MODAL MOUNTAIN

MAY 16

Modal Mountain is a trio featuring a variety of Irish, old-time, jazz, bluegrass, and more. The song repertoire pulls from artists Gillian Welch, Sam Amidon, Martin Hayes, Ralph Stanley, and more. Achieving the praise and appreciation of bluegrass heroes such as Gary “Biscuit” Davis (Dolly Parton, 5-time National Banjo Champion), Noam Pikelny (Punch Brothers, Mighty Poplar), Jack Tuttle (Molly Tuttle), Tony Trischka, Jens Kruger (Kruger Brothers), and numerous others, Willow, Jesse and Cody are exceptional ambassadors of American music, combining a rich knowledge of the history of Appalachian, jazz, Irish and popular American traditions with a fresh and original musical identity. The three are highly influential artists, each in their own right, with a deep technical mastery of their craft and a passion for connecting to audiences through an outstanding breadth of musical styles.

Corey James Clifton Band

MAY 22

Don’t miss Corey James Clifton, an East Tennessee native, at Boyd’s Jig & Reel. After eight years of traveling the West Coast perfecting his craft, Corey has returned home as a premier artist in the South. He blends soul, rock, blues, and R&B with addictive riffs and powerful lyrics. His live shows are energetic, memorable, and kick-ass. 

BIG PINK

MAY 23

BLUE MOTHER TUPELO

MAY 29

Blue Mother Tupelo is comprised of Ricky & Micol (pronounced “Michael”) Anne Davis. Their life together as Blue Mother Tupelo began in Knoxville, Tennessee, as a duo in 1995 before melding into various experimental configurations, from a famous blues-rock electric quartet to a kind of acoustic-driven country blues. Chosen by 2022 Music Artist of the Year by The Southland Music Line, BMT songs & albums have charted #5 in Americana and #2 in Euro-Americana Radio, as well as having reached the U.S. Top 40 Country Charts. 

Life Like Water

may 30

Life Like Water is a “global folk” band based out of Asheville, NC. Their musical style is like a multi-colored tapestry of sounds and influences. With a focus on hypnotic rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and melodies that contain flavors of Appalachia, Africa, and the Middle East, the music of this eclectic ensemble is sure to uplift and inspire.

TRUE BLUE 

JUNE 20

True Blue is a Knoxville Tennessee based mostly-bluegrass band formed by banjo instructor, Banjo Newsletter contributor, and Mel Bay author Jack Hatfield over forty years ago. In the early years. Jack’s job as a full-time music instructor prohibited touring so he was content to perform on the East Tennessee convention circuit, local music venues, private and corporate events, and they did a stint in the 1980’s as the Dollywood bluegrass band. Having been around so long there have been many personnel changes. Notable True Blue alumni include well-known artists such as Roscoe Morgan, Richard Bennett, Paul Brewster, Clay Hess, Tim Laughlin, and Wayne Taylor. In 2023 after divesting himself from most of his other lifelong vocational obligations Jack was able to become more dedicated to his music. He made personnel changes and the band started more focused and regular practice and began introducing original material and exploring non-bluegrass music styles. They are looking forward to touring and working at more prestigious festivals and concert venues and releasing their original music.

Barkley Cove

JUNE 27

Barkley Cove is the band to watch in the new folk scene. Founded on group songwriting, rich vocal harmony, and improvisation, members Jillian Dolan (guitar, vocals), Silas Gross (guitar, banjo, vocals), Yusuf Miller (mandolin, vocals), and Robert Myers (bass) fearlessly mix genres of folk, rock, country, and bluegrass to create a distinctively original musical style. After debuting at local restaurants and bars while attending Millersville University, Barkley Cove quickly gained recognition across their home state of Pennsylvania. With their reach now expanding up and down the East Coast, the band’s imaginative songwriting and dedicated musicianship continues to push the boundaries of folk music.