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2016 Fall Lineup
Widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most innovative and technically proficient banjo players, Bela Fleck has evolved from traditional bluegrass to progressive jazz, classical, Indian, African and even Christmas music. Along the way he’s won 15 Grammy awards and has been nominated in more categories than any other musician in history. The rustic, poignant, and wide-ranging sounds of singer/songwriter and banjo player Abigail Washburn embody the notion of Americana as a worldwide musical language. She fashions inventive chamber music that blends the banjo-laden bluegrass of her native Appalachia with Chinese folk music. Together, they seamlessly stitch together their singular styles to create a dialogue of gorgeous originals, Appalachian murder ballads, chamber music, gospel and blues with a deep well of musical intimacy.
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 25 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 Dave McCracken, bassist Kyle Spark and drummer Mark Raudabaugh.
Born into a family of famous lap steel guitar players, including his grandfather Henry Nelson who invented the “Sacred Steel” style, Atlanta-based AJ Ghent is a stormy and swaggering frontman who sings funky tales of beauty, heartbreak, and betrayal. His guitar playing is a masterful mix of Jimi Hendrix, Albert King and Ben Harper that floods the stage with energy and lights up his bright summer rock sound. AJ can also be found as the frontman for the legendary Col. Bruce Hampton’s band. This is a can’t miss show!
Latin Grammy nominees Mariachi Flor de Toloache is New York City's first and only established all-female mariachi band, offering up an edgy, versatile and fresh take on traditional Mexican music. Their members' diverse cultural backgrounds create a cultural bouquet of flavors and sounds that coalesce with grace and vibrant beauty.
The folk supergroup Solas has invigorated the Irish traditional music scene by incorporating non-traditional instruments such as guitar, banjo and bouzouki to add a modern spice to their sound. Heavily rooted in Irish reels, jigs, airs and other folk song forms, their music is explosive yet seductively personal, timelessly melodic yet rippling with modern muscle. Their eclectic song selection adds texture and complexity to their shows, which are governed less by Irish music's past than their own creative vision of the future.
Darlingside is a Massachusetts-based "string rock" band combining '60s folk, chamber pop, bluegrass, classical music and modern indie rock into richly surreal dream spaces bursting with textural experimentation and lushly layered group harmonies. Their melodies are splashed with a sunny melancholy that's at once cryptically playful and deeply genuine, and their propulsive music perfectly balances retro and contemporary with inventive instrumentation and brilliant songwriting.
Charging out of New Orleans is the gypsy folk circus rock band Dirty Bourbon River Show. Their whiskey-soaked carnival eclecticism ranges from kazoo- and clarinet-blown circus shenanigans to smooth-croon lounge, from finely-fingered folk ballads to banjo hoedowns, from jazzy sax solos to swashbuckling sea chanties. Riotous and raucous, Dirty Bourbon’s eccentricity and dexterity harkens back to bygone eras.
Dr. Bacon is a genre-defying Appalachian soul-grass band from Boone playing an infectiously danceable blend of energetic, acoustic-driven rock ‘n’ roll. Their sound is a rollicking amalgam of bluegrass, soul, funk, hip hop, blues, jazz, folk and more, with traditional bluegrass instrumentation bolstered by harmonicas, horns, jaw-harps and kazoos. Their unique and multicultural sound is a joyous shout from the mountaintops.
with
Kinobe & Dance of Hope ·
Born near Lake Victoria in Uganda, Herbert Kinobe is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer known for his inspired synthesis of ancient African roots music and global fusion. He fronts the Wamu Spirit, whose powerful World-roots-dance sound showcases the diversity of traditional African instruments while keeping their ears opened to the sounds of the world at large. With rich, mellow percussion and a sound that’s both celebratory and relaxed, they bring you on a special journey across Africa with gentle and powerful acoustic music.
Sarah Potenza ·
Nashville-based Sarah Potenza’s soaring, pin-you-to-the-wall vocal chops perfectly complement her authentic, heartfelt songwriting. Playing bigger-than-life blues and alternative country, she’s a unique and dynamic force whose raw power as a performer is startling. Her riveting voice has such an undeniable toughness and angst that John Oates called her a “modern Americana version of Janis Joplin.”
