musicreporterblog

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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Beer and Banjos features Hilltop Hounds on Tuesday, Oct. 6

The Hilltop Hounds hail from the rolling hills of North Carolina. With a sound that combines traditional country roots with folk, bluegrass and the blues, Hilltop Hounds are sure to get you dancing and singing along.

Beer and Banjos is a free, family-friendly evening of roots music every Tuesday at Raleigh’s Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard. Hosted by the mighty local musicians known collectively as the Beer and Banjos All-Stars, these weekly concerts feature guest musicians and take place on Bowstring’s spacious patio when the weather allows, or inside by the bar when rain, heat, or cold threaten the vibe.

Tips for the musicians are gratefully accepted (look for a helper walking around with a bucket for cash and QR codes for online tips), and don’t forget to check out the merch table. Bowstring serves tasty pizza and other food as well as cold beer and other beverages.

Learn more about Beer and Banjos events statewide here.

If You Go

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 6

Time: 6:30-9 p.m.


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Scythian to perform at Raleigh’s The Rialto on Saturday, Sept. 12

If you have been to MerleFest, you have heard Scythian, who often play three or four sets during the four-day festival held each spring in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. In fact, I have named them the festival’s unofficial house band. So you know you don’t want to miss them when this Virginia-based band makes a stop in the Triangle!

Raleigh’s The Rialto will welcome Scythian on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $41.50 including fees and can be purchased at this link: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/82008413/scythian-raleigh-the-rialto?partner_id=100

Named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays roots music from Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions with thunderous energy, technical prowess, and storytelling songwriting, beckoning crowds into a barn-dance, rock concert experience.

You can learn more about them in this article I wrote on my Huffington Post blog: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/scythian-gifts-st-patrick_b_9488940

Nashville’s Music City Roots says Scythian is ‘what happens when rock star charisma meets Celtic dervish fiddling’, and the Washington Post claims “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.” The foursome brings various influences together to create a conglomerate which is technically precise and steeped in various folk traditions. You have to catch the live show to understand why The Camel City Dispatch said of their MerleFest performance: “[Scythian gives] no quarter in their quest to entertain and bring a joy to their music that gives it an irony-free, wide open feel of manic possibility. The playing is technically brilliant, but it is the energy that carries the day.”


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Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival to feature more than 40 artists for FREE on Oct. 1-3

The streets of downtown Raleigh will come alive for the second Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival, presented by PNC, with more than 40 artists performing music on multiple stages along downtown’s Fayetteville Street.

There will be something for nearly every musical taste including bluegrass, folk, country, rock, norteño, gospel and many other genres blended in, “played by real humans who make music about real things,” according to the website. Best of all, it’s FREE! There are no tickets or wristbands needed. Just show up ready to enjoy a great time with friends and family.

Visit the Lineup Page to get to know each artist.

I am particularly looking forward to hearing Caleb Caudle, Hank, Pattie and the Current, The Honeydew Drops, Tan and Sober Gentlemen, Jacob Sharpe and Joseph Terrell of Mipso, Shinyribs, Jim Lauderdale and Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road. I am also looking forward to being introduced to new artists I haven’t had the chance to hear before.

In addition there will be arts vendors, food trucks, an N.C. Family Fun Zone, and more all celebrating roots music and community.

It all starts on Thursday evening, Oct. 1, with a Kickoff Celebration featuring music under the string lights at The Corner on N.C. State’s Centennial Campus. Then, on Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, downtown Raleigh comes alive with multiple stages of music and a celebration of community that spans several city blocks.

The festival remains free this year thanks to generous sponsors and donors, whose support ensures the music is accessible to everyone.

To see the full artist lineup and schedule and learn more at raleighwideopen.com.

If you go


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22nd Fall Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance set for Oct. 1-4, 2026

The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance, a collaboration between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization, provides a family-friendly celebration of music, dance, art and education.

Tickets are on sale now for the 22nd Fall Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance set for Oct. 1-4, 2026, in bucolic Chatham County, N.C., about a 30-minute drivewest of Raleigh and east of Greensboro.

This year’s lineup features your host, Donna the Buffalo, along with alt-country sensation Margo Price, Anders Osborne, The Steel Wheels and appropriately, Chatham County Line, among many, many more acts.

On-site camping is available. Learn more at this link.

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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JJ Grey & Mofro and The 502s to take the stage at Band Together’s 25th Anniversary Mighty Giveback Concert on Saturday, Oct. 10

From the good folks at Band Together:

Band Together announces the 2026 Mighty Giveback concert on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at the Lincoln Theatre Outdoor Stage in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. This milestone event marks 25 years of impact and a continued commitment to creating Infinite Good across the region.

Headlined by Southern soul powerhouse JJ Grey & Mofro, with high-energy indie folk favorites The 502s, the 2026 concert carries forward Band Together’s legacy of pairing nationally recognized artists with meaningful local impact.

