Upcoming Artists 
Fog Holler –
Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Fog Holler is a bluegrass band with an edge. What gives the band that edge is a topic of hot debate. For some, it’s musicianship – these bluegrass cats shred. For others, it’s the songwriting, traditional in style but topical in substance. Sometimes, they undeniably snare people with the squad factor – folks see 4 grown adults in matching monochrome, and they get curious. The secret, according to Fog Holler, is simply that they write and play bluegrass in 2024, with similar intention but very different context from the genre’s originators. Inspired by a range of influences from The Stanley Brothers to Buck Owens to Meshuggah, Fog Holler breathes fresh life into well worn forms like the murder ballad and the power waltz. Described by two-time Grammy Award Winner Cathy Fink as “The next generation of the many shades of grass”, Fog Holler’s captivating tunes and coordinated outfits are quickly enthralling longtime bluegrass fans and newcomers alike.
Their twists and turns had me smiling for their entire set. I have now seen them several times… and I continue to love them and their approach to their art with one foot in the past and one in the future… a band like no other in the world of bluegrass.
Ken Irwin, Rounder Records
(Founder)
I love Fog Holler. They aren’t afraid to tear it up bluegrass style, or make their own kind of old time music with clawhammer banjo and bowed bass. The next generation of the many shades of grass is here and I hope you give them a good listen! You’ll love it.
Cathy Fink, GRAMMY Award Winner
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