Los Texmaniacs ·
Grammy Award-winning Los Texmaniacs add new colors into the century-old music of the Texas Rio Grande Valley. Rooted in the jalapeño-spiced sounds of conjunto, they incorporate country-western, blues, jazz, classic rock and Chicano dance music into their spunky and spirited blend of polka, boleros, ballads and Western swing.
Awalom Gebremariam ·
Eritrean singer and multi-instrumentalist Awalom Gebremariam plays a highly addictive version of traditional African music known as Bahlawi. His powerful sound features two of the region's most recognizable and important instruments, the one-string wata and five-string krar. Fleshed with fragrant and subtle melodies and vocals, he creates modern sounds culled from ancient means.
Bubba George Stringband ·
Bubba George Stringband
Old-Time
Playing breakdowns at breakneck speeds, Bubba George Stringband combines the influences of the master fiddlers with the feel of rock and roll, reggae and punk. They grew out of the Ithaca, NY old-time music scene and have played together in various formations since 1974. With original members including Jeb Puryear, Richie Stearns, Shane Lamphier and Jordan Puryear, Bubba George went on to spawn numerous bands including Donna the Buffalo and the Horse Flies.
Bulltown Strutters ·
Bulltown Strutters are a sparkling and fun community parade band bringing the classic street band traditions of New Orleans to their own home in Durham. Since 2010, the 20+ member collective has been bursting out hip-shaking, smile-making boogie music and urging the audience to join them in parade, dance and merry-making.
Eilen Jewell ·
Boston-based Eilen Jewell puts her own beautiful stamp on a wide range of traditional musical styles, including jug band, country gospel, early R&B, Chicago blues and the bristling electricity of ’60s UK garage rock. Her thick, warm voice and authentic songwriting put an emphasis on sad sounds from the seamier side of the tracks. With dirty sax riffs and low-slung guitars, her band evokes the exotica of vintage Southern California suburban saloons, imbuing their slow, jazzy numbers with torch and tenacity that linger long after the music fades away.
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, NC, they choreograph 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.
Cortadito ·
Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba ·
Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba play music inspired by the ancient West-African griot tradition. Led by the kora, a 21-stringed harp-lute, this highly original blend of traditional and modern styles creates an infectious sound reminiscent of West African dance bands - full of unison melody, adventurous improvisation, fiery solos and polyrhythmic frameworks. With songs that build, spiral and surge into moments of sudden triumph, Cissokho plays his kora with rock-like exuberance, accompanied by the unrelenting polyrhythmic funk of the rhythm section.
dub Addis ·
dub Addis combines the intricate melodies of their Ethiopian homeland with the rhythms of reggae to create an original sound that moves both the heart and mind. With soulful sounds embedded in the polyrhythms of Africa, their energizing songs are dedicated to bringing a positive message to the masses and uniting people of all backgrounds in a celebration of life.
Elastic Bond ·
Elastic Bond embraces their Miami roots to deliver a unique sonic cocktail with an urban edge and a tropical twist, mixing Latin and soul with modern sample-based production and the vibrant voice of Honduran songstress Sofy Encanto. Fusing a horn section and percussion with electronica, tasty melodies and positive vibes, their funky groove kisses musical boundaries goodbye.
Electric Piquete ·
Electric Piquete is a Latin funk/fusion melting pot from Miami stirring in rock, R&B and old-school salsa to take listeners on a fiery Afro-Caribbean journey of sound. With powerfully tight and groovy rhythms and a red-hot horn section, their mostly instrumental explorations cross cultural boundaries with intense passion and vitality.
Gasoline Stove ·
Gasoline Stove is an acoustic four-piece born of the rustic charm of Pittsboro, NC that plays a raggedy authentic brand of countrified roots rock bursting with emotional energy. With dashes of upbeat folk music and smoldering traces of whiskey-soaked bluegrass, their dusty country barroom sound embodies a ferocious thump and twang. With gritty lightning bolt vocals and gorgeous four-part harmonies, their songs are literary bursts of confession and celebration.
Hank, Pattie & The Current ·
Hank Smith and Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw charge their soulgrass band out of Raleigh to showcase a soulful evolution of American acoustic music that intricately weaves bluegrass into the tapestry of jazz, Latin, blues and classical styles. With sparkling musicianship, dazzling harmonies and impassioned deliveries, they use traditional instrumentation to blaze a new path forward into the modern acoustic idiom.
