We are working hard here at WVA, putting together an impressive lineup of musicians for the 54th Walnut Valley Festival, in Winfield, KS, September 16-20, 2026. We welcome some exciting new-to-Winfield entertainers, as well as several that you insisted you wanted to see again in 2026. Check back soon for a full list. You can find a small sample of who is coming in our December Occasional.
If you are new to the festival, be sure to check out our First Timers guide!
Norway-based Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra began after the soon-to-be lead vocalists first heard the music of the Belgian movie “Broken Circle Breakdown” one night in a theater in Oslo, Norway. Inspired by the soundtrack, they got a group of friends together to play the music from the film. After a couple of weeks of practice, the newly-formed Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra recorded “Wayfaring Stranger” in the fiddle player’s living room. 18,000,000 channel-plays and 50,000 subscribers later, the band has enjoyed a large amount of attention from an international audience, most recently nominated “Band of the Year” and winners of “Vocalist of the Year” at IBMA Momentum Awards.
“Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra is the impossible dream of what Norwegian musicians can achieve without the home-field advantage”, Puls Music Magazine on Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra’s debut album.
Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra’s first full-length album Migrants (released March 5th, 2021) was nominated for the Norwegian Grammy (Spellemannprisen) and debuted at #4 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart. On the record Hayde serves up thick vocal harmonies and catchy melodies in their driving, up-tempo tunes and lyrical ballads. With original songs steeped in the folk music traditions of the Appalachian Mountains, beams of Celtic and Norwegian fiddle tunes pierce through the sound of the eight-piece acoustic ensemble.
members:
Rebekka Nilsson – Vocals
Ole Enggrav – Guitar
Magnus Eriksrud – Banjo
Moa Meinich – Fiddle
David Buverud – Upright bass
Emil Brattested – Dobro/Mandolin
Sjur Marqvardsen – Accordion
Chris Jones & the Night Drivers make some of the most distinctively elegant yet driving bluegrass music heard anywhere today. Deeply rooted in tradition but never bound to it, they deliver original music with tight arrangements, emotional authenticity, and engaging humor. As actor and banjo player Steve Martin says, “Chris Jones’ voice is there with the great masters,” adding that the Night Drivers are “some of the best players in bluegrass.”
Collectively, Chris Jones & the Night Drivers have won 12 IBMA awards and have racked up 24 #1 songs. The band’s full-length release, their first all-original album, Make Each Second Last, has received rave reviews and yielded an unprecedented eight consecutive #1 songs, including the title track “We Needed This Ride.” Their song, “Riding the Chief,” co-written by Chris and Thomm Jutz, was nominated for 2022 IBMA Song of the Year. They have topped both the Bluegrass Today and Roots Music Review airplay charts with the latest album. Their new EP is Pages in Your Hand, has also yielded two more #1 songs, including the title track.
In July of 2022, they made their debut on The Grand Ole Opry and were soon asked to return.
Chris Jones & the Night Drivers have become popular repeat performers at major festivals like Merlefest in North Carolina, California’s Huck Finn Jubilee, and the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. They have filled a wide variety of venues around the world, touring across the U.S. and Canada, and all over Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Ireland.
Socks in the Frying Pan, a multi-award-winning trio from Ennis, County Clare, Ireland—the mecca of Irish traditional music—was formed in 2014. Forged together by a fire of pure joy and passion for their art, the band comprises Shane Hayes on accordion, Calum Bell on fiddle and David McKindley-Ward on guitar.
Their ‘Socks Sound’ combines virtuosic musicianship with a burning passion for the music and tradition, pitch-perfect harmonies, and a big splash of quick wit and banter. Their electrifying performances and on-stage charm have established them as the kingpins on the Irish Traditional Music scene today.
They have toured extensively, capturing hearts in 48 US states, dozens of countries, and every continent, showcasing at renowned festivals such as the Walnut Valley Festival in Kansas, Electric Picnic in Ireland, Tønder Festival in Denmark, and the world-famous New Orleans Jazz Festival.
To date, Socks in the Frying Pan have released four studio albums, each adding to their list of accolades including ‘Best New Band‘, ‘Best Live Band‘, ‘Album of the Year‘, and ‘Best Live Performance of the Year‘. Their latest release, Waiting for Inspiration, was submitted for a Grammy award while also featuring in LadBible’s Top 25 To Add to your Playlist.
Pixie and The Partygrass Boys may be far from their humble beginnings, but they still don’t take themselves too seriously. What began as a group of ski bums playing house parties in the Cottonwood Canyons of Salt Lake City has evolved into a nationally touring band that always aims to have the most fun possible.
