With music rooted deeply in the Blue Ridge Mountains and feet planted firmly in the Carolina sand, their style is not just a sound, but a journey through family ties and tradition. 

Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers are an up-and-coming sibling bluegrass band. Born and raised near Wilmington, NC, the band was formed in 2021 by the siblings when they decided that there was no reason not to! The band is composed of Isabella on the fiddle, AnnMari on the guitar, Pete on the banjo, Chris on the mandolin and sometimes Dad on bass. They are set to serenade your soul with their harmonious melodies and foot stomping fun. Catch a live show and get ready to be swept off your feet as they infuse their performances with a blend of music, faith, kinship, and a whole lot of heart.

Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers were recently honored to be chosen as the opening act for Sam Bush in Wilmington, NC. They played on the IBMA World of Bluegrass youth stage in 2024, Merlefest 2025, and they are also selected to play at the NC Folk Festival this September!

The band is excited to share their new album On Forgotten Paths composed of original music. It is available on all streaming platforms and in CD form on Bandcamp. The songs are meant to take the listener on a journey down a forgotten path, each song representing a tale from the characters we meet along the way. The album features the songs, “Trying to Survive” and “Train Keep A Rollin’.” You can also stream their debut EP, Magnolia, on all streaming networks. This EP features five original songs that express the simple truths of life. Good writers write about what they know, so their debut album features the things they know and love— sun showers, flowers, pigs, and chocolate ice cream. Written sitting together on the front porch and polished around the kitchen table, these songs reflect family life mixed with a little rabble-rousing sibling fun. Nothing fancy, just simple stories and good times.