Hoppin’ John Presents: Old-Time ·
For the last decade, the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center has hosted the Hoppin’ John Old-Time & Bluegrass Fiddlers’ Convention. The old-time and bluegrass genres are American treasures deeply rooted here in North Carolina. This fall we wanted to bring a little taste of Hoppin’ John back to GrassRoots, so we’ll be inviting several old-time bands that knock us off our feet during the convention in September to come back and join us at GrassRoots. The music is infectious and will definitely get you itchin’ to dance or inspire you to pick up a fiddle yourself!
Hubby Jenkins ·
Hubby Jenkins is a brilliant multi-instrumentalist and songwriter renowned for his authentic and soulful interpretations of traditional American music, including early blues, old-time, ballads and ragtime. Though based in New York City, he's been an integral part of the Grammy award-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops since 2010.
Jack the Radio ·
Jack the Radio is an indie rock band from Raleigh with a hard edged, bluesy-rock, Southern pop sound. The soulful stomp spawned by these garage twang rockers is a brilliant blend of styles smashed into one vision, with sliding, tangling guitar lines and soaring harmonies cramming a few extra spark plugs into rootsy rock ‘n’ roll.
James Olin Oden ·
Raleigh-based singer/songwriter James Olin Oden takes you on a musical journey that spans the globe and time. His vocals are accompanied by infectious rhythms that hearken back to multiple dance traditions (Appalachian, Flamenco and Celtic). Fast-paced, foot stomping tunes are followed by heart-rending airs and ballads, and in all cases his music cries out, "Let's dance!"
Kamara Thomas & The Night Drivers ·
Durham-based Kamara Thomas writes astro-religious songspells and hypnotic musical tales culled from ancient songlines and dreamtimes. Channeling dusty Americana, rootsy folk and classic rock, she spins hazy narrative paeans to America’s epic landscape and mythic past. Her bewitching live performances incorporate intricate vocal harmonies, Native American shamanism, cosmic trance-inducing jams, mountain songs and spellbinding stories of the fabled Old West.
Kitty Box & The Johnnys ·
Lizzy Ross ·
Chapel Hill's Lizzy Ross delivers exuberant Americana with a huge dose of soul. Voted Carolinas' Best Rock Female in 2011, she's a powerful and sultry singer who blends the jazzy and bluesy flavors of Janis Joplin and Grace Potter to create a smooth and soulful sound of her own. Her shrewdly personal lyrics are woven into sophisticated arrangements that include touches of country and '60s roots rock with a spicy dash of Motown.
Lobo Marino ·
Lobo Marino
Folk, Sacred, World
Jameson Price and Laney Sullivan are Lobo Marino, a Richmond-based duo whose elegantly eerie chant-like intones soar over tribal-vibing world-fused folk music built primarily on harmonium, bass drum and various other unique instruments. Named after the enormous Pacific Sea Lion, their brand of halcyon, experimental folk draws from a rich palette of international influences. Chaotic yet harmonious, their infectious hooks and intoxicating vocals are both hypnotically spiritual and deeply soulful.
The Midatlantic ·
The Midatlantic is a crew of eclectic musicians hailing from the Cape Fear coast of NC. Setting sail with a crew of five, The Midatlantic is an exciting and refreshing brand of folk rock that excites audiences, leaving them wanting more. With a unique blend of progressive folk, Americana, and bluegrass, and a hint of rock and jazz The Midatlantic produces their unique brand of modern folk rock. Don’t be fooled by the montage of acoustic instruments. They always deliver a wide range of dynamics, energy and melodic harmonies through songs that are sincere to love, emotions and life experiences.
The Mike + Ruthy Band ·
Americana stand-outs Mike + Ruthy have assembled a new band and, as was the case with their last one, The Mammals, fans and critics alike are showing a lot of love. Their debut album, Bright as You Can, was released in June 2015 and top critics had this to say: "One of the year's standout Americana albums" (Boston Globe), "In the vanguard of today's vibrant folk revival" (PopMatters) and much, much more. They write top-tier songs, tour with their kids and peerless five-piece band and perform for audiences world-wide with a charm and on-stage ease that might make you think they’re your new best friends.