Along with the skill and expertise that comes from nearly a decade of performing together, they bring the energy of closing weekend at your favorite ski resort to the stage. They have captivated audiences across the nation with their unique blend of heartfelt songwriting, high velocity instrumental excellence, silly outfits, and sing-along anthems.
Pixie and The Partygrass Boys invite the audience into their world every time they take the stage, hoping to share a piece of the magic they’ve found on the mountain tops and in the desert canyons of their Utah home.
Pixie and The Partygrass Boys have been touring extensively since the release of their 2018 debut EP “Utah Made,” becoming a five-year fixture at WinterWonderGrass as well as gracing the stages of High Sierra Music Festival, Gem and Jam, Delfest, Jam Cruise, Hangtown, Sawtooth Valley Gathering, Bourbon and Beyond, and countless venues across the USA. They have supported such prestigious acts as Billy Strings, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Brothers Comatose, and Lake Street Dive.
Songs From The Road Band is a dynamic bluegrass ensemble known for their compelling blend of Americana, roots, and folk music. Comprised of talented musicians who have individually made their mark in the acoustic music scene, the band came together to create a powerful collective sound. The are celebrated for their intricate harmonies, masterful instrumentation, and engaging live performances. Their discography features a rich tapestry of original songs and innovative covers, showcasing their ability to balance tradition with modern influences. Songs From The Road Band continues to capture the hearts of audiences with their authentic storytelling and vibrant energy, making them a beloved staple in the contemporary bluegrass community. Band members are Mark Schimick (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass), Sam Wharton (guitar), James Schlender (fiddle), and Gabe Epstein (banjo).
Delivering a refreshing reinvention of sounds once forgotten through their own brand of grassroots, Mama Said String Band has been making an impact on the Bluegrass Scene & beyond since their debut in 2016. Based out of Louisville Kentucky, Mama Said String Band is a four-piece collection of songwriters & players, David O’Neal, Katie “Didit” Caudill, Kaitlen Farmer, and Kris Potts. Each member brings a unique perspective with backgrounds spanning multiple cultures, genres, and styles. Together they draw influences from Bluegrass, Folk and Americana while focusing on vocal harmonies and contemporary instrumentation to build an eclectic, eurythmic melody and tactfully delivered message.
During their time together, Mama Said has become an instant classic, made a notable impact on the Bluegrass State, grown a large fan base & received numerous awards and nominations such as “Bluegrass artist of the Year”. They have made & continue to make their imprint nationwide as they tour and take part in prominent music festivals.
Becky Buller is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter from St. James, Minn., who has
traversed the globe over performing bluegrass music to underwrite her insatiable songwriting
habit.
Becky has written songs for three Grammy award-winning albums: she co-wrote “Freedom,” the lead-off track of The Infamous Stringdusters Laws of Gravity (2018 Best Bluegrass Grammy), “The Shaker” on The Travelin’ McCoury’s self-titled release (2019 Best Bluegrass Grammy), and “Good-bye Girl” on Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway’s Crooked Tree album (2023 Best Bluegrass Grammy). Her compositions can also be heard on records by Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, to name just a few.
Becky is the recipient of 10 IBMA awards, including the 2016 Fiddler and Female Vocalist. She is the first woman in the history of the awards to receive the Fiddler nod; she is also the first person ever to win in both vocal and instrumental categories. Her other awards include the 2020 Collaborative Recording for “The Barber’s Fiddle” and the 2020 Song for co-writing and fiddling on Special Consensus’ “Chicago Barn Dance.”
She has made multiple guest appearances on WSM’s Grand Ole Opry and tours extensively with the Becky Buller Band. Becky has released seven albums. Distance And Time, her third album for the Dark Shadow Recording label, was a nominee for the 2021 IBMA Album award.
Becky’s new album, Jubilee, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart for the week of June 1st, 2024. It features her brilliant road band along with special guest and cowriter Aoife O’Donovan. Jubilee is a song cycle that shares the story of Becky’s lifelong struggle with depression and anxiety, how it reached a crisis point during the pandemic years, and how she made it to the other side.
In April 2023, Becky was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall Of Fame.
Becky moonlights with the First Ladies Of Bluegrass, an all-female ensemble composed of the first women to win in their respective instrumental categories at the IBMA awards: Alison Brown (banjo), Missy Raines (bass), Sierra Hull (mandolin), Becky (fiddle), and Molly Tuttle (guitar).
