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Category Archives: Concerts


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Rare reunion of Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band tops first band announcement for Rooster Walk 14

From the good folks at Rooster Walk: Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band will perform its first East Coast set in nearly 20 years at the 14th annual Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival, set for May 23-26, 2024 at Pop’s Farm in Martinsville, Virginia.

A bluegrass band from Colorado, Broke Mountain was formed in 2003 by a group of then-unknown, incredibly talented college musicians in their very early 20s. Remarkably, the members went to establish star-studded careers in nationally touring bluegrass bands. Broke Mountain is comprised of Anders Beck (dobro/Greensky Bluegrass), Travis Book (bass/Infamous Stringdusters), Robin Davis (mandolin/The Robin Davis Duo), Jon Stickley (guitar/Jon Stickley Trio) and Andy Thorn (banjo/Leftover Salmon).  Broke Mountain juggled college studies and touring duties in the summers of 2003 and 2004 in Colorado and surrounding states before parting ways to accept full-time touring gigs with other bands. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary with a full album re-release, Broke Mountain’s Rooster Walk debut will also double as its first ever East Coast festival set.

In contrast to Broke Mountain, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country will perform for the third consecutive year at Rooster Walk. The band, led by electric guitar virtuoso Daniel Donato, has been one of the fastest-growing acts in the country over the past two years, selling out venues from coast to coast. Daniel Donato will perform two nights at RW14.

Also joining the first band announcement is TAUK Moore, a special collaboration between TAUK and female powerhouse vocalist Kanika Moore. A largely instrumental jam band, TAUK has performed late-night sets at RW multiple times in the past 10 years. They will be joined for the full set by Moore, the lead singer of Doom Flamingo, which played a late-night set at RW13 last May.

Other bands announced Tuesday include:  Dogs in a Pile (a New Jersey-based funk/jazz/rock jamband surging in nationwide popularity); Yarn (NC/NY roots rockers who will once again perform an original set and a festival-finishing tribute set); Mountain Grass Unit (up and coming bluegrass shredders from Alabama); Isaac Hadden Organ Trio (masterful musicianship from a North Carolina power trio); Sol Driven Train (upbeat, horn-driven rock’n’roll beach vibes from Charleston, SC); J & The Causeways (New Orleans-based soul powerhouse reminiscent of St. Paul & The Broken Bones); Colby Helms & The Virginia Creepers (a captivating bluegrass band from nearby Franklin County, Va.); Clay Street Unit (Colorado-based honky tonk/roots rock); and Mighty Joshua (authentic reggae from central Virginia).

More than 30 additional bands will be added to the lineup, including the overall headliners, in the coming months.

Tickets for Rooster Walk 14 go on sale at noon Oct. 27, 2023, at the newly redesigned www.roosterwalk.com, which also features all the information needed to plan for an amazing experience.

The festival will take place Thursday-Sunday of Memorial Day weekend in the rolling foothills surrounding Martinsville, Va. Rooster Walk is a four-day festival celebrating music, art, and the great outdoors at the idyllic Pop’s Farm venue. With roughly 50 bands performing on six different stages, and an amazing roster of stellar music steers the Rooster Walk experience.

In addition to approximately 80 sets of live music, the family-friendly Rooster Walk will offer a wide variety of kids’ programming, family fun, craft beer, great food, arts and numerous opportunities to enjoy Virginia’s great outdoors with kayak river floats, pedal boats, bike rides, yoga, a disc golf course and beautiful on-site camping.

Rooster Walk has been named one of the Top 5 festivals in the state by the Richmond-Times Dispatch. It also was voted the region’s Most Creative Charitable Event by readers of Virginia Living Magazine for three consecutive years. The festival was created in memory of late Martinsville natives Edwin “The Rooster” Penn and Walker Shank, who graduated from Martinsville High School in 2000.

A portion of proceeds from the festival will be donated to local and regional charities, including Rooster Walk’s own Penn-Shank Memorial Endowment Scholarship Fund for students at Martinsville High School, and the Rooster Walk Music Instrument Program for public band programs in the local city and county school systems.

The festival is produced by Rooster Walk Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting music, arts and education in its home of Martinsville-Henry County. Since 2009, Rooster Walk Inc. has donated more than $320,000 to local and regional charities.


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Rooster Walk + Rives on the Road announces three new shows in November, December

Join RoosterWalk and Rives on the Road for a seafood block party on the historic courthouse square in Uptown Martinsville on Saturday, Nov. 25.

