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Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass


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ROMP Festival ticket prices increase at midnight on Dec. 2

From the good folks at ROMP:

This year’s ROMP festival is headlined by a powerhouse roster of talent, featuring some of the biggest names in bluegrass and beyond, including Wynonna Judd, Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, The SteelDrivers, The Dillards, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Willie Watson, Mountain Grass Unit, and many more. With its blend of classic bluegrass, innovative Americana, and roots music, ROMP Festival is a celebration of both the legends and rising stars in the music industry.

ROMP offers a variety of camping options, including both tent camping and RV camping. The festival is also known for its family-friendly atmosphere, offering a blend of world-class music, spectacular outdoor settings, and a range of activities for festival-goers of all ages. In addition to the impressive music lineup, attendees can look forward to several artist-led workshops. 

Ticket prices will increase on Dec. 3. Four-day tickets are discounted at $185, and VIP tickets are available for $465 and include catered meals, air-conditioned restrooms, and prime stage views. Onsite tent and RV camping passes are also available. Children 12 & under are free for general admission.

For tickets and more information, visit ROMPFEST.COM


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Mile 0 Fest Key West 2025 tickets on sale

Five Nights of Music in Paradise

Jan. 21- Jan. 25, 2025

From the good folks at Mile 0 Fest Key West:

Calling all music lovers! Immerse yourself in the laid back island vibes of Mile 0 Fest Key West, a premier boutique music festival. Each year boasts a stellar lineup of established and rising artists performing in beautiful outdoor venues. Experience all Key West has to offer while listening to your favorite bands and making new life-long friends.

With only a few thousand passes available, don’t wait to book your dream music vacation!

Learn more at this link: https://www.mile0fest.com


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Tar Heel Troubadours concert series wraps up at N.C. history museum with Rissi Palmer, Miko Marks and Henhouse Prowlers on Oct. 4-5

The North Carolina Museum of History is embarking on a transformative journey that will redefine how visitors experience the state’s rich history. As part of this project, the physical museum building will close to the public on October 7 to begin an exciting makeover that will last two to three years. The Museum Shop will remain open to the public until December 29, 2024.

Don’t miss your chance to visit the museum before it closes. With two exciting concerts planned, this final weekend will punctuate the many wonderful years of programming and exhibits the museum has brought to the community. Following the museum building’s closure, Tar Heel Troubadours will experience a brief pause during this time.

Tar Heel Troubadours: Rissi Palmer & Miko Marks
From 7–9:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, there will be a performance by Rissi Palmer, who is known for her groundbreaking work in country and R&B music, coining her own genre called “Southern Soul.” She advocates for musicians of color and those marginalized in mainstream country through her radio show Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer on Apple Music Country. Palmer will be joined by Miko Marks has created a unique sound by blending country, blues, southern rock, and gospel. Her warm and soulful spirit has drawn widespread acclaim, establishing her as a catalyst for change in the country music genre.
Tar Heel Troubadours: Henhouse Prowlers
The Henhouse Prowlers will perform from 7–9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. The group has been spreading their powerful and original music for nearly two decades. Their latest album, Lead and Iron, showcases their songwriting and intricate instrumentation. The band has also been working with the US State Department and their nonprofit, Bluegrass Ambassadors, to tour more than 25 countries, bridging cultural gaps through music and education. Their experiences in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East have shaped their worldview and influenced their approach to incorporating international elements into their traditional American music repertoire.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/news/events/tar-heel-troubadours-henhouse-prowlers


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IBMA’s 2024 Momentum Award winners include DownRiver Collective, Heather Berry Mabe, Wyatt Ellis and Gibson Davis

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) 2024 Momentum Awards, sponsored by Campbell University School of Law, were presented on Wednesday during the World of Bluegrass convention in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. Jaelee Roberts served as host and Master of Ceremonies during the luncheon. A number of the band of the year nominees gave toe-tapping performances including DownRiver Collective, Jackson Hollow, Jake Leg, JigJam and The Price Sisters.

The following awards are given to artists and those in the business of bluegrass during the early years of their career. The purpose is both to recognize special talent on the way up, and to give a boost to their efforts at this crucial stage. And the winners are:

Band of the Year DownRiver Collective, a group of Belmont University alumni out of Nashville, Tennessee

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IBMA Bluegrass Ramble artist lineup features something for every musical taste

Bluegrass is back in Raleigh beginning Tuesday with IBMA’s World of Bluegrass featuring the annual Business Conference, award shows, showcases, the Ramble, free music on stages spread across downtown on Friday and Saturday and of course, the headliners at Red Hat Amphitheatre.

