2026 LINE-UP
Chris Coole and John Showman (Canada)
Chris Coole and John Showman are a Canadian folk and old-time music duo known for their fiddle and banjo playing, deep musical connection forged over 20 years in bands like The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Lonesome Ace Stringband. They blend old-time, bluegrass, and folk in their original music, pay tribute to John Hartford, and released two albums in 2022: "Afield" and "Much Further Out than Inevitable".
They have toured extensively across North America and Europe, playing at major festivals like Merlefest and the Winnipeg Folk Festival
Mason Via (US)
with the Crossover Festival House Band.
Mason Via has toured the world as a member of Old Crow Medicine Show, earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the band's chart-topping album Jubilee, contributed songs to Grammy winning and nominated records by Molly Tuttle and Del McCoury Band, and released his solo debut, New Horizons. Mason Via’s new single, “Wide Open.” Co-written by Mason Via and Zach John King , this track paints vivid pictures of campfires, screen doors, and sunsets over pastures, while also capturing the essence of young heartbreak. Raised in Patrick Springs, VA, Mason drew on his childhood experiences growing up in the hills, hollers, and backwoods of southern Virginia to inspire this incredible new song. This track sounds like Old Crow Medicine Show, Tyler Childers , Zach Bryan, Flatland Cavalry, Turnpike Troubadours, and Mountain Heart.
“Mason Via is transcending musical genres with his unique brand of what has been described as Appalachian funky folk, soulful acoustic, rhythm and bluesgrass, and groovy Americana.” —The Huffington Post
Hank, Pattie and the Current (US)
Hank, Pattie and the Current is a four-piece bluegrass and Americana band based in Raleigh, North Carolina, known for their innovative sound that blends traditional bluegrass with classical, Motown, jazz, and pop influences. The group is led by Hank Smith on banjo and Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw on fiddle and vocals.
The band has forged a unique "soulgrass" sound by approaching their string band much like a string quartet, embracing their diverse musical backgrounds rather than hiding them. Their music features original compositions, instrumental experimentation, and complex vocal harmonies.
Flats and Sharps
Flats and Sharps are a popular four-piece bluegrass band from Penzance, Cornwall, England, known for their high-energy, enthusiastic live shows that blend traditional bluegrass with influences from folk, country, and pop music.
The band formed after meeting at the Cornish Bluegrass Festival in 2008 and began performing together a few months later, initially busking as teenagers on the streets of Penzance. They have since developed a reputation for their "lightning-fast picking, pristine vocal harmonies and an electrifying live show". Their sound features a classic bluegrass lineup of instruments. Flats and Sharps have performed globally, including multiple tours in Australia, Europe, the U.S., and the UK, and have played at major festivals such as Nashville Meets London, Cambridge Folk, and the Isle of Wight Festival. A 2025 relaunch includes all original members.
Rip Roaring Success
The Rip Roaring Success are the hottest Western Swing Band East of El Paso featuring Wild Miss Lucille on double bass, Miss Jay tearing it up with some smokin' hot fiddle and the token gent, the one and only Rusty on six strings of flamin' geetar and hillbilly vox. Folk at venues and festivals up and down the country will testify that when you want the prairie set on fire with jumpin' ho-down tunes then there ain't no success like a rip roarin' one.
The Often Herd
The Often Herd transcend the traditional boundaries of bluegrass music. Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is deeply coloured by their surroundings; the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England. This unique approach won them the title of “Best European Bluegrass Band 2018” at the prestigious La Roche Bluegrass Festival in France.
Rupert Hughes (guitar) and Evan Davies (mandolin), write songs steeped in personal experience whilst drawing from a wide pool of influences ranging from old-time to psychedelia. American-born fiddler Niles Krieger and jazz bassist Sam Quintana add fiery instrumental skills to the mix, launching the band’s arrangements into the stratosphere. Together, their sound is both boldly contemporary and soothingly familiar, taking time-honoured traditions to new places with a fresh perspective. Flock to the herd, you won’t be disappointed.
Hot Rock Pilgrims
Hot Rock Pilgrims are a UK-based five-piece "supergroup" known for playing high-energy old-time and bluegrass music. They blend traditional Appalachian music with their own interpretations and original songs, and are known for their lively performances.
Formed around 2014, the band quickly became a sought-after act in the UK's cult bluegrass and folk scenes, performing at major festivals and venues. They are recognised for their powerful vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess, packing dance floors wherever they go. Their music blurs the line between traditional genres, featuring a mix of reimagined traditional songs and original melodies.
