welcome to BLUEGRASS ISLAND
Welcome to the 13th Annual Bluegrass Island Music Festival, where you’ll enjoy 5 unforgettable days of music and camaraderie with bluegrass enthusiasts.
Renowned Bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent will host an exclusive cruise event aboard The Crystal Dawn on Wednesday, October 16th at 1 p.m., departing from Roanoke Island Marshes Lighthouse. This 2-hour voyage on the Roanoke Island Sound is limited to 90 attendees and features an intimate performance by Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, accompanied by a lavish lunch buffet and refreshments amidst the island’s breathtaking scenery. A second cruise is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th at 11 a.m., featuring Breaking Grass as the host band before shifting to Roanoke Island Festival Park for the final day of the festival. (Cruises are ticketed events.)
We will also kick off this year’s festival with our FREE event on Wednesday,
October 16th at George Washington Creef Memorial Park in Downtown Manteo with Ettore Buzzini, The Wildwoods, Backline, & The Goodwin Brothers. VIP guests will be treated to a BBQ dinner at the event and can pick up their merch kits then as well. Passholders will have the opportunity that night to join Rhonda Vincent for a Late Night Jam at the historic Pioneer Theater – just a short walk away from the free festival kick-off. Late Night Jams are held nightly at 11 p.m. and offer festival passholders and single day ticket holders (for the same day) the rare opportunity to sing and play instruments on stage with each night’s artist.
The 13th Annual Bluegrass Island Music Festival will begin its full-day schedule on Thursday, October 17th, as the Roanoke Island Festival Park gates open at noon. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure preferred seating, sample cuisine from food trucks, explore festival merchandise and vendors, and enjoy the
picturesque surroundings of Shallowbag Bay. The musical performances will begin at 1:30 p.m., featuring Drive Time, East Nash Grass, Rhonda Vincent, Donna The Buffalo, and Scythian, followed by the Late Night Jam at The Pioneer Theater, hosted by Drive Time and The Goodwin Brothers.
On Friday, October 18th, we will reconvene for Day 2 at Festival Park, featuring an exceptional lineup of musical performances by Remedy Tree, The Grascals, The Cleverlys, Shadowgrass, and The Brothers Comatose, followed by an evening of entertainment at the Pioneer Theater for round 3 of our Late Night Jams, hosted by Remedy Tree.
Our last full day of the Bluegrass Island Music Festival, on Saturday, October 19th will begin at 11 a.m. with our 2nd Bluegrass Island Cruise of the year hosted by Breaking Grass. For passholders and single-day ticket holders, gates will open at 12 p.m., with the musical performances
SCHEDULE
Wednesday, October 16
1 p.m. Bluegrass Island Cruise With Rhonda Vincent Free Festival Kick-Off At Creef Park
3 p.m. ...... Ettore Buzzini
4:30 p.m. ... The Wildwoods
6:15 p.m. .... Backline
8 p.m. ...... The Goodwin Brothers
10 p.m. Bluegrass Jam With Rhonda Vincent At The Pioneer Theater
Thursday, October 17
- GATES OPEN AT NOON -
1 p.m. ...... Drive Time
3:15 p.m East Nash Grass
5 p.m Rhonda Vincent
6 pm. ....... Donna The Buffalo
8:45 p.m Scythian
11 p.m Bluegrass Jam With Drive Time & The Goodwin Brothers At The Pioneer Theater
Friday, October 18
- GATES OPEN AT NOON -
1:30 p.m.. . . . Remedy Tree
3:15 p.m. The Grascals
5 p.m. The Cleverlys
6:45 p.m. Shadowgrass
8:45 p.m. ... The Brothers Comatose
11 p.m.. . . . . . Bluegrass Jam With Remedy Tree At The Pioneer Theater
scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. on the picturesque lawn of Roanoke Island Festival Park. The lineup features Shannon Baker & Sometime Soon, Henhouse Prowlers, Appalachian Roadshow, Breaking Grass, and our festival headliner, Infamous Stringdusters will round out the evening before we move to The Pioneer Theater for one last Late Night Jam hosted by Breaking Grass. Those staying in town on Sunday are encouraged to attend Authentic Unlimited’s performance at Roanoke Island Festival Park’s indoor theater. Tickets for their show are available online at www.BluegrassIsland.com. We extend our gratitude for participating in the 13th Annual Bluegrass Island Festival and invite you to explore the 2025 lineup, taking advantage of our early bird special passes available online as well. Thank you again for being a part of our Bluegrass Island family! Enjoy your time in Manteo and we hope to see you in 2025 and for many years to come!