Equally passionate about bluegrass music education, Becky has over 20 years experience teaching fiddle, singing, and songwriting, both privately and at workshops and camps around the world. She currently serves on the board of the IBMA Foundation, which awards $50,000 annually in scholarships and grants to spread the word about bluegrass music and support those who create it.
Becky proudly calls Manchester, Tenn., her adopted hometown, where she lives with husband and daughter.
Shane Hennessy is a virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist, singer/songwriter, and composer. With an upbringing in the world of Irish traditional music, Shane has been captivating audiences globally for the past few years, with sell-out solo tours in Europe and North America under his belt, as well as regular appearances at major international music festivals including MerleFest (NC), Walnut Valley Festival (Winfield, KS), Sound of Europe Festival (Düsseldorf, Germany), and Milwaukee Irish Fest (WI). He has released four albums of original music, and his studio album ‘Rain Dance’ was hailed as “a triumphant reaffirmation of his virtuosity and compositional excellence” by Irish Music Magazine. Shane has collaborated with Tommy Emmanuel, worked with Grammy-winner Bill Whelan (composer of Riverdance), and made his début on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN in March 2023.
A musician from a young age, Shane credits his background in Irish traditional music as the base on which he has built his genre-defying musical explorations. Initially a concertina player under the tuition of the renowned Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh, he achieved successes in the Fleadh Cheoil competitions in Ireland. He then turned to the guitar aged twelve inspired by the music of James Taylor. Becoming more interested in songwriting and in music in general, it was when he discovered the styles of Tommy Emmanuel and Chet Atkins that his interest in solo performance blossomed.
Described by legendary guitarist and mentor Tommy Emmanuel as “a brilliant entertainer and an amazing musician who transcends the guitar the same way Muhammed Ali transcended boxing”, Shane has since developed an unmistakably unique voice as a fingerstyle guitarist, blending his native Irish music with elements of jazz, country, blues, funk, classical, soul, world, and hip-hop. With the addition of some smooth vocals and improvisations, it makes sense why music legend super-producer Nile Rodgers (CHIC) remarked that “[Shane’s] style is killer, it’s really cool stuff.”
Along with his career as a solo artist, Shane has also been involved in production and writing with a number of artists including Chloë Agnew (Celtic Woman), Lisa Canny, and The Ashley Davis Band. He has also given numerous lectures and guitar workshops all over the world for guitarists and musicians eager to learn more about his unique musical approach. Shane is also a MusicNotes.com Signature Artist, and is an official educator and course creator with the TrueFire teaching platform.
John Lowell has been performing in the Mountain West for the past 43 years. He’s toured the world with his bands Kane’s River, Growling Old Men, Wheel Hoss, the John Lowell Band and Coppo, Kaerner and Lowell. John is a triple threat –songwriter, singer, guitarist and his smooth voice is heard on many albums. He performs worldwide, has been featured on Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion” and was awarded the 2024 Montana Governor’s Arts Award, the highest honor one can receive for work in the literary, visual or performing arts.
“Snow on the Wineglass” is John Lowell’s second recording project produced with both the Acoustic/Bluegrass/Folk Music and the Western Music audience in mind. The album features 10 original Lowell songs – including co-writes with Joe Newberry, Tim Stafford, Thomm Jutz and Jim Schulz. The only cover is a new version of “Step it Up, Nancy” which was recorded by icons Robin and Linda Williams and features their harmonies on the new version. In September 2024, it was #1 on the Western Music Charts. In November of 2024, the International Western Music Association named Snow On The Wineglass the 2024 Album of the Year, and awarded John the title of 2024 Songwriter of the Year.
His 2021 recording, “She’s Leaving Cheyenne” was nominated for four awards by the International Western Music Association and won Working Cowboy Song of the Year for his song “Angus Mackenzie.” He was nominated twice in the Song of the Year category as well as in the Songwriter of the Year and Album of the Year. “She’s Leaving Cheyenne” was named Album of the Year by Wyoming Public Radio.
2021 was also the year that he won the grand prize in the Hazel Dickens Songwriting Contest, a national contest sponsored by the DC Bluegrass Union.
The Steel Wheels have long been at home in the creative space between tradition and innovation, informed by the familiar sounds of the Virginia mountains where the band was formed, but always moving forward with insightful lyrics and an evolving sound. In 2005, Jay Lapp (vocals, guitars, mandolin) and Eric Brubaker (vocals, fiddle) joined lead singer Trent Wagler (guitar, banjo) in forming the band as a vehicle for Wagler’s songwriting. They released several albums under Wagler’s moniker, before officially adopting the name The Steel Wheels with the 2010 release of Red Wing.