Mint Julep Jazz Band ·
With their little big band lineup of 4 horns, rhythm section and vocals, the Mint Julep Jazz Band recreate the classic hot jazz and swing sounds of the '20s-'40s with sparkling new arrangements. Based in Durham and led by artful trombonist Lucian Cobb and dynamite vocalist/swing DJ Laura Windley, their beautifully precise sound embodies all the subtle mysteries of swing rhythm. They've created the ideal dance band with their own sweet style with a serious rhythmic underpinning.
The Outboards ·
The Outboards' two-guitar Old Wave attack blends classic late '70s rock like Television and Dire Straits with heartfelt '90s indy rock. Hailing from the intimate hamlet of Pittsboro, they add lively hints of German and Southern psychedelia to twist their sound into a vision all their own.
Paperhand Puppet Intervention ·
Come explore the amazing world of Paperhand Puppet Intervention! NC's imaginative puppeteering troupe uses cardboard, papier mache, trash and a variety of puppetry styles to help promote social change, peace and hope for a better world. Their magical environmental program includes giant puppets, masks, and music. Be prepared to let your spirits soar! Join the puppets in a parade around the festival grounds on Saturday!
Preston Frank ·
Preston Frank
Dance, Zydeco
Accordionist Preston Frank has been laying down his blazing bayou boogie and fearless yet traditional Louisiana zydeco for decades. His trademark swamp groove is a combination of Cajun, funk and soul, cooking up 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 forty years, Preston Frank remains an important force in preserving traditional zydeco and Creole French music.
Richie & Rosie ·
Two dynamic musicians performing gorgeous music rooted in the Americana tradition. Stearns became a lynchpin of today’s American roots music revival as a member of bands including Donna the Buffalo and The Horse Flies. Newton’s elegant voice and glittering fiddle perfectly complements Stearns’ spooky mantra-groove banjo as they expand the boundaries of traditional music and fill the air with sweet harmonies and innovative arrangements. Together, they create a sound that is sometimes ethereal and sometimes just plain ol’ down home.
Shabutaso African Dance ·
Shabutaso (Sh-Ah- Boo-Tah-So), literally the home of Shabu, is a family performance ensemble hailing from Guinea, Liberia West Africa and the African Diaspora. Its mission is to connect and reconnect to traditional African culture and values. Shabutaso began as a family ensemble in 1985, performing, teaching, and creating African art. In 2010, Founders Mama and Baba Shabu re-located to West Africa to build a cultural center and artisan's workshop on a 10-acre farm in Liberia. Their children, multi-instrumentalists Mabinti and Teli Shabu, are modern-day griots continuing the legacy of their elders. Watch their performance and pick up some techniques during their workshop!
Trio Luna & The High Vibes ·
Trio Luna & The High Vibes
Sacred
Trio Luna & The High Vibes are a band of brilliant musicians that span from Chatham County to the mountains of North Carolina. Featuring didgeridoo, Tibetan bowls, a shruti box and much more, their healing sounds span the globe and their sacred reverberations will open your heart and expand your spirit and soul.
Tuskha ·
Vinyl Lounge Cabaret
The Shakori Hills Vinyl Lounge features local DJs spinning nighttime grooves throughout the festival. The lounge is located in the Meadow right next to the beer and wine. It’s the perfect place to mellow out with friends and dance to your favorite timeless tunes and the deepest rare cuts. This fall, we’ll also feature a Vinyl Lounge set late night in the Cabaret Tent.
Born near Lake Victoria in Uganda, Herbert Kinobe is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer known for his inspired synthesis of ancient African roots music and global fusion. He fronts the Wamu Spirit, whose powerful World-roots-dance sound showcases the diversity of traditional African instruments while keeping their ears opened to the sounds of the world at large. With rich, mellow percussion and a sound that’s both celebratory and relaxed, they bring you on a special journey across Africa with gentle and powerful acoustic music.
Nashville-based Sarah Potenza’s soaring, pin-you-to-the-wall vocal chops perfectly complement her authentic, heartfelt songwriting. Playing bigger-than-life blues and alternative country, she’s a unique and dynamic force whose raw power as a performer is startling. Her riveting voice has such an undeniable toughness and angst that John Oates called her a “modern Americana version of Janis Joplin.”
