Archives for MAIN STAGE PERFORMERS 2019

Read More

  The once non-existent band, Pretty Saro, burst into the Boston bluegrass scene in early 2016, shaking up the definition of American roots music. Since then the four-piece string band has crafting their invigorating blend of contemporary songwriting, burnin’ bluegrass traditionals, and pop sensibilities into a sound that is uniquely their own.  Dynamic arrangements and high-energy performances enhance the Saro’s (sair-ohs) stories of commitment and desertion, taking the listener on a journey through their personal experiences. Pretty Saro draws their inspiration from acoustic giants such as Nickel Creek, Crooked Still, Hot Rize, and John Hartford to name a few.  Maxfield
Read More

From the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, comes one of the most entertaining bands in the bluegrass genre, Nothin’ Fancy.  As a matter of fact, they’ve won SPBGMA’s award for Entertaining Group of the Year six times!  Nothin’ Fancy was formed as a bluegrass band in 1994 to compete in a bluegrass competition.  Ever since then, they have grown in popularity, released 11 full length albums, and continue to perform at festivals all across the United States, Canada and Norway including the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, the Lincoln Center in New York City, and the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia.  They have
Read More

The Bill Thibodeau Band is hitting the Southern New England bluegrass music scene hard and fast with powerful rhythmic-drive and hard core traditions. This ambitious energized band is rapidly becoming a local favorite at several festivals and venues. Bill Thibodeau and two of the band members are descendants of first generation bluegrass pioneers, pickers and families which adds a marinated flavor to this unique group. A must see–and hear. We hope to pluck at your heart strings and raise your spirits in laughter, tears, and uncontrollable tapping of your feet! The Band Jesse Burdick (banjo and vocals) was born in
Read More

“If you think you don’t like Bluegrass, Damn Tall Buildings can probably change your mind. A room full of ambling event attendees were instantly energized by the barnstorming quartet who combined the virtuoso playing of Jordan Alleman (Banjo), Avery ‘Montana’ Ballotta (Fiddle), Max Capistran (Guitar), and Sasha Dubyk (Upright Bass) with three-part vocal harmonies. Songs started and ended in a wallop of notes with a hint of the furious-but-fun energy of punk, accompanied by the spontaneous stomping of the audience’s feet…their musical synergy was unmistakable and the music was performed with a playfulness that requires both competence and confidence.” —
Read More

Red Molly combines the forces of three songwriters with unique character and style, creating a show that is larger than the sum of its parts. Known for their 3-part harmony, their songs and arrangements lay bare a love of vocal blend. The band weaves together threads of American music—from country & blues to folk & bluegrass. Their innovative instrumentation is suited for roots-rock and heartful ballads alike, and the alchemy of their personalities onstage draws even back row listeners into a sense of intimacy. Red Molly is simply a joy to experience. Singing spine-tingling high notes, Abbie Gardner is a
Read More

  Colorado’s FY5 proudly swim in the deep currents of American music, playing new songs, well-informed of country and bluegrass traditions, but not bound to them.  Featuring thoughtful arrangements, strong singing and musicianship, the band strives to connect to listeners with stories of common struggles and big ideas. While their sound evokes timelessness, it is decidedly contemporary, well-traveled 21st century sensibility that informs their songwriting. As they share the stories that drive the songs, FY5’s show leaves listeners certainly with tapping toes, but ranging thoughts as well. FY5 is excited for the release of their 4th full-length album in early
Read More

Read More

With chops so hot, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen were named IBMA’s 2016 Instrumental Group of the Year for the second time, with a third nomination in 2017.  Their critically acclaimed album Cold Spell earned a 2015 GRAMMY nomination for Best Bluegrass Album of the Year, yet the accolades don’t end there.  Solivan, with banjoist Mike Munford, 2013 IBMA Banjo Player of the Year, award-winning guitarist Chris Luquette and bassist Jeremy Middleton, simmer a progressive bluegrass stew of infinite instrumental, vocal and songwriting skills soon to be featured once again on their new album If You Can’t Stand the Heat,
Read More

 Phil Leadbetter and The Allstars Of Bluegrass is a special ‘allstar” band made up of some of the biggest names in bluegrass and acoustic music. Lineup always changes, and is based on availability of musicians and singers. Band can vary from 5 or more members depending on the budget. Everything from a straight lineup to a lineup which rotates featured vocalists in a “Opry Style” format. Some of the members who have joined the band in the past for shows are: Steve Gulley. Dale Ann Bradley, Claire Lynch, Shawn Camp, Ken Mellons, Paul Brewster, Amanda Smith, Kenny Smith,  Sierra
Read More