Quickly staking their claim as independent upstarts in the burgeoning Americana scene, The Steel Wheels followed up this release with three more self-produced albums in the next five years, before joining forces with producer Sam Kassirer for Wild As We Came Here (2017) and Over The Trees (2019). Kevin Garcia (drums, percussion, keys) joined in 2017, bringing a new level of sonic depth and polish to the outfit. Since 2021, the band has been joined by bassist Derek Kratzer, a longtime friend and musical collaborator, to continue the mission set out over a decade ago; shaking up traditions to see what sticks, telling stories, and joining communities through song. Having gained the experience of thousands of shows, festivals and many miles on the road, the stubbornly independent band has formed deep bonds with each other and the audience that sustains them.
In 2020, unable to perform their rootsy brand of Americana for crowds in live settings, the musicians turned their creative powers to crafting songs for individuals. Produced in isolation in the band’s home studios, the Everyone a Song albums are part of an ongoing project to collect the personal experiences of fans and forge them into that most enduring, yet ephemeral, format we call “song.” An accompanying podcast, We Made You a Song, explores the stories behind these songs, and the songwriting process itself. While each song was commissioned to honor a specific relationship or event—a birth, a wedding, a memory of home—the emotions evoked are universal.
Nowhere is this shared humanity more evident than at the band’s own Red Wing Roots Music Festival, a weekend-long celebration of music, community, and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Hosted by The Steel Wheels every summer, the festival provides a space for the band to shine, from their high energy Saturday night main stage set to their afternoon showcase with young Red Wing Academy students.
Their album, Sideways, which released on February 9, 2024 via Big Ring Records, is a meditation on resilience and survival. Trent Wagler, the band’s lead singer and primary songwriter, penned many of the songs in response to loss, and the uncertainty that comes with facing what we can’t control. The result is at-once a powerful, anthemic, at-times joyous, and contemplative reflection on our shared human experience—both tapping into the personal and reaching for something universal. Throughout Sideways, we hear and see the image of resilience, resolve, and strength despite the trials. We are reminded that we are all still here… pushed and bent by the wind, yes, but still standing. As Wagler says, “It’s beautiful and crushing to be alive sometimes. We aren’t here to sing songs that only cut one way—but if they do, they’ll cut sideways.”
No one remembers when the neighbors started calling the McCutcheons to complain about the loud singing from young John’s bedroom. It didn’t seem to do much good, though. For, after a shaky, lopsided battle between piano lessons and baseball (he was a mediocre pianist and an all-star catcher), he had “found his voice” thanks to a cheap mail-order guitar and a used book of chords.
From such inauspicious beginnings, John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folksingers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers.
But it is in live performance that John feels most at home. It is what has brought his music into the lives and homes of one of the broadest audiences any folk musician has ever enjoyed. People of every generation and background seem to feel at home in a concert hall when John McCutcheon takes the stage, with what critics describe as “little feats of magic,” “breathtaking in their ease and grace…,” and “like a conversation with an illuminating old friend.” Whether in print, on record, or on stage, few people communicate with the versatility, charm, wit or pure talent of John McCutcheon.
Drawing from a deep well of musical experience, the Boys have a unique string band perspective.
Contorting the music into a New Mexican Wild-grass like nothing else on the scene… Structured around strong lyrical content, powerful melodies, and a musical bond that only a band of true brothers can create.
With a fresh rip -snortin’ approach to strong melodically driven songs, a playful energy, smooth singing harmonies, and an infectious stage presence. Southwest Psychedelia was born in the sage and sandstone of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains.
The boys have been pushing their way to the forefront of the New Mexico music scene. Formed on the legendary Stage 5 at the prestigious Walnut Valley Festival, they blur the lines between traditional bluegrass roots music and more contemporary styles.
Hailing from Hays, Kansas, 80 Proof Alice is a high-energy trio that artfully fuses various musical influences to create their unique bluegrass sound. They have been making waves across the state, appearing on numerous Midwest festival lineups. The group features Tyson Lesage, whose dynamic flatpicking brings a spirited energy to their performances, and the 2022 Kansas State Banjo Champion, Jason Riegel, whose melodic banjo riffs add depth and texture to their music. Completing the ensemble is Aimee Riegel, whose steady bass lines provide a solid foundation, enriched by her soulful vocals and harmonious melodies that resonate with emotion.
In March 2024, the trio busted onto the scene with the release of their debut self-titled EP, showcasing their exceptional talent and musical versatility. They followed this with a full live album in December 2024, capturing the raw energy of their performances. Looking ahead, 80 Proof Alice has exciting plans to launch a full studio album in 2025, promising even more captivating tunes for their growing fanbase.