Beginning Tuesday, the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Official Showcases are the premier platform for introducing talent and new music to the bluegrass community during IBMA World of Bluegrass®. 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.

All emerging bluegrass bands, as well as established bands with new music or new personnel, are encouraged to apply. Thousands of bluegrass fans fill six venues throughout Downtown Raleigh over three nights to catch the newest in bluegrass music!I

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20th annual Fall Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival set for Oct. 3-6, 2024

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; a Music Lovers’ Paradise!

To purchase tickets or to learn more about the festival, visit https://www.shakorihillsgrassroots.org/


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31st Creedmoor Music Festival set for Saturday, Sept. 21


From the good folks in Creedmoor, North Carolina, which is just north of Durham:

The 31st annual Creedmoor Music Festival will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on SATURDAY, SEPT. 21, 2024.

The lineup include GrassStreet, British Invaders, Soul Triii, God’s Men of Harmony, Fifth Floor, Bender Street and Sagamore.

Parking Information

Complimentary parking will be available at the Creedmoor Community Center located at 108 East Wilton Avenue.

Main Street in Creedmoor will be closed to traffic starting at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from West Lyon Street to Park Avenue for the safety of festival attendees.

The Creedmoor Music Festival welcomes Bill Young, co-anchor of CBS 17 News This Morning and CBS 17 News at Noon, and Amber Freeman, the vibrant co-host of My Carolina on CBS 17, will be the Guest Emcees for this year’s Creedmoor Music Festival.

Young, known for his love of cars and his impressive collection of 200 neckties and 300 quirky socks, is ready to bring his unique flair to our festival stage. Visit his Facebook page and vote for your favorite tie and sock combo for him to wear on air.

Freeman, the engaging personality behind Triangle’s only daily one-hour lifestyle TV show, is bringing her lively energy to the festival. With a passion for Ranch Doritos, champagne, pickles and Prince, Freeman is set to add a fun and unique vibe to the event.

Vendor Information

Sponsorship Opportunities

No Pets Policy
While pets are welcome at several other city events throughout the year, due to the nature and location of this event, the CMF Committee established a “No Pets” policy.  We understand this policy may not be popular with some, however the committee is appreciative of the full cooperation that has been shown by attendees over the years.

Stay up-to-date with the CMF!

Potential performers, vendors, and sponsors are encouraged to register for Event News & Updates under e-Notification to ensure receipt of time-sensitive festival announcements and information.  Residents and other interested persons are also encouraged to register and stay informed of all news and happenings in Creedmoor.

For more information, contact
MusicFestival@Cityofcreedmoor.org


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Hopscotch 2024 hosts VIP parties starting Wednesday, Sept. 4

Hopscotch 2024 kicks off with a VIP party on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The VIP only schedule follows:

Wednesday, Sept. 4

Hopscotch Music Festival + The Rialto Present

The dB’s

Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm

Hopscotch VIPs can claim up to

two (2) complimentary tickets to the show!

Click the link below and select the “General Admission – Hopscotch VIPs” ticket. Enter the email address used to purchase your Hopscotch VIP passes in all lowercase.

Remaining tickets will be available to the general public beginning Saturday 8/31 for $22 + applicable taxes and fees.

This show is at The Rialto.

THURSDAY, September 5

Where: Landmark Tavern | 117 E Hargett St

When: 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Food: Provided by Raleigh Times

Presented by: Come Hear NC, Merge Records, Dash Media

Friday, September 6

Where: Natural Science | 2409 Crabtree Blvd #126

When: 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Food: Provided by Local’s Seafood

Presented by: Levitate

SATURDAY, September 7

Where: Jimmy V’s Osteria & Bar | 420 Fayetteville St

When: 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Food: Provided by Jimmy V’s

Presented by: Parker Poe, Axios


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15th annual Front Porch Fest set for Aug. 29-Sept. 1 in Patrick County, Virginia

Labor Day weekend 2024 marks the 15th annual Front Porch Fest, held on the Front Porch of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Patrick County, Virginia. The festival will take place Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, 2024, at Spirithaven Farm and musical acts include Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land, Yam Yam, Afrobeta, Big Daddy Love, Erin & the Wildfire, Into the Fog and The Judy Chops.

