musicreporterblog

Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass


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PineCone announces 2027 Down Home Concert Series lineup

From the good folks over at PineCone:
In case you missed it, the lineup for our 2027 Down Home Concert Series has landed, and there’s a lot to like!We’re excited to host eight events that put you up close to world-class music in the Fletcher Opera Theater inside the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh. You’ll experience these shows alongside fellow music lovers, creating community around the songs and stories onstage.Tickets go on sale for PineCone members at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5. Members also get a discount on tickets, as thanks for their yearlong support. If you’d like to become a member, now’s a great time! Find info on pricing and benefits and sign up here. PineCone members will receive a code for early sale access and discounted tickets next week.Tickets will go on sale for the general public at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12.Here’s a look at the performers and dates for the 2027 Down Home Concert Series! All shows start at 7:30 p.m. Visit pinecone.org for more info. Michael Cleveland, Fri Jan 8JANUARY 8: Michael Cleveland
With an encyclopedic memory for melodies and an uncanny intuition for improvisation, Michael Cleveland’s music is both rooted in tradition and fueled by his imagination. He’s added excitement to incredible all-star bluegrass performances and for 20 years has fronted his own band. Come hear the magic of this 12-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year, National Fiddlers Hall of Famer, and National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow.Congratulations to Michael Cleveland for winning IBMA’s 2026 Instrumental Recording of the Year award last week for “Big Daddy Rabbit”! Trey Hensley Band, Sat Jan 30JANUARY 30: Trey Hensley Band Grammy winner and reigning two-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year Trey Hensley is known for his otherworldly guitar playing, jaw-dropping musicianship, and soulful storytelling. Called “a guitar-slinging superhero” by Bluegrass Today, he’s collaborated with Johnny Cash, Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Taj Mahal, and Tommy Emmanuel — and now fronts his own band of incredible players.Congratulations to Trey Hensley for winning IBMA’s 2026 Song of the Year award last week for “Can’t Outrun the Blues”! Dervish, Fri Mar 12MARCH 12: Dervish
Described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music,” Dervish has played at festivals from Rio to Glastonbury and includes some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians. Long established as one of the biggest names in Irish music internationally, they’re renowned for live performances that feature dazzling sets of tunes and stunning interpretationsof traditional songs. Dan Tyminski Band, Thu Mar 18MARCH 18: Dan Tyminski Band
Over his three-decade career, Dan Tyminski has left his mark in every corner of modern music. His voice famously accompanies George Clooney’s performance of the Stanley Brothers’ classic song, “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow,” in the film, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and his vocal collaboration with Swedish DJ Avicii on the song “Hey Brother” was a global smash. His diverse solo projects and years of work with Alison Krauss and Union Station have yielded troves of award-winning music and made him a favorite for live audiences in bluegrass and beyond. Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, Sat Apr 3APRIL 3: Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands
For nearly four decades, Laurie Lewis has gathered fans and honors for her powerful and emotive voice and her versatile, dynamic songwriting. She is a sought-after recording producer and an equally skilled teacher and mentor. While steeped in the bluegrass tradition, her music also reflects influences including old-time, country, Tin Pan Alley, jazz, and early rock and roll.
Yasmin Williams with the Dream Quartet, Fri April 16APRIL 16: Yasmin Williams with The Dream Quartet
Known primarily as a solo performer, innovative guitarist Yasmin Williams is, for the first time in her career, joining forces with a string ensemble to bring new life to her compositions. The Dream Quartet will draw on classical and contemporary influences to chart new paths within rich, exciting compositions from across Williams’ career so far. Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra, Sat May 22MAY 22: Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra
Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra is a seven-piece acoustic band from Oslo, Norway, that has captured hearts in both Europe and the US with their unique blend of bluegrass and Nordic folk — a style they’ve dubbed “Nordicana.” With an instrumental acumen that defines them as musicians with a determined drive and dynamic, the group delivers a fresh take on American roots music wrapped in a finely tuned folk sound. North Carolina Heritage Awards, Fri Jun 18JUNE 18: North Carolina Heritage Awards
Celebrate North Carolina’s rich artistic heritage with a special event honoring the latest recipients of the North Carolina Heritage Award, the state’s highest honor for folk arts. The honorees will share the inspiring stories of their lifelong dedication to their craft through live on-stage interviews, documentary film presentations, musical performances, and a display of artwork.
Beer and Banjos Paranormal Formal
No one does spooky season like Beer and Banjos, and tonight you’re cordially invited to the Beer and Banjos Paranormal Formal! Dress to kill (if you dare) and get ready for a frightful good time with the Beer and Banjos All-Stars at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh. It’s free and always a ghoulishly good time.Beer and Banjos poster: Paranormal Formal, Tuesday Oct. 27, 6:30-9pm, Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, Raleigh
PineCone is supported by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the City of Raleigh Arts Commission; The United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County; and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. PineCone is a private, nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and promoting traditional forms of music, dance and other folk performing arts.