The R.W. Shucks Block Party will feature a delightful and delicious array of oysters, seafood, live music and libations from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oysters will be offered roasted, on the half shell, raw and as shooters. The Longfin Grill Food Truck and Salty’s Lobster Co. Food Truck will augment the menu with additional amazing seafood options. All food will be sold a la carte.

Musical performances by Marvelous Funkshun (delivering a special Jimi Hendrix tribute set) Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers, In The Meantime, The Pirates of the Piedmont, and The Parrots of the Piedmont (offering a Jimmy Buffet tribute).

The event is sponsored by Hooker Furniture and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Tickets are on sale now at this link.

11/25/23 R.W. SHUCKS BLOCK PARTY

RUMOURS – A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

On Saturday, December 2nd, RUMOURS ATL brings us a perfectly delivered Fleetwood Mac Tribute. Since 2014, Rumours (or Rumours ATL) has set stages ablaze across the U.S. with their scorching Fleetwood Mac renditions. Garnering a reputation as the best Fleetwood Mac tribute band, they’ve captivated audiences internationally, playing top venues and festivals in the US and abroad. With meticulous attention to detail and infectious energy, Rumours sells out venues and leaves fans dancing, singing, and discovering new facets of Fleetwood Mac’s magic at every performance. Believe in miracles and join the unforgettable experience of Rumours. Tickets on sale Thursday, 9/28 at Noon EST.

12/2/23 RUMOURS

SNEEZY W/ LIV SLOAN & THE DIEHARDS

Sneezy brings the party! Join us for a dancy, fun-filled night of music at The TAD Space in Martinsville, VA. Get ready to be blown away by the incredible performances of Sneezy and Liv Sloan & The Diehards. This event promises to be a night filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable moments.

12/9/23 SNEEZY w/ LIV SLOAN & THE DIEHARDS

2023 Rives on the Road Season Passes will be accepted at each of these shows, BUT must be acquired in advance. Every Rives on the Road season pass holder has received an email with their personal code to redeem their tickets for each of these events. Rives on the Road season pass holders must acquire their tickets via Eventbrite by the due date indicated.

Rooster Walk and Rives on the Road

Back in 2016, Rooster Walk Inc., the 501c3 nonprofit company, absorbed a nonprofit named “Arts at the Rives,” and began organizing and promoting concerts at the Rives Theatre in uptown Martinsville. In the fall of 2019, the Rives Theatre tragically caught fire and was a total loss. It has not been rebuilt. To keep the music alive, Rooster Walk Inc., now offers “Rives on the the Road” concerts each year. These “pop-up shows” take place in various venues in the Martinsville-Henry County community, and cover a wide range of genres, from rock and blues to bluegrass, country, jazz and more. Season pass sales have closed… with a record number sold.

RSVP to ROOSTER WALK 14 (May 23-26, 2024)


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19th Richmond Folk Festival kicks off Oct. 13 with Michael Cleveland, Wild Ponies, Wayne Henderson and many more

The 19th Richmond Folk Festival begins Friday, Oct. 13, and runs for three days of a variety of FREE music, food and fun, according to organizers. 

With six stages and nearly 90 performances, many people plan to spend more than one day at the festival. Add in more than 30 food vendors, a crafts marketplace, a Virginia Folklife Area and Stage and one of the most beautiful festival sites in Richmond, and we think you’ll want to go for multiple days to experience as much as possible. And the festival goes on, rain or shine, with several of the stages tented.

Essentials to enhance your visit

Festival Hours

  • Friday, Oct. 13 — 6:30 pm – 10 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Oct. 14 — Noon – 9:30 p.m. 
  • Sunday, Oct. 15 — Noon – 6 p.m.

Performers
Read up on all of the fantastic artists who will perform. With styles ranging from jazz to gospel, Irish, rockabilly, salsa and more, there’s something for everyone to love or learn about.

Performance Schedule
With six stages and more than 90 performances, you’ll want to plan ahead to make sure to get the most out of the festivals. Take a peek now so you can plan ahead!

Donations
This is a LARGE festival with a hefty budget that is supported largely by generous sponsors. However, the festival needs your help to remain FREE and sustainable! There is a suggested donation of $10 per person per day that can be made online HERE, or by finding a volunteer in a bright orange shirt carrying a bright orange bucket at the festival and making a “Drop in the Bucket!” Or, you can text FOLK to 44321 to give from your mobile phone. Thanks for your help in keeping the festival FREE!


