Bluegrass heroes Stillhouse Junkies are on the forefront of breaking through the genre with their free-flowing musical interplay that weaves roots, classical, texas-swing and blues into a high-energy, intricately composed yet expansively improvised tapestry of sound.
American Patchwork Quartet (APQ)—founded by multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning guitarist and vocalist Clay Ross and shaped in collaboration with an ensemble of internationally celebrated musicians—binds timeless American folk songs with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornamentation. Their debut album was recently nominated for “Best Folk Album” at the 67th GRAMMY® Awards.
Banjo player Tray Wellington’s approach to the quintessential American instrument is all about looking forward. An International Bluegrass Music Association Award winner, Wellington is critically acclaimed not only for his technical prowess, but also for leveraging his unique point of view to craft a one-of-a-kind voice on the instrument. It’s a feat that’s all too rare in these roots genres that seem to value emulation and regurgitation over all else. Instead, Wellington has time and time again reasserted that his playing style, and all of the many varied and disparate parts that combine within it, is wholly his own – and it’s unconcerned with tradition.
Marty O’Reilly’s music feels timeless, like an old story told in a new way. His raw, soulful voice and gritty guitar playing form the foundation of a sound rooted in Americana. Drawing inspiration from folk icons like Woody Guthrie, blues legends like Howlin’ Wolf, gospel pioneers like Sister Rosetta Thorpe, and storytellers like Tom Waits, Marty’s music captivates and connects audiences.
Special Guest: Meels
The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United StatesThe Brudi Brothers are a dynamic Americana band hailing from Seattle, Washington. Often recognized as the city's favorite buskers and street poets, they are known for their raucous performances and distinctive old-world soul that stands out in the world of modern music. They gained rapid popularity worldwide when a live clip of their latest single, "Me More Cowboy Than You," went viral, with over 10 million views cumulatively and quickly rising. Comprising of three brothers, Johannes, Conrad, and George, the boys have an inimitable musical and performance dynamic replete with wit and humor.
Special Guest: Madeleine Roger
The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United StatesThe Bros. Landreth are two-time JUNO Award winners from Winnipeg, known for their blend of guitar-driven, soulful, blood harmony roots music. The band, the core of which consists of brothers Dave and Joey Landreth, has earned critical acclaim and a dedicated audience for their heartfelt songs, inventive musicianship, and powerful performances.
A singer-songwriter known for his lyrical acumen and plaintive harmonica style, Joe Pug dropped out of college and moved to Chicago where he worked as a carpenter before breaking into the city’s music scene. Soon before Willie Watson turned 18, he met God in an apple orchard. Or at the very least, he met there a man named Ruby Love, the older friend of a high-school buddy who had an enormous Martin guitar and a seemingly bigger understanding of the American folk songbook. He never saw Ruby Love again, but within months of that foundational 1997 rendezvous, he met the musicians with whom he’d soon start Old Crow Medicine Show. Call it revelation, fate, resurrection, whatever you will; for Watson, more than a quarter-century later, it was a duet with the divine.
Named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays roots music from Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions with thunderous energy, technical prowess, and storytelling songwriting, beckoning crowds into a barn-dance, rock concert experience. The foursome made up of Alexander Fedoryka (Vocals, Fiddle, Mandolin, Harmonica), Danylo Fedoryka (Vocals, Guitar, Accordion), Ethan Dean (Vocals, Upright and Electric Bass, Percussion, Guitar) and Alex Kuldell (Vocals, Drums, Percussion) brings various influences together to create a conglomerate which is technically precise and steeped in various folk traditions.
Duane Betts ignites and brings an evolution to the Southern rock tradition. With a fiery legacy forged by his father, the legendary Dickey Betts, the second generation musician infuses it with his own soul-stirring blend of blues, raw passion, and six-string mastery. Backed by his band, Palmetto Motel, Betts delivers a dynamic live show filled with searing guitar solos, heartfelt storytelling, and a mix of classic influences with fresh energy. Fans can expect a blend of roots rock, blues, and some improvisational jamming, creating an electrifying yet deeply authentic experience.