Angela Easterling

Angela Easterling, who hails from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, conjures up images of both Saturday night frolic and Sunday morning redemption. She has created an enchanting brand of neo-traditionalist country that mixes hard-edged honky tonk with fetching ballads. Her voice is a gorgeous instrument, capable of extracting nuances from a wide range of material, ranging from soaring falsetto to raspy whirl. She’s not your usual country girl and, for her music’s sake, her attitude is very welcome.

Apple Chill Cloggers

The Apple Chill Cloggers were formed in 1975 to preserve, interpret, and teach the traditional style of Southern Appalachian Mountain clogging. The team performs for festivals, benefits and other events around North Carolina and beyond. From Asheville to Raleigh, they've inspired audiences by performing with high energy and clogging to live traditional music.

Arrested Development

Arrested Development is a progressive rap collective from Atlanta fusing laid-back, southern-fried groovy soul, rural blues, melodic R&B, funk, hip-hop, and African percussion. Their political, socially conscious lyrics are filled with pleas for unity, brotherly compassion, and devotion to the struggle for equality. Their debut heralded a shining new era in alternative rap, grounded with a simple, upbeat spirituality that was determinedly down to earth. Their hook-filled world of positive, effervescent songs are intoxicating like a sunny day. Seeing Arrested Development live is not just a trip but a journey to other lands and places not found on any map -- emotional destinations tattooed deeply on the human heart.

Baron von Rumblebuss

Durham's Baron Von Rumblebuss plays kid-centric blasts of tunage that takes you straight to the playground, combining child-friendly themes and generous doses of humor to engage kids and empower them to rock on their own terms. The Baron leads his audience on an interactive listening experience incorporating classic rock bombast, alt-country, funk and synthetic new wave textures. Song topics include everything from robots and superheroes to falling into onion dip. Astute viewers may even notice Tom Maxwell from Squirrel Nut Zippers filling out the rhythm section.

Beast Reality

Based in Durham, Beast Reality infuses jazz composition and improvisation with hip-hop poetry and soul grooves. Beautifully rebellious and refreshingly conscious, they create passionate music to engage/enrage your mentality.

Big Fat Gap

Big Fat Gap is a back porch bluegrass band that has no plans to take Nashville by storm. Some of them even have day jobs. These Chapel Hill natives just like to pick, they like each other, and it shows. Their shows are known to be excellent for those who enjoy sweet three part harmonies, smoking solos, and captivating stage dynamics. Their fun performances bring loyal fans back for more. They got their name from one of the few remaining stands of old growth virgin forest in western North Carolina located in the Big Fat Gap in Graham County near the Tennessee border.

Bombadil

Durham's Bombadil uses whimsical lyrics and upbeat melodies to create a helter-skelter fusion of honky-tonk, folk and pop. Their sound is a melange of instrumentation that revolves around piano-laden folk-rock with nods to classic rock and the British Invasion. But one thing is certain: Bombadil's music emanates optimism.

Boys from Carolina

Boys from Carolina play traditional and contemporary bluegrass music, bringing a combined total of over 160 years of musical experience to the stage. Priding themselves in style and presentation, their unique outstanding harmonies feature each band member singing, combining to form a driving force that captures the true essence of bluegrass music.

Bruce Piephoff

Bruce Piephoff has been recording and performing out of Greensboro for several decades. Firmly a part of the Appalachian tradition of story-songs and character portraits, it’s his versatility that makes his music so fascinating. Easily touching both the shores of folk music and poetry with simple, compelling imagery and subtle depth, Piephoff's unassuming voice, ringing with wit and sincerity, steals the show.

BUS.

Chapel Hill's BUS., formerly known as Big Pretty and the Red Rockets, have cultivated a fresh blend of reggae, rock, hip-hop, classical, country and tribal music into a saucy mix affectionately dubbed "Bi-Polar Rootz Rock." The band features guitar, cello, accordion, beatboxing, socially-absorbing lyrics and an infectious sense of enthusiasm.