Proceeds from the Mighty Giveback concert support Band Together’s 2026 Impact Partners across two key areas, Music and Community. Our music impact partner is The Raleigh Music Collective, empowering youth with music education. Our community impact partners are Oak City Cares, who connect people experiencing homelessness to services and care, and PORCH Communities, who create sustainable neighborhood-based hunger relief programs.

Continue reading →


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That Station’s Artist Notes returns to NC State’s The Corner with River Shook, Chatham County Line members, Couldn’t Be Happiers, Mipso’s Joseph Terrell and many more

That Station’s Artist Notes will return to The Corner this year with more beautiful summer evenings of music and relaxation, organizers have announced.

Each night will feature an artist who will play their unique brand of music and share personal insights. Chris Edge will guide us through the ups and downs of our featured artists’ careers and the stories behind their songs.

The event is free and so is parking. We’ll have food trucks on-site and beer available for purchase. You can bring camp chairs, leashed dogs and coolers with beer, wine and food.

Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., and performances will begin at 7 p.m.  The address is 941 Main Campus Dr. in Raleigh. The CornerView map 

Following is the 2026 season lineup:

May 29: River Shook and Emma Rae
Food truck: The Flat Drum

June 12: Dave Wilson & John Teer (of Chatham County Line) and hushpuppy
Food truck: MoMoMandu

July 10: Larry & Joe and Couldn’t Be Happiers
Food truck: Greek on Wheels

July 24: IAMDYNAMITE and Rich Richards
Food truck: Kao Thai

Aug 7: Joseph Terrell (of Mipso) and Emily Burdette
Food truck: The Blue Window


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Join the Raleigh Wide Open Lineup announcement on May 12 at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard

Wanna be first to hear who’s playing the 2026 Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival? Come to our free Lineup Announcement live event on May 12, part of our weekly Beer and Banjos concert at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh.

From 6:30-9 p.m., you’ll hear music from the Beer and Banjos All-Stars and a guest band, and we’ve got some extra fun in store as we unveil the festival lineup. It’ll also be the first opportunity to buy our brand-new 2026 festival merch – yes, our beloved banjo-hoisting squirrel will be prominently featured! 

Beer and Banjos is a free, family-friendly evening of roots music every Tuesday at Raleigh’s Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard. Hosted by the mighty local musicians known collectively as the Beer and Banjos Allstars, these weekly concerts feature guest musicians and take place on Bowstring’s spacious patio when the weather allows, or inside by the bar when rain, heat, or cold threaten the vibe.

Tips for the musicians are gratefully accepted (look for a helper walking around with a bucket for cash and QR codes for online tips), and don’t forget to check out the merch table. Bowstring serves tasty pizza and other food as well as cold beer and other beverages.

Learn more about Beer and Banjos events statewide here.

IF YOU GO

Raleigh Wide Open Lineup Announcement … Live!

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 , 6:30pm-9:00pm

Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard 1930 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh

Directions

A note about parking …

Parking at Bowstring Brewyard can fill up fast. If you arrive and find the parking lot full, here are some options:

PAY PARKING: Exit the Bowstring parking lot by turning right onto Wake Forest Road, then quickly take a right (at the light) onto E. Whitaker Mill Rd. Turn right into the parking lot of the StorageMax and look for a kiosk to pay.

FREE PARKING: Turn right out of the Bowstring parking lot and quickly turn left at the light onto E. Whitaker Mill Rd. Turn left into the parking lot of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. It’s about a 5-10 minute walk back to Bowstring from there.


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22nd Spring Shakori Hills set for May 7-10, holiday ticket prices good through Jan. 19

Listen up: The 22nd rendition of the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance held in the bucolic, rolling hills of Chatham County, North Carolina, just a short drive from Raleigh or Greensboro, is set for May 7-10, 2026.

Headliners for this year’s event, hosted by festival founders Donna the Buffalo, include returning acts Rising Appalachia, Chatham Rabbits and Jim Lauderdale, among many others.

Holiday Ticket Special through January 19
4-Day Admission = $139*
4-Day Youth (13-15) Admission = $72*
*PLUS APPLICABLE FEES

Purchase tickets at this link.

Continue reading →


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Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival brings bluegrass back to the Oak City on Oct. 2-4

Since the annual International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s annual festival and conference headed to Chattanooga, Tennessee, the City of Raleigh has partnered with Pinecone to keep the music playing in the form of Raleigh Wide Open 2025 on Oct. 2-4. 

The lineup includes IBMA favorites Balsam Range, Jim Lauderdale, The Tray Wellington Band, Unspoken Tradition, Hank Pattie and the Current, Stillhouse Junkies and other bluegrass greats. It also features rising stars in the Americana world like Sunny War, Shinyribs, Palmyra, Town Mountain and the Susto String Band, plus gospel bands from the Black Church traditions of Eastern North Carolina.

For the artist schedule, vendor opportunities or to volunteer, visit https://pinecone.org/faq-pinecone-produced-festival-coming-in-2025/.