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Wake Forest Listening Room reopens for local musicians, audiences

Editor’s Note: This article was first published in The Wake Weekly here.

Listen up: The Wake Forest Listening Room is back and ready for musicians and audiences.

Started in 2017, the Wake Forest Listening Room hosted a series of performances featuring local and regional original musicians.

The owners state on the website the main intent behind the listening room was to give artists a “sacred space” where their music could be focused on by the audience with no distractions such as sports on TV or loud conversations.

“The series found a permanent home downstairs from Sugar Magnolia Cafe, where we hosted more than 300 performances before COVID shut us down in late 2021. In October 2023, we’re re-opening in the new space next door to our independent Wake Forest bookstore, Page 158 Books.”

Continue reading →


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2023 IBMA Industry Awards announced

Recognizing those in the bluegrass community who work diligently to promote the genre, award-winning bass player Missy Raines served as emcee for the 2023 IBMA Industry Awards, which was sponsored by the California Bluegrass Association and publishers of the “Bluegrass Breakdown” newsletter.

“I have come to every single IBMA event and this one is dear to my heart,” Raines said as she kicked off Thursday’s luncheon and awards ceremony at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Continue reading →


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International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) seeks new venue for 2025, announces 2023 Momentum Award winners

The annual event has made Raleigh its home since 2013

As the World of Bluegrass festival kicks off its 11th year in Downtown Raleigh this week, the organization behind the event says 2024 will be its final year in the city.

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) will no longer hold its five-day conference and festival in Raleigh beginning in 2025, organizers announced Wednesday following the IBMA 2023 Momentum Awards luncheon.

While the event has been a big driver of tourism and economic activity downtown since 2013, its numbers have fallen sharply since the pandemic. Raleigh officials say the plan is to replace the event with a new festival with an expanded scope.

The IBMA’s board of directors is conducting a site search and will announce a new host city by the end of the year.

In the meantime, organizers of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s World of Bluegrass, taking place Sept. 26-30, 2023, in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, say they are looking forward to a “normal” year after surviving two hurricanes and a pandemic over the past 11 years the festival has been held in the state’s capital.

This year’s weeklong bluegrass conference and festival offers both ticketed performances at Red Hat Amphitheater, the Raleigh Convention Center, the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and other venues scattered throughout downtown as well as five additional free StreetFest Stages during WideOpen Bluegrass on Friday, Sept. 29-30. 

The 11th annual event kicked off Tuesday with the annual Bluegrass Ramble Showcase and Business Conference. The award-winning band Special Consensus along with special guests launched the musical performances on Tuesday evening at the Lincoln Theatre.

“When the festival is in town every third person has a fiddle, guitar or banjo on their back,” said David Brower, festival producer and executive director of PineCone, the Raleigh-based non-profit that helps IBMA produce the festival. “It’s one of the best times of the year in downtown Raleigh.”

Bluegrass music’s self-described biggest event of the year is set to run in Raleigh through 2024 after which it will move on to a yet undisclosed location, organizers said during Wednesday’s Momentum Awards luncheon, sponsored by Campbell University School of Law. For the 11th year, PNC Bank returns as the presenting sponsor of IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC.

The 2023 winners of the Momentum Awards are: 

Band of the Year – Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band of California

Vocalist of the Year – Carley Arrowood-Thrailkill

Instrumentalists of the Year – Bass player Maddie Dalton of Sister Sadie and Resophonic Guitar and Banjo player Gaven Largent of East Nash Grass

Mentor of the Year – Dan Boner, artist, director and professor at Eastern Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music Studies and IBMA Board Chair

Momentum Industry Involvement Award – Matt Hutchinson, host/producer of Bluegrass Jam Along podcast

The Industry Awards and the 34th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Show, presented by Yamaha, will be announced on Thursday, Sept. 28, with hosts Ketch Secor and Molly Tuttle.

