Upcoming Artists 
Kristen Grainger & True North –
Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 7:30 pm
The music of Americana-bluegrass quartet Kristen Grainger & True North resonates deeply with audiences listening for well-crafted songs, skillful instrumentation, and beautiful vocals.
Fronted by award-winning song crafter Kristen Grainger, the powerhouse string band includes Dan Wetzel, guitar and octave mandolin; Martin Stevens, mandolin, octave mandolin, and fiddle; Josh Adkins, bass – and everybody sings.
The band showcased at SXSW in 2022 on the USA Songwriting stage, and Kristen continues to earn national recognition for her songwriting, most recently taking first place in Common Ground on the Hill’s Acoustic Roots songwriting contest, and by Hope Rises II, a tribute to excellence in social change songwriting curated by Noel “Paul” Stookey of Peter, Paul & Mary.
Kristen was named, alongside Brandi Carlile and Dolly Parton, one of the Women Who Wrote Our 2020 Soundtrack by The Bluegrass Situation.
The musicianship is excellent as is Grainger’s vocal work, but the album’s greatest strength may be the material.
Jeff Burger – Americana Highways
As a writer, I suppose it’s natural for me to have a soft spot for well-written lyrics. I was gobsmacked, though, at some of the turns of phrase on the latest record from Oregonian Kristen Grainger.
Shawn Underwood – Twangville
