Featured Performers for 2026
Junior Sisk | (Va)
Junior Sisk stands as one of today’s most admired voices in bluegrass music. A proud son of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Sisk brings raw emotion, timeless authenticity, and a deep respect for tradition to every performance. With roots planted firmly in the sounds of the Stanley Brothers, Larry Sparks, Dave Evans and the Johnson Mountain Boys, his music echoes the heart of classic bluegrass while continuing to push it forward.
BARKLEY COVE | (PA)
Barkley Cove is the band to watch in the new folk scene. Founded on collaborative songwriting, strong vocal harmony, and improvisation, the four members of the band mix genres of folk, rock, country, and bluegrass to create a distinctively original musical style. After forming the band during their first year of college, they received the 2024 Spot Award for Best Collegiate Band from the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards. As their reach expands up and down the East Coast, Barkley Cove's imaginative songwriting and dedicated musicianship continue to push the boundaries of folk music.
Dennis Stroughmatt & Cajun Stomp | (IL)
Dennis Stroughmatt is a master French-speaking fiddler, vocalist, and cultural ambassador rooted in the French-Creole traditions of “Old Upper Louisiana” — the historic French-speaking region of Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana. Raised in southeastern Illinois and mentored by Missouri Creole masters, he brings together Cajun, Creole, Western Swing, and traditional French fiddle styles with deep historical insight. A respected educator as well as performer, Dennis has shared his music on NPR, PBS, at Prairie Home Companion, The Kennedy Center, and major festivals across North America.
The Mountain Music Ambassadors (KY)
The Mountain Music Ambassadors, the flagship touring ensemble of the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State University (KY), bring the rich sounds of bluegrass, old-time, and country music to audiences around the world. Comprised of students majoring in Traditional Music, the group delivers a dynamic blend of original compositions, fiery fiddle tunes, and heartfelt vocal performances. Beyond the stage, Morehead State University's Traditional Music Studies program provides students with hands-on professional experience in all areas of the traditional music industry, supporting them long after graduation. The Mountain Music Ambassadors are not just keeping traditional music alive—they are carrying it forward into the future!
Aaron Thomas Band (IL)
The Aaron Thomas Band features three award-winning bluegrass musicians: mandolinist Solly Burton, a four-time Winfield National Mandolin Champion; guitarist Luke Lovejoy, winner of the 2018 Winfield National Flatpicking Championship and the 2019 RockyGrass Flatpicking Championship; and banjoist Aaron Thomas, the 2008 Indiana State Bluegrass Banjo Champion and a Grand Ole Opry guest performer with Mike Snider. Lifelong friends, the band delivers high-energy, heartfelt bluegrass, sharing the musical gifts God has given them.
The Burned Biscuits | (IL)
The Burned Biscuits bring high-energy bluegrass and rich vocal harmonies to the stage, blending old-time favorites, gospel standards, and crowd-pleasing country and pop tunes. Featuring fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and bass, this six-piece band delivers foot-stomping, hand-clapping fun. Though a newer group, the members boast decades of combined musical experience, creating a polished yet down-home sound that’s perfect for any festival crowd.