Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance

Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance

  • Donate
  • GrassRoots Live!
    • GrassRoots Live! at Shakori Hills Spring 2021
    • GrassRoots Live at Shakori Hills Tickets
    • Upcoming Live Streams
    • Food & Beverages
    • GrassRoots Live! FAQ
    • Shakori GrassRoots COVID Guidelines
  • Festival Info
    • General Info / FAQs
    • Festival Site Map
    • Camping
    • Directions & Maps
    • Handicap Accessibility
    • Visiting Chatham County
    • Ride Share
    • Previous Performers
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Contact Us
  • Happenings
    • Advocacy Groups
    • Craft Vendors
    • Food Vendors
    • Healing Arts
    • Indigenous Crafts
    • Kids Tent
    • More Happenings
    • The Outpost
    • Shakori Hills Vinyl Lounge
    • Sustainability, Peace & Justice
  • Be a Part
    • Be a Volunteer
    • Enter a Contest
    • Be a Craft Vendor
    • Be an Advocacy Group
    • Be a Healer
    • Be a Performer
    • Be a Festival Sponsor
    • Be a Program Advertiser
    • Be a Food Vendor
  • Media
    • Press Page
    • Photos
    • Articles
  • SHCAC
    • Shakori Hills Community Arts Center
    • Hoppin’ John Fiddlers’ Convention
    • Shakori Sessions
    • Roots in the Schools
    • Have Your Event Here
  • GrassRoots
    • GrassRoots Family
    • Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival
    • Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival
  • Blog

Performers Spring 2019

 

Advance ticket rates run through April 28th.

Get Tickets Now

Visit these fine locally-owned businesses starting Friday, March 1 to get 4-Day or Single Day Passes:

  • Townsend Bertram & Co, Carrboro, NC
  • Circle City Books, Pittsboro, NC
  • The Regulator Bookshop, Durham, NC
  • Redix Store, Wilmington and Wrightsville
  • All Schoolkids Records locations

 

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

The self-described "cowboy hippie surf rock" of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real features Willie's son shining brightly on gently rolling acoustic numbers, funky blues and cosmic country soul. Their songs are ever-evolving and explorative, a gritty dreamscape both strong and sensitive. Since 2015 they've been Neil Young's band on multiple albums and tours, and they appear as Bradley Cooper's band in the new film A Star is Born, for which Nelson co-produced the soundtrack and wrote songs with Lady Gaga.

Turkuaz

Turkuaz

Brooklyn-based 9-piece funk army Turkuaz creates an explosive audiovisual circus bursting with boisterous horn arrangements, primal rhythms, huge harmonies and white hot guitars. Energetic splashes of rock, R&B and psychedelia color their signature stampede of sonic fury. This is a can't-miss dance party!

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad mixes traditional folk and country with reggae rhythms, weaving improvisational jams into layers of intricate sound. The Rochester, NY-based crew concocts air-tight dub, roots revelry and Afrobeat affirmations, flavoring their positive message with upbeat energy and thoughtful lyrics.

Lucas Ashby’s Brain Trust Feat. Cyro Baptista


Lucas Ashby’s Brain Trust Feat. Cyro Baptista

Two masters of rhythm join together for an inspired percussion showcase when Big Mean Sound Machine's Lucas Ashby meets renowned virtuoso Cyro Baptista. Ashby's outbursts fuse Brazilian, Hindustani and Afro-Caribbean traditions, perfectly complementing the passion of Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista, who has played extensively with artists including Paul Simon, Yo-Yo Ma, Herbie Hancock and Trey Anastasio.

Zach Deputy

Zach Deputy

Zach Deputy is an astonishing one-man dance party offering up “Island-infused, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Gospel-Ninja-Soul.” Based in Bluffton, SC, he's an amazing multi-instrumentalist and soulful singer known for his solo live looping shows which include vocals, guitar, bass, drums, beat boxing, horns and more, all coming directly from him. Full of hope and the promise of a new day, he's a powerhouse of performance and technical ability.

Donna The Buffalo 6/11 – 6/12

Donna The Buffalo 6/11 – 6/12

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 exactly 30 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. Catch Donna The Buffalo live at Shakori Hills GrassRoots on June 11, 2021 by getting your tickets here. Catch Donna The Buffalo live at Shakori Hills GrassRoots on June 12, 2021 by getting your tickets here.

