�owdy �estivarians! �owdy �estivarians!
It’s our favorite time of year again, where G-runs chase eachother rampantly and late night jammers are huddled around each other, sharing songs and swapping lyrics. You’ve entered a hothouse of all things bluegrass. The ancient tones lying deep within the sandstone cliffs have been awakened by banjos, spurred into frenetic activity by the high lonesome of fiddle and mandolin! Could there be anything better? We certainly can’t think of anything.
To many, RockyGrass is a reunion with family. To new Festivarians, the bluegrass spirit is just starting to take hold. Whatever this Festival is or has become to you, let it be known that we are so glad you’re here. Soak in the harmonies, sip in the sunshine, and saturate yourself in friendship and laughter.
Stay in tune out there,
The �olks on �lanet �luegrass
�ules & �uidelines �ules & �uidelines
First thing’s first, feel free to sit on any open tarp (especially up front) until its owners return. Make a few friends and do some dancing, that’s what we’re all here for!
Some reminders while we have you here:
Tarps may be no larger than 10’ x 10’. We will be checking!
Climbing the hillsides and cli s is STRICTLY prohibited.
There is no lifeguard watching your kids in the river. Be sure to monitor your children carefully!
Sunshades and high-back chairs are only allowed in designated areas. All high-back chairs must be behind the sound booth. If we can roll a basketball under your chair, we will ask you to move it behind the sound booth.
Umbrellas,shadetents,andotherview-obstructingitemsareallowed only along the river and back perimeter of the festival grounds. Drones are not permitted on the Festival grounds or in any of our campgrounds or parking areas.
PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS—do not stand in the festival seating areas, and do not smoke in the audience! Instead, wander over to the smoking tent near the river, and deposit your butts in the proper receptacles. Sustainable Festivation, ya know?
Lost and Found is located at the Main Festival Box O ce.
Tarp Line Policy
Festivarians may begin assembling for the next day’s line numbers no earlier than 11pm, along the pedestrian walkway outside of the Main Box O ce.
At around midnight, the number line will be led through the customs gate, where we will distribute random numbers and mark wristbands to show receipt of a number. These numbers will be shu ed randomly. Each person may receive no more than one number.
The next morning, Festivarians should re-assemble in line number order beginning one hour before gates. Festivarians will be admitted into the festival in this randomly-assigned order, followed by all Festivarians without line numbers.
ockyGrass Festival Map
Music, Community & Environment Music, Community & Environment
2023 PLANETARY IMPACT
As a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC)–a legal entity recognized by the state of Colorado as a framework for responsible business–we have formally committed to operate our business in a manner that allows us to make decisions not just based purely on profit, but also considers the societal and environmental impacts of our Festivals. Take a look at our 2023 Impact
Festival Footprint
Telluride, Rockygrass & Folks Festival
Report that highlights our commitment in the areas of Music, Community and Environment. Thank you, beloved Festivarians, for joining us on this journey.
LOVE, THE FOLKS ON PLANET BLUEGRASS
2023 �ocky�rass & �olks �est
47% Diversion Rate
2,600
Contribution % by Festival
Check out our full 2023 Impact report!
Win a pair of 3-day passes with camping to the 2025 RockyGrass when you calculate your Festivarian Footprint!
�estivation �artners �estivation �artners
�estivation �ibations �estivation �ibations
�eers
Craft Lager
4.8% ABV
Mango Lime Sour
Citra Pale Ale 5.8% ABV
4.5% ABV West Coast Style IPA 6.5% ABV
Wine
Riesling
A light and playful wine with hints of apricot and peach.
Ciders
Chardonnay
This unoaked Chardonnay is lean and crisp. Some green apple and winter pear notes and a smooth finish.
Hard Mango Lemonade
�ard Seltzers
SPIKED SNOWMELT
Pomegranate & Acai
Gluten free • 100 calories • 5% ABV
SPIKED SNOWMELT
Skratch Series: Peach Lemonade
Gluten free • 100 calories • 5% ABV
Rosé
Light with a touch sweet and hints of peach and apricot.
Juicy puckering lemons meet a splash of tropical mango flavor for a perfectly balanced refresher. 6.9% ABV | Gluten free.
Cocktails
Coyote Gold Margaritas
Marv’lous
A friendly, fruity red blend with apricot and dark cherry notes and a smooth finish.
Hard Peach Tea
Cabernet
Sauvignon
A Colorado cab bursting with dark fruits and soft tannins on the finish.
Rich and sweet black tea with a kiss of ripe peach flavor makes for a sultry sipper worthy of lazy days and long nights. 6.9% ABV | Gluten free.
Vodka, Gin, or Whisky
LIMITED RUN!
