June 22, 2026Alright folks, it's that time of the week again – your friendly neighborhood bluegrass picker is back with the lowdown on what's going down in the world of acoustic music. This week's lineup is looking mighty fine, with 389 shows across 52 states and 185 bands taking the stage. As always, there are a few standouts that caught my eye.
First up, our friends from Sequoia Rose are hitting the road for a whopping 7 shows, including a stop at the One World Cafe in Moscow, Idaho on Monday. If you haven't heard their latest album, "Wildflower," you're in for a real treat – those harmonies will have you humming all the way home.
Speaking of harmonies, the Amanda Cook Band is making their way to the Collins Theatre in Paragould, Arkansas on the same night. Amanda's voice is like butter, and her pickers know how to keep things tight. This one's a sleeper, so don't sleep on it.
Over in Phoenix, Arizona, the legendary Jason Carter is taking the stage at the Musical Instrument Museum. Now, Jason may be best known for his work with The Del McCoury Band, but trust me, his solo stuff is just as jaw-dropping. You'll want to bring your A-game if you plan on trying to keep up with his lightning-fast licks.
Bluegrass Royalty Hits the Road
Tuesday night is shaping up to be a real doozy, folks. First, we've got Alison Krauss & Union Station taking the stage at the Brown County Music Center in Nashville, Indiana. Alison's voice is pure magic, and with the full Union Station crew backing her up, this is going to be one for the books.
Speaking of must-see shows, the Punch Brothers are hitting the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri. These guys are the cream of the crop when it comes to progressive bluegrass, and their live performances are nothing short of mind-blowing. If you can snag a ticket, do it – you won't regret it.
Meanwhile, out in Susanville, California, Edgar Loudermilk is bringing his signature sound to the Lassen County Fairgrounds. Edgar's a real master of the storytelling side of bluegrass, and his guitar work is always on point. This one's a guaranteed good time.
The Bluegrass Capital Lights Up
And if that wasn't enough, Nashville is absolutely hopping on Tuesday night. First, you've got Watkins Family Hour taking the stage at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. If you're a fan of Nickel Creek or just great acoustic music in general, this is a must-see.
Over at the Station Inn, the boys in 50 Shades of Hay are holding court. These guys are the real deal when it comes to hard-driving bluegrass, and their shows are always a raucous good time.
And let's not forget the Grand Ole Opry, where you can catch both The Isaacs and the one and only Rhonda Vincent. These are two of the biggest names in the business, and seeing them on the Opry stage is about as close to bluegrass heaven as you can get.
Festival Season is in Full Swing
Of course, it wouldn't be a proper bluegrass roundup without a few festival highlights. First up, the ROMP Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky is bringing the heat, with Punch Brothers, Brad Kolodner, and The Cody Sisters all taking the stage.
And down in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, the Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival is going off, with Ironwood Drive and Danny Paisley & Southern Grass leading the charge. These festivals are always a blast, so if you're anywhere near these events, do yourself a favor and get out there.
Well, that about does it for this week's roundup. As always, be sure to check out the full listings on GrassGigs.com for all the latest shows and festival info. And if you're ever in need of a picking partner, you know where to find me – I'll be the one in the back corner, trying to keep up with the pros. Until next time, keep on pickin'!