Saturday, October 19
11 a.m. Bluegrass Island Cruise with Breaking Grass
- GATES OPEN AT NOON -
1:30 p.m.. . . . Shannon Baker & Sometime Soon
3:15 p.m. .... Henhouse Prowlers
5 p.m. ...... Appalachian Road Show
6:45 p.m. ... Breaking Grass
8:45 p.m. The Infamous Stringdusters
11 pm. Bluegrass Jam with Breaking Grass at the Pioneer Theater
Sunday, October 20
2 p.m ....... Authentic Unlimited at the Indoor Theater at Festival Park
Bluegrass Island cruises
Join us for a 2-hour cruise on the Roanoke Sound for a delicious buffet with special guests! Cruise with Rhonda Vincent on Wednesday or Breaking Grass on Saturday.
The Crystal Dawn will depart from the Marshes Lighthouse dock on the Manteo Waterfront. Each cruise is limited to only 90 people.
Lunch buffet menu:
Southern Fried Chicken, Seasoned Green Beans, Honey Cornbread, Baked Mac N’ Cheese, Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Sodas, Tea, Beer, Wine, and Bloody Marys
Coming in 2025
• Amanda Cook
• Authentic Unlimited
• Lonesome River Band
• Malpass Brothers
• Rhonda Vincent
• Unspoken Tradition
• Frank Solivan
• Wood Box Heroes
• Pam Tillis
• The Steeldrivers
• Jacob Jolliff Band
• Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra
• Dan Tyminski Band
• Steep Canyon Rangers
• Ricky Skaggs
WEDNESDAY Oct. 16
Ettore Buzzini
When 16-year-old Ettore (pronounced like “Eddie Ray”) Buzzini says this, his meaning is as unique as his take on his beloved bluegrass: while born and raised in a blue-collar neighborhood in the suburbs of Charlotte, NC, his musical roots are a mash-up of mountain traditions, juxtaposing the high lonesome sound of his mother’s native Tennessee Smokey Mountains with the Swiss-Italian folk music of his father’s native Alps. His maternal grandfather gave him his first banjo at the age of 9, and by the time he was 10, he was picking and grinning and holding his own with the older players at the local jam sessions. Seven years later, Ettore has moved beyond technical mastery of the instrument to develop a unique and instantly recognizable sound. He released his first album at age 15, after a scout
from Patuxent Records heard him at a fiddler’s convention in 2021. The album garnered significant airplay and a positive review in the revered Bluegrass Hall of Fame’s Bluegrass Unlimited. Ettore puts hard-driving
banjo front-and-center, accompanied by the high lonesome vocals of the genre, and, in true bluegrass tradition, writes lyrics that speak to the human experience – experience influenced by his melting-pot 21st-century
world. In true bluegrass tradition, his songs tell stories of the human experience, filtered through the imagination of a young man coming of age. His song themes range wide: a young man’s angst as he grapples with
The Wildwoods
very note we play is a chapter in our story, a journey through the heart of American roots music. We’re The Wildwoods, where each lyric is a leaf in the vast forest of our sound.”
In the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, The Wildwoods emerge as a folk/Americana trio, a musical tapestry woven by the husband-and-wife duo, Noah (guitar) and Chloe Gose (violin), alongside long-time friend and bassist, Andrew Vaggalis. Their story is a symphony of exploration and connection, a journey that has taken them from the Midwest to international stages, carving out a unique place in the folk landscape. Their presence has graced stages alongside
artists such as Mighty Poplar, Sierra Ferrell, Aiofe O’ Donovan, Melissa Carper, Jamie Wyatt and Joe Nichols at concerts and festivals like Summerfest, FreshGrass and the Oyster Ridge Music Festival.
United by a passion for folk/Americana, the trio’s influences range from Watchhouse and Nickel Creek, to Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. Their music, though comfortably under the folk/Americana umbrella, weaves intricate chord structures and emotional textures that defy genre boundaries. Together, their harmonies resonate with artful sincerity, drawing inspiration from nature, their shared experiences of growing up in Nebraska, and life on the road.
destiny and death; the lament of an immigrant who gets trapped in a cartel; a traditional Italian love song; and the timeless romantic tragedy of ships passing in the night.
The unrestrained youthful energy of his band’s live shows gives them the adrenaline rush of a rock concert, and audiences have used words like “thrilling,” “exciting,” and “breathtaking” to describe the experience.
“I plan to carry this music forward to the 22nd century” says Ettore, boldly stating his aim to place Bluegrass at the highest echelons of the international music scene. With his combination of masterful bluegrass chops, fresh, youthful songwriting, and high-lonesome vocals, Ettore is at the forefront of young traditional musicians who are bound to make the newest generation sit up, listen, and dance.
