The Bluegrass Journeymen: Crossing the Border with Bluegrass

Bluegrass is a music genre that cannot be defined by a region. With roots in Ireland and Appalachia, the music has spread like wildfire across the country and worldwide. The Bluegrass Journeymen are doing their part to expand the footprint of bluegrass while building cross-cultural connections through music. The Journeymen accomplish that goal by traveling the world and taking bluegrass across borders to perform and collaborate with other musicians. They also provide musical outreach and support to schools along the way.

The mission is the brainchild of the band’s founder, Patrick Fitzsimons. “He wanted to take a bluegrass band to India,” says Elliot Siff, “and I told him I’d love to be their photographer.” The first trip was in 2017. “We contacted the U.S. Embassy in India as well as a good friend of Patrick’s with connections in New Delhi and took a group of musicians to India. The band did shows at schools and played at jazz clubs and embassy gigs. I assumed the role of manager.” Siff was a perfect fit for the Journeymen. “I have always been a hobby photographer and am passionate about music and travel. In my role as manager, I’ve learned new skills, including how to book tours, be a travel agent, and a band manager.”

Fitzsimons is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College. “I am from San Antonio, where I grew up in a musical family. My dad was a mandolin player, and he played with Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett.” Fitzsimon’s love of bluegrass came from listening to compilation albums and attending festivals. “No one around me knew bluegrass. I discovered the jam sessions at the campground at RockyGrass, and I was hooked.”

After graduating from college, Siff did some traveling. “I have always wanted to visit new places. I traveled to New Zealand after college. After that, I took my Volkswagen van and moved to Austin, where I lived at the Radical Dixie Ranch and drove bike taxis. I made friends with Patrick at the ranch, and we connected through our mutual love of bluegrass.” Fitzsimons first traveled to India in 2011. “I had a mandolin and played with anyone who would play with me. I knew I wanted to return with a band someday.”

Siff says Fitzsimons has a heart of gold and a desire to spread music beyond its traditional borders. Through meeting with local musicians and conducting workshops at schools, the band has been able to bring bluegrass to India. “I learned there was a longstanding folk tradition in Kolkata,” says Fitzsimons. “Artists like Pete Seeger and Tom Paxton played there in the 1950s and 60s. Some of their folk songs have since been rewritten with Bengali lyrics.”

The Bluegrass Journeymen launched their educational non-profit at IBMA. “Performing is still a thing,” says Siff. “But now we are able to sponsor schools we have connected with, creating an ongoing relationship. We now send instructors to Katmandu, Nepal on two-month teaching residencies. There are more schools in India we are reaching out to.”

During one of their trips, The Bluegrass Journeymen met Nabanita Sarkar in Kolkata, who joined them at IBMA this past year. “She is an attorney who was playing bluegrass music with a band called No Strings Attached. We have developed a musical relationship with her – she is an amazing person. We are excited to feature her and so many other great players on our latest release, HMV Sessions.” In addition to playing bluegrass music, Nabanita spends her time, energy, and money to save animals in Kolkata.

Although The Bluegrass Journeymen have played on big stages in major cities to a shack in a village, their main focus now is on the educational component. “We can make a much bigger impact, and it’s more enjoyable for me,” says Fitzsimons. “I love to teach people to jam, along with jam etiquette. We love doing instrument distribution and providing lessons. We have committed to this work, and we are currently working with three schools. It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to do this.”

The Bluegrass Journeymen are currently seeking applicants for paid opportunities to teach music abroad. Click here for more information.