Celebrating 14 years together as a band, Celtic-American Roots music “super group”, RUNA, continues to push the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music.
Seeking to preserve and continue a traditional culture in a modern age, RUNA creates the backbone of its signature roots sound from the musical and geographical diversity of its individually established band members. Their strive for excellence and creativity blazes a trail for the future of folk music, earning them the reputation as one of the most innovative Irish folk groups of this generation.
The group has been honored internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and three Independent Music Awards including Best LIVE Album, Best World/Traditional Song, and Best Bluegrass Song.
In conjunction with the band’s 10-Year Anniversary Tour, RUNA released their sixth album, “TEN: The Errant Night”, on March 16th, 2019!
Receiving international praise on both sides of the Atlantic, “TEN: The Errant Night”, has been nominated for Best World/Traditional Song (“An Buachaillín Bán”) in the Independent Music Awards!
RUNA released their first seasonal album, “The Tide of Winter”, to critical acclaim celebrating the winter holidays in December 2020!
Beppe Gambetta is a guitarist, vocalist, researcher and composer born in Genova, Italy in 1955 who developed a style of concert presentation that brings American and European Roots to speak together with one voice. In his unique approach, Gambetta blends energetic grooves with passionate melodies, giving new life to sources from different times, periods and places. In addition, the original music he composes gives contemporary influences to traditional roots music.
He first came to the United States in 1985 and then returned in 1988 to travel through the US with the first available Sony digital DAT machine. He managed to meet and record a collection of duets with 12 of the most admired guitarists in the American bluegrass/folk genre including Norman Blake, Mike Marshall, Charles Sawtelle, John Jorgenson and David Grier.
In the 1990s Gambetta started to tour on a regular basis with American guitar legend Dan Crary (in Europe and then in the US and Australia). Dan Crary was able to introduce him to the organizers of the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS, a major guitar event and home to important guitar contests. Gambetta’s performances at Winfield opened the door to him becoming a regular part of the American Festival scene.
In the late 1990s he launched a project to research the forgotten music of the Italian String Virtuosi of the turn-of-the-century. He focused on reviving the music and rebuilding the instruments of legendary Genovese harp-guitarist Pasquale Taraffo (1887-1937). This work led to the recording of two CDs “Serenata” (1997) and “Traversata” (2001). He has continued his research along the path of musicians and emigrations producing shows of Italian revival in Europe, US and Argentina.
From 2002 to today, Beppe Gambetta focused his work mainly on his solo career, touring constantly and naturally and seamlessly joining the shores of the two continents, Europe and America, creating in spite of the interposed ocean a musical fusion where American roots music and Ligurian tradition, emigration songs and folk ballads, steel string guitars and vintage harp guitars not only co-exist but interact, weaving a deep dialog unaware of any rigid classification.
The 2024 new release Terra Madre (Mother Earth) is a musical key to open a world of tales and dreams related to the motherlands of infinite possible itineraries, and to the cries of pain and hope that rise from them. The record weaves together the experience and wisdoms of a fifty-year career, and the work is further enriched by the participation of internationally-renowned guests from different musical genres. “Fathers” of acoustic music such as American mandolin icon David Grisman, acoustic guitar pioneer Dan Crary, and celebrated bluegrass and Americana singer-songwriter Tim O’Brien lend their talents to the project. Different dimensions are added by the presence of New York avant-garde drummer/percussionist Joe Bonadio, the versatile acoustic jazz harmonica player Howard Levy, and from the world of “Newgrass” Jam Bands, the hugely popular bassist, Travis Book.
Ken & Brad Kolodner are a Baltimore-based father-son acoustic roots duo who have built their musical partnership on a foundation of family, tradition, and a shared passion for Old Time music. What began as a father passing on tunes to his son has grown into a full-fledged collaboration that’s taken them across the country, onto festival stages, into recording studios, and into the hearts of acoustic music fans. What makes Ken and Brad’s music stand out is the natural connection that comes from years of playing together as family. Whether trading leads, locking into a groove, or improvising in the moment, they play with a deep sense of trust that audiences immediately feel.
Ken is one of the most respected hammered dulcimer players in the US having toured and recorded extensively with the folk trio Helicon. Over the past several decades, he has helped raise the profile of the instrument within the folk and roots music scene. Also a skilled fiddler, Ken brings a deep understanding of traditional roots music, which he’s spent years performing, recording, and teaching. His playing is both technically refined and innovative, shaped by a lifelong dedication to the craft.