Driftwood

Driftwood

In a post-modern world of skyscrapers and handheld computers, Driftwood looks beneath the concrete and circuitry to find their inspiration. Based in Binghamton, NY, their remarkable mix of old-time folk with contemporary and world music features blazing fiddle work, boundary-less banjo, booming upright bass, and gleeful guitar.
Travers Brotherhsip band photo

Travers Brothership


Travers Brothership

Travers Brothership is a wild and intense alternative soul funk ensemble from Asheville that's positively overflowing with joyous energy. Founded by twin brothers Kyle and Eric Travers, their epic concerts are thrilling throwdowns with perfectly blended vocals soaring above groovy beds of wholehearted rock and blues.

Kat Wright & the Indomitable Soul Band

Kat Wright & the Indomitable Soul Band

Kat Wright & the Indomitable Soul Band is an 8-piece upbeat blue-eyed soul band from Burlington, VT. Her captivating voice is powerful yet delicate, gritty yet emotive, with a booming troupe of bluesy jazz horns painting the melodies with funky R&B nuances.

Bella’s Bartok

Bella’s Bartok

Bella's Bartok is a combustible kaleidoscope - an uproarious and ecstatic dance party mixing Eastern European, Americana, punk and pop into a soulful sonic circus. The spirited seven-piece set sail from Massachusetts to dish out a theatrical onslaught with lyrics that defy oppression and embrace their massive manifesto of joy.

Sophistafunk

Sophistafunk

Rooted in old school funk and hip hop, Sophistafunk explores electronic dance grooves infused with soul and positively charged lyrics. The Syracuse-based trio is a multi-genre tour de force, jam packed with vintage tones and tight musicianship.

Megan Jean & the KFB


Megan Jean & the KFB

Hard-chargin', foot-stompin', guitar beatin', upright poundin', washboard scratchin,' banjo pickin' madness with a voice like you just ain't heard before. It can only be Charleston, SC-based duo Megan Jean & the KFB, who arrange a demented blend of gypsy, circus, Americana and the avant-garde.

Preston Frank

Preston Frank

Accordionist Preston Frank has laid down his blazing bayou boogie and fearless yet traditional Louisiana zydeco for over half a century. His trademark swamp groove combines Cajun, funk and soul to cook up smooth and flowing Creole tones that instantly make you move. With jumping rhythms and festive vibes, he remains an important force in preserving traditional zydeco and Creole French music.

Dr. Bacon

Dr. Bacon

Dr. Bacon is a musical detonation - a genre-defying Appalachian soul-grass funk-rock band from Asheville breaking the sound barrier with an infectiously uplifting blend of bluegrass, soul, hip hop, blues and more. Their unique and multicultural voice is a joyous shout from the mountaintop!

Otto Von Schirach

Otto Von Schirach

Miami-based IDM and breakcore artist Otto Von Schirach designs magical supernovas of sound waves, with a passion for grimy diamond-soaked kick drums crashing through distorted fuzz muck.

Swamp Kids


Swamp Kids

Swamp Kids' psychedelic fusion of folk, rock and funk moves to a hypnotic and timeless pulse. Hailing from Ithaca and Rochester, they play a deep and rhythmic version of Americana inspired by the vintage tones of yesterday and an uplifting vision of tomorrow.

Young Bull

Young Bull

Young Bull is a forward-thinking hip hop and R&B trio from Durham with a slew of brilliant jazz and funk instrumentalists behind their energetic live performances. They're rooted in a distinctively Southern sound, fusing trap and old-school soul influences into a rich, modern approach.

Ellis Dyson & The Shambles w/ Katharine Whalen

Ellis Dyson & The Shambles w/ Katharine Whalen

Ellis Dyson & the Shambles are a swing-ragtime sextet from Chapel Hill known for their foot-stompin’ sound and frenzied live shows. Their old-timey front porch vibe infuses Appalachian traditions with hootin’ and hollerin’ folk rock. Their Sunday set will also feature the velvety vocals of celebrated songbird Katharine Whalen from Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Root Shock

Root Shock

Root Shock dreams up high energy reggae with positive and conscious lyrics, skanking out of Syracuse with heavy drum and bass spiced with American roots music. Spearheaded by the stunning vocals of bona fide soul powerhouse Jessica Brown, they crank out seductive dance music that's sophisticated and smooth, elevating and energizing.