6PM - 9PM
Select Dates
NOVEMBER 22nd
DECEMBER 28th 14 11 National Park Drive Manteo, NC
Backline
Backline is a fivepiece band out of Spartanburg, SC. They came together in March, 2016. Since then, they have hit the ground striving to fulfill their musical goals. They have a sound that is fresh, fun, different, and yet familiar at the same time. Their style of picking has proven to be modern, with just enough traditional flare that it catches the ear of the younger generation of bluegrass listeners. It can be enjoyed by the more seasoned veterans of the genre as well. The group focuses on carefully arranged music and vocal harmonies. This allows them to bring a smooth and vibrant presence to the stage. Having the
ability to create their own catalog of original music, but also give traditional
covers a Backline feel, the band is looking forward to leaving their musical
mark wherever they can. With their roots planted in that good, ole time, mountain music soil, while being watered by today’s more contemporary grass sounds, Backline hopes to branch out and produce a music, like so many have before them, that will stand the test of time in the Bluegrass industry.
Because most of the original band members grew up in “Mill Hill Towns” such as Pacolet, Glendale, Spartanburg, etc., the group wanted to choose a name that’s meaning went along with that historical heritage. So they chose Backline.
The Goodwin Brothers
Hailing from the heart of Kentucky, The Goodwin Brothers stand as a testament to the rich tradition of Bluegrass and Americana music, infusing their sound with a distinctive progressive touch. Comprising a group of exceptionally talented musicians, this brotherly ensemble has captivated audiences far and wide with their harmonious blend of soulful vocals, virtuosic instrumentals, and an unwavering passion for storytelling through music.
The nucleus of the band is Jonathan & William (Vocals, Guitar/Banjo & Mandolin) along with Kenneth (Chase) Bush on vocals. They have collectively assembled an all-star cast of musicians that accompany them on their new self-titled album, and in their live shows. The Brothers have found plenty of opportunities to challenge the notion of what bluegrass is. Despite releasing an album in a genre known to spark arguments
The word backline was a term used in that booming textile era here in the south. It was used to describe the back of the mill, the last row of houses in a housing section, and even the back section of a working area. They chose to bond a piece of their history with, hopefully, a long and prosperous future.
Backline is comprised of Katelyn Ingardia –Guitar and Vocals, Alex Hampton – Dobro and Vocals, Jacob Connor –Mandolin and Vocals, Jacob Carroll – Banjo and Vocals, and Chris Williamson – Doghouse Bass.
over what counts as “authentic,” The Goodwin Brothers seem far more concerned with realizing their own vision than hewing to hard-line conventions — like sticking to a strict repertoire of mostly traditional bluegrass songs and standards. The arrival of this project seems to speak all these languages at once: unafraid to push the boundaries of its primary genre, and packing the musical chops to bring such an eclectic vision to life. That makes The Goodwin Brothers and their debut a critical point along a storied timeline, one whose innovations offer countless connections between the genre’s origins and its future. We can only hope that this project, these harmonies, and this music hints at what they’ll be doing in the coming years. These boys will fit firmly within the ranks of Bluegrass & Americana music — however nebulous, layered and diverse that realm may be. They have only themselves to thank.
Drive Time
Drive Time is an innovative bluegrass band based out of Roxboro, NC. The band is known for their hard driving sounds and sweet, high harmonies. With veteran sidemen (and women) who have toured nationally and regionally with the likes of Sideline, Nu-Blu and Sweet Potato Pie, these six friends have ventured out on their own to bring you the bluegrass music that has inspired them. Influenced by IIIrd Tyme Out, Mountain Heart, The Lonesome River Band, Boone Creek, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver and countless others, they create their own refreshing sound.
With diverse backgrounds in traditional bluegrass and country music, Drive Time encompasses a unique sound of their own. The band’s talent includes: Bailey Coe – guitar, Austyn Howell – guitar, Tyler Jackson – banjo, Austin Koerner – mandolin, Katie Koerner – fiddle, and Doug Young – bass.