Brad grew up surrounded by music, with jam sessions, concerts, and festivals forming the backdrop of his childhood. He picked up the banjo as a teenager—not out of obligation, but from a genuine curiosity sparked by the music he’d grown up hearing. Over time, Brad developed his own voice as a clawhammer banjo player, blending traditional influences with modern ideas. His playing is clean, expressive, and full of rhythmic drive. He’s also a skilled composer, adding new tunes to the old-time repertoire and reimagining traditional melodies. He’s a founding member of the acclaimed roots quartet Charm City Junction.
The duo’s journey began with informal living room sessions while Brad was in high school and gradually grew into a national touring act. They’ve recorded multiple albums, appeared at major folk and roots festivals, and performed on stages big and small. Their 2020 album Stony Run hit #4 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart. Along the way, they’ve brought others into the fold, performing regularly with bassist Alex Lacquement and multi-instrumentalist Rachel Eddy, who help expand the group’s sound and dynamics.
Even as they continue to innovate—incorporating unusual instruments like the hammered mbira or gourd banjo—they remain grounded in the music’s core values: community, tradition, and joy. Both Ken and Brad are also committed educators, teaching at camps and workshops across the country and helping keep traditional music alive for future generations. They co-founded and direct the acclaimed Baltimore Old Time Music Festival in addition to leading local jam sessions and square dances.Ken & Brad Kolodner are proof that old-time music is anything but static. It’s a living tradition, carried forward through relationships, stories, and the simple act of playing music together. Their work is a testament to the power of family—both the one you’re born into and the one you build through music.
The Starlight Darlins are a queer, Appalachia-based folk band featuring Gray Buchanan (they/them) on fiddle, Sage Christie (they/he) on guitar, Emily Johnson-Erday (she/her) on banjo, and Lauren Oxford (she/her) on bodhrán. Not only is each Darlin an accomplished instrumentalist and vocalist in their own right, they are also all songwriters with different stories to tell and four distinct ways of telling them. This ever-shifting energy combined with a rarity in scope is what sets The Starlight Darlins apart. Add in the four-part vocal harmony, traditional instrumentation, and intricate arrangements, and the result is nothing short of spellbinding, undeniable magic.
Skyline, their first studio EP, can be heard everywhere you listen to music.
Focusing on what this country means to those who love it, Barry’s songs reflect that honesty of storytelling into images that create personal emotions. From the prairies of southwest Kansas, Ward grew up as a fourth generation farmer and stockman. He knew his neighbors; his LORD; and how to weave the passage of time into rhythmic lyrics with his talent on the guitar.
His song, Harvest in the Fall is featured in the “The Great American Wheat Harvest” documentary. Plus he is included on the “Home on the Range” movie soundtrack.
Ward has performed in all of the lower 48 states plus Alaska and 3 foreign countries, including on stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City!
Barry has won multiple awards including; Induction into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Male Performer of the Year, Song of the Year, and has won CD of the Year for multiple years.
Recently Barry was recognized by the State of Kansas Senate for his many contributions to music and the arts, and for his deep appreciation of his Kansas roots.
Over a career spanning six decades, Andy has earned a reputation as a “troubadour of life,” an “Americana music pioneer,” a “master of traditional American music styles,” and an “upbeat roots rocker.” His deep-rooted music brings together a variety of influences: blues, bluegrass, folk, old-time and contemporary country, and good ol’ rock-and-roll — all delivered with the masterful singing, guitar, and mandolin styles he’s developed over a lifetime as a performer and a student of American music. In his shows, he plays rootsy original songs alongside traditional and classic gems in a winning combination that’s uplifting and fun.
Along the way, Andy also trained as a visual artist and earned a BFA in fine arts and arts education; created Acoustic Kids Showcases, a non-competitive mentoring program for young musicians; taught hundreds of students to play guitar or mandolin; and founded Swift River Music, an IBMA award-winning record label and production service. He has released eight CDs as an artist himself featuring his original songs alongside old-time country and traditional tunes. His songs have contributed to critically-acclaimed international TV series, highly successful fundraising drives, and regional documentaries and have charted as high as number two on Americana music industry charts.
Growing up, Joe Newberry and April Verch absorbed traditions of home and hearth – in his Missouri Ozarks and her Ottawa Valley of Canada. Although they are on the road much of the year, the two musicians are fond of saying that they are rarely homesick, because their music means they always have a bit of home with them wherever they go. In a Newberry & Verch show, delighted audiences see first-hand the roots of their music, their love of performing, and their strong musical connection.
