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 readingThe 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.
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!
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
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
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
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
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, 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. 
The North Carolina Folk Festival is a nonprofit organization that honors, celebrates, and shares the meaningful ways communities express their creativity and cultural traditions through music, dance, food, crafts and other folk arts to enhance appreciation of diverse traditions and contribute to community vibrancy and inclusivity.
Our signature annual event, the NC Folk Fest, takes place each September and features more than 300 artists on multiple stages with continuous performances. The Festival attracts huge crowds of people to downtown Greensboro for a three-day celebration of cultural heritage through music, dance, handmade crafts, food, and family fun! As one of the fastest growing FREE festivals in the Southeast, the NC Folk Fest features an exciting new lineup of global artists, American roots performers, and North Carolina flavors every year!
Visit https://program.ncfolkfestival.com/ for more information.
| Thursday, October 12 | ||
| 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. |  | The Bleeding Heartshttps://www.facebook.com/thebleedingheartsrockAll the fire and venom of late ’70s punk with pop and hard rock tinges from these Raleigh mainstays |
| 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. |  | The Phoebes Bandhttps://www.facebook.com/thephoebesbandTriangle-based rock and blues outfit with soulful vocals, screaming guitars, and a driving rhythm section |
| 8 p.m. |  | Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis. |
| Friday, October 13 | ||
| 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. |  | Teens In Troublehttps://www.facebook.com/teensintroublemusicFuzzed-out, surf-influenced guitars, catchy hooks, and disarmingly direct lyricism |
| 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. |  | Christian Jameshttps://www.instagram.com/christianjames7/Pushing the boundaries of hip hop and blending myriad genres with a live band ensemble |
| 5:30 p.m. |  | Nick Autryhttps://www.facebook.com/nickautrymusic/NC-native involved in over a dozen #1s for Nashville’s biggest singers including Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt returns for a full-band home state show |
| 8 p.m. |  | Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis. |
| Saturday, October 14 | ||
| 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. |  | Carolina Ambushhttps://www.facebook.com/CarolinaAmbushBandRockin’ modern country music ensemble from the GSO Triad area |
| 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. |  | Lie Heavyhttps://www.facebook.com/lieheavyBrand new metal supergroup featuring members of Corrosion Of Conformity, Confessor, Leadfoot, and The Backsliders |
| 5:30 p.m. |  | The NuBeing Collectivehttps://www.facebook.com/nubeingcollectiveGreensboro collective with a masterful spin on contemporary hip hop with elements of jazz, blues, soul, and funk |
| 8 p.m. |  | Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis. |
| Sunday, October 15 | ||
| 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. |  | SunQueen Kelcyhttps://www.facebook.com/sunqueenkelceyA gorgeously mellow start to your Sunday via a genre-bending collage of soul, hip-hop, rock, and contemporary R&B by way of Greensboro |
| 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. |  | Cor De Luxhttps://www.facebook.com/cordeluxbandPost-punk and dream pop merged elegantly by these Outer Banks natives |
| 5:30 p.m. |  | AZULhttps://www.facebook.com/AZULMZGrand and intricate pop melodies from this gifted Raleigh singer-songwriter |
| 8 p.m. |  | Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis. |
| Monday, October 16 | ||
| 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. |  | Jim Quick & Coastlinehttps://www.facebook.com/jimquickcoastlineSouthwestern-NC “swamp soul” icons bringing the beachy vibes to the Waterfall stage |
| 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. |  | Reese McHenryhttps://www.facebook.com/reesemchenrybandBluesy garage-rock epics from the Chapel Hill-based wailer |
| 5:30 p.m. |  | Hip Hop, Beats & Thangshttps://www.facebook.com/hiphopbeatsandthangsLegendary local emcee K-Hill showcases his new podcast with live performances, stories, interactive beat-making, and more |
| 8 p.m. |  | Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis. |
| Tuesday, October 17 | ||
| 9:30 a.m. 11 a.m. |  | Dwayne Jordan Quartethttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063555524697Skillful jazz quartet led by the great drummer, composer, and arranger from Charlotte |
| 10 a.m. |  | Senior FunFest |
| 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. |  | Cygnus X-2https://www.facebook.com/Cygnusx2bandThe Triangle’s own uncanny Rush tribute, playing all the classics as well as progressive deep cut jams |
| 5:30 p.m. |  | Elora Dashhttps://www.facebook.com/eloradashmusicProgressive R&B and smooth neo-soul out of Chapel Hill |
| 8 p.m. |  | Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis. |
| Wednesday, October 18 | ||
| 10:45 a.m. |  | Military Appreciation Day Program |
| 11:15 a.m. 1:15 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. |  | 440th Army Band |
| 12:15 p.m. |  | North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Military Uniform Revue |
| 8 p.m. |  | Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis. |
| Thursday, October 19 | ||
| 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. |  | Dead Fox No Groovehttps://www.facebook.com/deadfoxnogrooveJammin’ psychedelic blues and rock straight from Wilmington |