Cane Creek Cloggers

The Cane Creek Cloggers are a performing dance troupe that have specialized in Appalachian clog dancing since 1980. Hailing from Orange County, the non-profit group choreographs all of their own routines, with innovations in the realm of old-time steps and figures. They share the goal of preserving the heritage of old-time clogging, flatfoot and buckdancing, while exuding the joyful energy and infectious rhythms at the root of it all. The Cane Creek Cloggers invite people of all ages and levels of dance experience to share the enjoyment of clogging.

Chatham County Line

Incorporating genre-bending country forms with deft picking and spot-on harmonies, Chatham County Line's warm and organic sound has a naturally soulful end result. Centered around a single microphone, the Raleigh-based troubadours play acoustic instruments in the traditional style, specializing in purely honest honky tonk bluegrass, earnestly sung and expertly picked. The group croons and stomps with an authenticity - sometimes whimsical, sometimes heartrending - that belies their young age.

Children of The Horn

Blurring the distinctions between jazz, R&B and Afro-Caribbean music, Raleigh's Children of the Horn hit the funk heavy. They take the listener on a kaleidoscopic journey through original compositions running the gamut from super-syncopated Latin funk breakbeats to swaggering New Orleans Second Line styles to Classic Motown-inspired soul-jazz grooves.

Chris Barron & the Time Bandits

Best known as the lead singer of Spin Doctors, one of the most popular and ubiquitous bands of the early-'90s rock scene, Chris Barron and the Time Bandits play a song-oriented mixture of American musical forms that showcase the beauty, versatility, subtlety and raw emotional power of Barron’s voice. Based out of New York City, their show features a combination of his new material and Spin Doctors favorites.

Community Independent School Children's Community Chorus

CIS Children’s Community Chorus is a 28-member group based in Pittsboro, NC performing originals written by director Jimmy Magoo. The group is an outreach program of CIS and is open to children from the wider community. Scholarships are available for group membership as well as for attendance in the school's summer chorus camp.

Cyril Lance with Special Guests Johnny Neel & Jeff Sipe

Fiery Carrboro-based roots guitarist Cyril Lance, renowned for his emotionally charged and spontaneous electric blues performances, brings a very special show to Shakori Hills this year featuring special friends Johnny Neel and Jeff Sipe. Southern fried blues keyboardist Johnny Neel is best known for his work with the Allman Brothers, Warren Haynes and Gov't Mule. Jeff Sipe (aka Apt. Q258) was an original member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit and later joined Leftover Salmon. His spirit of improvisation and musical depth has led him to perform with artists including Phil Lesh, Trey Anastasio, John Medeski, members of Widespread Panic and many more. This will be a unique combination of these three musicians and a celebration of the heart, soul and joy of creating music together in the moment.

David Dyer & The Crooked Smile Band

North Carolina's David Dyer plays high energy alt-county and roots rock, fusing his own style of bluegrass-dusted "porch-rock" with Byrd-like vocal harmonies and Prine-like storytelling that is sometimes humorous, sometimes guttural, but always honest. His high-octane live performances are filled with rich vocal harmonies and catchy songwriting.

Donna the Buffalo

From Cajun to country, reggae to improv, zydeco boogie to roots-rock riot, Donna the Buffalo aims for the best of what music has to offer. Their singular sound features upbeat grooves, inspirational lyrics, memorable hooks, superb musicianship and an overwhelming sense of celebration. They're an American institution, socially conscious yet eternally danceable. Donna the Buffalo started the GrassRoots Festival 18 years ago outside of Ithaca, NY to raise money for local charities and showcase the sounds of their friends and inspirations from around the world. The band features multi-instrumentalist Tara Nevins, guitarist Jeb Puryear, keyboardist Kathy Ziegler, bassist Jay Sanders and drummer Tom Gilbert.

Dubconscious

Dubconscious is a dub reggae collective from Athens, GA playing intoxicating, laid-back music with socially conscious lyrics and a feel-good vibe. They spread the gospel of unity, love and understanding along with an energetic, soulful live show. Embracing a mantra filled with expressive positivism, their music ranges from transcendental, mystic-like states to heart-warming, spirit-lifting moments of rejoicing.