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Pinecone announces new JAM Kinfolk-Durham youth program

If you missed hearing the announcement during Raleigh Wide Open 2026, PineCone has big news about an exciting new youth program.

PineCone is partnering with Junior Appalachian Musicians, or JAM, to create JAM Kinfolk-Durham. This evening program, starting in January, will introduce middle and high school-age players to the joy of making music with roots in the Appalachian Mountains. Students will meet once a week at the Durham Arts Council to learn skills and songs on acoustic instruments and to continue the tradition of building community through music.

Registration will open in the coming weeks. Get more info about JAM Kinfolk-Durham at the following link: https://pinecone.org/pinecone-partners-with-junior-appalachian-musicians-for-jam-kinfolk-durham-program/


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IBMA Bluegrass Live, Late Night at Barrelhouse offering single-day tickets for Oct. 23-24 in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) World of Bluegrass is just three weeks away, and single-day tickets for IBMA Bluegrass Live! and Late Night at Barrelhouse are available for purchase.

Whether you can only make it Friday, Oct. 23, or Saturday, Oct. 24, you can now pick the day that works best for you and still experience the music and community IBMA World of Bluegrass has to offer.

The lineup for IBMA Bluegrass Live!, presented by Chattanooga Tourism Co., in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, includes performances from Sierra Ferrell, Leftover Salmon, Larry Sparks, Michael Cleveland & Friends, Lindsay Lou presents Bluegrass Women, Lonesome River Band, Della Mae, Jason Carter Band, Special Consensus, Randy Steele & High Cold Wind, Barefoot Nellie & Co. and many more.

IBMA Bluegrass Live! takes on a new shape in 2026, offering fans two unique ways to experience the festival: the ticketed IBMA Bluegrass Live! experience and the free outdoor celebration, Pickin’ in the Park.

IBMA Bluegrass Live! 2026 will feature can’t-miss performances from the artists listed above across The Signal, the Chattanooga Convention Center and Barrelhouse Ballroom. The new format brings fans closer to artists and creates a more consistent experience, rain or shine.

With more intimate venues and a more focused festival experience, tickets will be limited. Fans are encouraged to secure their spot early when tickets go on sale to experience this special weekend of bluegrass music.

This year, attendees can choose between a GA Weekend Pass and a new VIP Weekend Pass designed for fans who want an elevated festival experience. The VIP Weekend Pass includes premium seating at the Chattanooga Convention Center, mezzanine seating at The Signal, access to a dedicated front-section standing area at The Signal, and a dedicated VIP entrance to bypass the line at The Signal, along with pre-sale access for Late Night at Barrelhouse and limited, first come, first served seating.

VIP ticket holders will also receive access to two exclusive Happy Hour receptions held ahead of the evening performances at The Signal, featuring live music, complimentary wine, beer, and whiskey tastings, and light snacks. These VIP-only events will include performances by Randy Steele & High Cold Wind on Friday, October 23, at Stratus Rooftop at Caption and Barefoot Nellie & Co. on Saturday, October 24, at 50/50 Wine + Martini Bar.

The festival will also feature Late Night at Barrelhouse performances at Barrelhouse Ballroom, with appearances from Lonesome River Band and Jason Carter Band. VIP and GA Weekend Pass holders who wish to attend Late Night at Barrelhouse will need to purchase a separate ticket, which will be available soon.

The 2026 festival will also introduce Pickin’ in the Park, in partnership with River City Co., a free outdoor community celebration formerly known as Streetfest. Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga at Miller Park and Miller Plaza, Pickin’ in the Park will offer two days of live bluegrass music featuring college bands, Kids on Bluegrass participants, and local Chattanooga talent.

The free event will take place Saturday, Oct. 24, and will also include arts and crafts vendors, food, and plenty of space for fans and community members to gather, relax, and enjoy the music. No tickets are required for Pickin’ in the Park, making it an open celebration for bluegrass fans and the Chattanooga community.

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WinterWonderGrass drops lineup for March 5-7, 2027

From the good folks over at WinterWonderGrass festival in Steamboat Springs, Colorado:

“Fourteen winters of dancing through blizzards, music on mountaintops, sunny skies, and memories made among strangers who become friends and friends who become family.

In 2027, we’re bringing 26 bands to five stages – The String Cheese Incident makes their first-ever WinterWonderGrass appearance, and their first return to Steamboat since 2002…who remembers that?! They’ll be joined by Trampled by Turtles, Daniel Donato, Kitchen Dwellers, Magoo, Hayes Carll, Jerry Douglas Band, Lindsay Lou and many more.

“As always, check out two free pop-up shows on the mountain, a kickoff mountain top dinner, late-night sets after the music ends, and daily free beer tastings from 2–4 p.m.”

For tickets or more information visit: https://www.tixr.com/e/180524


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Beer and Banjos features Hilltop Hounds on Tuesday, Oct. 6

The Hilltop Hounds hail from the rolling hills of North Carolina. With a sound that combines traditional country roots with folk, bluegrass and the blues, Hilltop Hounds are sure to get you dancing and singing along.