| 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. |  | XOXOKhttps://www.xoxokmusic.com/Carrboro’s guitar virtuoso, creating soulful, smooth, soft and intricate tunes with his expert band |
| 5:30 p.m. |  | Duckhttps://www.facebook.com/duckthebandRaleigh-based band that’s funky, bluesy, jazzy, and a lil’ dirty |
| 8 p.m. |  | Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis. |
| Friday, October 20 | ||
| 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. |  | DB Edmundshttps://www.facebook.com/dbedmundshqFounding member of Gladhands and The Stars Explode returns with gorgeous power pop-inflected tunes |
| 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. |  | Jazz Xpressions feat Lydia Salett Dudleyhttps://www.lydiasalettdudley.com/Masterclass in American music from graduates of the NCCU jazz studies program |
| 5:30 p.m. |  | Riggsbee Roadhttps://www.facebook.com/riggsbeeroadPop, country, and classic tunes with a big banjo sound and three-part vocal harmonies from this unique and powerful femme phenom |
| 8 p.m. |  | Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis. |
| Saturday, October 21 | ||
| 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. |  | Marcel Portilla Bandhttps://marcelportillaband.com/Soaring Latin/pop/rock/tropical fusion group from Charlotte |
| 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. |  | Whitsetthttps://www.facebook.com/whitsettbandBurlington’s exports, combining the best of old-school and new-school emo with their own deft melodic stamp |
| 5:30 p.m. |  | Super Grit Cowboy Bandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Grit_Cowboy_BandThe south’s hottest honky-tonkers since 1975 |
| 8 p.m. |  | Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis. |
| Sunday, October 22 | ||
| 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. |  | Notasium Showcasehttps://www.notasium.com/Showcase of incredible youth ensembles from the Triangle-based indoor musical play spaces and music schools |
| 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. |  | The Tan & Sober Gentlemenhttps://www.facebook.com/tanandsoberSnow Camp’s raw and unfiltered Celtic punk-grass |
| 5:30 p.m. |  | Brooke Hatalahttps://www.brookehatala.com/Alum of NBC’s The Voice, this gifted Nashville singer-songwriter and Raleigh native returns for a hometown performance |
| 8 p.m. |  | Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis. |
HERITAGE CIRCLE STAGE
| Thursday, October 12 | ||
| 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m. |  | GrassStreethttps://www.facebook.com/grassstreetGreat bluegrass ensemble from central NC with some rock, blues and jazz influences sprinkled in |
| Friday, October 13 | ||
| 10 a.m. 12 p.m. |  | Boone & Churchhttps://www.hcpress.com/announcements/avery-countys-boone-church-band-members-win-the-2022-ffa-national-convention-talent-competition-in-indianapolis-in.htmlAvery County’s finest bring a hybrid of bluegrass and gospel melodies |
| 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. |  | Courtney Lynn & Quinnhttps://www.facebook.com/CourtneyLynnandQuinnStunning harmonies from the Charlotte-based Americana duo |
| Saturday, October 14 | ||
| 10 a.m. 12 p.m. |  | Billy & The Kids Bluegrasshttps://www.facebook.com/bandkbluegrassFamily bluegrass band from the sandhills of Richlands |
| 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. |  | Earleinehttps://www.facebook.com/earleinemusicTonal and textural experimentation from the western-NC bred Americana songwriter |
| Sunday, October 15 | ||
| 10 a.m. 12 p.m. |  | Fiddlin’ Mike Ferryhttps://mikeferrymusic.net/home Internationally-known fiddler, songwriter, author, teacher, and member of the Triangle’s own Weekend Excursion |
| 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. |  | Massive Grasshttps://www.facebook.com/massivegrassAlternative and progressive bluegrass from the Wilmington coast |
| Monday, October 16 | ||
| 11 a.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. |  | Carolina Line Bluegrass Bandhttps://www.facebook.com/carolinalinebluegrassbandBluegrass and country straight out of Southport/Oak Island, NC |
| Tuesday, October 17 | ||
| 11 a.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. |  | Morgan Creek Bluegrasshttps://www.facebook.com/MorganCreekBluegrassTraditional bluegrass at its best from these Chapel Hill-based pickers |
| Wednesday, October 18 | ||
| 11 a.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. |  | Megan Dosshttps://www.facebook.com/MeganLeeDossFrom small-town Providence, NC – now belting it out in Greensboro, this powerhouse singer covers country, classics, and more |
| Thursday, October 19 | ||
| 11 a.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. |  | Garland Masonhttps://www.instagram.com/garlandmason12/Soulful acoustic tunes from the singer/songwriter and member of Four Founders |
| Friday, October 20 | ||
| 10 a.m. 12 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. |  | The Couldn’t Be Happiershttps://www.facebook.com/couldntbehappiersRaw alt-country and folk duo from the NC foothills |
| Saturday, October 21 | ||
| 10 a.m. 12 p.m. |  | Chandler Jameshttps://www.facebook.com/chandlerjmusicClassic country sounds from this Nashville, NC native |
| 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. |  | Tina & Her Ponyhttps://www.facebook.com/tinaandherponymusicAsheville’s indie Appalachian folk songsmith |
| Sunday, October 22 | ||
| 10 a.m. 12 p.m. |  | Strawhousehttps://www.facebook.com/StrawhousemusicIntermingling folk, rock, Americana, country, and pop elements from this Asheville artist |
| 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. |  | The Grassomaticshttps://www.facebook.com/GrassomaticsBluegrass and more out of the capital city |
Editor’s Note: This story originally ran in the Wake Weekly newspaper at this link.