East Nash Grass
Bluegrass music may be one of America’s “traditional” styles, but at its heart it has always been wild and spontaneous. The style demands every ounce of facility and intent that each performer can muster – It fires on all cylinders or none at all. Few bands do it as well as East Nash Grass. An ensemble of standout players from a city known for the quality of its musicians, East Nash Grass came by its name and reputation honestly, honing their performance chops night after night on a tiny stage on Music City’s east side. Even now having played many of the biggest stages in bluegrass, East Nash Grass can still be found every Monday night performing in that same east side bar. Dedication to
a group’s roots and a commitment to hard work are earmarks of great Nashville bands of all kinds, and East Nash Grass exemplifies what it means to be a bluegrass band from Nashville. The band that would become East Nash Grass began to take shape by chance, as a weekly bluegrass night at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge. The gig leadership changed hands and players came and went over several years, and what started as a loose collection of pickers gradually solidified into a committed group of dedicated bandmates. They quickly became one of the top young bands in bluegrass music, whose members have been highly sought-after
See East Nash, page 23
Rhonda Vincent
Rhonda Vincent is a firecracker of talent that powers one of the hottest bands in any genre of music today.
From humble beginnings in the tiny town of Greentop, Missouri, Rhonda’s musical heritage traces back 5 generations of the Vincent family. Her dad would pick her up from school each day, and they would sing and play till dinner. After dinner, friends came over, and they would sing and play till bedtime. She began her professional music career singing in her family’s band The Sally Mountain Show. It was an immediate “on the job training,” as they had a TV show, radio show, and made their first recording when Rhonda was 5 years old. She picked up the mandolin at eight, the fiddle at twelve, and learned a valuable life lesson as a teenager performing with her family at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. While they were playing in the pouring rain to empty seats, and what they thought, no one listening – a week later they received a call from Hal Durham, general manager of the Grand Ole Opry at the time, and who just happened to be listening with his family around the corner. Mr. Durham loved what he heard and invited the Vincent family to appear on the Opry.
Rhonda’s life of music evolved into a successful career in bluegrass music; after being discovered by Grand Ole Opry
See Vincent, page 22
Donna the Buffalo is a band from Trumansburg, New York. It plays both original songs and cover versions.
A musician friend suggested “Dawn of the Buffalo” as a name
Donna the Buffalo
The band has performed and recorded with a variety of musicians, including such
prominent folk/roots performers as Jim Lauderdale, the father and son zydeco musicians
Preston and Keith Frank, Bela Fleck of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, the Malian musician Mamadou Diabate, Claire Lynch, David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, The Duhks and Amy Helm. In 2009, Tara Nevins toured with the former Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann and his band, BK3.
While Nevins and Puryear do most of the songwriting, herd members include:
• Tara Nevins – vocals, acoustic guitar, fiddle, accordion, washboard, occasional backing vocals, tambourine
• Jeb Puryear – electric guitar, vocals, occasional pedal steel, rare backup vocals
• Chris English – drums
• David McCracken – electric keyboard, organ
• Ted Pecchio – electric bass guitar
1. Bluegrass Island Merchandise
2. Bluegrass Island Charitable Fdn. 3. Happy Lizard 4. Happy Lizard
5. Cool Water Tie Dyes
6. Papa Bear Woodworks
7. Unique Creations
8. Forever Birdhouses
9. Apsara 10. Apsara 11. Gracie’s Place
12. Cotton Blossom Creations 13. Shred-n-Stitch 14. Carolina Hemp Supply
Matt Creative Woodworking
Amazon Ecology 17. Kettle Corn
18. Mini Donuts Made to Order 19. Mountain Family Glass
20. Southern Premier Roofing (sponsor)
21. Tony’s Ice Cream 22. Soulshine
23. Mixed Media Hands On Art 24. Elements, Artful Accents
25. Live, Laugh, Tie Dye 26.
27. Peace Frogs
28. Parker Designs
29. Beaded Beauties
30. Beagles and Bling
31. Pirates Way Creations 32. Jacmel Bay 33. Volunteer tent
Bottled water 35. Shut the Barn Door Coffee
37. On the Spot Creamery 38. Sooey’s BBQ & Rib Shack
39. Shipwrecked 40. Fork’et Me Not 41. Billyum’s Bites 42.
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45. Southern Haven Boutique
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Remedy Tree hit the scene at the 2023 IBMA Ramble Showcase as one of the South East’s hottest rising groups. In recent years they have opened or performed with talent such as Peter Rowan, Rhonda Vincent, Ricky Skaggs, Della Mae, The Steeldrivers and more.
Remedy Tree, founded by Gabriel and Abigail Acevedo in 2015, in its inception had a strong indie-folk sound. As time progressed Remedy Tree added a banjo player and were subsequently thrust into a bluegrass trajectory. Gabriel Acevedo was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and was raised in rural Umatilla
FRIDAY Oct. 18
Remedy Tree
Florida. His Puerto Rican heritage and upbringing provides an outsider’s approach to the genre. Abigail was raised in folk and oldtime music circles and traveled with her family band throughout her teen years.
