June 01, 2026Alright, my bluegrass-lovin' friends, let's dive into the week ahead on the picking circuit. As always, there's no shortage of top-notch shows to catch, so let's get right to it.
First up, my buddy Greg Blake is headed to Monarch, Montana for a couple of intimate sets at the Thieltges St Thomas Camp on Monday. Greg's a true master of the high, lonesome sound, and if you're anywhere near that neck of the woods, I can't recommend this one enough. Dude's been on a tear lately, and his take on classic bluegrass tunes is just about as good as it gets.
Speaking of can't-miss shows, the dynamic duo of Thunder & Rain are hitting the road with a string of dates, including a stop at Clancy's Bar & Restaurant in Bruff, Co. Limerick on Monday. If you haven't caught these two live yet, you're missing out. Courtney Hartman and Trent Wagler have such an effortless chemistry on stage, and their songwriting is as sharp as their picking.
Over in the UK, Sian & Rob Colquhoun are bringing their award-winning sound to the Ludgershall Memorial Hall in Tidworth on Monday. These two are the real deal, folks , their harmonies will give you chills, and their instrumental work is nothing short of mesmerizing. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and check 'em out.
Midweek Madness
Alright, let's keep this train rolling into the middle of the week. On Tuesday, June 2nd, we've got a killer lineup kicking off. First up, the one and only Nina Gerber is hitting the Alberta Rose Theatre in Portland, Oregon. Nina's a true guitar virtuoso, and her collaborations with folks like Kate Wolf and Nanci Griffith are the stuff of bluegrass legend. This show is a must-see, no doubt about it.
Meanwhile, down in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Debutants are taking the stage at the Ambrosia Orchard, Cidery and Meadery. These young pickers are quickly making a name for themselves on the circuit, and their high-energy take on traditional bluegrass is sure to get the crowd fired up. If you're in the area, don't sleep on this one.
Midweek Movers and Shakers
Alright, let's keep the momentum going. Over in Vancouver, British Columbia, the incomparable Sierra Ferrell is gracing the stage at Rogers Arena on Tuesday. Sierra's voice is pure magic, and her eclectic blend of bluegrass, folk, and Americana is like nothing else out there. If you can snag a ticket to this one, do it , you won't regret it.
Shifting gears, the Kruger Brothers are bringing their Swiss-born virtuosity to the Hotel & Landgasthof Rothorn in Sigriswil, Switzerland on Tuesday. These guys are true masters of their craft, and their intricate, almost classical-inspired compositions are a real treat for any serious bluegrass fan.
Rounding out the Tuesday lineup, we've got the Kenny & Amanda Smith Band holding court at the Montana Fiddle Camp 2026 in Monarch, MT. If you're in the area and looking to get your fiddle on, this is the place to be. Kenny and Amanda are bluegrass royalty, and their shows are always a highlight of any festival or camp.
Weekend Warmup
As we start to wind down the week, let's take a look at what's in store for the weekend. On Wednesday, June 3rd, the unstoppable Greensky Bluegrass is hitting the stage at the Opera House in Toronto, Ontario. These guys have been tearing up the festival circuit for years, and their high-energy, jam-fueled take on bluegrass is always a sight to behold. If you're anywhere near Toronto, do yourself a favor and check these guys out.
And last but certainly not least, I've got to give a shoutout to the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival 2026 happening in Cherokee, North Carolina all weekend long. This is one of the premier bluegrass events of the year, and the lineup is stacked. Keep an eye out for standout sets from Edgar Loudermilk, Authentic Unlimited, and the up-and-coming Fast Track. And if you can make it to Charleston, South Carolina, be sure to catch Molly Tuttle at the Spoleto Festival USA , that girl's got some serious chops.
Alright, my friends, that's just a taste of what's in store this week. As always, head on over to GrassGigs.com to check out the full schedule and start planning your picking adventures. Until next time, keep those strings hummin' and your feet tappin'!