Elikem African Dance Company

Elikem African Dance Company performs dances from West Africa, specifically Ghana, Senegal, and Guinea. Founded in Durham by Daniel & Kai' Appah, the company currently has eight professional dancers and musicians. Its members include veterans of the Ghana National Dance Company, African-American Dance Ensemble, and Collage Dance Company. EADC has toured extensively in America and throughout the world presenting performances, master classes and lecture demonstrations.

Eric Ginsburg

Chapel Hill's Eric Ginsburg has been a fixture at Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festivals from the beginning, coaxing campers from their sleeping bags with the gentle soothing sounds of his native flutes. Eric makes as well as plays these flutes, donating the proceeds from their sale to organizations supporting native American self-determination.

Geoff Achison

Hailed as one of the finest blues players in Australia, Geoff Achison's catchy, intelligent songwriting features a healthy influx of reggae, funk, soul grooves and jazz inflection. He gets the true believers with his gruff, suitably soulful voice, and lets everybody else in with his winking wit. Legendary guitarist Jorma Kaukonen says, "Geoff is one of the finest blues guitarists I know, with a completely individual style."

Harper

Imagine a singer with the deep soul of Motown, a harmonica player who can graft Little Walter with Sugar Blue, and a songwriter with relaxed, compelling stories, and you have a glimpse of what Harper is about. Harper mixes the didgeridoo, an important part of his Australian Indigenous heritage, with infectious modern percussive rhythms. An inspiring, earthy pleasure, Harper and his bandmates concoct a fiery sound that blurs the lines between rock, folk, blues and soul.

Haw River Rounders

Chapel Hill’s Haw River Rounders play up-tempo juke joint jug music from the '20 s and '30s. They offer up a mix of rags, early swing, and jumping acoustic blues with a little Cajun and zydeco thrown in for extra spice. This is acoustic party music – just add your dancing shoes!

Holy Ghost Tent Revival

Holy Ghost Tent Revival is a rocking seven-piece acoustic band made up of friends who met at Greensboro College. Their rhythmic riot features throttling acoustic guitars and horn rave-ups, conjuring 19th century riverboat eclecticism, Stephen Foster-style songcraft, and latter-day ragtime and Dixieland hilarity.

Joe Bell & The Stinging Blades

Joe Bell and his band the Stinging Blades have been cranking out soul and R&B throughout North Carolina since 1989. Their music is inspired by the spirits of Wilson Pickett, Tyrone Davis and Van Morrison. While their new material ventures towards funky Southern-fried rock, Bell says, “The spirit of R&B certainly pervades everything we do.”

John Specker

John Specker is an original folk stylist, playing the fiddle and singing with stunning intensity. The "Father of the Ithaca Sound," Specker's influence is legendary. Joining him at the festival this Spring will be his daughters Lila and Ida.

Johnny Burke & the Deltas

Johnny Burke & The Deltas are a raw, stripped down powder keg of musical energy from Chapel Hill. Priding themselves on their diversity of styles, they fly through funk, blues, rockabilly, soul, bossa nova, psychedelic rock, rag and roots reggae dub. The Deltas are an instrumental band - always soulful and groovin', they focus exclusively on the music with no words to get in the way.

Justin Townes Earle

Justin Townes Earle comes from good stock. His father (legendary singer/songwriter Steve Earle) must have taught him well. He melds the qualities of a short story with the lyrical acuity of excellent songs, celebrating grand southern traditions while using a base of acoustic blues and prewar folk to build his own brand of American roots music. Hailing from Nashville, his honest voice perfectly reinforces his searing melodies and provocative lyrics.

Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band

Louisiana-based accordionist Keith Frank combines Creole and Cajun sounds with massive elements of funk and soul, putting his own singular spin on genuine American roots music and transforming it into a modern day dance party. Adding elements of R&B, blues, pop, rock, reggae, and even hip hop, the sonic gumbo that is created is known as "nouveau zydeco," and no one does it better. Keith Frank is forging his own urbanized and infectiously danceable style, with legendary shows that unleash an uninterrupted flow of positive, uplifting music on the crowd. Together with the Soileau Zydeco Band, they've gained critical acclaim on the international festival circuit.

Keith Secola & The Wild Band of Indians

Tempe, AZ's Keith Secola and Wild Band of Indians combine rock and roll with Native American sensibilities, adding flutes, indigenous drums, and native chants to their musical vision. Their sound is a unique blend of folk, rock, reggae and world beat - what Secola calls Native Americana music. Not only do they play some mean blues, they play with humor and style. Secola has a special way of getting the audience involved in the music and the stories. An inspirational eclectic soundscape is their goal, with hopeful lyrics aiming for a unified world.

Kelley and the Cowboys

The music of Kelley and the Cowboys, based in Mt. Airy, NC, returns to the early country roots of Patsy Cline and Hank Williams. With the powerful voice of Kelley Breiding and the rich melodies of the Cowboys, it's a soulful trip through honky-tonk days gone by.

Kusun Ensemble

The Kusun Ensemble is an extraordinary group of musicians and dancers from Ghana, West Africa. Founded by Nii Tettey Tetteh, the ensemble includes past and present members of The National Ballet and The Pan African Orchestra. Although rooted in traditional music, the group has developed a new brand of music and dance they have dubbed Nokoko. They have created innovative rhythms and dances by fusing bass and lead guitar with traditional Ghanaian instruments to produce an electrifying blend of jazz and African music. On a mission to share this new style of Ga music, the ensemble has been dazzling audiences in Ghana and around the world.

Laura Reed & Deep Pocket

Laura Reed & Deep Pocket use music as a medium for positive change, filling the stage with captivating, soul shaking, conscious music. This Boone, NC outfit slides between high-energy blues & funk, laid back R&B and down-tempo soul, with Laura's roots as a blues/soul singer from South Africa adding a global seasoning to her unique sound and captivating stage presence.

Lost In The Trees

Chapel Hill’s Lost in the Trees plays intensely lush orchestral indie pop with gorgeous textures and symphonic grandeur. This is melodic chamber-pop that’s as musically ambitious as it is lyrically precious, with a big, sweeping sound that somehow remains intimate and folksy. Seductively scored with swirling strings underpinned by trip-hop beats, they mix a love of classical music with all the modern glory of 21st century pop – a truly cinematic musical endeavor.

Mariachi Los Galleros

Mariachi Los Galleros, hailing from San Antonio, represents the highest quality entertainment in Mariachi music, the traditional celebratory romantic dance music of Mexico. Always dressed in their elegant and traditional Traje de Charro, they've entertained and dazzled audiences throughout Mexico and the United States.

McCarthy Trenching

McCarthy Trenching is the alternative country-rock project of Omaha-based Dan McCarthy. He plays tear-in-beer waltzes, anthemic songs, and restless tunes of longing. He's methodical and deliberate - the man takes his time, and it's a real treat to hear him mosey his way through a story.

Michael Holland

North Carolina’s Michael Holland embodies a true independent American spirit. His music is a unique and melodic mixture of timeless Southern musical forms, including acoustic country, folk, bluegrass, honky tonk, old time string band, blues and gospel, led throughout by his warm and haunting voice. Based in tradition, yet modern in its translation, he's inspired by the wellspring of American music and the rhythms of everyday life to create an original and emotional musical experience.

Michael Hurley

Michael Hurley's music is often coined as "outsider folk" and he's been called "the last unreconstructed folkie-shaman in America." He mines the roots of American music, delivering warm and heartfelt original songs with an earthy twang. His music draws from the wealth of old American folk styles like country blues, bluegrass, and country. His songwriting tends to switch from the serious to the satirical at the drop of a hat, sometimes right in the middle of a song. Hurley is truly one of the last insiders keeping alive the traditions of the folk troubadour.