An original music band at heart, Remedy Tree combines the love for bluegrass, an Appalachian oldtime spirit, and the folk melodies that started it all, creating a truly unique Americana experience that provides a fresh perspective into where bluegrass is headed in the future. Remedy Tree recently welcomed Bryce Griffin
See Remedy, page 22
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. The Grascals include musicians: Terry Smith on bass, Jamie Harper on fiddle, Kristin
of their original songs or reworking a bluegrass classic or a pop standard. Take for instance, fan favorite, “Last Train to Clarksville.” Non-bluegrass listeners enjoy a new take on a familiar song, while diehard bluegrass audiences who may have never heard the Monkees classic, respond inkind, not even realizing that the song has been Grascalized.
As they celebrate their 20th anniversary, The Grascals can truthfully say they have the best of both worlds – the steadiness of a veteran group that knows who they are and where they’re going, and the excitement and energy of an ensemble that knows it still has something to prove. With a ue create and blazing new music trails, be on the lookout for much
The Cleverlys
The Cleverlys is a oneof-a-kind, unique comedy and music experience. From the group’s humble beginnings in the Ozark Mountains, to currently headlining festivals and PAC’s all over the country, even performing regularly on the coveted Grand Ole Opry stage. One thing is for certain, there is no other show like this out there.
The group is comprised of Dr Digger Cleverly on Guitar, Vocals, and the Director of Buttery Smoothness.
Digger’s nephews: Ricky Lloyd Cleverly: Bass, Kick, and the King of Bluegrass Oral Percussion.
Haggis Cleverly: Mandolin, Vocals, Neeps and Tatties.
Dale Vernon Dale “DVD” Cleverly: Banjo, Vocals, VCR repair.
Digger’s youngest brother: Wasper Cleverly: Dobro, Vocal, Vibes.
This group is a master class of comedic timing, showmanship, and world class musicianship.
Dr Digger is the master churner of all things buttery and smooth. “His comedy is a hybrid of Homer and Jethro and The Office” said Rolling Stone Magazine.
“If Dolly Parton, Earl Scruggs, and Spinal Tap spawned a litter of puppies, it would be The Cleverlys” says the New York Times.
“The group has evolved over the years and the comedy and musicality is the best it’s ever been. Our show is now on the top shelf.” says Digger Cleverly.
When their instrumental prowess earned them a vast following on social media, childhood friends turned all-star act Shadowgrass found sudden success. But as a young band, the expectations that went along with a large audience proved daunting. “We felt a lot of pressure to make something uniquely us, because we had such a big following, and we felt that they deserved more than what we had given them as of yet,” explains the band. The group dug deep into their own musicality, and tried to block out the noise for their sophomore release All That Will (release date: Oct 4, 2024). “It turned out that dropping those self-imposed expectations and just writing/making music for our
Shadowgrass
own enjoyment was the key to finding our collective voice and making a record we are all proud of.”
Shadowgrass began in 2014 when Clay Russell (Banjo), Luke Morris (Mandolin), Kyser George (Guitar) were jamming at the Grayson County Fiddler’s Convention in Elk Creek, VA. Sometime before their first real show, the name Shadowgrass was suggested simply because they thought it sounded “cool.” Kyser, Clay, and Luke were 9, 13, and 14 years old at the time. Now in their early twenties, their influences and listening habits have changed drastically, but the group has always grown in the same direction musically. They have welcomed fiddle player Madison Morris, who also lends vocals
and songwriting prowess, and bass player Evan Campfield. Luke and Madison trade off
lead vocals, and harmonies seamlessly with one another. Their commitment to and keen
interest in songwriting brings additional dimensions to the band, allowing the group to appeal to listeners outside of the expected jam-band community.
As a very young band that has already been playing together for a decade, Shadowgrass has a unique bond. “We’ve grown up together and have watched each other evolve into the people we are today,” they say. “It sounds cliche but we definitely act more like siblings than bandmates.”
On All That Will, the group explores themes of anxiety and uncertainty, and questioning the people they want to become. Luckily, they’ve had each other to share these experiences with, and it seems that their companionship has only pushed their artistic and musical abilities to new heights.
The Brothers Comatose
The Brothers Comatose’s style is often described as a high-energy, foot-stompin’, “rowdy” folkrock string band. The Acoustic Guitar Magazine describes their music as an “upbeat brand of Americana with lots of twang, a dash of wit, and a splash of surrealism.” At many of their shows, the Brothers Comatose would encourage crowd participation, including clapping, sing-along, and passing around chopsticks to use as percussion instruments. The band redefines bluegrass music as a blend of contemporary rock and traditional bluegrass. Glide
Magazine claims that the Brothers Comatose “bows both to tradition and contemporary designs. Theirs is a rugged, rustic sound that’s implied in each of these eleven songs, one that allows their old timey string band approach to ring with an air of authenticity.”
