ashleigh Newnes
The annual pilgrimage to Franklin’s Harlinsdale Farm for the 2022 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival was highly anticipated, and did not disappoint the 17,000 fans coming back another year for family fun. Pilgrimage is a lot like going to a neighborhood cookout, but with truly great entertainment and something for every age and stage of life. The event has an incredible kids area with several smaller stages. Here, kids can move their bodies with martial arts or yoga and take in many shows geared toward the younger set. They even had tiny seats for the little ones to sit back in and enjoy a variety of acts.
The first day’s music kicked off with the Black Opry Review, a collective of touring musicians who exhibit the diversity in country music. From Lori Rayne to Aaron Vance, the group had the crowd dancing and singing along.
Chris Stapleton
One great thing about Pilgrimage is that the two main stages are within reasonably close, easy proximity to one another, and movement between the sprinkling of tents and smaller stages is easily maneuvered. Planning ahead for a day’s entertainment is a must in order to maximize the festival experience, and the festival app or the physical boards onsite are extremely helpful. Timing for the sets on the larger stages is pretty well staggered.
There were some difficult decisions regarding who to see, and when, while fitting in some of the side acts like square dancers, the Country Music Hall of Fame Songwriting Workshop, and even some Shakespeare!
Since its inception in 2015, Pilgrimage has only seemed to gain momentum and popularity. Better Than Ezra took the stage again this year, with frontman, Franklin resident and festival co-founder Kevin Griffin, exuding great enthusiasm. As the band began one of its radio hits, Kevin laughed and acknowledged the moment of audience recognition: “Oh yeah, I know those guys!” It was a delight to share in the excitement for his well-assembled passion project.
Kevin Griffin
The September weather was perfect, and as the day wound down, Jon Batiste reminded the crowd that we were all there for the same reason: the love of art. He danced and sang with a huge smile on his face and an infectious energy.
When asked who they were excited to see over the weekend, about eight out of every 10 people replied “Brandi Carlile.” Her performance on the Midnight Sun Stage was everything and more. Humble and happy to be there, she sang as though she was there for each individual person who showed up for her. The crowd went wild, as they say.
Day two was poetic Americana, from Yasmin Williams—who plays her guitar laid across her lap with tap shoes on her feet keeping beautiful rhythm—to Texan Rosie Flores, Marty Stuart, Trampled by Turtles, and the Avett Brothers. Every one of these artists kept the day at high energy.
The Avett Brothers
The Tommy Jackson Dancers hit the stage to showcase their square dancing expertise. This group has graced many prestigious stages, and as Tommy joked with the crowd and highlighted his dancers, he noted that “we have never charged for a class and we never will.” He also said that the group’s costumes are funded in ways that don’t put pressure on parents’ wallets. “We always find a way,” said the community-minded individual with a love for Middle Tennessee and its artistic culture.
The day didn’t wind down, it just naturally flowed to Chris Stapleton. His powerful voice holds the listener in a way that says “everything is alright and you can just relax and enjoy.”
Pilgrimage was a delightful weekend, filled with friends, family, food, art and entertainment, reminding music fans that they need quality time together for living, laughing, and loving.
