Meet the Musicians: Frank Solivan & Jillian Lea

Frank Solivan & Jillian Lea perform at the 2022 A.T. Festival. Photo by Dan Innamorato.

Frank Solivan and Jillian Lea return to the festival this year to perform on The Gap Stage at 3:30 on June 8th. 

Frank combines the pure, hard drive of classic bluegrass with contemporary acoustic music sophistication. Along with his band, Dirty Kitchen, Frank has toured the world and racked up a steady stream of accolades, including two Grammy nominations and two awards for IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year.

Jillian Lea grew up playing classical, folk, jazz and Celtic music with her twin sister and music-loving parents. She was classically trained on the flute before focusing her attention on the penny whistle. In recent years, she has gravitated to the world of bluegrass and the upright bass. Jillian has toured with regional and national acts for decades. 

We asked Frank and Jillian about coming back to our festival.

What about our A.T. Festival makes you want to return?
We are thrilled to be a part of an event that celebrates the A.T. and the Great Outdoors. These places have been such a huge part of our lives and health that we cannot imagine living in a world that did not protect such places. 

Are you hikers?
Hiking is what we do to find peace. It is our solace through hard times or overwhelming times. It is hard to describe the joy and comfort the woods lend. It is as though we know everything will be fine.

Our favorite local place is Crow's Nest in Stafford. We also love to go around the reservoir at Mott's Run in Fredericksburg. Our go-to A.T. spot is accessed at Sky Meadows. We love the views and the challenge of the elevation changes.

We are planning a multi-day hike from Sky Meadows to Harpers Ferry to take on the notorious "Roller Coaster." Gotta love the feeling of conquering a challenge. 

What's new/noteworthy with your music recently?
We are excited to be taking our music to Martha's Vineyard this summer. We have never been there, and we can't wait to bicycle all over the island and maybe spot a whale! 

Frank is taking his full band to Bolivia this summer to celebrate distinct American culture and how music can bring people together across language and cultural differences. 

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