Jose Albizu Jazz Trio


Jose Albizu Jazz Trio

Bass virtuoso Jose Albizu delivers a performance packed with intricate, soulful, soaring improvisation. Noted for blending modern styles with the traditional, Albizu brings the Miami heat to move your feet!  

Friday, Oct. 5 at 12 p.m., Dance Tent Saturday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. Carsons Grove

Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba

Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba

Carrboro's Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba play a highly energetic combination of traditional and modern styles inspired by West African dance bands and led by a 21-stringed harp-lute called a kora. They’re full of flaming solos, adventurous improvisation and unrelenting polyrhythms that spiral and surge into moments of sublime triumph.

West End Blend

West End Blend

West End Blend is a high-energy funk-soul-groove steamroller from West Hartford, CT, whose relentless rhythms pay tribute to classic throwback tones with a huge dose of their own bubbling boogie boiled in. Captivating singer Erica T. Bryan and a rapturous 4-piece horn section blaze a vibrant trail through their slinky, slippery sound.

The Tan and Sober Gentlemen

The Tan and Sober Gentlemen

Hailing from Snow Camp, NC, the Tan and Sober Gentlemen pioneer "Celtic punk-grass." It's a raw and unfiltered blend of hard-driving, danceable roots music from both sides of the pond, conveyed with a punk edge and wild abandon. They're famous for their rip-roaring live shows, featuring all manner of shenanigans, audience engagement and tremendous bursts of energy.  

Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9 p.m., Dance Tent

The Gaslight Tinkers


The Gaslight Tinkers

The Gaslight Tinkers' blend of global rhythms generates a joyously danceable sound around a core of traditional New England old-time and Celtic fiddle tunes. Bouncing out of Brattleboro, VT, they reimagine African, Caribbean and Latin influences into funky jigs and reggae grooves that sizzle and pop with boundless positive energy.

The Broadcast

The Broadcast

The Broadcast tunes in a soulful ’70s classic rock vibe filled with funky old-school hooks and groovy psychedelic blues. Scorching lead singer Caitlin Krisko’s vocals are smoky and sensuous blasts of ecstatic epiphany drenched in honey and dripping with soul. Formed in Brooklyn and relocated to Asheville, their dynamic sound features heartfelt melodies and hard-edged polyrhythmic grooves.

Aaron Lipp & the Slack Tones

Aaron Lipp & the Slack Tones

Aaron Lipp & the Slack Tones conjure a bustling 1950s rockabilly juke joint brimming with mind-bending guitar riffs soaring over infectious old school rhythms. The Naples, NY native's earnest originals feature pinpoint bluegrass flatpicking, screaming fiddle, groove-hungry upright bass and bedrock drumming.

The Collection

The Collection

The Collection is a profoundly uplifting orchestral folk collaborative teeming with endless musical textures and inspired lyrics on faith, doubt and redemption. Singer/songwriter David Wimbish's magnetic and passionate voice shepherds the Greensboro-based chamber-pop troupe through a multicolored movement of sonic jubilee.

Tenzin Chopak


Tenzin Chopak

Ithaca, NY's Tenzin Chopak plays stunningly beautiful progressive chamber folk music with hints of worldbeat, prog and electronica mixed into the sound. His multi-instrumental versatility and deeply rooted spiritual beliefs instill his art with rustic and religious overtones that add a mystical sheen to his creations.

Rebekah Todd & The Odyssey

Rebekah Todd & The Odyssey

Fusing elements of rock, soul, blues and folk, Rebekah Todd creates smooth melodies charged with a heavy dose of raw energy. Hailing from Wilmington, her sultry voice, catchy hooks and powerful lyrics lead the charge while the band cranks out a smoking hot Muscle Shoals R&B sound of generations past.

Blue Cactus

Blue Cactus

Based in Chapel Hill, Blue Cactus is the modern classic country duo of Steph Stewart and Mario Arnez. From gritty honky-tonk to heart-breaking balladry, they bring a vibrant authenticity back to country with earnest harmonies and reflective lyrics on love, loss and lonesomeness.

