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.
The 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.