June 29, 2026Alright, bluegrass pickers, let's talk about what's going down this week. There's a whole mess of shows across the country, from the Pacific Northwest all the way to the East Coast. I'll try to hit the highlights, but you know I can't cover everything - be sure to check the full listings on GrassGigs to see what's happening in your neck of the woods.
Sequoia Rose and the Cottage Grove Hustle
The one and only Sequoia Rose is kicking things off on Monday night at the Axe and Fiddle in Cottage Grove, Oregon. If you haven't heard Sequoia's latest album Timber and Tears, you're in for a real treat. That girl can flat-out play - she's got a touch on the guitar that'll make your heart skip a beat. And her voice? Honey-smooth, with just the right amount of grit. Folks in Cottage Grove are in for one heck of a show.
Darrell Scott and the Kansas Homecoming
Over in Belle Plaine, Kansas, Darrell Scott is taking the stage at the Bartlett Arboretum on Monday. Darrell's been a fixture on the bluegrass scene for ages, but he's still finding new ways to reinvent his sound. His last album, Couchville Sessions, had this really cool blend of folk, country, and bluegrass that just clicked. I'm excited to see what he's got up his sleeve for this Kansas show - knowing Darrell, it'll be something special.
Mountain Grass Unit Hits the Road
The Mountain Grass Unit is keeping busy this week, with shows lined up in both Bellingham, Washington and Trout Lake, Washington. These guys have been tearing it up on the festival circuit, and their live shows are always a blast. If you're in the Pacific Northwest, do yourself a favor and catch one of these gigs. Just be ready to have your socks knocked off by their lightning-fast picking and tight harmonies.
Sierra Ferrell Takes Europe by Storm
Speaking of must-see acts, Sierra Ferrell is bringing her unique brand of "old-timey meets modern" bluegrass to Europe this week. She's got shows in Paris and Amsterdam, and if you're lucky enough to be across the pond, do not sleep on this. Sierra's voice is like nothing else out there, and her songwriting is just captivating. This is one of those artists that'll make you feel things, you know? Definitely don't miss it.
Béla Fleck Brings the Banjo Magic
And let's not forget about the one and only Béla Fleck. This living legend is playing a couple of big festival gigs this week - the Montreal Jazz Fest and the No Bull Just Bluegrass Festival in Harrisonburg, Virginia. If you get a chance to catch Béla, do it. The way that man can make a banjo sing is just mind-blowing. Plus, he's got a knack for surrounding himself with ridiculously talented musicians. These shows are sure to be highlights of the summer.
Alright, friends, that's just a taste of what's going on this week. There's so much more happening - Michael Kirkpatrick in Fort Collins, Grassy Creek Bluegrass Band at the Ryman, Sam Bush (also at the Ryman), and the always-entertaining Little Roy and Lizzy Show in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. And don't sleep on 5-Foot Betty's radio session in Boulder or The Wolf Tones up in Pittsburgh.
Me? I'm probably gonna try to catch Sequoia Rose on Wednesday night in Pacifica, California. I've been a fan of hers for years, and I just can't get enough of that crystal-clear tone and those killer original tunes. Plus, Winters Tavern is one of my favorite little bluegrass haunts. If you're in the area, come on out and let's pick a few tunes together.
Alright, that's all I've got for now. Like I said, be sure to check the full GrassGigs listings to see what's happening in your neck of the woods. There's bluegrass magic happening all over the place this week, so get out there and soak it in, my friends.