Kristy Cox (Trio)
Kristy Cox is a commanding presence in both the Australian and American bluegrass scenes, celebrated for her elegant, heartfelt, and deeply authentic approach to the genre. Often hailed as the “Queen of Bluegrass,” she first rose to prominence in Australia’s country music world before capturing U.S. audiences with multiple Billboard-topping bluegrass releases. Fronting a powerhouse trio, Kristy delivers a thrilling mix of hard-driving bluegrass, country, folk, and Americana, anchored by dazzling musicianship and rich, soul-stirring harmonies. Rooted in tradition yet bursting with fresh energy, their performances are equal parts electrifying and joyful, winning over audiences wherever they go.
Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers
You can take Helms out of Virginia, but you can’t take Virginia out of Helms. His songwriting incorporates waltzes, ballads, and old-school rhythms that once formed the backbone of Appalachian dances but have become rare in modern roots music. Songs like “Fool’s Gold,” “Voices Shot,” and “Ballad of the Bondurant Boys” pay tribute to those traditions, while tracks like “Welcome to the Freak Show” serve as a mission statement, reminding us that regardless of background, geography, or circumstance, everyone deserves a seat at the table. “Backwoods or suburbs, you know we are all just the same,” he sings, “’cause no matter where you come from, we all got red blood and it’s coursing through all of our veins.”
Larry Keel & Jon Stickley
The Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo features two of the finest flatpicking guitarists of this generation. Both share a lifelong love of acoustic bluegrass guitar music made famous by influential duets Doc and Merle Watson, and Tony Rice and Norman Blake. Keel, Stickley, and other modern flatpickers like Billy Strings grew up studying these legends. These masters were role models who provided inspiration to both Larry and Jon to pursue careers as professional guitar players. Each has gone on to pioneer his own distinct interpretation of the bluegrass artform, as well as fusing genres from roots, jazz, prog, and beyond. Now, Keel and Stickley have themselves become new masters of acoustic guitar. With this act, the two celebrate the pure joy of playing acoustic guitar music as a duo, effortlessly complementing each other’s rhythm and lead playing while never losing their own individual personality. Their sophisticated and awe-inspiring performances suit an array of venues including festival stages, listening rooms, private functions, and nightclubs. At the core of the Keel/Stickley Duo is an intimate conversation between two guitars and voices, done with superior skill and taste, with more than a hint of explosive late-night-jam vibe.
Mo Grass
Born in the foothills of North Carolina, Mo-Grass is a brand-new collaboration of two beloved NC-based bands—Big Daddy Love and The Deluge. They have joined forces with some of the state’s finest soul musicians to create a project that reimagines the Motown songbook and history through a bluegrass lens. At its core, Mo-Grass is about joy, feel, and connection. The band takes timeless soul hits and dresses them in banjo rolls, tight vocal harmonies, and funky, danceable grooves. It’s Motown with a twang, bluegrass with a deep heartbeat, and your favorite soul music that never forgets where it came from. Mo-Grass draws from a legendary catalog that includes both Motown and Stax artists, such as: Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Otis Redding, The Isley Brothers, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Dusty Springfield, Bill Withers, and Jackie Wilson, among many others. Each song is treated with reverence and creativity—honoring the originals while carving out something entirely new. Mo-Grass has been officially confirmed for major 2026 festival appearances, including MerleFest, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, and FloydFest—a strong signal that this project has struck a chord across genres and generations.The band consists of Brandon Knox and Molly McGinn on vocals, Matteo “Joey” Recchio on guitar and vocals, Kelly Linville on drums, Ashley Sutton on bass, and Brian Swenk on banjo.Don’t miss Mo-Grass as it makes waves across the southeastern music scene—bridging soul and string music with heart, groove, and undeniable spirit.
65 North Pickers w/ North State Grass
The 65 North Pickers are a high-energy, bluegrass, quartet that fuses the drive oftraditional bluegrass with the exploratory spirit of jam band improvisation. Made up ofJake (mandolin), Nate (banjo), Quinton (guitar), and Tali (bass) – they are renowned for their lightning-fast picking and impressive spontaneity. Their performances feature incredible original compositions that merge bluegrass with the nostalgic vibes of classic festival music, where the essence of the Grateful Dead meets the psychedelic flair of Jimi Hendrix. With listeners dancing out of their chairs, captivated by the music, 65 North Pickers create an unforgettable experience that keeps fans coming back for more. North State Grass, from Charlotte NC, is a progressive bluegrass quartet that will move your feet, touch your heart, and spin your head. Inspired by the drive of Jimmy Martin and Tony Rice Unit with the modern edge of Sierra Hull and Billy Strings. North State Grass delivers lightning-fast picking, tight harmonies, ear worm originals, and a sound that bridges tradition and modern flair. Composed of Steven Davidson (mandolin), Cooper Eades (guitar), and Angel Chantel (bass), Levi Austin (banjo), the band pulls from a wide range of musical influences from rock, funk, metal, and jambands while staying rooted in bluegrass. North State Grass keeps crowds moving and guessing what’s next.
Redbud w/ Lillian Hackett
Redbud is a bluegrass band based in Boone, NC, honoring traditional bluegrass while blending in a fresh, modern style. As a group of young musicians, they create a warm, inviting sound that reflects both their deep respect for the genre’s roots and their passion for innovation. Set to release their debut EP in June 2026, the band’s collection of all-original tunes offers a fresh take on time-honored bluegrass traditions, capturing the spirit of Appalachia while carving out a sound uniquely their own. Lillian Hackett is an emerging singer-songwriter from Lovettsville, VA. Her deep appreciation for music started at a young age as she was immersed in a vibrant music scene within her community. Weekends spent attending barn dances, folk festivals, and bonfire jams enriched her musical style and exposed her to the heritage of old-time and bluegrass music. Often described as an Appalachian Stevie Nicks or distant cousin of Sierra Ferrell, Lillian has a natural inclination toward Folk/Americana music.
Hank, Pattie & The Current
Bluegrass visionaries Hank Smith (banjo) and Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw’s (fiddle) innovative twist on traditional bluegrass music is a soulful brew flavored with classical, Motown, jazz, and pop influences. Joined by Cassidy Beentjes on guitar and Stevie Martinez on bass, this dynamic, North Carolina based group is performing in support of their seventh album, UNDER THE STARS, out now on Robust Records.
The Wilder Flower
With years of experience dating back to their early teenage years, The Wilder Flower are natural and lively performers. Centering their shows around three-part harmonies and original songs, they enjoy engaging with audiences, telling stories, and opening up about their songwriting and musical process. They create a meaningful shared experience with the audience at every show, and often leave people laughing. The Wilder Flower has opened for bands such as the SteelDrivers, Steep Canyon Rangers, and MIPSO. They play festivals such as Merlefest, The Earl Scruggs Music Fesival, GreyFox Bluegrass Festival, Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival, FreshGrass Festival, High Mountain Hay Fever, and Albino Skunk Music Festival.
BMFS AFTER PARTY! W/ NORTH STATE GRASS & YELLER GRASS STRING BAND
North State Grass are a genre-bending powerhouse hailing from the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina. This unique collaboration brings together a diverse ensemble of musicians, each drawing from distinct musical backgrounds, including rock, blues, classical, jazz, and jam band influences. United by a shared passion for Bluegrass, they’ve woven a tapestry of sound that defies traditional boundaries and expectations.