Whether traveling to gigs on horseback or by tour bus, Americana mavens The Brothers Comatose forge their own path with raucous West Coast renderings of traditional bluegrass, country and rock ‘n’ roll music. The fivepiece string band is anything but a traditional acoustic outfit with
their fierce musicianship and rowdy, rock concert-like shows. The Brothers Comatose is comprised of brothers Ben Morrison (guitar, vocals) and Alex Morrison (banjo, vocals), Steve Height (bass), Philip Brezina (violin), and Greg Fleischut (mandolin, vocals). When they’re not headlining The Fillmore for a sold-out show or appearing at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, the band is out on the road performing across America, Canada, Australia, and hosting their very own music festival, Comatopia, in the Sierra foothills.
SATURDAY Oct. 19
Shannon Baker &
Sometime Soon
Shannon Baker & sometime soon, based in Wilson, NC, is a five-piece band of seasoned musicians and vocalists. They made their Station Inn, Nashville, TN debut last August and have performed up and down the East Coast from New York to South Carolina.
Banjo, guitar, fiddle and bass come together in this group to form a strong, unique blend along with tight three-part harmonies. From bluegrass to country and blues, the group enjoys performing all types of music and hopes that there’s a little something for everyone in each show.
The lead vocalist, Shannon Baker, was born and raised in North Carolina and started her singing career in churches and jams around the area. The members of sometime soon consist of Ronnie Parrish on bass, Joe Pessolano on guitar, John Dudley on banjo, and Chris Hill on fiddle.
Henhouse Prowlers
In the two decades since the Henhouse Prowlers’ inception, the band has forged its own path through music and across the globe.
On stage, the group’s enthralling performances give audiences a sense of how much they love what they do; while on record, the band manages to explore their collective life experiences through songwriting and intricate instrumentation. While bluegrass is the undeniable foundation of the Prowlers music, the band manages to bend and squeeze the traditional form into a sound all their own.
With over 175 shows a year, the quartet has toured over 25 countries, often going
to places traditional American music has never been.
Tours in Siberia or the Middle East are not uncommon since the Prowlers started working as cultural ambassadors with the US State Department in 2013. These global experiences have pushed the band in new directions musically, with songs from Africa and Asia on several albums, but they have also moved the group to start an educational outreach program for both school children and festival-goers alike.
Jon Goldfine – Bass, Chris Dollar –Guitar, Jake Howard – Mandolin, Ben Wright – Banjo
Appalachian Road Show
Appalachian Road Show is a visionary acoustic ensemble, bringing new-generation interpretations of traditional Americana, bluegrass and folk songs, as well as offering innovative original music, all presented with a common thread tied directly to the heart of the Appalachian regions of the United States. GRAMMY-nominated banjoist Barry Abernathy joins forces with GRAMMY-winning fiddler Jim VanCleve, fresh off of his recent stint touring with multi-platinum country artist Josh Turner, as well as esteemed vocalist and mandolinist Darrell Webb, who has recorded and toured with Dolly Parton and Rhonda Vincent, among many others. The group also includes 26-yearold “old soul” guitarist Zeb Snyder, whose fierce and versatile playing recalls Doc Watson and Norman Blake as readily as it does Duane Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughn. This incredible band is made complete with two-time GRAMMY-winning Todd Phillips on bass. He was
a founding member of the original David Grisman Quintet and played with a long list of great bluegrass musicians.
“With this group, we want to bring to light the culture and lifestyle of the Appalachian music we grew up in,” says
Abernathy. Abernathy, VanCleve, and Webb know it well as they were each born and raised in Appalachia. “I was 10 or 11 when I started singing in church,” says Abernathy, who grew up near the head of the Appalachian
Trail in northern Georgia. His grandmother had a banjo, and despite being born with only one finger on his noting hand, he knew at the young age of 14 that he wanted to learn to play that banjo and Appalachian music. VanCleve, a North
Carolinian by way of Florida, was gifted his first fiddle when he was six. His grandfather, a preacher, played acoustic music, as did his aunt, uncle, and father. By the age of twelve, VanCleve and his father were travelling all over the mountains of North Carolina and Southwestern Virginia, attending dozens of fiddle contests, bluegrass festivals, and old-time music festivals. Webb grew up in the coal mining country of West Virginia where he mastered old-time and bluegrass music through the influence of his father, a coal miner and bluegrass musician who passed away from black lung –an emotional topic which Appalachian Road Show tackles in its music.