Moontee Sinquah

Moontee Sinquah is more than just a drum master, he's a rock-and-roller, a bluesman, a faithful interpreter of old traditions and a sage innovator of modern traditions.

Music Maker Review

Music Maker Relief Foundation is a Hillsborough-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern musical traditions gain recognition and meet their day to day needs. Today, many such musicians are living in extreme poverty and need food, shelter, medical care, and other assistance. Music Maker’s aid and service programs improve the quality of recipients' lives, affirming to these artists that we value the gifts of music and inspiration they’ve delivered to the world. Music Maker’s mission is to give back to the roots of American music. This spring Music Maker will bring Captain Luke, Macavine Hayes, Ronnie Hunter, Sam & Karen and special guest Hubby Jenkins to Shakori Hills.

Northwood Jazz Ensemble

Pittsboro, NC's Northwood Jazz Ensemble plays a wide mix of music covering swing tunes, bebop jazz, lush ballads, jazz standards, pop tunes and even some jazz rock fusion. Under the direction of Eugene Cottrell the volunteer Northwood High School organization has received superior ratings at statewide and regional festivals.

One Leg Up

Asheville’s One Leg Up plays Gypsy jazz with conviction, mixing covers of Django Reinhardt melodies, old standards, and hot Latin pieces into an infectious mix of improvisational swing. The solos come fast and furious, with their feet firmly planted in traditional European jazz, yet with a carefree, whimsical nature that appeals to the romantic Gypsy in all of us. Their show is lively, intimate, danceable, and brings about the atmosphere of French cafe music before World War II.

Orquesta GarDel

Orquesta GarDel is a supergroup made up of the finest salsa and Latin jazz musicians in North Carolina. They perform original material rooted in the classic Nuyorican salsa style of the ‘70s and ‘80s. We’re talking tres, bass, a horn section, violin, vocals, congos and timbales, so the dance floor will be pumping!

Paleface

Paleface is a fun-lovin' folkcore duo from Concord, NC. Through tight instrumental layering and baldly honest lyrics, they create an atmosphere alternately mysterious, confident and optimistic. With a booming raspy baritone, Paleface sings everyday stream-of-consciousness neo-folk songs with a refreshing simplicity and economy of instrumentation which never get in the way of the poetry of the lyrics. The songs are overly energetic, resembling folk played like punk rock, and Paleface himself blows a mean harp to take this dynamic duo's sweet charm and charisma right over the edge.

Preston Frank

Accordionist Preston Frank, father of Keith Frank, has been laying down his blazing bayou boogie and unabashed, traditional Louisiana zydeco for decades. His trademark swamp groove is a combination of Cajun, funk and soul, a smooth and flowing Creole sound that instantly makes you start to move. The jumping rhythms and festive vibes rest in his hands while his fingers work magic on the diatonic accordion. Firmly planted in his musical roots for over thirty years, Preston Frank remains an important force in preserving traditional zydeco and Creole French music.

Ray Abshire

Ray Abshire is a Cajun accordion master from the old school who delivers pure, joyful, energetic fare straight out of Lafayette, LA. One of the most awe inspiring accordionists you'll ever hear, he's loaded with technique, impeccable timing and an attacking drive that emanates the fullest sounds possible. Recognized as a master musician, his accordion style is authentic and he sings in the classic Cajun tenor high voice. Ray has assembled an astounding collection of emotions that will hit you right in the heart.

Rey Norteno

Originally formed by the Huerta brothers in the heart of Hidalgo, Mexico, Rey Norteno now calls Raleigh their home. "Norteno" means "northern" in Spanish and describes a particular type of Mexican music, with a heavy emphasis on accordion and the bajo sexton.

Richie Havens

For over four decades, Richie Havens has used his own brand of folk music to convey messages of brotherhood, personal freedom, and good will to the world. His distinctively smoky voice and fiery singing coupled with his thumb-fretted open-tuned guitar style provide a rare and inspiring voice of eloquence, integrity and social responsibility. His intense rhythmic style, often imitated, is a rich blend of percussiveness and melody.