Cafe Colorado
Co ee liqueur on ice with vodka & oat milk
The �amily �rea! The �amily �rea!
COME FIND
THE
We ask that parents please accompany their kids at all times while in the Family Area.
FAMILY AREA ALONG THE RIVER BEHIND THE WILDFLOWER PAVILION
FRIDAY 11-5PM
SATURDAY 10-5PM SUNDAY 11-5PM
There will be jewelry making, boat building, flower crown designing, face painting and arts & crafts!
While you’re over there, check out the Instrument Petting Zoo (courtesy of HB Woodsongs). Open from 11-4pm, this is a place for kids and their parents to discover, strum, and play a variety of instruments. HB Woodsongs’ knowledgeable sta of instrument zookeepers provide the instruments, you provide the curiosity.
JOIN US FOR AN HOUR OF YOGA!
EACH MORNING NEAR THE SILO Friday 8:30am Saturday 7:30am Sunday 8:30am
bouldermedicalcenter.com/planet
Samuel Jacobowitz, MD Family Medicine
Elizabeth Alaimo, DO Family Medicine
Fabiana Fernandez, MD Internal Medicine
Neha Vaitha, MD Pediatrics
Chesney Kennedy, MD Pediatrics
�usical �ompetitions �usical �ompetitions
Since the first Rocky Mountain Bluegrass Festival, the band and instrument contests have been a beloved part of the festival experience. Discover the next generation of musicians as they vie for new instruments, cash prizes, spots on the Main Stage, and of course the clout that comes with winning one of these prestigious contests.
INSTRUMENT COMPETITIONS
Each instrument contestant performs two tunes in the preliminary round. The top three on each instrument advance to the final round where they perform two di erent songs.Musicians are judged“in the blind” using the following criteria:
Prizes
1st Prize: Instrument 2nd Prize: $100
Banjo
3rd Prize: $50
1st Prize: Deering John Hartford Banjo
Prelims: Friday, 11:30am, Wildflower
Finals: Saturday, 10:55am, Main Stage
Flatpick Guitar
1st Prize: Preston Thompson D-MA Guitar
Prelims: Friday, 1:00pm, Wildflower
Finals: Saturday, 10:30am, Main Stage
BAND COMPETITION
Mandolin
1st Prize: M5-F Bourgeois Mandolin
Prelims: Friday, 2:30pm, Wildflower
Finals: Saturday, 10:05am, Main Stage
Fiddle
1st Prize: Thomas Verdot Paragon Fiddle
Prelims: Friday, 4:00pm, Wildflower
Finals: Saturday, 9:40am, Main Stage
Dobro
1st Prize: Beard Guitars Deco Phonic® Model-57
Prelims: Friday, 5:30pm, Wildflower
Finals: Saturday, 9:15am, Main Stage
Cheer on these aspiring young bands while they gather in traditional bluegrass style around a single microphone and compete for a spot on the 2025 RockyGrass lineup.
Schedule
Prelims: Saturday, 1:30pm, Wildflower
Finals: Sunday, 1:00pm, Wildflower
2024 Contest Bands
Ansel and the Brain Tattoos
Fort Collins, CO
Front Porch
Eureka Springs, AR
Miles Over Mountains McHenry, IL
MoonCats Bismarck, ND
North Fork Crossing Bozeman, MT
Band Competition Prizes
1st Prize: $750 & 2025 RockyGrass main stage performance
2nd Prize: $500 • 3rd Prize: $300
O The Rails Nashville, TN
Salty Sally Oakland,CA
The Pickpockets Salt Lake City, UT
The Sullivan Sisters Evanston, IL
Tom Peng New Grasslands Inner Mongolia, China
2023 Band Contest Winner The Fretliners
Harmony Greene Harmony Greene
What is Harmony Greene, you ask? That’s a great question. Harmony Greene is the area snuggled between the river and the bar—it’s where all of our partners live for the weekend. We landed on that name because we feel a synchronicity with these partners and their values. Akin to the beautiful harmony of voices, we are stronger together!
Our Festival Host is centrally located under the Planet Bluegrass tent and is able to help answer any Festival related questions you may have. Harmony Greene is open from gates until 6pm daily.
WHAT’S NEW & EXCITING?
This year, four of our beverage partners were awarded “Best of” in their respective categories. Boulder Weekly hailed Upslope the best brewery in Boulder, Stem Ciders the best Cidery, Ozo the best co ee roaster, and Spirit Hound the best distillery! Talk about a quadruple crown (that’s not a thing so far as we know but it totally should be).
On top of that, Spirit Hound brought home the award for Whisky of the Year at the prestigious London Spirits Competition. This is their second time securing that designation. Head over to give them all congratulations, and grab some samples while you’re at it. You can grab a cup of Ozo at the bar!
