Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
For over 30 years, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out have been touring and releasing great, original bluegrass music. After spending a handful of formative years as a member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (and recording some legendary bluegrass music in the process), Russell Moore formed IIIrd Tyme Out in1991 and bluegrass music hasn’t been the same since. IIIrd Tyme Out helped usher in a new era of youthful, energetic bluegrass and established a unique sound that has lasted well into the 21st century. Three decades later, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out are one of bluegrass music's most-awarded touring bands with over 50 industry accolades to their credit. In 2019, Moore received his 6th Male Vocalist of the Year award from the International Bluegrass Music Association, maintaining the record as their most awarded in that category. With 18 albums and plenty of miles under his belt, Moore is excited about celebrating the band's 30th Anniversary. “Even with all these years into it we’re just as ready to hit the road and play the music as we were our first day on the
road in 1991.”
road in 1991.”
Darren Nicholson Band
If you’re looking to be impressed, you will be – if you’re looking to make a friend, you already have. Darren Nicholson, who has played mountain music since his youth in Western North Carolina, is a high-caliber musician with substantial contributions to such acts as Alecia Nugent and Balsam Range. Yes, he’s a punchy mandolinist with instrumentation nods to Bill Monroe and Marty Stuart, but he’s also an introspective songwriter, technical harmony singer, convincing lead vocalist, and a man on a mission. Since going solo, Nicholson has persistently and earnestly invested in his shows, making each one a tailored experience. They are genuine, entertaining, and an extended handshake to the community. He’s accomplished this all while managing to retain the fun-witted and approachable character formed in his raising.
The latest album, Wanderer, garnered critical acclaim and produced two #1 singles, and he’s also co-written hit songs for other artists, such as The Grascals’ “I Go” and “Just Let Me Know,” but Darren’s more interested in sharing raw, honest-to-goodness, quality music with his audience. Music that’s good for his soul and theirs too. “That’s all I want,” says Darren. “I want to be a positive part of other people’s lives with music, you know? I want to be an ambassador to roots music – tip my hat to the past while looking forward at the same time.”
Darren assembles a variety of all star collaborations – but no matter the lineup there’s a journey to experience in every show. You feel the adrenaline of a quick number like “Sugar Creek Gap”, the gravity of a soul searcher like “Things Left Undone”, and the levity of his unpredictableantics. “This music was intended to be played in a way that adds joy to the community. All I
want is to restore that purpose, not to complete a transaction.”
He may not be focused on commercial success but his accomplishments have certainly earned recognition. Darren is the recipient of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, along with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor bestowed by North Carolina's governor. He’s also a Grammy nominee. But he won’t talk your ear off about that – he barely agreed to let us put that (long) list on here.
When you come out to a show, whatever you do, please come talk afterward. “I’m like Willie Nelson. ‘I don’t want fans, I want friends.’ It’s a communal thing.”
Darren Nicholson. Homegrown. Whole Hearted. Music with a purpose.
The latest album, Wanderer, garnered critical acclaim and produced two #1 singles, and he’s also co-written hit songs for other artists, such as The Grascals’ “I Go” and “Just Let Me Know,” but Darren’s more interested in sharing raw, honest-to-goodness, quality music with his audience. Music that’s good for his soul and theirs too. “That’s all I want,” says Darren. “I want to be a positive part of other people’s lives with music, you know? I want to be an ambassador to roots music – tip my hat to the past while looking forward at the same time.”
Darren assembles a variety of all star collaborations – but no matter the lineup there’s a journey to experience in every show. You feel the adrenaline of a quick number like “Sugar Creek Gap”, the gravity of a soul searcher like “Things Left Undone”, and the levity of his unpredictableantics. “This music was intended to be played in a way that adds joy to the community. All I
want is to restore that purpose, not to complete a transaction.”
He may not be focused on commercial success but his accomplishments have certainly earned recognition. Darren is the recipient of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, along with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor bestowed by North Carolina's governor. He’s also a Grammy nominee. But he won’t talk your ear off about that – he barely agreed to let us put that (long) list on here.
When you come out to a show, whatever you do, please come talk afterward. “I’m like Willie Nelson. ‘I don’t want fans, I want friends.’ It’s a communal thing.”
Darren Nicholson. Homegrown. Whole Hearted. Music with a purpose.
The Wilder Flower
Madeline Dierauf, Molly Johnson, and Danielle Yother have been building a sound together since meeting in 2021 at the Hagood Mill Fiddlers Convention, where each member has taken home multiple blue ribbons. The band's musical chemistry developed easily during their first practice, and they've been refining their sound and show ever since.
The Wilder Flower blends Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, and Old-time influence into something new and fluid. They thrive vocally on three-part harmonies, whether a two-chord old-time ballad, or a modern, minor-filled melody, and instrumentally feature bluegrass banjo tunes, fiddle and clawhammer string-band songs, flatpicking guitar, and everything in between. Their unique sound is centered around original songs and tunes that are thoughtfully arranged and adapted to showcase their tasteful instrumental sensibilities. They flex between genres and writers in each song, but there is something to their collective taste that speaks the same language, though switching dialects.