Arson Daily

Arson Daily

Raleigh's Arson Daily erupts with energy, sweeping the crowd with danceable rock that stretches across genres. With enduring melodies, rich storytelling and solid grooves, they compose dynamic and thrilling exploits with large doses of sweet soul and manic intensity.

Ray McNamara


Ray McNamara

Ray McNamara is a guitarist from Ithaca, NY blending psychedelic tones, pop songcraft and DIY-punk into his intricate compositions. Exploring themes of modern alienation, space and love, he fuses crunchy garage tone and crystal-clear blues licks into gut-busting melodic rock.

Psylo Joe

Psylo Joe

Pyslo Joe is a psychedelic funk powerhouse from Greenville, NC heavy on improvisation and light on their feet. This heated crew cranks out high-energy jam rock with soulful saxophones steering mind-bending explorations.

NiiTO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hxIp4kJ8Zw

NiiTO

NiiTO is a Raleigh-based band playing groovy R&B-jazz-soul fusion with seductively smooth vocals and sparkling saxophones. Boasting expert musicianship and a singular sound, they’re both incredibly relaxing and fun to dance to.

DJ Rang & Brevan Hampden

DJ Rang & Brevan Hampden

Based in Durham, DJ Rang & Brevan Hampden crank out a wild turntable dancefest with live drums and percussion boosting the vibe into overdrive. Get ready for an epic celebration filled with party classics!

Music Maker Revue


Music Maker Revue

The Music Maker Relief Foundation is a Hillsborough-based nonprofit dedicated to helping the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern musical traditions gain recognition and meet their day-to-day needs. Music Maker's aid and service programs improve the quality of musicians' lives, affirming to these artists that we value the gifts of music and inspiration they've given to the world. Music Maker's mission is to give back to the roots of American music. This spring brings a select group of amazing artists that Music Maker has supported over the years.

Maj Deeka

Maj Deeka

Maj Deeka is a high-octane jamband roaring out of Raleigh with a lively sound seamlessly fusing rock, funk, jazz and soul. With a natural ear for melody, rock solid grooves and fiery performances, their pure energy shines brightly through their elastic compositions.

The Oblations w/ Dino Horns

The Oblations w/ Dino Horns

The Oblations are a one-of-a-kind two-man blues/funk band led by Joe MacPhail on simultaneous drums and keyboards and Daniel Fields on masterful guitar. They weave their own original stories from the long thread of American blues and split the difference between songcraft and improvisation. This spring finds their potent energy bolstered by the mighty brass of Carrboro's Dino Horns.

Tha Materials

Tha Materials

Tha Materials is a soul hip hop sextet based in Durham that oscillates between savvy rapping and the beautiful singing voice of Juteria Eaves. Heavy beats, enticing melodies and thought-provoking lyrics illuminate their funky and positive message.

Sirius.B


Sirius.B

Asheville's Sirius.B offers the finest absurdist gypsy folk funk punk that the world has to offer - part Klezmer and part Middle Eastern with strong Irish overtones. Their impressively irreverent and combustible 3-ring circus of sound boasts an eclectic mix of melodies and instruments.

RKIII

RKIII

RKIII is what happens when a spirited jazz trio mutates into improvised livetronica, pushing the boundaries of what musicians can achieve with modern technology. These Winston-Salem natives utilize computers as improvisational tools to forge their potent attack alongside screaming guitars, inventive bass runs and stomping drums.

Victoria Victoria

Victoria Victoria

Hailing from Winston-Salem, the gorgeous indie pop of Victoria Victoria effortlessly incorporates slinky R&B, dreamy synth jazz and laid-back acoustic folk ballads. Tori Elliott's powerfully emotional voice glides over glorious melodies to showcase the dynamic subtleties of her vast range.

Bulltown Strutters

Bulltown Strutters

Bulltown Strutters are a sparkling and fun community parade band delivering a raucous mix of old-school New Orleans second line classics and new-school funk. Boasting over 20 members, they bust out hip-shaking, smile-making boogies powered by an epic horn section and an extra dose of Durham craziness. Don't miss them leading the Saturday parade!

Jphono1


Jphono1

Carrboro's John Harrison filters cosmic America through pastoral Appalachia with back porch banjos, richly layered ragas and hazy electronic pop nuggets. Earthy slide and acoustic guitars shimmer through spacey programmed beats and synthesized strings in an uncanny blend of the time-honored and the state-of-the-art.