For now, Appalachian Road Show invites us into the music and stories of Appalachia’s culturally-rich heritage. As they say, “It’s part of who we are. It’s natural for us. It is authentic. This music is so vibrant, and it has its own vitality and its own life, and we mean to carry that forward.”
Known for their high energy performances and original material, Breaking Grass delivers heartfelt music with haunting harmonies to match. Now in their 14th year together, Breaking Grass has had multiple albums reach the Top 10 Billboard Bluegrass Charts, numerous songs in the Top 10 Bluegrass Today Charts (boasting multiple number ones), and are acclaimed nationally after performing across
Breaking Grass
the globe. With influences ranging from rock, gospel, country, and soul, this group of award-winning musicians brings something for everyone to each live show. If you have never been a fan of bluegrass music, it might be because you haven’t heard it quite like this.
Hailing from Mississippi, these accomplished musicians have traveled far and wide to bring their storytelling songs to audiences and have become one of the most popular
bands who have played the Bluegrass Island Music Festival. With their fresh sound, original material, strong vocals and innovative musicianship, Breaking Grass is doing exactly what their name implies.
Cody Farrar – guitar, Britt Sheffield – bass, Tyler White – fiddle, Zach Wooten – mandolin, and Jody Elmore – banjo will also be hosting a 2-hour cruise Saturday morning and Bluegrass Jam that night at the Pioneer Theater.
The Infamous Stringdusters
The Infamous Stringdusters are a celebrated American progressive bluegrass band known for their virtuosic musicianship, innovative arrangements, and genre-blending style. The GRAMMY® Award-winning Americana quintet – Andy Falco [guitar], Chris Pandolfi [banjo], Andy Hall [dobro], Jeremy Garrett [fiddle], and Travis Book [double bass] –have musical influences that truly run the gamut, but their common denominator is certainly bluegrass – the sound that has in essence defined the course of their career.
The Infamous Stringdusters stand out as the rare group who can team up with contemporary artists on late night television one night and headline the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre the next, and have recently emerged as
proprietors behind their newly found independent record label, Americana Vibes. Manifesting an actual flock of impassioned fandom, much like those who paved the road before them, the band have attracted a faithful international audience that continues to grow. Moreover, their powerful music and performances paved the way for a GRAMMY® Award win in the category of “Best Bluegrass Album” for 2017’s Laws of Gravity, and a number of International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA) in a variety of categories. Known for their energetic live shows and improvisational prowess, The Infamous Stringdusters continue to push the boundaries of bluegrass while honoring its roots, captivating audiences across the country and around the world.
Authentic Unlimited SUNDAY Oct. 20
023 winners of two International Bluegrass Music Awards (Vocal Group of the Year and New Artist of the Year), the Authentic Unlimited Band brings a powerful and energetic approach to bluegrass music and gives a genuine East Tennessee feel to this musical genre. Jerry Cole (bass and vocals), Eli Johnston (banjo and vocals) and Stephen Burwell (fiddle) were members of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver until Lawson announced his retirement. With Lawson’s blessing and guidance, the three decided to pick up the torch and
carry it forward. They were joined by Jesse Brock (mandolin) and John Meador (guitar) to round out this powerful group.
“This energetic band is on the cutting edge of bluegrass music and will leave their audiences wanting more!” – Milton Harkey, Bluegrass First Class
“The key to longevity for a band is creating a distinctive sound of music. Authentic Unlimited is doing just that and with the wealth of talent among these five men, they are destined for a bright future!” – Doyle Lawson
Caroline Owens –National Anthem
Caroline Owens is a 3X IBMA, 2X JMA, and SPBGMA nominated Bluegrass Vocalist, recording artist and publisher for Billy Blue Records, of Nashville, TN. She has performed alongside many of the music industry’s most accomplished artists such as: Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Suzanne Cox, The Isaacs, Larry Gatlin, Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, The Malpass Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge and many others. In addition to her undeniable vocal talent, Caroline made her mark in the songwriting industry, when her debut single, Heartbreak Train, claimed the #1 Bluegrass song of 2023, on the Bluegrass Borderline Charts. When adding to her numerous
Sherry Boyd — emcee
vocal accolades, Caroline is a 2024 Final Nominee for “Bluegrass Vocalist of the Year” at the Josie Awards, presented at the world famous Grand Ole Opry.
