This year Marley’s Ghost celebrates 28 years of making music together, 19 of those years performing here at the Festival. Not easy to define, the band is steeped in everything from gospel to bluegrass to old-time to Celtic to country — even reggae.
What makes Marley’s Ghost survive the test of time is its members. The showmanship and unique sense of humor of Dan Wheetman (vocals, bass, rhythm guitar, fiddle, harmonica, banjo, Dobro, lap steel), combined with his resonant baritone, provides the focal point for the group’s upbeat performances. Mike Phelan (vocals, lead guitars, fiddle, Dobro, bass, lap steel), has played, recorded and performed in many styles, including bluegrass, rock, folk and blues, and is himself a deft and prolific songwriter. Jon Wilcox (vocals, mandolin, rhythm guitar, guitar, bouzouki) has solo recordings and has toured internationally as a performer of traditional American and British Isles music. Ed Littlefield Jr. (vocals, pedal steel guitar, Highland bagpipes, keyboards, mandolin, Dobro, lead guitar) toured extensively with the well-known Seattle Western swing band, Ranch Romance, before founding Sage Arts, one of the Northwest’s premier recording studios. Jerry Fletcher (keys, accordion, vocal arranging) lays down a thoughtful groove that grounds the band and completes the musical puzzle.
Marley’s Ghost marks its silver anniversary with the release of its tenth album, Jubilee, produced by Nashville’s legendary Jack Clement, and featuring performances by such greats as Emmylou Harris, Old Crow Medicine Show and Marty Stuart.