Grammy Award-winning Los Texmaniacs add new colors into the century-old music of the Texas Rio Grande Valley. Rooted in the jalapeño-spiced sounds of conjunto, they incorporate country-western, blues, jazz, classic rock and Chicano dance music into their spunky and spirited blend of polka, boleros, ballads and Western swing.
Eritrean singer and multi-instrumentalist Awalom Gebremariam plays a highly addictive version of traditional African music known as Bahlawi. His powerful sound features two of the region's most recognizable and important instruments, the one-string wata and five-string krar. Fleshed with fragrant and subtle melodies and vocals, he creates modern sounds culled from ancient means.
Bubba George Stringband
Old-Time
Playing breakdowns at breakneck speeds, Bubba George Stringband combines the influences of the master fiddlers with the feel of rock and roll, reggae and punk. They grew out of the Ithaca, NY old-time music scene and have played together in various formations since 1974. With original members including Jeb Puryear, Richie Stearns, Shane Lamphier and Jordan Puryear, Bubba George went on to spawn numerous bands including Donna the Buffalo and the Horse Flies.
Bulltown Strutters are a sparkling and fun community parade band bringing the classic street band traditions of New Orleans to their own home in Durham. Since 2010, the 20+ member collective has been bursting out hip-shaking, smile-making boogie music and urging the audience to join them in parade, dance and merry-making.
Boston-based Eilen Jewell puts her own beautiful stamp on a wide range of traditional musical styles, including jug band, country gospel, early R&B, Chicago blues and the bristling electricity of ’60s UK garage rock. Her thick, warm voice and authentic songwriting put an emphasis on sad sounds from the seamier side of the tracks. With dirty sax riffs and low-slung guitars, her band evokes the exotica of vintage Southern California suburban saloons, imbuing their slow, jazzy numbers with torch and tenacity that linger long after the music fades away.
The Cane Creek Cloggers are a performing dance troupe that have specialized in Appalachian clog dancing since 1980. Hailing from Orange County, NC, they choreograph 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.
Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba play music inspired by the ancient West-African griot tradition. Led by the kora, a 21-stringed harp-lute, this highly original blend of traditional and modern styles creates an infectious sound reminiscent of West African dance bands - full of unison melody, adventurous improvisation, fiery solos and polyrhythmic frameworks. With songs that build, spiral and surge into moments of sudden triumph, Cissokho plays his kora with rock-like exuberance, accompanied by the unrelenting polyrhythmic funk of the rhythm section.
dub Addis combines the intricate melodies of their Ethiopian homeland with the rhythms of reggae to create an original sound that moves both the heart and mind. With soulful sounds embedded in the polyrhythms of Africa, their energizing songs are dedicated to bringing a positive message to the masses and uniting people of all backgrounds in a celebration of life.
Elastic Bond embraces their Miami roots to deliver a unique sonic cocktail with an urban edge and a tropical twist, mixing Latin and soul with modern sample-based production and the vibrant voice of Honduran songstress Sofy Encanto. Fusing a horn section and percussion with electronica, tasty melodies and positive vibes, their funky groove kisses musical boundaries goodbye.
Electric Piquete is a Latin funk/fusion melting pot from Miami stirring in rock, R&B and old-school salsa to take listeners on a fiery Afro-Caribbean journey of sound. With powerfully tight and groovy rhythms and a red-hot horn section, their mostly instrumental explorations cross cultural boundaries with intense passion and vitality.
Gasoline Stove is an acoustic four-piece born of the rustic charm of Pittsboro, NC that plays a raggedy authentic brand of countrified roots rock bursting with emotional energy. With dashes of upbeat folk music and smoldering traces of whiskey-soaked bluegrass, their dusty country barroom sound embodies a ferocious thump and twang. With gritty lightning bolt vocals and gorgeous four-part harmonies, their songs are literary bursts of confession and celebration.
Hank Smith and Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw charge their soulgrass band out of Raleigh to showcase a soulful evolution of American acoustic music that intricately weaves bluegrass into the tapestry of jazz, Latin, blues and classical styles. With sparkling musicianship, dazzling harmonies and impassioned deliveries, they use traditional instrumentation to blaze a new path forward into the modern acoustic idiom.