The Main Stage performances at Red Hat Amphitheater for this year’s festival will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The daily lineup for the Main Stage performances at Red Hat Amphitheater includes:

Friday, Sept. 29

The Del McCoury Band

Mighty Poplar

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

AJ Lee & Blue Summit

Kids on Bluegrass

Saturday, Sept. 30 

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

Kruger Brothers play Doc Watson (with special guest Jerry Douglas)

The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys (with special guest Bobby Osborne)

Jake Blount, Kaia Kater & Tray Wellington

Missy Raines & Allegheny (with special guest Alison Brown)

“We are proud that IBMA Bluegrass Live! continues to provide stellar bluegrass music to more fans than any festival in the world,” said IBMA Interim Executive Director Paul Schiminger. “It is truly a celebration of our great music! The lineup on this year’s main stage at the Red Hat Amphitheater is an exciting mix of Hall of Famers and some of the most dynamic and creative artists in bluegrass. Don’t miss these unique and incredible performances!” 

Brower added, “There’s a little something for everyone. The main stage at Red Hat Amphitheater has multiple Hall of Fame members, a brand-new super group, hot rising stars and a celebration of 100 years of Doc Watson. And then wait until folks see the lineup for the StreetFest stages that will line the streets of downtown Raleigh. You’re gonna be able to walk around and celebrate where we’ve been as a genre and at the same time get a sneak peek of where we might be headed.”

ABOUT IBMA

IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC is part of the five-day IBMA World of Bluegrass event, billed “The Most Important Week in Bluegrass,” which also includes the IBMA Business Conference, the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcase series and the 34th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. Tickets and hotel reservations are open now for the general public. More information is available at the IBMA World of Bluegrass website.


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Carolina Indie Fest returns to Sanford on Sept. 29-30

From the good folks at Carolina Indie Fest:

Carolina Indie Fest returns Friday, September 29th and Saturday, September 30th with ten bands, fistfuls of food trucks, dozens upon dozens of crafty vendors, new beer releases and a surprise or two to tickle your fancy.  Admission is free thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.

For the uninitiated, Carolina Indie Fest is a celebration of independent music with ten bands performing all original music over two days in a festival atmosphere.  The stage is sited in the rear parking lot of Hugger Mugger Brewing (229 Wicker Street) in downtown Sanford and the vendors and food trucks spill into the adjacent public parking lot above the beer garden and (new this year) onto the parking deck attached to the brewery.  Bring a lawn chair and grab the best seat in the house early – the music starts at 5pm on Friday, Sept 29 and 3pm on Saturday, Sept 30. 

Music – Here’s the music lineup – click on the name of the band to be directed to one of the places you can find their music streaming.

Performing Friday, Sept 29th
5pm – Jeremiah McKinley Band
6:15pm – Heat Preacher
7:30pm – Gooseberry Jam
8:45pm – Cliff Wheeler Band

Performing Saturday, Sept 30th
3pm – Oort Patrol
4:15pm – Shirlette Ammons
5:30pm – Farewell Friend
6:45pm – Kara Grainger
8pm – Reese McHenry
9:15pm – Skylar Gudasz

Food – Many of our guests and attendees are wondering about the food options – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!  Friday night we have Bella Nonna Handcrafted Italian, Smokehouse Bandits, Tacos El Primo, Umami & Bomba$$ Sandwich.  Saturday night our food trucks include Dubz Grub, Alkaline Bites, The Blue Window, Flat Drum & Empanadas RD. 

Sweets – There’s also a bevvy of sweets options including Millie’s Mama Bakes who will have their trailer and all the gourmet cookies, Sandra’s Bakery has an “Indie Fest Meltdown” doughnut baked with Hugger Mugger Brewing‘s Chocolate Factory Meltdown Milk Chocolate Imperial Stout and pretzels for those yearning an an Octoberfest option.  Sunset Slush of the Pines is serving Italian ices both Friday and Saturday.  Hook and Kee Creations, winner of last year’s banana pudding competition at the annual Brews, Blues and BBQ event, will be here Friday as will Pink Flower Bakery.

Beer & More – Every year we have a fest beer release – this Indie Fest’s beer release is a Belgian peach witt (wheat) beer.  We save prior year Indie Fest beers to re-release and this year’s Belgian peach witt will be side-by-side with our September 2022 Vintage Ale called Annika’s & our May 2023 Indie Fest release which was a Blackberry Kolsch named Whoa Blackberry Bramble Lam.  Sanford’s own Family Mobile Veterinary Clinic is the generous Indie Fest sponsor of all three beers.  Of course we have 18 of our own beers produced on site as well as a selection of ciders, wines and craft sodas.

