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Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass


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PineCone announces 2027 Down Home Concert Series lineup

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Women of bluegrass dominate nominations for International Bluegrass Music Awards in Raleigh, N.C, on Sept. 27

After Molly Tuttle’s impressive win at the 2017 International Bluegrass Music (IBMA) Awards as the first female IBMA guitarist, Becky Buller leads the field for the  2018 International Bluegrass Music Awards with eight nominations followed by Tuttle’s six. Close behind with five nominations each are Special Consensus, and The Del McCoury Band/The Travelin’ McCourys, with strong showings by Rhonda Vincent, The Earls of Leicester, Balsam Range, and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Results of the balloting will be revealed at the International Bluegrass Music Awards on Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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