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0:00/3:02
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Six More Miles 3:440:00/3:44
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Johnny Clay 2:460:00/2:46
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0:00/3:04
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When Charlie Dreams 4:100:00/4:10
2024 Lineup
The Grascals
Great musicians will always find a way to make good music, but for great musicians to make great music, they must form a bond – one that, more often than not, goes beyond the purely musical to the personal. For The Grascals, that bond has been forged at the intersection of personal friendships, shared professional resumes and an appreciation for the innovative mingling of bluegrass and country music that has been a hallmark of the Nashville scene for more than forty years.
Their cutting-edge modern bluegrass is delivered with a deep knowledge of, and admiration for, the work of the music’s founding fathers. Timely yet timeless, The Grascals make music that is entirely relevant to the here and now yet immersed in traditional values of soul and musicianship. It’s a unique sound that has earned three Grammy® nominations and two Entertainer of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, as well as national media attention that seems to perpetually elude acts entrenched in niche genres. Such appearances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Fox & Friends, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and CBS’ The Talk. Honors also include performing twice for President George W. Bush and at President Barack Obama’s inaugural ball at the Smithsonian.
Lonesome River Band
Since its formation decades ago, Lonesome River Band continues its reputation as one of the most respected names in bluegrass music. Five-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Banjo Player of the Year, and winner of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, Sammy Shelor leads the group that is constantly breaking new ground in acoustic music. With two stellar lead vocalists, Jesse Smathers (guitar) and Adam Miller (mandolin), and the impressive talents of Mike Hartgrove (fiddle) and Kameron Keller (bass), the band seamlessly comes together, performing the trademark sound that fans continue to embrace.
Clay Hess Band
"Growing up in a musical family, it wasn't hard to find an instrument laying around to plunk on". Pair that with having a desire to learn, a passion for music, and a wealth of people to learn from and you get a musician. "Having a family of talented players and singers is an advantage if you can keep your ears open and your mouth shut. I should have done more of both." Today with The Clay Hess Band you can hear the result of all the jam sessions, bar gigs, bluegrass festivals, and hours learning from relatives/musicians/recordings. Known for his syncopated sense of timing, Hess always tries to keep you guessing what is coming next .
Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road
Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road have combined masterful musicianship and a creative sound to entertain audiences in 40 states and 13 countries while scoring multiple hits, industry accolades and collaborations with other legendary artists.
Since their beginnings in 1998, the band has achieved FIVE No. 1 songs on the National Bluegrass chart with “A Little Bit of Bluegrass,” “Bill Monroe’s Old Mandolin,” “A Light in the Window,” “That’s Kentucky” and “True Grass.” “True Grass” also climbed to No. 1 on the Roots Music chart and topped the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey for an astounding 16 consecutive months.
When the band isn’t touring, they host several events weekly at Lorraine’s Coffee House & Music in Garner, N.C. Down the road in Raleigh, Lorraine and the band are a crowd favorite at the city’s annual Wide Open Bluegrass Festival. The group also produces and performs at Christmas in the Smokies in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., the Willow Oak Music Festival in Roxboro, N.C., and the newest, Bluegrass in the Blueridge.
In addition to Lorraine Jordan, the outstanding musicians of Carolina Road are Ben Greene, Wayne Morris, Warren Blair, Kevin Lamm and Allen Dyer.
Kim Robins
Bluegrass singer-songwriter and guitarist Kim Robins' vocals have earned her two nominations for the International Bluegrass Association's (IBMA) Momentum Female Vocalist of the Year award. Her unique vocals are showcased throughout her latest Pinecastle Records album, Leave The Porch Light On. She contributes her songwriting talents to the project as well, co-writing the title track with Dawn Kenney. The pair also teamed up with David Morris to co-write "Bourbon and Beer."
BRANDED BLUEGRASS
Branded Bluegrass is a band from central Indiana with a catalog of music deeply rooted in traditional bluegrass and gospel, with a flair for some contemporary bluegrass, classic country and even a little bit of rock 'n roll now and then. Audiences are sure to enjoy their diversity, tight harmonies, energetic stage show, and charismatic personalities.
Band members have resumes including time spent playing with distinguished bands and artists such as Jimmy Martin, Marty Raybon, Doyle Lawson, James Monroe, IIIrd Tyme Out, Mac Weisman, just to name a few. Branded Bluegrass is inspired by traditionalists including Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, and Larry Sparks, as well as newer bluegrass acts like Blue Highway, NewFound Road, The Lonesome River Band.
DOWNRIVER COLLECTIVE
DOWNRIVER COLLECTIVE is an amalgam of influences from across the roots music world. Blurring the lines between traditional folk and progressive acoustic music, DRC draws on diverse backgrounds to create a sound that is both fresh and familiar. Following the lead of Virginia native John Gray and Floridian fiddler Bailey Warren, the DownRiver Collective has evolved from a three-piece folk group to a full-bodied string band with the added help of fellow Belmont University alumni. Connected by a love for bluegrass, Gray and Warren were drawn naturally to vocalist Ali Vance, mandolinist Rico Wallenda, and guitarist Jonny Therrien, who were all members of the same college ensemble. In the harbor of the classroom, the DownRiver Collective began to take shape.
Now, after a pilot run as the originali up three-piece with their debut album Kettleridge, DRC has released their newest EP "Off the Shelf." The new music is a reflection of the band’s growth and signals a new sound from the young up-and-comers.