Indie Fest Merch – We have Carolina Indie Fest shirts and really cool long sleeved, light weight hoodies for sale at the back bar in the Hugger Mugger Brewing beer hall.  There may be some additional glassware and stickers available here and there.  Be on the lookout for the first ever appearance of Indie Man!  

Staying Updated – We post info on parking and other “day of” type items on the Carolina Indie Fest website.  The band lineup and news from weeks leading up to the event can all be found there.  We’ll post more timely matters on the Carolina Indie Fest Facebook page.  This looks to be another great festival, go ahead and block out those two days on your calendar and bring a lawn chair to settle in and enjoy some great music.  If you made it this far into our guide you’re a real trooper – peace love and rock n roll!

Photo of Into the Fog


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IBMA Bluegrass Ramble 2023 features Into the Fog, Violet Bell, Hank, Pattie, & The Current, GrassStreet and many more

The International Bluegrass Music Association’s Official Bluegrass Ramble Showcases are the premier platform for introducing talent and new music to the bluegrass community during IBMA World of Bluegrass and this year is no exception. The event takes place at venues scattered throughout downtown Raleigh on Sept. 26–28, 2023. Each selected showcase act will perform at least twice during the week — typically once during the IBMA Business Conference and once at an IBMA Bluegrass Ramble venue.

Thousands of bluegrass fans are expected to fill six venues over three nights to catch the newest in bluegrass music. If you want to hear the next upcoming bluegrass stars, you won’t want to miss the following shows.

Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased at this link.

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, September 26

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER ROOM 304
7:00PM Backline
7:35PM Sequoia Rose
8:10PM Buster Sledge
8:45PM Alex Leach
9:20PM Swamptooth
9:55PM DownRiver Collective
10:30PM Thomas Cassell
11:05PM Golden Shoals

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER ROOM 306
7:00PM Sicard Hollow
7:35PM Caleb Bailey & Paine’s Run
8:10PM Grain Thief
8:45PM Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light
9:20PM The High and Wides
9:55PM Magpie the Band
10:30PM Remedy Tree
11:05PM Wyatt Ellis

JIMMY V’s – SHERATON (420 FAYETTEVILLE ST)
7:00PM J.M. Clifford
8:00PM Lori King & Junction 63
9:00PM The Ruta Beggars
10:00PM Prairie Wildfire

THE LINCOLN THEATRE (126 E CABARRUS ST)
7:00PM Country Gongbang (International Band Performance Grant Recipient)
8:00PM Violet Bell
9:00PM Seth Mulder & Midnight Run
10:00PM Arkansauce

THE POUR HOUSE (224 S BLOUNT ST)
7:00PM Into the Fog
8:00PM The Faux Paws
9:00PM Taff Rapids Stringband
10:00PM Sicard Hollow

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER BALLROOM AB
7:00PM The Tennessee Bluegrass Band
8:00PM Mild Goose Chase
9:00PM U.S. Navy Band Country Current

Wednesday, September 27

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER ROOM 304
7:00PM Seth Mulder & Midnight Run
7:35PM The Ruta Beggars
8:10PM J.M. Clifford
8:45PM Mild Goose Chase
9:20PM Taff Rapids Stringband
9:55PM The Faux Paws
10:30PM Lori King & Junction 63
11:05PM Corner House

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER ROOM 306
7:35PM Prairie Wildfire
8:10PM U.S. Navy Band Country Current
8:45PM Arkansauce
9:20PM Into the Fog
9:55PM The Tennessee Bluegrass Band
10:30PM Country Gongbang (International Band Performance Grant Recipient)
11:05PM Violet Bell

JIMMY V’s – SHERATON (420 FAYETTEVILLE ST)
7:00PM Buster Sledge
8:00PM Thomas Cassell
9:00PM The High and Wides
10:00PM Swamptooth

THE LINCOLN THEATRE (126 E CABARRUS ST)
7:00PM Wyatt Ellis
8:00PM Remedy Tree
9:00PM DownRiver Collective
10:00PM Grain Thief

THE POUR HOUSE (224 S BLOUNT ST)
7:00PM Golden Shoals
8:00PM Sequoia Rose
9:00PM Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light
10:00PM Alex Leach

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER BALLROOM AB
7:00PM Corner House
8:00PM Caleb Bailey & Paine’s Run
9:00PM Magpie the Band
10:00PM Backline