If you've been to a show, you know how lively they are on stage. With years of experience dating back to their early teenage years, they are natural performers. As a band they enjoy engaging with audiences, telling stories, and opening up about their songwriting and musical process. Because of this openness, they create a meaningful shared experience with the audience at every show, and often leave people laughing. Their loyal audience members joke about returning again and again to their shows because the dialogue on stage is always unpredictable, and unmissable.
The Wilder Flower blends Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, and Old-time influence into something new and fluid. They thrive vocally on three-part harmonies, whether a two-chord old-time ballad, or a modern, minor-filled melody, and instrumentally feature bluegrass banjo tunes, fiddle and clawhammer string-band songs, flatpicking guitar, and everything in between. Their unique sound is centered around original songs and tunes that are thoughtfully arranged and adapted to showcase their tasteful instrumental sensibilities. They flex between genres and writers in each song, but there is something to their collective taste that speaks the same language, though switching dialects.
If you've been to a show, you know how lively they are on stage. With years of experience dating back to their early teenage years, they are natural performers. As a band they enjoy engaging with audiences, telling stories, and opening up about their songwriting and musical process. Because of this openness, they create a meaningful shared experience with the audience at every show, and often leave people laughing. Their loyal audience members joke about returning again and again to their shows because the dialogue on stage is always unpredictable, and unmissable.
Creekwater Collective
Creekwater Collective is a group of young multi-instrumental bluegrass musicians from the Upstate of South Carolina. Hailing from what has become a hotbed of young bluegrass talent in and around Pickens County South Carolina. Their playing style is inspired by the legends of bluegrass like Rice, Monroe, & Scruggs.
The band members are Lilly Anne (guitarist, lead vocalists), Jud Stone (mandolin, lead vocalist), JonPaul (guitarist, lead vocalist, and Ayden (banjo player).
Lilly Anne, 14 years old, took first place in Guitar at the 2024 Galax Fiddlers Convention. She has had the opportunity to perform on stage with notable professionals like Balsam Range, Josh Williams, and Edgar Loudermilk.
Jud Stone, 13, claimed first place in the Wildcat Competition at the SC Fiddlers Convention and has shared the stage with the Edgar Loudermilk Band.
JonPaul, 16, is a multi-award winner across SC, NC, and VA, and has performed alongside industry legends such as Lorraine Jordan.
Ayden, 15, secured first place in Banjo at the Galax Fiddlers Convention a few years ago. He has since had the privilege of performing with renowned artists such as Sammy Shelor and Darren Nicholson, among others.
The band members are Lilly Anne (guitarist, lead vocalists), Jud Stone (mandolin, lead vocalist), JonPaul (guitarist, lead vocalist, and Ayden (banjo player).
Lilly Anne, 14 years old, took first place in Guitar at the 2024 Galax Fiddlers Convention. She has had the opportunity to perform on stage with notable professionals like Balsam Range, Josh Williams, and Edgar Loudermilk.
Jud Stone, 13, claimed first place in the Wildcat Competition at the SC Fiddlers Convention and has shared the stage with the Edgar Loudermilk Band.
JonPaul, 16, is a multi-award winner across SC, NC, and VA, and has performed alongside industry legends such as Lorraine Jordan.
Ayden, 15, secured first place in Banjo at the Galax Fiddlers Convention a few years ago. He has since had the privilege of performing with renowned artists such as Sammy Shelor and Darren Nicholson, among others.
Bluegrass and Company
Bluegrass and Company is a band of three multi-talented musicians from Pickens County, SC.They enjoy sharing their love of music in churches, at festivals, and private events in and around their community and neighboring states. Members are Elijah, Alyssa and Malachi.
The three members of Bluegrass and Company met through the Sweet Potato Pie Kids, YAMS (Young Appalachian Musicians) elite performance band. It was here they discovered their mutual love for bluegrass music. This mutual bond led to them forming their band. By calling themselves Bluegrass and Company, the band is not restricted to playing bluegrass music, but many genres in the style of traditional bluegrass music. The bands goal is to share their Faith and their love of music.
The three members of Bluegrass and Company met through the Sweet Potato Pie Kids, YAMS (Young Appalachian Musicians) elite performance band. It was here they discovered their mutual love for bluegrass music. This mutual bond led to them forming their band. By calling themselves Bluegrass and Company, the band is not restricted to playing bluegrass music, but many genres in the style of traditional bluegrass music. The bands goal is to share their Faith and their love of music.
Sweet Potato Pie Kids
In March of 2010, POSAM (Preserving Our Southern Appalachian Music) initiated its performing band, Sweet Potato Pie Kids, which is made up of top students in the YAM program. These students must be recommended by their instructors and are then scheduled for audition. The purpose of the band is to promote POSAM and the YAM program while raising funds for the entire nonprofit organization. The group has become a popular attraction in Pickens County.