For the last decade, the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center has hosted the Hoppin’ John Old-Time & Bluegrass Fiddlers’ Convention. The old-time and bluegrass genres are American treasures deeply rooted here in North Carolina. This fall we wanted to bring a little taste of Hoppin’ John back to GrassRoots, so we’ll be inviting several old-time bands that knock us off our feet during the convention in September to come back and join us at GrassRoots. The music is infectious and will definitely get you itchin’ to dance or inspire you to pick up a fiddle yourself!
Hubby Jenkins is a brilliant multi-instrumentalist and songwriter renowned for his authentic and soulful interpretations of traditional American music, including early blues, old-time, ballads and ragtime. Though based in New York City, he's been an integral part of the Grammy award-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops since 2010.
Jack the Radio is an indie rock band from Raleigh with a hard edged, bluesy-rock, Southern pop sound. The soulful stomp spawned by these garage twang rockers is a brilliant blend of styles smashed into one vision, with sliding, tangling guitar lines and soaring harmonies cramming a few extra spark plugs into rootsy rock ‘n’ roll.
Raleigh-based singer/songwriter James Olin Oden takes you on a musical journey that spans the globe and time. His vocals are accompanied by infectious rhythms that hearken back to multiple dance traditions (Appalachian, Flamenco and Celtic). Fast-paced, foot stomping tunes are followed by heart-rending airs and ballads, and in all cases his music cries out, "Let's dance!"
Durham-based Kamara Thomas writes astro-religious songspells and hypnotic musical tales culled from ancient songlines and dreamtimes. Channeling dusty Americana, rootsy folk and classic rock, she spins hazy narrative paeans to America’s epic landscape and mythic past. Her bewitching live performances incorporate intricate vocal harmonies, Native American shamanism, cosmic trance-inducing jams, mountain songs and spellbinding stories of the fabled Old West.
Chapel Hill's Lizzy Ross delivers exuberant Americana with a huge dose of soul. Voted Carolinas' Best Rock Female in 2011, she's a powerful and sultry singer who blends the jazzy and bluesy flavors of Janis Joplin and Grace Potter to create a smooth and soulful sound of her own. Her shrewdly personal lyrics are woven into sophisticated arrangements that include touches of country and '60s roots rock with a spicy dash of Motown.
Lobo Marino
Folk, Sacred, World
Jameson Price and Laney Sullivan are Lobo Marino, a Richmond-based duo whose elegantly eerie chant-like intones soar over tribal-vibing world-fused folk music built primarily on harmonium, bass drum and various other unique instruments. Named after the enormous Pacific Sea Lion, their brand of halcyon, experimental folk draws from a rich palette of international influences. Chaotic yet harmonious, their infectious hooks and intoxicating vocals are both hypnotically spiritual and deeply soulful.
The Midatlantic is a crew of eclectic musicians hailing from the Cape Fear coast of NC. Setting sail with a crew of five, The Midatlantic is an exciting and refreshing brand of folk rock that excites audiences, leaving them wanting more. With a unique blend of progressive folk, Americana, and bluegrass, and a hint of rock and jazz The Midatlantic produces their unique brand of modern folk rock. Don’t be fooled by the montage of acoustic instruments. They always deliver a wide range of dynamics, energy and melodic harmonies through songs that are sincere to love, emotions and life experiences.
Americana stand-outs Mike + Ruthy have assembled a new band and, as was the case with their last one, The Mammals, fans and critics alike are showing a lot of love. Their debut album, Bright as You Can, was released in June 2015 and top critics had this to say: "One of the year's standout Americana albums" (Boston Globe), "In the vanguard of today's vibrant folk revival" (PopMatters) and much, much more. They write top-tier songs, tour with their kids and peerless five-piece band and perform for audiences world-wide with a charm and on-stage ease that might make you think they’re your new best friends.
With their little big band lineup of 4 horns, rhythm section and vocals, the Mint Julep Jazz Band recreate the classic hot jazz and swing sounds of the '20s-'40s with sparkling new arrangements. Based in Durham and led by artful trombonist Lucian Cobb and dynamite vocalist/swing DJ Laura Windley, their beautifully precise sound embodies all the subtle mysteries of swing rhythm. They've created the ideal dance band with their own sweet style with a serious rhythmic underpinning.