Good Guy Hank
Good Guy Hank is an alternative Americana band formed by musicians from Scotland and Australia, known for their blend of soulful country, bluegrass, and folk music with strong vocal harmonies and dynamic instrumentation. The trio, united by their love for Hank Williams, features Theo Barnard (Wire & Wool), Pepita Emmerichs (Oh Pep!), and Donny McElligott (The New Madrids). They perform original songs and covers, with influences ranging from Hank Williams and Gillian Welch to Calexico
One Night Stringband
One Night Stringband is a collaborative old-time music project formed by two established fiddle and banjo duos from the North of England and Scotland: Old Spot (Rowan Piggott and Joe Danks) and Jeri Foreman & Ruth Eliza (Jeri Foreman and Ruth Eliza). The group is known for their spontaneous and vibrant approach to traditional Appalachian music.
Taff Rapids
Taff Rapids is a Cardiff-based stringband that blends traditional bluegrass with Welsh-language songs and original compositions, creating a unique sound they call "Blŵgras". Comprising Darren Eedens, Sion Russell Jones, David Grubb, and Clem Saynor, they are known for their energetic performances, rich harmonies, and instrumental mastery, touring internationally and gaining significant recognition, including being the first Welsh band to play at the IBMA World of Bluegrass Showcase.
AD Scruffs
A.D. Scruffs is a Roots Revival Quartet from Bristol, bringing foot stomping energy, infectious original tunes, and a storming stage presence that captivate every crowd. From the frailing of the banjo, to the chiming mandolin, with every song soaked in rich vocal harmonies, you’ll find yourself entwined in their soundscape as you watch the band in their natural element; lost in the music.
"These guys take old-time styling and give it a modern makeover with standout musicianship and mean vocal harmonies"
Paul Spencer, Maverick Festival
Carrivick Sisters
The Carrivick Sisters are a UK-based twin sister musical duo composed of Charlotte and Laura Carrivick. They are known for their acoustic folk, bluegrass, and old-time music, featuring tight sibling harmonies and multi-instrumental skills. Thier accomplishments include being Finalists in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards (2010)..Named Band/Duo of the Year in the 2011 FATEA Awards. and have toured internationally and released seven albums
In addition to their duo work, both sisters have been involved in other bands, most notably the twice IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Award-nominated band Midnight Skyracer. Charlotte has also released a solo album and currently touring as The Charlotte Carrivick Band
Hildaland (U.S)
Fiddle player Louise Bichan, originally from Orkney, Scotland, and mandolinist Ethan Setiawan, originally from Goshen, Indiana, have taken their duo from traditional Scottish roots through to progressive bluegrass and jazz, with music inspired largely by places and the journeys between them, both physical and musical.
Bichan and Setiawan met during their time at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Setiawan has made a name for himself as a virtuosic mandolin player, winning the National Mandolin Championship, and performing with the likes of Darrell Scott and Julian Lage. Bichan says, “Ethan always has really interesting musical ideas, and takes things in directions I wouldn’t think to go. He writes brilliant tunes, which are often challenging and push me out of my comfort zone, which I appreciate.” Bichan is an award-winning fiddle player, who has appeared on the BBC and at the Edinburgh Castle and Cambridge Folk festival among many other places. “Louise has a beautiful sense of melody and harmony. She often comes up with ideas that seem perfect, and so totally not what I would have come up with. She plays with a lot of drive, and derives beautiful arcs of storytelling within a melody” explains Setiawan.
Grace Honeywell and Jerri Foreman
Jeri Foreman and Grace Honeywell are two dynamo multi instrumentalists whose diverse talents, passion for global experiences and love for a good ol’ bluegrass breakdown brought them together in a duo project that was not only inevitable but down right wonderful.
Jeri Foreman, originally from Adelaide, Australia and now based in Glasgow, is celebrated for her mastery of traditional Scottish fiddle music, Bluegrass and Old Time music. Her extensive travels through Europe and North America have deepened her expertise, allowing her to perform across a variety of genres and venues, from major festivals to intimate pubs.
Grace Honeywell, originally from Oregon, USA continues to redefine what it means to be a modern troubadour, seeking to create spaces where deep emotions can be expressed and shared through song. Blending fiddle and guitar with her whimsical songwriting, to spend an evening with Grace is to experience music that is written from the soul, and sung from the heart.
Performing together throughout the UK and at festivals such as 2025 Celtic Connections, Jeri and Grace take listeners along on a journey – following a tale of life on the road, adventure, exploration and connection. With their fresh interpretations of country classics, showcase of contemporary bluegrass songs and blend of beautiful originals, they create a unique and joyful experience for any audience.
Ragged Out Stringband
The Ragged Out String Band is a London-based trio playing energetic Old-Time Appalachian folk, Americana, and early Bluegrass, featuring Emily Smith (fiddle), Joe Auckland (banjo), and Andy Quelch (guitar), known for their fiery fiddle tunes, driving rhythms, and tight performances at UK festivals and venues.