This four-day family-friendly music festival held in Stuart, Virginia, features local, regional and national touring acts. In addition to 30+ bands, Front Porch Fest offers an array of children’s activities, yoga, campsite jams, on-site camping, delicious craft brews and foods, and more!

No charge for children 12 years and younger, though children are required to have a ticket in their name.

For volunteer, vending, and sponsorship opportunities please visit www.frontporchfest.com.

Front Porch Fest is produced by One Family Productions, a nonprofit working to support community enrichment and growth. Proceeds from this event are donated to local charities such as the Patrick County Food Bank and Caring Hearts Free Clinic of Patrick County and others.

One Family Productions also produces the Patrick County Christmas Parade, First Friday Summer & Fall Jam Series and is a co-producer of Bushels & Barrels Local Food, Beer and Wine festival. Learn more at http://www.onefamilyproductions.org


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Sam Bush, Rhonda Vincent, Steep Canyon Rangers, Chatham County Line, Amythyst Kiah, and many more to perform at 2024 IBMA Festival Main Stage on Sept. 27-28

During the two-day festival, the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and Pinecone bring some of the best in bluegrass music across downtown Raleigh, from the Main Stage at the Red Hat Amphitheater to six street stages on and around Fayetteville Street on Sept. 27-28, 2024.

The 2024 lineup features:

FRIDAY
Sierra Ferrell, Sam Bush, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Crying Uncle

SATURDAY
Steep Canyon Rangers (with special guests Chatham County Line), Sierra Hull, Amythyst Kiah, Danny Paisley

In addition to the Red Hat Amphitheater, there are six more stages at IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC. Performers on those stages include:
Balsam Range; Barefoot Movement; Broken Compass; Compton & Newberry; Chris Jones & the Night Drivers; Country Current (US Navy Band); Dewey & Leslie Brown; Earl White String Band; Evans, Smith & May, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen; From China to Appalachia (Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian); Golden Shoals, The Gospel Jubilators; The Gravy Boys; Hank, Pattie & the Current; Henhouse Prowlers; Jacob Jolliff Band; Jake Blount; Jake Leg; Jim Lauderdale; Junior Appalachian Musicians; Kaia Kater; Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands; Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road; New Dangerfield; Nixon; Blevins & Gage; Raised in Raleigh All Star Jam; Sister Sadie; Songs From the Road Band; The Tan & Sober Gentlemen; Tray Wellington Band; Union Grove Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention 100th Anniversary; Unspoken Tradition; The Williamson Brothers; Wyatt Ellis; and more!

IAs in years past, events during IBMA World of Bluegrass will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center, the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, the Red Hat Amphitheater and at various venues in town.

“This is our favorite time of year. I just love seeing everyone coming down to Raleigh with guitars and banjos slung over their shoulders,” said David Brower, festival producer and executive director of PineCone, in a press release. “In addition to all the bands playing the big stages, there’s also something special for the everyday pickers. We’re dedicating a stage to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Union Grove Old Time Fiddlers Convention. We’ll have contests for fiddlers, banjo, mandolin and guitar players, plus a great big square dance to cap off the afternoon each day. Lifting up North Carolina’s musical traditions is something we’ve been proud to do with the festival over the last decade.”

For the 12th year, PNC Bank returns as the presenting sponsor of IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC. “Since helping bring this festival to Raleigh during the early days of PNC’s local growth story, all of us at PNC have been committed to making this event a success for visitors, residents and local businesses,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas, in a release. “We look forward to this year’s event, the community togetherness it will foster and the economic impact it will create.”

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 35th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, Sept. 24-28.

Tickets and hotel reservations will open for IBMA members May 8 and to the general public May 15. More information is available at the IBMA World of Bluegrass website, worldofbluegrass.org.

ABOUT IBMA

IBMA is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide. IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC, featuring the best of the best in bluegrass today, helps benefit the IBMA Trust Fund—a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists bluegrass professionals during financial emergencies—and introduces the music to thousands of new fans every year.

ABOUT PINECONE

PineCone is the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music. It is a Raleigh-based nonprofit that serves as the official local host and festival producer for IBMA’s World of Bluegrass. It was founded in 1984 by a group of friends looking to preserve, present and promote music and dance that’s rooted in the Piedmont. PineCone hosts year-round events that highlight rich and diverse musical traditions that’ve been passed down informally for generations. There’s more about PineCone’s concerts, jam sessions, workshops, camps, youth programs and weekly radio show at pinecone.org.