musicreporterblog

Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass


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2026 Bynum Front Porch Friday Night Music Series kicks off May 1

Bynum Front Porch, at 950 Bynum Road in Pittsboro, North Carolina, is a relaxed setting to enjoy music and worth the drive. They host several regularly scheduled events, including storytelling, a music series, and a bluegrass jam session, open to all. Bynum Front Porch is a nonprofit that rents the old Bynum General Store, turning it into a community gathering spot.

In the warm months, enjoy live music on Fridays, outside the store. These events are free, but the pith helmet will be passed to collect tips for the band. Friday Night Music Series takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., from May 1 to August 28, 2026, except for July 3.

  • May 1: Secret Monkey Weekend
  • May 8: John Howie Jr. & Rosewood Bluff
  • May 15: Orange County Lockdown
  • May 22: Gravy Boys
  • May 29: The Old Ceremony
  • June 5: Jack the Radio
  • June 12: Dub Lorenzo
  • June 19: Them
  • June 26: Kit McCay
  • July 3: No Music
  • July 10: Mad Crush
  • July 17: GrassStreet
  • July 24: Bulltown Strutters
  • July 31: Graymatter
  • August 7: A Different Thread
  • August 14: Nine Times Around
  • August 21: Deep Chatham Ramblers
  • August 28: Bluegrass Experience

Bluegrass Jam Sessions

On the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, a bluegrass jam is held inside the store at 10 a.m. All are welcome! Please make sure to check Bynum Front Porch’s Facebook page, or even contact them, to make sure there are no changes.


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North Carolina Hops & Roots Festival returns to Pittsboro on June 27-29

🎶 3 Days. 30+ Bands. 1 Epic Weekend.

After an 11-year hiatus, the North Carolina Hops & Roots Festival — a celebration of local music, craft beer, movement and community connection — is returning June 27–29 to The Plant in Pittsboro.

The local musical lineup of dozens of acts across multiple stages includes:
• Dr. Bacon
• Big Fat Gap
• The Radio
• Larry Bellorín & Joe Troop
In addition, participants can:

🧘‍♀️ Stretch out with daily yoga sessions from Yoga Garden
🍻 Sip local pours from bmc Brewing
🔥 Jam around the fire
🏕️ Camp under the stars

And enjoy:
• Local food trucks
• Fire circles & night market vibes
• Craft vendors

🎟️ Tickets:
• 1-Day Pass – $35
• 3-Day Weekend Pass – $65
• Camping Add-on – starting at $25

https://theplantnc.com/hops-roots-fest

📍 Location:
The Plant, 192 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC

Brought to you with love and support from:
🌿 Yoga Garden
🧯 ServPro
🍺 bmc Brewing


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21st Spring Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival set for May 1-4, 2025

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!

This year’s spring festival includes headliners and hosts Donna the Buffalo, The California Honeydrops, Los Lobos, and many more! Tickets, which are $159 for four days during the early bird special, are on sale now at https://shakorihillsgrassrootsfestival.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=3116033

The Shakori Hills Community Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Make a donation to the SHCAC!

The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival Organization is also a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Find out more about the GrassRoots Family.


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Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival to feature Donna The Buffalo, Scythian, Watchhouse, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Time Sawyer and many more on May 2-5, 2024

Photo courtesy of MerleFest and Jim Gavenus

The 20th annual Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance returns May 2-5, 2024, in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Featuring performances from hosts Donna The Buffalo, Scythian, Watchhouse, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Time Sawyer, The Shoaldiggers and more than 50 other musical acts along with camping, yoga, food trucks, artisans, sustainability workshops, healing arts, kids areas and so much more.

Tickets and more information at ShakoriHillsGrassRoots.org.


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The Big What moves to Shakori Hills on Aug. 22-24

The Big What? is back with three nights of Big Something & friends plus more artists TBA

THE BIG WHAT? is set for Aug. 22-24 at the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center in Pittsboro, about 30 minutes from Raleigh.

From the band: “The Big What? is back! We are so grateful and beyond excited to announce the 10th anniversary edition of our Music Festival & Campout this summer!”

Ticket Info

General Alien (GA) Weekend Passes include (1) GA ticket, GA tent camping, and GA parking for 1 person.

GA Tent Camping is included with a GA pass but Car Camping ($65) or RV Camping ($150) will require a separate pass per vehicle (available as an add on at checkout).

Very Important Alien (VIA) Weekend Passes include (1) VIA ticket with souvenir laminate, reserved tent camping in a prime location, access to a reserved viewing area in front of the main stage, access to private bathrooms, 1 hot meal each night plus access to refreshments during the day, and a free download of each Big Something set.

Supreme Very Important Alien (SVIA) Weekend Passes include (1) VIA ticket with everything from the VIA program above plus an exclusive Saturday afternoon acoustic Big Something performance in a secret location, plus (1) signed screenprint Big What? poster, and (1) signed Big Something setlist from all three nights.

Reserved TENT Camping in a prime location is included with every VIA/SVIA pass but Car Camping ($65) and RV Camping ($150) will still require a separate pass per vehicle (available as an add on at checkout).

Kids 12 and under are $30 each and can only be purchased day of show at the gate.

Please Note: a Parent or Legal Guardian must accompany anyone under 18 at all times.

The Big What? is a rain or shine event. All tickets are non-refundable. Tickets available at this link.