Honey Magpie

Honey Magpie

Honey Magpie is an indie/folk band from Carrboro sewing a patchwork quilt of warm and rustic three-part harmonies, complex yet catchy string parts and sweetly layered piano riffs. Their uniquely beautiful creations blend banjo, violin, cello, percussion and more into a flurry of elegant notes.

Chris Frisina

Chris Frisina

Wilmington-based singer/songwriter Chris Frisina plays golden-hued folk and country music rich with nostalgia and personal warmth. His poignant and piercing storytelling looks at friendship, guilt and love through the eyes of a searching soul.

Local Flora

Local Flora

Local Flora is a psychedelic jam rock band from Chapel Hill delivering danceable grooves with swirling synths and swathes of funk-blasting bass. Mighty guitars and gorgeous group harmonies add to the nostalgic, happy-go-lucky atmosphere.

Laura Boswell


Laura Boswell

Asheville-based singer/songwriter Laura Boswell plays folk music with classical influences, a minimalist Americana approach reflecting the profound intimacy and vulnerability of her lyrics. She constructs deeply honest songs on loving, struggling and simply existing, conveyed with compelling depth and poetry.

Blurky’s Quirky Friends

Blurky’s Quirky Friends

Blurky's Quirky Friends are a fun-loving folkadelic minstrel band carousing out of Cape Hatteras. Catch the tide of fiddles and harmonicas floating over fun covers and rousing acoustic originals.

The Holland Brothers

The Holland Brothers

Pittsboro-based twin brothers Mark and Michael Holland form a harmonious duo playing old-time folk, timeless country, and Piedmont and Delta-style fingerpicking blues. Inspired by masters like Charlie Poole and Charlie Patton, their choice covers and rousing originals offer up charismatic displays of wailing blues harp and churning acoustic slide and 12-string guitar.

The Green Grass Cloggers

The Green Grass Cloggers

Founded in 1971 in Greenville, NC, the Green Grass Cloggers are inspired by traditional mountain-style clogging teams as well as older flatfoot and buck dancers. Their eclectic and energetic style features unconventional steps and free-spirited performances, and led them into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame in 2014.

GrassRoots Live! at Shakori Hills

Festival starts in 2 days!

Find It

Shakori Hills & GrassRoots News

Del McCoury Band Promo Photo

GrassRoots Live at Shakori Hills Spring 2021

As the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone our beloved full Spring … Continue Reading

Save Your Roots

For the past 30 years the GrassRoots Festivals have been a part of your family and you have been a part of ours. We have come together … Continue Reading

Shakori Hills GrassRoots Virtual Festival Fundraiser

The Shakori Hills Community Arts Center (SHCAC) will hold a virtual Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival October 8 through 11. Carol … Continue Reading

Contact

1439 Henderson Tanyard Road
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919.542.8142

General: shakorihills@grassrootsfest.org

Press/Media: shakorihillsmedia@grassrootsfest.org

Booking: shakorihillsbooking@grassrootsfest.org

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Latest Tweets

@KellerMusician & @KairaBaMusic LIVE multi-camera to your living room THIS Saturday, April 17! WATCH at bit.ly/ShakoriLiveStr… pic.twitter.com/86pLVFYyw4

About 3 days ago

Live music safely returning to Shakori Saturday, April 17th with @KellerMusician & @KairaBaMusic kicking off our GrassRoots Live! limited capacity, pod-based concert series. Tickets on sale now at bit.ly/GrassRootsLive… pic.twitter.com/JqKXT20Pim

About 4 days ago

ICYMI: Here are some ways to help #ShakoriHills so we can continue doing so many of the things we love to do. Check it out: shakorihillsgrassroots.org/20…

Last year

In case you missed it: Read more to help our #Festivalfamily. twitter.com/shakorihills/s…

Last year

We know it is difficult for our #bands and #vendors during this time. Check out our blog for ways you can support everyone who helps make #ShakoriHills everything that it is! Link Below: shakorihillsgrassroots.org/20…

Last year

Follow @shakorihills
 
Subscribe to Receive Email Updates

Latest Photos

Follow Us!

Copyright © 2021 Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance · All Rights Reserved · Website by Tomatillo Design