Alright, bluegrass pickers, let's talk about what's going down this week. As always, there's no shortage of hot licks and tight harmonies happening across the country, so get ready to hit the road.
We've got Hank-Pattie & the Current kicking things off on Monday with a show at Molly's Chambers in Birkenhead, UK. This husband-wife duo has been turning heads with their fresh take on traditional bluegrass, and rumor has it they've got a killer new album in the works. If you're across the pond, don't miss this one.
Back stateside, Ricky Skaggs is hitting the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Monday night. Skaggs is a living legend, and any chance to see him perform live is worth the trip. He'll be pulling from his deep catalog of classics, so get there early and soak it all in.
On Tuesday, we've got a couple must-see shows. First up, Magoo is taking the stage at Songbirds in Chattanooga. These guys have been tearing up the festival circuit with their lightning-fast picking and tight vocal harmonies. If you haven't caught them yet, this is the perfect opportunity.
Also on Tuesday, Greg Blake is playing a show in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Blake is one of the most soulful vocalists in bluegrass, and his guitar work is nothing to sneeze at either. This show is gonna be a real treat for anyone who appreciates masterful musicianship.
Festivals and Special Events
Now, let's talk about some of the bigger events happening this week. On Wednesday, the Albino Skunk Music Festival is going down in Greer, South Carolina, and East Nash Grass is on the bill. These guys have been making waves with their unique blend of bluegrass, Americana, and jam-band influences. If you're in the area, this festival is a must-attend.
Also on Wednesday, the Henhouse Prowlers are playing the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky. These guys are known for their high-energy shows and creative interpretations of traditional bluegrass tunes. If you're a fan of virtuosic picking and tight harmonies, this is the show for you.
Moving into the weekend, the Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival is happening in Meridian, Mississippi, and it's got some heavy hitters on the lineup. On Thursday, you can catch Becky Buller, who's been absolutely killing it with her blend of contemporary bluegrass and old-school country. And on Friday, don't miss The Grascals — they're one of the tightest, most polished bands in the game right now.
Finally, if you're headed to Branson, Missouri, be sure to check out the Silver Dollar City Bluegrass & BBQ Festival. The Seldom Scene is playing on Saturday, and if you're a fan of that classic, high-lonesome sound, you won't want to miss it.
My Pick of the Week
Alright, folks, that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many amazing shows happening this week, it's almost overwhelming. But if I had to single out one that I'm particularly excited about, it would be Magoo at Songbirds in Chattanooga on Tuesday. These guys are the real deal, and I have a feeling their show is going to be the talk of the bluegrass community for weeks to come.
As always, be sure to check out the full listings on GrassGigs.com to see what's happening in your neck of the woods. And remember, life's too short to miss a good bluegrass show, so get out there and support the music we love.