Just months ago, Caroline signed her first publishing contract with Bluegrass boutique label, Billy Blue Publishing. Showcasing her songwriting skills, in addition to vocal prowess. She has since penned songs with the likes of Jerry Salley, Carson Peters, Donna Hughes, Bill Whyte, Rick Lang, Mike Richards, and many more.
Owens continues to make her mark in the Bluegrass world, with her debut album, recently released on Nashville based Bluegrass label, Skyline Records.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the exceptional performance and invaluable contributions of Sherry Boyd at the Bluegrass Island Music Festival. Throughout her distinguished career in broadcasting and the bluegrass community, Sherry has adeptly worn many hats. However, it is as the emcee for our festival that we are most excited. Her professionalism, knowledge, and captivating presence has made her a beloved figure among both the audience and an ever-growing list of event organizers.
Sherry’s ability to engage the audience and keep them well-informed about various aspects of the festival, from band history to upcoming events, has been nothing short of remarkable. Her attention to detail not only extends to the performances but also encompasses the
coordination with food vendors, arts and craft vendors, and our generous sponsors. We are delighted to have Sherry back once again this year as our emcee, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have her as an integral part of our festival family. Her dedication and commitment to ensuring the success of the Bluegrass Island Music Festival have not gone unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for her unwavering support.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sherry for her outstanding contributions and for bringing her unique charm and expertise to our event. We look forward to another fantastic year working alongside Sherry and creating unforgettable experiences for our festival attendees. Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership.
Vincent , from page 9
Star “Jim Ed Brown,” and later spending what she calls her musical college years recording for Giant Records; and learning about the music business from Nashville’s best like James Stroud, Jack McFadden, and Stan Barnett.
It was her pivotal bluegrass album “Back Home Again” that transformed Rhonda Vincent into the All American Bluegrass Girl, and crowned the New Queen of Bluegrass by “The Wall Street Journal” in 2000.
A multi-award winner, with a 2017 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, an Entertainer of the Year 2001, Song of the Year 2004, and unprecedented 7 consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association 2000 – 2006 and an 8th win of IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 2015.
Her lifelong dream came true when she was invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry on February 28, 2020. Rhonda waited an unprecedented 345 days and was officially inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on February 6, 2021.
Her powerful vocal style transcends the boundaries of bluegrass music, as evidenced in her collaboration with Dolly Parton on the Elton John / Bernie Taupin Tribute Project “Restoration” 2018.
Rhonda is always accompanied by her incredible band: The Rage, comprised of Zack Arnold, guitar – Jacob Metz, dobro – Rhonda Vincent, mandolin – Aaron McDaris, banjo – Adam Haynes, fiddle – Mickey Harris, bass.
Remedy, from page 14
(Mandolin) and Nathan Beaumont (banjo) into the band, some of the region’s best players, further blossoming the Remedy Tree sound.
Ernie Evans from Evans Media Source wrote:
“The future for this band will not look like anything you’ve seen to date because they are cutting their own path to success.”
Orlando Weekly said “They are a string band that manage sweet, strolling folk songs and greased-lightning bluegrass burners with equal aplomb.”
Remedy Tree is currently touring venues and festivals all over the Southeast promoting their new album, Love the Journey that features Mark Johnson on banjo and were selected to perform at the IBMA Ramble showcase in Raleigh, NC in 2023 along with some of the country’s top emerging bluegrass acts.
as side musicians for the genre’s top stars and hottest bands. Today, whether it’s bluegrass Monday at Dee’s, or the hallowed stage of the Ryman Auditorium, East Nash Grass brings swagger, staggering abilities, and high energy to every performance.
It’s natural to assume that a band born in a bar would be willing to take risks, and in the case of East Nash Grass, you’d be right. Like birds in a flock, each keenly aware of one another’s every move, the pickers in East Nash Grass fly in tight formation, no matter the twists and turns the moment demands. Their incredible skill as an ensemble makes it look easy, and their chemistry makes it fun to watch. Bluegrass music tends to fall on a spectrum. On one end is the rough and tumble, high-energy style exemplified by the pioneers of the genre. On the other is a highly polished studio-ready approach, one in which each note is executed with clinical perfection. It’s not easy to balance such precision while being musically joyful and in the moment, but East Nash Grass does it, staking their position squarely in the middle of this spectrum, executing at the highest levels of proficiency with a sense of ease and humor that only comes from hundreds of hours making music together.
James Kee is on guitar, Reso-master Gaven Largent also helps with lead and harmony vocals, Harry Clark plays mandolin, Maddie Denton is on fiddle and vocals, on banjo is Cory Walker, and holding it all together on bass is Jeff Partin.
East Nash, from page 8