Thursday, September 28

BEER & BANJOS IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS EDITION
VARIOUS VENUES
7PM-11PM

JIMMY V’S – SHERATON (420 FAYETTEVILLE ST)
7:00PM Nixon, Blevins, and Gage
8:00PM River Ridge
9:00PM The Eastside Ramblers
10:00 Cuttin Grass

THE LINCOLN THEATRE (126 E CABARRUS ST)
6:00PM The Holland Brothers
7:00PM GrassStreet
8:00PM Hank, Pattie, & The Current

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER BALLROOM AB
7:00PM The Loblollies
8:00PM Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road
9:00PM Turkey Hill
10:00PM Jake Goforth Band

THE POUR HOUSE (224 S BLOUNT ST)
7:00PM Jack Devereux Band
8:00PM Nu-Blu
9:00PM Wildwood Sirens
10:00PM Wyldwood Stringband
11:00PM Into the Fog

*lineup subject to change


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19th annual Fall Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance set for Oct. 5-8 in Chatham County

It’s less than a month when we all can spread our wings together again at the 19th Annual Fall Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance! This fall’s event hosted by Donna the Buffalo features the incomporable Mavis Staples, Tan and Sober Gentlemen and Big Daddy Love just to name a few!

The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is a collaboration between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization, providing a family-friendly celebration of music, dance, art and education. Activities for all ages include yoga classes, sustainability discussions, food vendors, local beverages, demonstrations, workshops and much more! There are a variety of camp site options on a bucolic 72-acre site in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Single-Day, Four-Day and Camping Passes available at ShakoriHillsGrassRoots.org

Interested in volunteering? Check out this link.

GrassStreet Band


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GrassStreet bluegrass ensemble heads back to Creedmoor Music Festival on Saturday, Sept. 16

GrassStreet, a unique bluegrass ensemble that hails from Henderson and beyond, has long been a fan favorite at the Creedmoor Music Festival, which celebrates its 30th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 16.

The festival, which has its roots as an acoustic bluegrass festival, has evolved over the years to include a diverse mix of country, rock, alternative and bluegrass genres. That’s what makes GrassStreet, which sports some rock, blues and jazz influences, such a great fit, says band leader Wayne Kinton, founding member of the band, who remembers when the event started on a resident’s front porch.

Kinton has been involved with the Creedmoor Music Festival since its inception. GrassStreet, he explains, plays contemporary tunes based on traditional stylings, a mixture of bluegrass standards and original compositions. The current group is a derivative of the band Swift Run which has performed regionally since the early ’80s. 

A Henderson native, Kinton plays a 1951 Martin D-18 on stage. On Saturday, GrassStreet can be expected to play a mix of gospel and classic rock songs — from Hank Williams to Bob Seger.

Kinton praised the Creedmoor Music Festival and its organizers for making sure the show has gone on all these years.

“This festival has hung with it and they built on what they had,” he said after the band’s set at last year’s festival. “They had competent and able help, they had a large volunteer pool and they were very well organized. This festival is unusual because it is still here and it is thriving.”

In addition to GrassStreet, free musical performances include the South Granville High School Chorus kicking off the festival at 10 a.m. with the National Anthem followed by seven talented bands performing gospel, country, rock and the aforementioned bluegrass on two stages.

The Sanderford Stage kicks off with local gospel artists, Atonement at 10:30 a.m. followed by GrassStreet at noon. At 2 p.m., Nathan Pope, winner of the top 10 under 20 in the Dallas International Guitar Show, steps on the stage followed by “Got To Be NC” vocal finalist, Grace Lucia.

Granville County’s own Bryan’s Hill Band rocks the Southern States Stage beginning at 10:45 a.m. followed by the sparkly, multi-genre songstress Megan Doss at 1 p.m. Country crooner Tim Cifers steps on the stage at 3:15 p.m.

Along with more than 100 craft, food and other vendors lining Main Street between Lyon and Park streets, Bull City Throwback Cruisers will host a Car Cruise In at the south end of the festival, with a display of cars, trucks and bikes. Local breweries, White Street Brewing Company, Inc and Tobacco Wood Brewing Co., will be on site selling craft beer for attendees to enjoy within the festival boundaries. And for the kids there will be free inflatables and face painting vendors in the Kid’s Corner.

Visit cityofcreedmoor.org/MusicFestival for additional information.

Can’t make it to Creedmoor? GrassStreet will be at N.C. State Fair on opening day Oct. 12 on the Heritage Circle Stage for four shows at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 🪕