Joe Newberry comes from a family of singers and dancers. He took up the guitar and banjo as a boy and learned fiddle tunes from great Missouri fiddlers. Known around the world for his clawhammer banjo playing, Newberry is also a powerful guitarist, singer and songwriter. The Gibson Brothers’ version of his song “Singing As We Rise,” featuring guest vocalist Ricky Skaggs, won the 2012 IBMA “Gospel Recorded Performance” Award. With Eric Gibson, he shared the 2013 IBMA “Song of the Year” Award for “They Called It Music.” A longtime guest on A Prairie Home Companion, he was a featured singer on the Transatlantic Sessions 2016 tour of the U.K., and at the Transatlantic Session’s debut at Merlefest in 2017. In addition to his work with April Verch, he plays in a duo with mandolin icon Mike Compton. He also plays and teaches at festivals and workshops in North America and abroad.
April Verch grew up listening to her Dad’s country band play for dances in the Ottawa Valley. She started step dancing at age three and fiddling at age six. Before launching her professional career, Verch was the first woman to win both the Canadian Grand Masters and Canadian Open Fiddling Championships. In 2000, she formed “The April Verch Band,” and together they have toured the world, performing in 18 different countries. She has released 14 solo recordings to date, receiving JUNO, Canadian Folk Music and Independent Music nominations and awards for several of those releases. She has also released an instructional stepdance DVD, a book of original fiddle tunes, and a Canadian Fiddle tune teaching method for Mel Bay. Verch was one of 6 fiddlers who represented the Canadian fiddle tradition to the world at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, as part of a segment called “Fiddle Nation” featured in the Opening Ceremonies.
Ever since Newberry & Verch met, and discovered a musical spark that few can match, they have toured across North America, Europe, and the U.K., including Nova Scotia’s signature festival Celtic Colours International Festival, the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in New York state, and Celtic Connections in Glasgow, Scotland. Whether it is the power of two voices lifted in harmony, or the sound of traditional tunes calling people to get up and move, these two masters of tradition put on an unforgettable show. And, when their feet kick up the dust in perfect rhythm and those two voices become one, Joe Newberry and April Verch make folks remember why this music existed in the first place.
“All the quiet people have got a lot to say,” sing the Cody Sisters on the title track to their latest album. And the group—Maddie Cody, Megan Cody, and Will Pavilonis—has spent the better part of their young lives proving it, whether they’re collaborating as writers, harmonizing on bluegrass stages, or inviting fans to share their own stories.
Maddie and Megan have been making music together since ages six and eight, respectively. Raised on the Colorado folk and bluegrass scene—with encouragement from their dad, who often played guitar around the house and was the original bass player in the band—festivals like RockyGrass were high notes amidst a lifelong musical awakening filled with live performances, songwriting, and travel. With Maddie on banjo, Megan on mandolin, and both women trading turns on the guitar, the sisters built a following quite early for their resonant harmonies and meticulous instrumental chops. The Cody Sisters took on a new depth in 2020 when bassist Will Pavilonis became part of the band, bringing fresh dimensions to their arrangements and sound.
“I immediately knew Will would be the perfect fit for the group,” explains Megan, who first connected with Pavilonis playing folk music in their freshman dorm. In addition to lending his talents on upright bass and vocal harmonies, Pavilonis quickly became an essential part of the writing process, too, helping pair Maddie’s lyrics and melodies with the right musical arrangements. On their 2023 self-titled EP as well as on tour stops across the United States and Europe, the Cody Sisters’ sound evolved and matured—a creative growth especially evident in All the Quiet People.
In many ways, the album’s potent combination of personal experience and compelling fiction underscores its major takeaway: that every story has value. “We want our listeners to understand that their stories should be heard no matter who they are,” says Maddie. “We’re all collectively just interested in making a small difference with our music—to add a little bit of joy to this chaotic world.”
Bay Allen is a celebrated musician and songwriter, recognized for his exceptional talent across various genres and instruments. He’s a two-time winner of the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania Blues Challenge (2023 and 2025) and the 2024 Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering champion. Bay’s achievements also include reaching the semifinals at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2024 and placing 3rd at Mountain Laurel’s 2023 autoharp competition. As a recording artist with Lightning in a Bottle Records, he has most recently released “The Autoharp Album” in 2025. Proudly endorsed by Paige Capos, Bay continues to make an impact in the music community, and has shared the stage with artists such as Bryan Bowers, Jim Kweskin, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Lauren Mann & The Fairly Odd Folk, and more!
