July 06, 2026Another week, another round of bluegrass goodness across the country. The Fretliners, The Truffle Valley Boys, Sam Bush, and Yonder Mountain String Band are all hitting the road for multiple shows, while some fresh faces like Sierra Ferrell and Chicago Farmer are making their way to new stages.
Let's start in Oslo, Norway, where the Henhouse Prowlers are kicking things off on Monday at the herr nilsen jazz club. These Chicago boys always put on a high-energy show, and I can only imagine what they'll do in an intimate jazz setting. If you're in the area, don't miss it.
Back stateside, Ragged Union is playing a free show at KGNU radio in Boulder, Colorado on Tuesday. These guys have a killer sound, with driving rhythm and soaring harmonies. Catch them if you can before they head out on a big festival run later this summer.
Pennsylvania Picks
Also on Tuesday, The Fretliners are at The State Theatre in State College, Pennsylvania. This quintet has been tearing up stages across the Midwest, and I hear their new album "Whiskey Bound" is an absolute ripper. If you're in central PA, make the trip — these guys are a must-see.
Staying in the Keystone State, The Often Herd is playing a community event at Caledonia Green Park in Caledonia, Michigan. I don't know much about this band, but a free, all-ages show in a park setting sounds like a great way to introduce yourself to some new bluegrass.
Rockies Roundup
Over in Colorado, Second Gear is at The Bluegrass Lounge in Arvada on Tuesday. This trio has a killer old-school sound, all driving bass and lightning-fast guitar. If you're in the Denver area, swing by and tell 'em I sent you.
And of course, it's always a can't-miss when Rhonda Vincent hits the stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The "Queen of Bluegrass" is in fine form these days, and her show on Tuesday night is sure to be a highlight of the week.
Midwestern Marvels
Heading north, Debutants are playing an interesting show at Ambrosia Orchard, Cidery and Meadery in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Tuesday. I don't know much about this band, but a bluegrass performance in a cidery sounds like a real good time.
Sierra Hull is back at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Tuesday, and if you haven't heard her latest album "25 Trips," this is your wake-up call. The woman is a flat-out virtuoso on the mandolin, and her shows are always a master class in tasteful, dynamic bluegrass.
Speaking of virtuosos, Sierra Ferrell is across the pond at the O2 Forum in London on Tuesday. This West Virginia native has been turning heads with her unique blend of old-time, jazz, and bluegrass, and her live show is not to be missed.
Chicago Farmer is at the Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana, Illinois on Tuesday. This guy has a knack for writing songs that feel like they've been around for decades, all heartfelt lyrics and familiar melodies. If you dig thoughtful, poetic Americana, check him out.
Worldwide Wanderings
Over in Denmark, The Truffle Valley Boys are at Cafe Borre on Tuesday. I don't know much about this band, but a show in a cozy European cafe sounds like a real good time. If you're in the area, give 'em a listen.
Armchair Boogie is at the Majestic Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday. This high-energy quintet has been tearing up the festival circuit, and their live show is a blast of bluegrass adrenaline. If you're in the Midwest, make the trip.
Sam Bush is at The Tin Pan in Richmond, Virginia on Tuesday. The "King of Newgrass" is always a must-see, and I hear he's been working on some new material that's sure to blow the roof off. Don't sleep on this one.
Yonder Mountain String Band is at the Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield, Maine on Tuesday. These Colorado boys have been bluegrass mainstays for years, and their shows are always a party. If you're in New England, make the drive — it'll be worth it.
Festival Highlights
As for festivals, the Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival 2026 in Conway, Missouri is shaping up to be a real good time. Mo Pitney and Larry Cordle are both playing sets, and these guys know how to put on a show. If you're in the Midwest, this is one you won't want to miss.
Out west, the High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival in Cañon City, Colorado has the Gibson Brothers and Thunder & Rain on the bill. The Gibson Brothers are bluegrass royalty, and Thunder & Rain has been turning heads with their modern take on the genre. This festival is always a highlight of the summer, and this year's lineup looks stellar.
Well, that about does it for this week. As always, be sure to check out the full listings on GrassGigs.com to see what else is happening in your neck of the woods. And if you're ever in need of a picking partner, you know where to find me.