HARMONY GREENE TASTING SCHEDULE
Upslope, Stem Ciders, Spirit Hound
FRIDAY 12-12:30 • 3:15-3:45 SATURDAY 12:30-1:00 • 3:15-3:45 SUNDAY 11:30-12:00 • 4:30-5:00
SUPPORT THROUGH
HARMONY SCHOLARSHIP: $5,000
Last year, Planet Bluegrass collaborated with The Lyons Community Foundation and The Community Foundation of Boulder County to create an endowed scholarship fund that provides $5,000 each year for a graduating senior from Lyons, Colorado. The “Community in Harmony Scholarship” will be
o ered each year to a student that has shown their commitment to being involved in their community and can extemporaneously write about what community means to them and the magic, power, and challenges of gathering together. We are incredibly proud of the 2024 Harmony Scholarship recipient!
2024 ANDY CLARK FOUNDATION ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP
In honor of Andy Clark, the beloved community member and founder of Moxie Bread Co, The Andy Clark Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of our favorite baker, miller, music lover &
bringer of community. In the spirit of sparking joy, love, music and community, The Andy Clark Foundation selected and funded a scholarship for a young musician to attend The 2024 RockyGrass Academy.
2024 PLANET BLUEGRASS/ CAN’D AID SONG SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
Over the past decade, Can’d Aid has donated more than 3,335 instruments to public school music programs in need and has provided dozens of music workshops for kids. This year Can’d Aid used its
resources to identify the perfect young candidate in need of a scholarship to attend Song School. We are honored to provide this already talented student a stepping stone along their musical journey.
LONGMONT LATINX VOICES SCHOLARSHIP
The Longmont Latinx Voices (LLV) group was created in 2019 to help raise funds for local students to help elevate them to a better place through the power of knowledge. Each year
(8) awards of $1,000 are given out to increase educational and extracurricular opportunities for Latinx youth in the St Vrain Valley. Planet Bluegrass funded one of the $1000 in 2023 and 2024.
�halleng� �halleng� CLEAN CAMPSITE
With more than 2,000 campers in Lyons this weekend, (nearly doubling the size of our town!), it’s critical that we respect these beautiful Festival grounds that we get to call home for a few days.
In collaboration with Leave No Trace, we will be rewarding campsites that excel in creative, clean and sustainable camping. To nominate your campsite or one of your neighbors, pick up an entry form at the Leave No Trace booth near the Wildflower Pavilion and tell us your secrets to keeping your campsite clean. We will announce a random
Tucker Group Real Estate
Proudly supports the Planet Bluegrass Family! Thanks for always putting Lyons first and providing so many of us with fabulous “festival” memories, work and volunteer opportunities, and lifelong friendships!
Jonelle Tucker, Broker/Owner 303-902-6250
Kari Basey, Associate Broker 303-827-5608
Matt Ferren, Associate Broker 303-817-8416
Levi Nagy, Associate Broker 729-839-0123
�ildflo�er �ildflo�er
WEDNESDAYS
Intimate concerts in the Wildflower Pavilion are back this Fall and better than ever! We thought that we would give you a heaping dose of mid-week musical melodies to help you hop over hump day with a skip and a step and maybe even a little shuffle.
Wildflower Pavilion shows are intimate, indoor concerts that give you the chance to enjoy music at the Ranch in its full natural and colorful glory. Feel free to come when gates open to enjoy a picnic on the Wildflower lawn or spread out on the rocks by the river and grab a beverage from the bar. Then settle into your chairs under the string
lights in the Pavilion and get transported by the artists that we’ve hand selected.
It’s taken us a while to ramp things up after the pandemic hiatus, but the time feels right and the space is calling for community. We are ready to welcome our Festivarian friends and artists with open arms (and ears) this Fall...so please join us.