Beer and Banjos is a free, family-friendly evening of roots music every Tuesday at Raleigh’s Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard. Hosted by the mighty local musicians known collectively as the Beer and Banjos All-Stars, these weekly concerts feature guest musicians and take place on Bowstring’s spacious patio when the weather allows, or inside by the bar when rain, heat, or cold threaten the vibe.

Tips for the musicians are gratefully accepted (look for a helper walking around with a bucket for cash and QR codes for online tips), and don’t forget to check out the merch table. Bowstring serves tasty pizza and other food as well as cold beer and other beverages.

Learn more about Beer and Banjos events statewide here.

If You Go

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 6

Time: 6:30-9 p.m.


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2026 N.C. State Fair to once again feature its Homegrown Music Fest

The 2026 North Carolina State Fair will feature live music, rodeo, tractor pulls, motorsports, and special exhibits across multiple stages and venues on the fairgrounds. A highlight of the fair is the Homegrown Music Fest, which features some of the state’s best local talent along with bluegrass and folk music. Learn more at this link.

Live Music Performances Schedule

Local Waterfall Stage

This is North Carolina’s finest line-up of local talent. With more than 60 sets over 11 days, you’re sure to find your new favorite band:

  • Oct 16: Say Less The Band
  • Oct 17: The Genius Party
  • Oct 18: Dallas Tetnus, Tre. Charles
  • Oct 19: Lydia Salett
  • Oct 20: Dudley & Jazz Xpressions, Folkknot
  • Oct 21: Robert Hunter
  • Oct 22: Christina Eagle
  • Oct 23: Fancy Gap
  • Oct 24: The Embers
  • Oct 25: Senior Citizens FunFest & Program
  • Oct 26: Funkelstiltskin

Heritage Circle Stage 

North Carolina was built on bluegrass. The Heritage Circle Bluegrass & Folk Stage takes us back to our roots with a toe-tappin’, bass-slappin’ good time:

  • Oct 16: Jon Shain & FJ Ventre
  • Oct 17: Story Charlemagne
  • Oct 18: Big Fat Gap
  • Oct 19: Elizabeth McCorvey
  • Oct 20: Yakamashii
  • Oct 21: Parker Duncan
  • Oct 22: Awen Family Band
  • Oct 23: Megan Doss
  • Oct 24: Massive Grass
  • Oct 25: Morgan Creek Bluegrass
  • Oct 26: Purebred Mutts


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Scythian to perform at Raleigh’s The Rialto on Saturday, Sept. 12

If you have been to MerleFest, you have heard Scythian, who often play three or four sets during the four-day festival held each spring in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. In fact, I have named them the festival’s unofficial house band. So you know you don’t want to miss them when this Virginia-based band makes a stop in the Triangle!

Raleigh’s The Rialto will welcome Scythian on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $41.50 including fees and can be purchased at this link: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/82008413/scythian-raleigh-the-rialto?partner_id=100

Named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays roots music from Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions with thunderous energy, technical prowess, and storytelling songwriting, beckoning crowds into a barn-dance, rock concert experience.

You can learn more about them in this article I wrote on my Huffington Post blog: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/scythian-gifts-st-patrick_b_9488940

Nashville’s Music City Roots says Scythian is ‘what happens when rock star charisma meets Celtic dervish fiddling’, and the Washington Post claims “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.” The foursome brings various influences together to create a conglomerate which is technically precise and steeped in various folk traditions. You have to catch the live show to understand why The Camel City Dispatch said of their MerleFest performance: “[Scythian gives] no quarter in their quest to entertain and bring a joy to their music that gives it an irony-free, wide open feel of manic possibility. The playing is technically brilliant, but it is the energy that carries the day.”


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14th annual Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival set for Saturday, Sept. 12

The Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival in Mocksville, North Carolina, was started in 2011 by the Camp’s Board of Directors as a fundraiser for the Camp’s scholarship and capital development funds. It has achieved that goal, operating in the black every year thanks to careful planning and generous stewardship of the festival’s sponsors, organizational team and volunteers.

The festival has also become a way to introduce a larger community to the Camp, and to bring Camp friends and family together for a special annual event.

In 2019, Carolina Country magazine readers voted Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival the winner of the inaugural “Carolina’s Finest” award for the Best Festival in the state of North Carolina! In 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic and state restrictions prohibited us from holding the festival. We were more grateful thuan ever to gather together in 2021, and again, we were blessed to win the Carolina Country “Carolina’s Finest” award for Best Festival.

This year’s festival will feature Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, The Biscuit Eaters, Lucas Ross, Ettore Buzzini​ and Blue Diggity.

Advance tickets for the 2026 event are $20 and $25 at the gate. They can be purchased at this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/carolina-bible-camp-14th-annual-bluegrass-festival

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