The Outboards' two-guitar Old Wave attack blends classic late '70s rock like Television and Dire Straits with heartfelt '90s indy rock. Hailing from the intimate hamlet of Pittsboro, they add lively hints of German and Southern psychedelia to twist their sound into a vision all their own.
Come explore the amazing world of Paperhand Puppet Intervention! NC's imaginative puppeteering troupe uses cardboard, papier mache, trash and a variety of puppetry styles to help promote social change, peace and hope for a better world. Their magical environmental program includes giant puppets, masks, and music. Be prepared to let your spirits soar! Join the puppets in a parade around the festival grounds on Saturday!
Preston Frank
Dance, Zydeco
Accordionist Preston Frank has been laying down his blazing bayou boogie and fearless yet traditional Louisiana zydeco for decades. His trademark swamp groove is a combination of Cajun, funk and soul, cooking up 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 forty years, Preston Frank remains an important force in preserving traditional zydeco and Creole French music.
Two dynamic musicians performing gorgeous music rooted in the Americana tradition. Stearns became a lynchpin of today’s American roots music revival as a member of bands including Donna the Buffalo and The Horse Flies. Newton’s elegant voice and glittering fiddle perfectly complements Stearns’ spooky mantra-groove banjo as they expand the boundaries of traditional music and fill the air with sweet harmonies and innovative arrangements. Together, they create a sound that is sometimes ethereal and sometimes just plain ol’ down home.
Shabutaso (Sh-Ah- Boo-Tah-So), literally the home of Shabu, is a family performance ensemble hailing from Guinea, Liberia West Africa and the African Diaspora. Its mission is to connect and reconnect to traditional African culture and values. Shabutaso began as a family ensemble in 1985, performing, teaching, and creating African art. In 2010, Founders Mama and Baba Shabu re-located to West Africa to build a cultural center and artisan's workshop on a 10-acre farm in Liberia. Their children, multi-instrumentalists Mabinti and Teli Shabu, are modern-day griots continuing the legacy of their elders. Watch their performance and pick up some techniques during their workshop!
Trio Luna & The High Vibes
Sacred
Trio Luna & The High Vibes are a band of brilliant musicians that span from Chatham County to the mountains of North Carolina. Featuring didgeridoo, Tibetan bowls, a shruti box and much more, their healing sounds span the globe and their sacred reverberations will open your heart and expand your spirit and soul.
The Shakori Hills Vinyl Lounge features local DJs spinning nighttime grooves throughout the festival. The lounge is located in the Meadow right next to the beer and wine. It’s the perfect place to mellow out with friends and dance to your favorite timeless tunes and the deepest rare cuts. This fall, we’ll also feature a Vinyl Lounge set late night in the Cabaret Tent.
Shakori Hills & GrassRoots News
7th Annual NC Stars in the Round – August 27th
Get Tickets Now The 7th Annual NC Stars in the Round will be happening on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 7pm. Mark your calendars now for an evening of song and dance under the summer stars! North … Continue Reading
Welcome to our new (online) home!
Hello and welcome! We've been working hard this summer to make our home on the Internet your home too. We hope that those of you who know us well and come to the festivals will enjoy the new layout, … Continue Reading
About Shakori Hills
Thank you Taj Peppers for the video!
The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is a collaboration between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization, providing a family-friendly celebration of music, dance, art and education - Music Lovers' Paradise!
The Shakori Hills Community Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Make a donation to the SHCAC!
The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival Organization is also a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Find out more about the GrassRoots Family.
We'd love your input! Please fill out our survey for what you are interested in seeing happen at Shakori Hills.
Mark your calendars for these other great GrassRoots & SHCAC events:
Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance - Trumansburg, NY - July 21-24, 2016
Hoppin' John Old-Time & Bluegrass FIddlers' Convention - Pittsboro, NC - September 15-17, 2016
Fall Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance - Pittsboro, NC - October 6-9, 2016
Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance - Miami, FL - February 2017
Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance - Pittsboro, NC - May 4-7, 2017
