When it comes to music, there’s nothing clumsy about this group.
The Clumsy Lovers have brought their mix of fiddle and banjo-fueled, bluegrass-ified Celtic rock to North American audiences for more than a decade.
They rock the San Juan County Fair main stage Saturday night from 7-9.
With more than 2,500 performances under their belts, their high-energy shows have worn out dance floors and created a loyal following in 49 states and across their homeland of Canada.
In addition to their live shows, The Clumsy Lovers have also released a series of award-winning and critically acclaimed recordings. Early self-produced recordings garnered the attention of venerated label Nettwerk Records, which came on board to release “After The Flood” (2005) and “Smart Kid” (2006). Both albums won CD of the Year from the Indie Acoustic Music Awards, and were nominated for numerous other honors (including multiple mentions from the West Coast Music Awards, and the Canadian Folk Music Awards).
In 2010, the Clumsy Lovers released “Make Yourself Known,” a 13-song collection showcasing the band’s penchant for mixing styles. From bluegrass rave-ups to pop-rock sing-a-longs, this album brings the Lovers’ live show energy to your living room.
But the Clumsy Lovers are still, first and foremost, a live band. Their spontaneous forays into musical mayhem can only be experienced in person, and after years of relentless touring the Lovers feel most at home on a stage.
The San Antonio Express-News wrote of the Clumsy Lovers, “Their fusion of bluegrass and Celtic with a rock attitude is the soundtrack for a kinetic show that has helped the band become a favorite of the roots music crowd.”
Boulder Weekly wrote, “Buckle up for a ride on a crazed, banjo-driven folk rock bus, from the fiddle-tastic band that release After The Flood comes a high-energy, toe-tappin’ soiree that promises to please.”
Orlando Weekly wrote, “Some people see this Vancouver combo as a messed-up bluegrass band. Others see a messed-up Celtic group. Still others see a messed-up rock band. With a little something for everybody, the one consistent element the Lovers bring to every show is a riotous good time. Blending all the aforementioned influences into a ripsnortin’ and rootsy performance, these guys (and girl) are absolute road dogs and it shows in their powerful live shows.”
In addition, the day is filled with classes, demonstrations, exhibits, family activities and games — including non-competitive equestrian events and the Zucchini 500 — and rides. (Get the day’s schedules in the Fair Guide and in The Daily Fair at the fair gates and the Journal/Sounder booth.)
Other entertainment on the main stage:
— 1 p.m.: Floating Glass Balls (Celtic and folk music).
— 2 p.m.: Duo Tones (classic rock).
— 3 p.m.: Thomas Arthur (performance arts, juggling).
— 4 p.m.: Be Careful (original music).
— 6 p.m.: Play-Rite Boys.