�lanet �luegrass X �oulder �hilharmoni�
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
GROOVE
A mixture of classics, blues, funk, jazz, bluegrass, and more by composers of diverse backgrounds for string chamber ensembles, bass, piano, and guitar. Modern selections include songs that have been performed by artists such as Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
AMERICANA: REDEFINED
An exploration of American Folk that pushes past the conventional boundaries of “Americana” and digs into the influences of gospel, jazz, blues, bluegrass, country, and global folk music of the many cultures that make up America.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
BRASS & BREWS/BOOZE
Pair our selection of brass ensemble pieces with a cold brew… or two… or three. This program trails jazz and Afro-Cuban influences, featuring many tunes familiar to music lovers, including Duke Ellington’s ‘Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me’ and Freddie Mercury’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’
�ildflo�er �avilion Series
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
STEVE POLTZ SHOOK TWINS MADELINE HAWTHORNE IN THE ROUND
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2
DANIEL RODRIGUEZ WITH DAVE BRUZZA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
HUMBIRD WITH SOUND OF HONEY
�ai� Stage Schedul�
�rida�
JULY 26 TH
10:00am
Gates Open
11:00 - Noon The Fretliners
12:30 - 1:45
Kristin Andreassen & Chris Eldridge
2:00 - 3:15
John Reischman & Old Acoustic
3:45 - 5:00 Sam Grisman Project
5:30 - 6:45 Della Mae
7:15 - 8:30
Del McCoury Band
9:00 - 10:30
Sarah Jarosz
Saturda�
JULY 27 TH Sunda�
9:00am
Gates Open
9:15 - 11:15 Instrument Contest Finals
11:30 - 12:30 The Cody Sisters
12:45 - 1:45 The Slocan Ramblers
2:00 - 3:15 Henhouse Prowlers
3:45 - 5:00 The Brothers Comatose
5:30 - 6:45
Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn
7:00 - 8:30 Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
9:00 - 10:30 Sam Bush Bluegrass Band
JULY 28 TH
10:00am
Gates Open
10:30 - 11:30 Solar Sisters
Noon - 1:15 Two Runner
1:30 - 2:45
Pixie & The Partygrass Boys
3:15 - 4:30 Tim O’Brien Band
5:00 - 6:15 Sister Sadie
6:45 - 8:00 Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band
8:30 - 10:00 Dan Tyminski
�ildflo�er �avilio�
�rida�
JULY 26 TH 11:30am
Banjo Contest: Preliminary Round 1:00pm Guitar Contest: Preliminary Round 2:30pm Mandolin Contest: Preliminary Round 4:00pm Fiddle Contest: Preliminary Round 5:30pm
Saturda�
JULY 27 TH 11:00am - 1:00pm Bluegrass Jam hosted by Pete Wernick 1:30pm Band Contest: Preliminary Round 3:45pm The Slocan Ramblers 5:00pm Tyler Grant & John Reishman
Sunda�
JULY 28 TH 1:00pm Band Contest: Finals 2:15pm Natalie Padilla & Friends 3:30pm Justin Konrad Album Release Show 4:45pm Henhouse Prowlers: Bluegrass Ambassadors Symposium
MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES
FRIDAY
2:00 - 3:15
Howdy Festivarians! It sure is a mighty fine day to kick off a bluegrass festival, dontcha think? And what better way to start than with 2023 band contest winners, The Fretliners?! The second band ever to sweep both Telluride Bluegrass and RockyGrass band contests, The Fretliners are paving their way through an upward trajectory. They released their newest EP, Three of a Kind, (two original songs and one cover), in June. You know them by
We’ve kicked things off, and it’s time to settle into the day. RockyGrass is a marathon, not a sprint! You’ll be glad you remembered that come Monday. We’ve been so looking forward to this next set. Chris Eldridge, guitarist extraordinaire of Punch Brothers and member of the mighty popular supergroup, Mighty Poplar, has found his match in Kristin Andreassen, sterling guitar & fiddle player known for Uncle Earl. Now they’re in it for life, with a little
Canadian John Reischman writes tunes on the mandolin that people tend to remember. His classic, “Salt Spring,” has become a universal standard among both bluegrass and old-time musicians. Reischman has been a foundational mandolinist, composer, bandleader, and musical educator in bluegrass and North American roots and folk music since emerging from the vibrant “new acoustic” bluegrass music scene of the Bay Area in the 1980s.A member
their given names, Tom Knowlton (guitar), Sam Parks (mandolin), Dan Andree (fiddle), and Taylor Shuck (big fiddle), but those of us out and about town know them by their walkie-talkie call signs: Red Baron, Cowbone, Red Rocket, and Tumbleweed (respectively). A charismatic crew of bandits, to know them is to love them. You can catch them on the walkie-talkie airwaves any day of the week, as well as on the Main Stage this lovely Friday!
baby to boot! Andreassen, paired with child Psychiatrist Dr. Kari Groff, makes up The Bright Siders, whose debut album A Mind of your Own, prioritizes children’s mental health and includes a star studded cast of guests. JKLOL. No no, you misunderstand, we’re not joking about Chris & Kristin’s musical prowess, on-stage chemistry, or real life adorable baby. “JKLOL” is the name of one of Kristin’s other recent projects. Silly of you to be confused!
of the groundbreaking Tony Rice Unit, Reischman’s mastery of bluegrass, old-time, swing, and multiple Latin Americanmusicalstyles,coupledwith an Old Master’s sense of tone, taste, and musicality, has brought him a global reputation for being So Good. John’s latest album, New Time & Old Acoustic,isfullofhissignatureenergy and new gems. And he always brings the best–his band features Bryan McDowell on guitar, Trent Freeman on fiddle, and Max Schwartz on bass.
youpickers,pluckers,plinkers,strummers,shredders,stompers,yellers,thumpers,mashers, grassers,grinners,crooners,choppers,riffers,noodlers,pile-drivers,boom-chickersand song-slingers,y’allgottapluginsometime.Andthat’swherewecomein.GraceDesign buildsfamouslygreatsounding,reliablepreampsforacousticmusiciansofallstripes.You’ll findthemonstagejustabouteverywhere,maybeeventheoneyou’restandingon.
MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES
Sam Grisman Project
FRIDAY
3:45 - 5:00
Della Mae
FRIDAY
5:30 - 6:45
Del McCoury Band
FRIDAY 7:15 - 8:30
Bluegrass is a family affair, and given that RockyGrass turned 52 this year, we’ve watched it evolve over decades.There’s really no question: the name Grisman turns heads in bluegrass, jamgrass, and deadhead crowds alike.It’s an undeniable fact, and something Sam Grisman is very familiar with. Sam’s goal in starting the Sam Grisman Project was “...to build a platform for [his] friends and [him] to showcase their genuine passion and appreciation for the
Hey hey, Della Mae! Or should we say Della Slay? Gosh are we glad to have these lovely ladies back on our Main Stage. It’s always such a pleasure. This GRAMMY nominated quartet is also one of our bands-in-residence for this year’s RockyGrass Academy. It is an understatement to say that the Planet has been lucky to have these super star pickers and singers in orbit for the whole week jamming, spreading good ole bluegrass vibes, and mentoring aspiring musicians
The hair, the suit, the voice—and most of all, the megawatt smile. Del has been beaming at audiences for more than 60 years. And why not? He’s a bluegrass Godfather, known for delivering his signature high-octane sound to fans far and wide. The Del McCoury Band is a family affair, with sons Ronnie on mandolin and Robbie on banjo.
Add the incomparable Jason Carter (congrats on your engagement, Jason!) on fiddle and the ever-steady
legacy of Dawg and Jerry’s music.” But that’s just the start. In addition to the Project’s take on the beloved familiar repertoire, they add in their own spice, with original creations that showcase their own style and instrumentation.ThisafternoonSam Grisman (bass) is joined by Sam Leslie (mandolin), Victor Furtado (banjo), Logan Ledger (guitar), Nat Smith (cello), and Chris English (percussion). It’s time to get diggity down, lil’ Dawgs!
young and old! Della Mae includes founder and fiddle player Kimber Ludiker, lead vocalist and guitarist Celia Woodsmith, guitarist Avril Smith, and bassist Vickie Vaughn. Through the band’s evolutions, their oeuvre continues to grow. Each iteration and addition has been striking, bringing the band further into their sound.Theirnewsingle,“NoRain,”is everything we could ever hope for in a Blind Melon cover and then more. More please!
Alan Bartram on bass and you’ve got perfection. With a certified fresh release under their belts, June’s Songs of Love and Life , these legends are still out there bringin’ it. But Del is a humble guy. He takes constant requests from the crowd and laughs at himself while singing favorites in his piercing tenor. It’s one of the many things we adore about him. The band is joined by Del’s lovely wife, Mrs. Jean. Hi Jean, we’re so glad you’re here!
MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES
FRIDAY
9:00 - 10:30
SATURDAY
11:30 - 12:30
SATURDAY
12:45 - 1:45
Sarah Jarosz first played on Planet Bluegrass when she was twelve years old. A student in the RockyGrass Kid’s Academy, she blew everyone away with her confidence, poise, and the deftness with which her fingers floated across the strings. It was clear immediately that she was destined for great things.No surprise, the Texas native was a talented multi-instrumentalist by her early teens. Since then, she’s continued to steal audiences’ hearts with her
Settle in, folks! Young up-and-comers Megan and Maddie Cody are pickin’ up a storm and gathering speed. You may remember them from when they joined Solar Sisters on stage during last year’s Gospel Set. We loved their energy, and knew we wanted more. They joined us for FallGrass in September of ‘23, and tore the Wildflower Pavilion right on up. Megan covers guitar and mandolin while Maddie has banjo and guitar on lock. Supported by Cody mister
The Slocan Ramblers are back at it again! They take their name from the mountainous region of the Slocan Valley in British Columbia. Some say that the word “Slocan” itself originated from Native American Pidgin English “slo-can-go,” referring to the difficult trek to the valley. But as any fan of this young bluegrass band can tell you, The Slocan Ramblers’ rise in the bluegrass scene has been anything but slow. The band has been racking up awards,
captivating stage presence, soaring vocals, and compelling songwriting. A four time GRAMMY winner and tentime nominee by the age of thirty, her 7th full length studio album, Polaroid Lovers, is a bold creative statement that tests the boundary between genres. It goes down smoother than Mezcal and Lime, and has us pickin’ up steam on the dance floor like a Runaway Train. We are beyond thrilled to have Sarah back on the ol’ stomping grounds!