As summer winds down, Labor Day weekend is heating up with a variety of outdoor music festivals from western North Carolina to Virginia. What better way to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers than hanging out with friends and listening to some old favorites, as well as being introduced to some new artists?
Following are just a few festivals featuring a variety of musical genres and activities to choose from:
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival in Mill Spring, North Carolina, Sept. 1-3, is a celebration of the defining bluegrass banjo player Earl Scruggs. It features about 30 bluegrass, folk and Americana acts on two stages, including newgrass band Into the Fog, which has its roots in Wake Forest, where lead singer and band co-founder Brian Stephenson calls home, and Raleigh’s Tray Wellington Band. Other acts include Emmy Lou Harris, Del McCoury Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Earls of Leicester, Pete Wernick,Greensky Bluegrass, The Jerry Douglas Band, Della Mae, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Zoe and Cloyd, Rissi Palmer, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper and the Jon Stickley Trio. The festival also hosts a collection of food trucks, children’s activities, free horse jumping demonstrations and trail rides for a fee. The festival debuted in 2022 and is a collaboration between the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby and WNCW FM at Isothermal Community College in Rutherfordton. For a schedule and tickets visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/.
The Happy Valley Old-Time Fiddlers’ Convention
The Happy Valley Old-Time Fiddlers’ Convention at Jones Farm in Lenoir, North Carolina, is Sept. 1-3 and pays homage to the legends and stories of the Yadkin River Valley. The festival includes 11 categories of competition for old time and bluegrass bands and musicians and featured performances on Sunday, plus children’s activities, food vendors and more. In addition to competitors, artists include William Ritter and Sarah Ogletree, Burnett Sisters Band, Michael Reno Harrell, Strictly Clean and Decent, Rob McHale and Rodney Sutton. The 2023 festival is the 18th and final edition of the event, organizers say. Learn more at happyvalleyfiddlers.org/.
The 12th annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival
The 12th annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival set for Sept. 2-3 in High Point’s Oak Hollow Festival Park is sponsored by The Friends of John Coltrane, which works to preserve and celebrate the life and music of Coltrane and to enrich the lives of others through the introduction of jazz and other musical genres. Artists include Keb’ Mo’, Dave Koz, Maysa, Mr. Sipp, Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius, Norman Brown, Samara Joy, Chucho Valdes, Yellowjackets, Terri Lyne Carrington, Matthew Whitaker, and more. Learn more at coltranejazzfest.com
The 14th annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
The 14th annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is set for Sept. 2-3 and celebrates African American culture through art, music, dance, food and community. Local and national musical acts are presented Saturday and Sunday on the main stage in addition to a juried art gallery, craft and food vendors, educational and hands-on activities in the Family Village, and more. The festivities kickoff Friday with Gladys Knight and Eric Benet performing at the North Carolina Museum of Art. For tickets and more information visit www.aacfestival.org/
ProgDay
ProgDay, the world’s longest-running Progressive Rock Festival, is celebrating its 28th year and is set for Sept. 2-3 at Chapel Hill’s Storybrook Farm. The event will feature artists from all over the world including Karmic Juggernaut, A Light Sleeper, Moon Letters, Perfect, Red Fiction, tu:NER, We Used to Cut the Grass and You Bred Raptors? For tickets visit https://progday.net/.
The 14th annual Front Porch Fest
The 14th annual Front Porch Fest is a family friendly festival set for Aug. 31-Sept. 3 at Spirithaven Farm in Stuart, Virginia. This year’s musical lineup includes Butcher Brown, Jimkata, Dangermuffin, DJ Williams, Sun-Dried Vibes, Cailtin Krisko & The Broadcast, Big Daddy Love, The Plate Scrapers, The Judy Chops, Urban Soil, The Wilson Springs Hotel and many more, according to organizers. In addition to 30-plus bands, Front Porch Fest features an array of children’s activities, yoga, campsite jams, on-site camping, craft brews and foods, and more. For tickets, volunteering, vending and sponsorship opportunities visit frontporchfest.com/
Appaloosa Roots Music Festival
MerleFest’s favorite house band Celtic rockers Scythian hosts Appaloosa Roots Music Festival in Front Royal, Virginia, on Sept. 2-3. The lineup features an exciting mix of artists from various genres including the Triangle’s own Chatham Rabbits, Blue Highway, Screaming Orphans, Carbon Leaf, Christian Lopez and many more. For tickets and more information, visit appaloosafestival.com/
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