Best known for his soulful covers of pop and folk songs, Havens first rose to fame in the Greenwich Village scene of the ‘60s, bringing a warm and passionate interpretation to everything he touched. The earnest performer who opened the original Woodstock festival has turned into a mellower, wiser man and a very spiritual individual which infuses his music with a wonderful depth. This acoustic soul giant truly seems to be getting more inspiring and graceful with age, and he's lost none of his power to enthrall and enchant. His concerts are a walk through a blooming garden of the mind and heart.

Rootzie

Chapel Hill's Rootzie provides a rattle of rock and roll, a jolt of jazz, a burst of the blues, a cut or two of country, grand moments of gospel, a blast of bluegrass, and roots reggae revelry. The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Gregory Blaine, Rootzie combines all this and more on a grand scale.

Scythian

The high-energy, adrenaline-pumping music of Washington, DC's Scythian ranges from Celtic rock to gypsy klezmer, featuring two dueling classically trained fiddlers powered by the precision of a jazz drummer. Tight grooves, outstanding musicianship, and spontaneous crowd interactions result in creative, infectious, hilarious fun!

Sim Redmond Band

Playing a unique blend of roots-rock, Afro-Caribbean, reggae and folk music, the Ithaca, NY-based Sim Redmond Band will lift your spirit and move your body. The band's airy, breezy sound draws from the world beat tradition to create a danceable mix of distinctly American pop hooks with African arrangements. Their music oozes over your brain with its sunny sound, earthy rhythms, warm vocal harmonies and lyrics exploring truth, dreams and love.

Sol' Jibe

Sol’ Jibe’s transcendent live shows are an effervescent cocktail fusing rock, roots, flamenco, jazz, Latin music and world rhythms into an intoxicating combination of flavors. While their sound is inimitable and their lyrics carry universal significance, each instrument is distinctive but harmonious. Hailing from Reno, NV, their name stems from the Spanish word for the sun and the union of different elements of nature through harmony.

Songwriters Circle

Singer-songwriter Greg Humphreys is hosting the Spring 2008 Shakori Hills Songwriter's Circle, which will feature Shakori performers and area songwriters. You may know Greg through the two North Carolina bands he has fronted for the last 20 years, HOBEX and Dillon Fence. He's released 8 albums and many EPs worth of folk rock, power-pop, funk, and soul music, and performed over 2000 shows across the US, Canada and Europe. Look for Greg's debut solo release soon.

Stephanie's Id

Asheville’s Stephanie’s Id plays indie pop with soaring vocals, catchy hooks, odd and thoughtful lyrics, and clever musical gymnastics. Their songs feature angst and sorrow swirling with dramatic hope and joyfulness - childlike and grown-up sounds mixing with poetry and pop. If a Scandinavian pop princess got lost in the American South and was rescued by a jazz quartet, it might sound something like this emotional yet buoyant band.

Sweet By & By

Chapel Hill's Sweet By & By weaves captivating three-part vocal harmonies and traditional instrumentation into old-time bluegrass standards and contemporary originals. The result is a fresh take on the all-female string band that is both pure and simple in its approach and rich in its ultimate effect.

The Allen Boys

Mixing the sounds of gospel with rock & roll and country, The Allen Boys play a driving, steel guitar-centered music. Born in select African American Pentecostal-Holiness churches, the sound has burst into popularity recently with such acts as Robert Randolph and the Campbell Brothers. The Allen Boys rarely perform outside of their church in Mt. Airy, NC. This performance is not to be missed - come share in their joyful noise!

The Danby Dew-Rites

Fresh outta Steam Mill Valley in Danby, NY, they're coming down to North Carolina to get away from the winter and represent one of the Northern outposts of Old Time music. Singer of sweet songs, Jiamie Pyles, fiddle by Shakori veteran Lydia Garrison, southpaw Drew Gildea on the banjo, Eric Nichols on his granddaddy's National, and Chris Watt holding it down on the upright bass. Come on and dance!

