The 2025 Frankfort Bluegrass Festival once again proved why it's one of the most beloved grassroots gatherings in the Midwest. Held July 12–13 in the historic downtown square of Frankfort, IL, the all-ages, free festival continues to grow while maintaining its community spirit and bluegrass roots. With three stages, including the shaded beer garden stage at Old Plank Trail Tavern, the weekend offered nonstop music, local vendors, and warm hospitality around every corner.

Spring is upon us, and the world is emerging from its winter sleep. Nearly ten years ago, Despina Peters and Cassie Lynn Wright formed Fox Crossing Stringband as an all‑female four‑piece bluegrass ensemble. Recently, the band has undergone a rebirth—expanding into a five‑piece lineup with three new members. While retaining its signature female perspective, Fox Crossing now presents a stronger, more polished sound, clearly poised for the next level.

Both my husband and I have volunteered at the Frankfort Bluegrass Festival (FBF) for a few years. We’ve helped with early morning set-up and merchandise sales. Volunteer work done, we’re free for music and dancing if the chance arises. But, this year hubby (Floyd) would be backpacking in Pennsylvania. Now was the perfect chance to volunteer with hospitality.

Let’s look at the creativity and courageousness exposing the truths, the deep meaning underfoot, like bugs after the rain, this past year has been insane. Rearranged and renamed, complaints unrestrained, this is the new normal. I’d wanted to write scripture about Shoe Fest, some sort of article of faith, a declaration of devotion to what made me fall in love with festivals in the first place… Alas, this is my iconoclast blast that shall be touted on Facebook groups across America, the finest in toilet reading material.

Seemingly everywhere during women’s month are festival line ups coming out that boast of over half of the acts are female. Efforts to see females represented and reflecting the true population of society are growing ever present in the hearts and minds of music lovers.  Will these festivals simply stretch out the current all-female bands available or will they continue to create an atmosphere that will be welcoming for new women musicians to join the party? As more and more women dominated acts grow to visibility, one such contender is Fox Crossing String Band.