Hub RTP is excited to welcome Durham’s Grammy-nominated Rissi Palmer for its FREE monthly Concerts on the Creek mid-day performance at the Hub stage from -5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21. The address is 3151 Elion Dr, This is an all ages event and free parking is available.
Palmer is a prominent figure in both country and Americana music, having performed at prestigious venues such as The White House, the Grand Ole Opry, Lincoln Center and the Apollo Theater, and having appeared on “Good Morning America,” “CBS Mornings,” Entertainment Tonight and the PBS NewsHour.
Last year, Palmer was honored with the ACM Lift Every Voice Award for her advocacy in amplifying underrepresented voices and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in country music. Recommended for fans of The War & Treaty, Joy Clark and Miko Marks.
Free parking is located in the deck across the street at 3150 Elion Drive. When you arrive, walk through the outdoor breezeway to the courtyard and you will see the stage. House music begins at 2:30, with the performance starting at 3 p.m. There will be a brief intermission from 4-4:30 p.m. before the final set plays from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
MerleFest, presented by Window World, has unveiled lineup details for its 2027 event, taking place over four unforgettable days from April 29–May 2 on the campus of Wilkes Community College.
Acclaimed Americana duo Gillian Welch & David Rawlings are set to return, alongside Southern rock supergroup Toy Factory Project, North Carolina’s marquee folk-rock outfit The Avett Brothers and country music queen Wynonna Judd.
Also slated for the festival’s 39th installment is a special MerleFest“Delebration,”Del McCoury@88, honoring the bluegrass patriarch with Del McCoury & The Travelin’ McCourys. The lineup also features legacy pickers Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, and Alison Brown, along with a parade of on-the-rise ensembles including Mountain Grass Unit, Magoo, The Brudi Brothers and more.
Each year, MerleFest honors the legacy of North Carolina music legends Doc and Merle Watson while celebrating and uplifting the next generation of talent. Its “traditional plus” framework invites curiosity and exploration among performers and attendees alike, creating a festival experience that is always fresh while preserving the soul of what makes MerleFest such a cherished annual tradition. For this year’s Late Night Jam, The Travelin’ McCourys present The Grateful Ball. The Late Night Jam continues to foster the spirit of collaboration, spontaneity, and shared musical discovery that has long defined the MerleFest experience. This separately-ticketed, after-hours event is the ideal nightcap for those looking to witness a night of groundbreaking, “only at MerleFest” moments. Visit merlefest.org/purchase for details and to stay tuned for guest announcements.
MerleFest 2027 will welcome Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Toy Factory Project, The Avett Brothers, Wynonna Judd, Del McCoury@88 – a MerleFest “Delebration,”Mountain Grass Unit, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, Peter Rowan & The Walls of Time Band, Alison Brown, Magoo, The Brudi Brothers, Jake Shimabukuro, Chatham Rabbits, Chatham County Line, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Altan, Mason Via, Tray Wellington, Slap Dragon, Larry & Joe, Jim Avett, Rev. Robert Jones, Scythian, Donna The Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, The Waybacks, Presley Barker, Andy May, Banknotes, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, The InterACTive Theatre of Jef, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Joe Smothers, Josh Goforth,The Knackered Ramblers, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, Pete Wernick, T Michael Coleman, Tony Williamson, and Wayne Henderson, with additional artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
The WCC Foundation is excited to continue the Silent Auction, featuring a variety of exciting, high-quality items and the convenience of online bidding. Online bidding opens April 15, 2027! Proceeds support the SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) First Year Experience program. Stay tuned for more details at merlefest.org/silent-auction.
Mega Raffle is back! We’re excited to welcome back the Mega Raffle, with over $120,000 in cash and prizes to be awarded! Tickets go on sale February 8, 2027, and you do not have to be present to win. Proceeds support the SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) First Year Experience program. Stay tuned for more details at merlefest.org/silent-auction.
MerleFest 2027 tickets are available now. For general admission passes, as well as covered patio seating, reserved seating, camping, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.
MerleFest volunteer applications are now open. As a volunteer, participants will receive free entry to the festival for the entire day of their shift, free parking and shuttle, and 10% discount at River’s Edge Campground. Most importantly, volunteers will be supporting a major fundraiser for the students of Wilkes Community College. Please visit merlefest.org/volunteer to sign up now before the April 10, 2027, deadline.
Apply to be a MerleFest vendor! MerleFest Shoppes and Heritage Craft Vendors are thoughtfully chosen to provide a variety of unique, high-quality goods for every MerleFest fan. Vendor fees include tent, fire extinguisher, tables, chairs, nighttime lighting, 24-hour security, general admission passes, and on-campus parking. It’s a great opportunity with incredible value! Please visit merlefest.org/vendors to apply now before the application window closes on Jan. 15, 2027.
Apply to be a MerleFest food vendor! MerleFest is now accepting applications for food vendors! A limited number of food vendors will be featured in the Shoppes at MerleFest, with vendors carefully selected to offer fans top-quality food and service. Ideal applicants will have a diverse menu that includes traditional items, along with vegetarian, vegan, and/or gluten-free options. Please visit merlefest.org/vendors to apply now before the application window closes on Dec. 1, 2026.
About MerleFest MerleFest, presented by Window World, was founded in 1988 as a fundraiser for the Garden of the Senses at Wilkes Community College to memorialize world-renowned flatpicker Doc Watson’s late son, Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 12 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.
From the good folks at Rooster Walk + Rives on the Road:
You don’t want to miss the fourth annual RW Shucks Seafood Fest from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, on Pop’s Farm, 675 Hobson Road, Axton, Virginia.
The event combines fresh, delicious seafood, live music, beer, wine and spirits in the beautiful outdoor setting of Pop’s Farm. Oysters will be offered raw, steamed and as shooters. Longfill Grill Food Truck will be featuring a full menu of seafood and non-seafood items. Be sure not to miss Longfin’s decadent crab cakes!
Camping options are available. Parking is free. Kids 12 and younger are free with an admitted adult. Thank you to our event sponsor Brightspeed!
Ticket Options
General Admission Includes admission to the event, including three sets of live music and access to food and drink vendors. All food will be sold a la carte for GA Admission ticket holders. A limited number of tickets will be sold.
Suck Yeah Admission Includes all-you-can-eat clam chowder and steamed and raw oysters (while supplies last) and admission to the event, including three sets of live music and access to other food and drink vendors. Longfin Grill and other oyster options (shooters) are NOT included in this ticket. Only steamed and raw oysters, and clam chowder, are included.Tickets for RW Shucks have previously sold out, so don’t delay.
IBMA and MerleFest fans won’t want to miss an evening with the North Carolina-based members of the Tan & Sober Gentlemen on Saturday, Dec. 12. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show at Forest Park, 1821 Mulberry Road, Martinsville, Virginia. The show is sponsored by Brightspeed.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $20 the day of the show.
“If hurricanes could play music, they’d sound something like North Carolina’s Tan and Sober Gentlemen… They make music that’s a mix of moonshine and rocket fuel. It’s wild and free bluegrass mated with punk rock. Incorporated with unabashed Gaelic influence, they thrive from a hammer-down style.” –Bristol Herald Courier
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. JANUARY 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”!JANUARY 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”!MARCH 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. MARCH 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. APRIL 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. APRIL 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. MAY 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. JUNE 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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:
JANUARY 8: Michael Cleveland
JANUARY 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”! 
MARCH 12: Dervish
MARCH 18: Dan Tyminski Band
APRIL 3: Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands
APRIL 16: Yasmin Williams with The Dream Quartet
MAY 22: Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra
JUNE 18: North Carolina Heritage Awards
