May 25, 2026Well, the bluegrass calendar is packed this week, friends. From the Ozarks to the Scottish Highlands, there's no shortage of foot-stomping, string-bending goodness to get into. Let's dive in, shall we?
First up, the Poverty String Band is hitting the dirty oar in Lancaster, Ohio on Monday. These guys have a knack for taking old-time tunes and giving them a fresh, high-energy spin. Expect plenty of sweet harmonies, lightning-fast picking, and maybe a surprise cover or two. If you're in the area, don't sleep on this one.
Speaking of high energy, the Jacob Jolliff Band is over in Bath, UK on the same night. Jolliff is one of the hottest young mandolin players out there, and his band absolutely rips. They've got a new album called Wanderlust that showcases their blend of bluegrass, newgrass, and straight-up jam. If you're in the mood for some virtuosic picking and soul-stirring songwriting, this show is a must-see.
Branson Bonanza
Now let's head to Branson, Missouri, where Silver Dollar City is hosting their annual Bluegrass & BBQ festival. On Monday, you've got a killer triple bill with Junior Sisk, Nothin' Fancy, and the Larry Stephenson Band. Sisk is a bona fide legend in these parts, with a catalog of hard-driving, old-school bluegrass that'll get your toes tapping. Nothin' Fancy, meanwhile, are masters of the high-lonesome sound — if you dig the Osborne Brothers or Blue Highway, these guys are right up your alley.
And don't sleep on young Carson Peters & Iron Mountain. This kid is only in his early 20s, but he plays with a maturity and technical prowess that'll leave you slack-jawed. If you want a glimpse of the future of bluegrass, this is the show to catch.
Across the Pond
Hopping the pond, we've got some killer international events this week. Two Runner Music is playing a pair of shows in the Netherlands — first at the lantarenvenster in Rotterdam on Monday, then at the burgerweeshuis in Deventer on Tuesday. These guys blend bluegrass, folk, and Americana in a really unique way, with intricate vocal harmonies and inventive instrumentation. If you're in the area, treat yourself to one of these gigs.
Over in the UK, we've got a couple of shows worth highlighting. First, the always-excellent Rain of Animals is hitting the bell inn in Bath on Monday, then Dead Wax Norwich in Norwich on Tuesday. Their dark, atmospheric take on bluegrass is a real breath of fresh air — if you're tired of the same old high-lonesome sound, these guys will wake you up.
Festivals and More
Of course, it wouldn't be a proper bluegrass roundup without some festival action. Down in Missouri, the Folky Fish Festival is hosting the David Mayfield Parade, who are always a blast live. Mayfield's got a knack for blending bluegrass, folk, and a dash of rock 'n' roll — think Avett Brothers meets Sam Bush.
Over in Virginia, the Graves Mountain Music Festival is bringing back the classic Country Gentlemen sound with their tribute show. And out west, the Ogden Music Festival in Utah has two must-see acts: the Sam Grisman Project and the incomparable Sierra Hull.
Finally, if you're in Pennsylvania, don't miss the Northeast Pennsylvania Bluegrass Festival, where Authentic Unlimited will be holding it down. These guys have a killer, high-energy take on traditional bluegrass, with killer harmonies and blazing-fast picking.
Whew, that's just a taste of what's going on this week, folks. Be sure to check out the full listings on GrassGigs.com to see what's happening in your neck of the woods. As for me, I'm eyeing that Sierra Hull show in Ogden — that woman's mandolin playing is simply out of this world. See you on the festival grounds!