Will Pavilonis on bass, they were named one of Denver Westword’s best bluegrass bands in Colorado. Their self-titled EP includes originals “Mid Conversation” and “Nowadays,” which highlight the sister harmonies welovesomuch.“HowIMissTheSun” and“Rhythm Of Her Soul”showcase their unique folk-blended sound and songwriting chops. We feel like proud parents getting ready to watch them up there. Imagine how their actual real life parents must feel!!
including 2020 IBMA “Momentum Band of the Year,” and the 2020 Canadian Folk Music Awards
“Traditional Album of the Year.” Their playing is equally energetic. BBC Radio calls it “smokin’ bluegrass,” and The Fretboard Journal boasts it as “blistering.” We welcome Frank Evans on banjo, Adrian Gross on mandolin, Darryl Poulsen on guitar, and Charles James on bass back to RockyGrass! We hope our feet can keep up with their chops.
The Cody Sisters
Sarah Jarosz
The Slocan Ramblers
MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES
Henhouse Prowlers
SATURDAY
2:00 - 3:15
The Brothers Comatose
SATURDAY
3:45 - 5:00
Béla Fleck & Abigail
Washburn
SATURDAY 5:30 - 6:45
Looking for some energetic diplomats to spread the sacred gospel? We got ‘em! In the seventeen years since their inception, Henhouse Prowlers have traveledallovertheworld.Theybegan working as cultural ambassadors with the US State Department back in 2013, and have since become accustomed to a plethora of international travel, including tours in Siberia and the Middle East. These global experiences certainly pushed the band in new directions
Prepare to get comatoasted, Festivarians, because The Brothers Comatose grok like no other. That’s notatypobtw,togrokistounderstand something intuitively, almost as if by empathy. When you see these guys perform together, you’ll know what we mean.This five piece is composed of brothers Ben Morrison (guitar and vocals) and Alex Morrison (banjo and vocals), Steve Height on bass, Philip Brezina on violin, and Greg Fleischut on mandolin and vocals.
Béla and Abby, Abby and Béla. No matter which way you spin it, these banjo-anados (hoping this saying will take off, tell your friends) are two halves of a whole. Add in two curly haired boys, and you’ve got yourself the perfect pickin’ party! Béla’s most recent accomplishments arrived in the shape of two GRAMMYs, one for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, and one for Best Global Music Performance for his work with As We Speak. Abby is years into her own
musically, with songs from Africa and Asia included on several albums. The group was moved to start an educational outreach program for both school children and festivalgoers alike! They’ve got luscious locks galore, as well as Chris Dollar on guitar, Jake Howard on mandolin, Ben Wright pluckin’ the 5 string banjo, and Jon Goldfine holding things steady on the bass. Their most recent release, Lead and Iron, came out in September of 2023.
Their most recent album, Ear Snacks, blessed our hungry ears in 2023. And it didn’t disappoint! They’re doing it all, including collaborations with The California Honeydrops, The McCourys, Niki Bluhm, and AJ Lee among others. This is the first time these fellas are playing RockyGrass, but they have their own festival called Comatopia, so they most definitely know the ropes. Give them your friendliest Festivarian welcome to Lyons!
illustrious career which also includes multiple GRAMMY nominations and international tours. These two are seriously the perfect pair! Recently, Abby’s been holding down the familial fort in Nashville, where she serves on the kid’s school board, and is a board member for Unmanageable Arts, whose mission is to mobilize resources for artists working for social change. They’re out here making the world a better place. Sit back and enjoy the banjo bonanza!
MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES
SATURDAY
7:00 - 8:30
9:00 - 10:30 Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Sam Bush Bluegrass Band
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
10:30 - 11:30
Bluegrass fiddle played correctly sears your soul.It cries, it weeps, it shouts. And underneath there’s a fire that Michael Cleveland knows how to stoke. Widely considered the best fiddler of his generation, Cleveland has been recognized 12 times as the IBMA’s “Fiddler of the Year,” and in 2018 was inducted into the National Fiddler’s Hall of Fame. His band Flamekeeper provides the perfect underpinning for forays into traditional bluegrass and well beyond. The group is Josh
Every year we rack our brains to think of what we can say about our ol’ friend Sammy B that we haven’t said before. Turns out, after 40 some-odd years of friendship, we’ve exhausted many adjectives! We won’t pull out our thesauruses this time, because honestly, we don‘t have to. It’s obvious by the massive grin on Sam’s face—the guy’s having an absolute blast. He carries himself with grace and poise, whether on the Main Stage or at the batting
Happy sunny Sunday! We certainly hope it’s sunny outside as you are reading this…but anyways, couldn’t we all use a dash of hope, a pinch of promise and a sprinkle of sunshine? The Solar Sisters are ready to bring just that to the stage for our traditional Sunday morning gospel set. The nebula of The Solar Sisters came into existence when mandolinist, KC Groves (Uncle Earl), and banjo player Kyra Holt (Sugar Moon), bonded over their love of hard-driving, harmony-
Richards (guitar), Nathan Livers (mandolin), Jasiah Shrode (banjo), and Chris Douglas (bass), who plays clean while keeping plenty of personality in the music. Michael’s latest album, The Lovin’ of the Game, is a 2024 GRAMMY nominee, and his album Tall Fiddler won a GRAMMY in 2019. That same year, Cleveland’s amazing life of adversity and achievement was featured in the documentary film Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story.
cages. Eyes closed and jersey finely pressed, Sam seamlessly combines elements of jazz, folk, and reggae. But nobody loves, appreciates, and respects traditional bluegrass more than he does.Nor does anyone have quite a handle on a Harry Caray impression! You should ask him about it sometime. He is joined by Stephen Mougin on guitar (who brings the “mojo” as always), Wes Corbett on banjo, Todd Parks on bass, and Chris Brown on percussion.
laden traditional bluegrass. Fiddler Bevin Foley (Trout Steak Revival), bassist Erin Youngberg (FY5), and guitarist Amy Scher (Amy & Hailey) were quickly pulled into orbit. The Sunday morning gospel bluegravitational force always seems to attract a heaping dose of hot picking special guests and heavenly singers! We’ve heard whispers of a sing-along so we hope that the force will be large enough to pull you into singing along too.
MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES
Runner SUNDAY NOON - 1:15
We know it’s day three of the Fest, but we’re really zoned in on the number two.Two Runner: two women, two voices, two instruments… it’s entirely too good! Paige Anderson, guitar wizkid from the Anderson Family Band and avid offroader, coined the term “2runner” as a play on words throwing shade at 2 wheel drive 4runners (the perfectly souped up package to explore paved roads). A few months later, she met old time fiddler Emilie Ross through
a mutual friend, and the rest was history. The duo released Modern Cowboy last year, a gorgeous debut collection that highlights the band’s pastoral frailing and the haunting beauty of their harmonizing. They made their TBF debut in 2023, and have shared the stage with Sierra Ferrell, Watchhouse, Nick Shoulders, and more. Luckily the roads getting to Planet Bluegrass are pretty mild, so a 2runner can join in on the fun of Two Runner, no problem! Pixie & The Partygrass Boys
1:30 - 2:45
Tim O’Brien Band
SUNDAY 3:15 - 4:30
If you can’t tell by the name, this quintet is about to bring the energy. And if you can believe it, they’re not even all boys!! Katia “Pixie” Racine heads the band up on the ukulele. She is joined by Amanda B. Grapes on fiddle, Ben Weiss on Mandolin, Andrew Nelson on guitar, tied up in a lil’ bow with Zach holding everything Downes on bass. Hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, this crew used to be a group of ski bums jammin’ out in between runs
O’Boy do we love Tim O’Brien! A conversation surrounding the best Tim albums of all time is guaranteed to end in a standoff, as each offers something exceptional. Red on Blonde, an assortment of Dylan covers, (and my personal favorite), is a can’t miss. As is Fiddler’s Green, anything he’s ever done with Hot Rize, and his newest, Cup of Sugar
His most recent single, “You Took Me In,” is upbeat, cheerful, and thoughtful, all at the same time,
and while après-ing. This may be obvious when listening to the lyrics of “Ski and Party,” but we’re sure they’ll tell you more about all that history. Their fourth record, cover album The Chicken Coop Vol. 1, was released last year on Americana Vibes. Hopefully Vol. 2 is headed to bless our ears soon. Put your dancing shoes on and prepare to get loose Festipartyans, Pixie & The Partygrass Boys are about to take you on a ride. Let’s send it!
which is a skill Tim has honed through the years. So really, when it comes down to it, you can’t miss any of his material! A one-of-a-kind songwriter, picker, fiddler, and allaround wonderfully kind guy, Tim was officially inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2022. He is joined by his beautiful bride Jan Fabricius on mandolin, Shad Cobb on fiddle, Mike Bub on bass, and Justin Moses on dobro. O’My, we can’t wait for this one!
MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES
Sister Sadie
SUNDAY
5:00 - 6:15
Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band
SUNDAY
6:45 - 8:00
Dan Tyminski
SUNDAY
8:30 - 10:00
Sister Sadie has been reborn, and we think the new combination is blazing! They are wildfire: raging hot bluegrass combined with breathtaking instrumental drive, awe-inspiring vocals with cohesively warm harmonies woven throughout (it’s no wonder that they have won the IBMA Vocal Group of The Year three times).Founding band members Deanie Richardson (fiddle) and Gena Britt (banjo & vocals) are joined by newcomers Jaelee Roberts (guitar &
Prep your hypotheses, Festivologists! Dare we say hypothestrums? No, we couldn’t possibly, it would be too cheesy. We’re here with a real question! What happens when you combine a bit of Beck, a bundle of Book, a dash of Davis, a smidge of Stickley, and a splinter of Thorn? It seems like an odd pairing, but we did our research, collected the datagrass, and it turns out the result is Bluegrass heaven! Anders Beck (dobro/Greensky Bluegrass), Travis
You know him as the voice behind the Soggy Bottom Boys in the timeless O’ Brother Where Art Thou.Although he’s technically not George Clooney, there’s a likeness there that can’t be ignored no matter how hard we try… Surely it can’t be just us?? Anyways. The 14 time GRAMMY nominated Vermont native and avid golfer isn’t really a Man of Constant Sorrow, he’s actually quite pleasant to be around! He’s had an enviable career, including his longtime history
vocals),DaniFlowers(guitar&vocals), and Maddie Dalton (acoustic bass & vocals).We thinkthenewcombination is blazing! Their most recent effort, No Fear, is a euphonious listen. Ballad heavyintheverybestway,withgroovy toe tappers and even a bright country cover mixed in. As you all know well, there is nothing we love more than kickass women playin’ bluegrass. If we ain’t drinkin’, it’s because we’re intently engrossed in this Sister Sadie set. As should you be, Sistervarians!
Book (bass/Infamous Stringdusters), Robin Davis (mandolin/The Robin Davis Duo), Jon Stickley (guitar/Jon Stickley Trio) and Andy Thorn (banjo/ Leftover Salmon) make up the Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band, who first graced the RockyGrass Main Stage in 2003 as the band contest winners. Many moons may have passed, but our excitement about this supergroup has not waned. Nor will yours, once you see them in action again. We’re thrilled to have them back!
playing mandolin and guitar with Alison Krauss and Union Station.His newest album God Fearing Heathen was released in June of last year. It includes“Hey Brother,”the meteoric hit sampled by Swedish DJ Aviici that connected bluegrass to dance/ electronic music lovers all over the world back in 2013. Dan is joined on stage by Gaven Largent on dobro, Maddie Denton on fiddle, Jason Davis on banjo, Grace Davis on bass, and Harry Clark on mandolin.
In Loving Memory In Griffin “Griff” Ferguson Ferguson
If I’m lucky enough I’ll understand losing someone close I’ll clench my teeth on New Year’s Eve and try to talk to ghosts
I’ll stumble through a market on a summer day in June
Smell the salt and asphalt on Sunday afternoon
I reckon I’d be lucky if I made it half as far
To only die on hills that are closest to my heart
If I’m lucky enough notebooks will be strewn across my room
Play catch in the backyard on a Monday afternoon
If I’m lucky enough I’ll tell the truth every chance I get
Cause smiles faked to appease another is worth ten regrets
If I’m lucky enough I will get through hard things
And they will make me gentle to the ways of the world
If I’m lucky enough I’ll have the courage to leave and go
Wherever my healthy beating heart tells me to go
Our �pcoming �vents in �yons, �O
The Song Schoo�
August 5-8, 2024
�ildflower �all�rass A PAVILION PICKIN’ PARTY
September 20-21, 2024
TICKETS
�ocky �ountain �olks �estiva�
August 9-11, 2024
�lanet �luegrass x The �oulder �hilharmoni� 3 PART SERIES
Sep 25th • Oct 16th • Oct 23rd
Visit Bluegrass.com beginning in October for details on our upcoming events. Tickets for 2025 will go on sale between December and February.
We’ve spent many years refining every aspect of the Festival experience. Your voice is a vital part of this process. Please complete our online survey to be entered to win a pair of tickets to next year’s RockyGrass.
Printed on FSC-certified 80# Neenah Conservation texta 100% post-consumer recycled fiber, made with 100% renewable energy. 2025 �ates to �emember Our �pcoming �vents in
52nd Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 19-22, 2025 �ocky�rass Academy
July 23-26, 2025
53rd Annual �ocky�rass
July 25-27, 2024
Song School
August 4-7, 2025
34th Annual �olks �estival
August 8-10, 2025
Touchstone Signature
Hand-voicedtone, alwayswithin arm’sreach.