In addition to his musical endeavors, Bay is a full-time pastor within the United Methodist Church, a devoted husband, and a father of two who enjoys pizza and family life. As an educator and speaker, he’s been a valued staff member, featured performer, and Workshop Leader at the California Autoharp Gathering since 2021, and was on staff, performed, and taught workshops at the Mountain Laurel and Northwest Autoharp Gatherings in 2025. During the pandemic, Bay launched “Autoharp at the Altar,” releasing a weekly song for worship, which inspired his publications: “Christmas Carols,” “Easter/Lenten Hymns,” and the “Autoharp at the Altar Hymnal.” Bay Allen is a vital part of the Autoharp community and has worked tirelessly to promote the instrument internationally.
The Lost Keys are a family string band from Lawrence, KS. Headed by renowned fiddlers, artists, and multi-instrumentalists Tricia Spencer and Howard Rains of the duo Spencer & Rains, they are a blended family that have played music together since Tricia and Howard met in 2012.
The band costsis of Tricia and Howard on fiddle and guitar and vocals and their kids, Isaiah, Orion, and Ru on fiddle and guitar, banjo-uke, and bass respectively. Together, they play a mix of old-time string band music, bluegrass, and hillbilly swing. Both Tricia and Howard’s families have been playing music for five (documented) generations so their music goes way back on both sides, and when The Lost Keys make their music, it shows just how deep their traditions go.
In 2024, The Lost Keys got 2nd place in the band contest at the Appalachian String Band Festival (Clifftop) in West Virginia and 1st place in the band contest at the Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships. As they continue to grow and dive deeper into their family and regional traditions, they keep alive family music that has been played by their family for over 150 years.
Though Winfield’s own Barry Patton celebrates 29 years of playing the bones at this year’s Festival, his history with the event goes back to when he was a boy. He first heard the bones played by Cecil Hiatt here at the festival. Known as the Grand Master of the bones, Cecil was playing on stage with Barry’s grandfather, Lue Berline, and his uncle Byron Berline. During the festival, his grandfather accidentally shut Barry’s fingers in a car door and felt so bad about it that he gave Barry his first pair of oak bones and one short lesson. From then on, he practiced and practiced, broken fingers and all, and the rest is history.
Today Barry is one of the premier bones players in the world. Not only can Barry play the bones with either hand, he can play the bones with both hands, and at the same time. He is one of the few “two fisted bone rattlers” in the world. Traditionally bones were made out of cattle ribs, but Barry prefers to make his own out of Osage wood. A regular fixture at the festival, Barry has played with numerous performers over the years. His fans are always delighted by his energy and big grin.
Barry won the senior division bone competition at the 25th Fleadh by the Feale traditional music festival. The festival is held in Abbeyfeale, Ireland and the bone competition is its main event.
Kara and Pam Barnard, The Barnard Sisters, were regularly tossed on stage by their mother’s singing group and made several television appearances as (self-proclaimed) stage props. Their mother, Kay Allen, is still a performing singer and their late father Ralph “Banjo Man” Barnard never passed up the opportunity to be heard by the masses! They proudly lay claim to being descended from a host of bizarre vaudevillian relatives.
Multi-instrumentalists Kara Barnard and Pam Barnard Hays began performing as The Barnard Sisters back in 1989—performing regularly at the Daily Grind Coffee House in Nashville, Indiana. The two went on to record three CDs together, appear in five episodes of the PBS series Btown Sounds, and open for many national acts including James Taylor, Wynonna, Dave Matthews, REO Speedwagon, and Fleetwood Mac on the famed Deer Creek Plaza Stage.
Pam Barnard Hays spent several summers performing in various Indiana theaters, before moving to Washington D.C. where she was soon working with a comedy improvisation group. Having since moved to Charleston, South Carolina, Pam now works as an actor and voiceover artist when she’s not performing with The Barnard Sisters.
Kara Barnard tours and records with some of the top independent musicians in the country. She’s been written about in many magazines including Acoustic Guitar and SingOut! and is currently heard on radio stations from Hawaii to New York.
The Barnard Sisters perform mostly in Indiana and South Carolina. Check out their Facebook page for the latest information and to find out about upcoming performances.
Linda has not missed a festival since she first started in 1989. She became interested in sigh language when her third grade teacher made her write a book report. Linda chose to write about Helen Keller, learned the manual alphabet from the back of the book, and, as they say, the rest is history. All you need to do is watch her exhibit her artful blend of sign language and dance and you’ll soon realize how much she enjoys her work.
Besides interpreting at the festival, Linda continues to interpret events in the greater Kansas City area and in the Midwest. She will be on stage with a variety of performers at the festival this year. Look for the “hands” symbol on the schedule for her performances.