The Hackensaw Boys

Whether you call them newgrass, jamgrass, bluegrass, folk, country, punk, rough and ready roots music, or raucous neo-old-timey spit and vinegar, the six piece band known as the Hackensaw Boys, from Charlottesville, VA, are continuing to blow audiences away with their amazing high energy shows and crafty musicianship. Playing old-time music with new-school vision, their fast-and-fierce live show is revitalizing and reenergizing a traditional form of music with modern day vitality, catchy melodies and classic harmonizing.

The Mantras

Greensboro’s The Mantras are an eclectic band playing a unique blend of rock, fusion, jazz, and funk. Their virtuosic playing and superior musicianship shifts seamlessly between musical genres with the ability to send listeners in any direction in the musical universe at any moment. Don’t miss their unpredictable sonic joyride!

The Never

The punk-pop quintet The Never, hailing from Chapel Hill, bursts forth with three-part, doo-wop-style harmonies, chunky alt-rock riffs, heartfelt piano balladry, seething lyrical sentiment, hallmark harmonies and fantastical atmospheric imagery. With curious compositions and jarring juxtapositions, they shift in the span of a single song from power ballad to teen pop to rock anthem to lilting lullaby.

The New Familiars

From the foothills of North Carolina, The New Familiars has grown from the seeds of the folk rock, country blues, and bluegrass found abundant in their native land. They combine a passion for harmony and dissonance with a visceral intensity in their raucous live gigs. With honky-tonk elements of dobro and harmonica, mountain touches of banjo, and rough-hewn harmonies made for '70s-era southern rock, it's Americana with a grand heartbeat.

The Red Hots

From the Round Peak area of North Carolina, the Red Hots feature Joe Thrift on fiddle, Rom Riccio on banjo, Kelley Breiding on bass, and Nick McMillian on guitar. As if fueled by a mystic music elixir, they will play the most rockin'est old-time music you may ever hear.

The TalkToMes

Ithaca, NY's The TalkToMes plays roots rock smashed into alt-country with a punk rock attitude. If music were bocce, they would be the pallino, the target that gets rolled out in the beginning of the game that everyone else tries to "kiss" with their own bocce balls. Band members include J.T. Puryear, Sim Redmond, Asa Redmond, and Gregor Sayet-Bone, whose stunning original songs are the driving force behind this group.

The Walker Street Fiddlers

The Walker Street Fiddlers is a diverse group of young musicians from third grade through high school whose common thread is their love of music, particularly traditional Irish and American fiddle tunes. They're currently comprised of 28 students from a dozen different schools in Guilford and Alamance Counties.

Tres Chicas

Tres Chicas, the Raleigh band that features Caitlin Cary, Lynn Blakey and Tonya Lamm, combines gorgeously shifting harmonies with elements of country, folk, and rock to create a devastatingly beautiful set of love songs. The trio's voices are deeply moving, even startling, in their earthy elegance. They blend and weave styles and modes and colors effortlessly and in concert with one another. It's tough, mysterious, and utterly feminine.

Valorie Miller

Weaving together folk, country, swing and blues, North Carolina guitarist Valorie Miller sings like a life-seasoned force of nature, creating musical paintings of dark beauty and intense depth. If you've never seen her perform, then the image of a soulful Gaelic banshee with flaming hair will have to do the trick - just imagine that spirit carries an Appalachian voice that's as sweet as rain water on a rusty tin roof. Her music speaks of a deep realism with lyrics painting visions riddled with unexpected twists.

Wiffer Creek

Shakori Hills is thrilled to host this very special reunion. Don't miss the only East Coast performance of Fresno's flatpicking wizard Doug Bremseth and Chapel Hill mandolinist Charles Pettee from the Shady Grove Band, who play bluegrass with a fire and intensity you find only in true believers. Wiffer Creek features fine singing, their trademark finger-defying jams, and originals so finely crafted they sound like bluegrass hall of famers.