Freight & Salvage proudly presents the inaugural DeFord Bailey Legacy Festival, commemorating the harmonica virtuoso’s remarkable contributions to country music and beyond.

Curated by Grammy® award-winning artist Dom Flemons and Freight Artistic Director Peter Williams, this 3-day festival includes talks, workshops, interviews, free community events, and evening concerts. In addition, the Freight has partnered with the Berkeley Public Library to present Westward Bound, an exhibit of art and craft highlighting African-American country music history and country lore, curated by Vania Kinard.

Supported, in part, by California Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and a Civic Arts Grant from the City of Berkeley.

Learn more about the event on our DeFord Bailey Legacy Festival page.

Save with a DeFord Bailey Legacy Festival 3-Day Pass!

Yasmin Williams

Genre: Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar, Folk, Experimental

Yasmin Williams is an innovative guitarist and composer known for her unique compositional approach and expansive instrumental style. Her latest album Acadia, released on Nonesuch Records, showcases her evolution from solo performer to collaborative artist, featuring partnerships with notable musicians like Aoife O'Donovan and Immanuel Wilkins.

Williams' distinctive creative process involves "ruminating" on single notes until compositions naturally emerge. Beyond traditional fingerpicked guitar, she demonstrates mastery of multiple instruments including kora, harp guitar, banjo, and electric guitar. Her music, while rooted in folk traditions, transcends conventional structures to incorporate elements of progressive rock and experimental composition. Following her acclaimed 2021 album Urban Driftwood, Acadia represents a significant artistic expansion, featuring three distinct sections that move from traditional folk influences to atmospheric soundscapes and experimental arrangements. Williams' approach emphasizes sustained tones and intricate articulation, creating music that balances technical precision with ethereal, floating melodies.

Leyla McCalla

Genre: Folk, Afro-Diasporic, Roots Music

Leyla McCalla, born in New York City to Haitian émigrés, draws profound inspiration from her rich heritage and diverse musical landscape. A master of cello, tenor banjo, and guitar, McCalla creates a distinctive sound that marries her roots with contemporary influences. Her latest album, Sun Without the Heat, is a vibrant exploration of joy and transformation, blending Afrobeat, Ethiopian modalities, and American folk traditions. With powerful narratives, her previous album, Breaking the Thermometer, highlights the brave journalists of Radio Haiti, emphasizing the importance of a free press. As a member of Our Native Daughters and the Carolina Chocolate Drops, McCalla’s music resonates with history while advocating for social change through her poignant lyrics and innovative soundscapes.

Bobby Rush

Genre: Blues, R&B

Bobby Rush, a three-time Grammy-winning legend and Blues Hall of Famer, is a vibrant force in the music scene, even at 89 years old. Known for his electrifying stage presence, Rush effortlessly leaps and spins, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances. With a career spanning nearly 70 years and over 400 recordings, he’s celebrated for his unique blend of traditional blues and funk. His latest album, All My Love For You, showcases heartfelt narratives that resonate with fans old and new. Rush’s journey from farm work in Louisiana to headlining festivals is a testament to his enduring spirit and commitment to the blues, advocating for its rightful place as the 'root' of all music. With a powerful voice and a playful approach to life and love, Rush continues to inspire and entertain, proving that age is just a number in the world of music.