Mason Via is an Appalachian troubadour who was born and bred in the Blue Ridge Mountains but now makes his home in Gator Country: Gainesville, FL. An alumnus of Old Crow Medicine Show, he earned a Grammy-nomination for his work on the band’s chart-topping Folk album, Jubilee. His new self titled album came out in April 2025 and debuted at #12 on Billboard Bluegrass Album chart. The song “Melt in the Sun” has gone to #1 on the Sirius XM Bluegrass show. Mason toured in 2025 with bluegrass stars like Sierra Hull, I’m With Her, and the Wood Brothers. His songwriting can also be seen on Grammy-winning & Grammy nominated albums by bluegrass icons, Molly Tuttle and Del McCoury. During his time in Nashville, TN he was praised by NPR as one of the top 10 artists thriving in Bluegrass music. Be ready for an exciting show full of high-octane bluegrass energy paired with emotionally gripping lyrics that will have you dancing and singing along by the end of the night.

Carson Peters and Iron Mountain has quickly become one of the most energetic and hottest bands in the business, making numerous trips to the Grand Ole Opry, multiple international appearances, and having countless songs on the bluegrass and bluegrass gospel charts. Their traditional style and A Cappella arrangements are a refreshing reminder that the bluegrass of old is alive and well. The band is made up of Carson Peters (22), from Piney Flats, TN, James McDowell (30), from Hendersonville, NC, Taylor Parks (22), from Bloxom, VA, Henry Burgess (19), from Edmond, OK, and Jake Goforth (19), from Troy, NC. Carson and the band signed with Billy Blue Records in 2023, and are gearing up for the release of their 2nd album under the esteemed bluegrass label. The boys give God all the glory for allowing them to accomplish what they have so far, and trust His plan to guide them through the future.

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 formed in 2022 when the siblings decided that there was no reason not to! The band features Isabella on the fiddle, AnnMari on the guitar, Pete on the banjo, Chris on the mandolin and Dad on bass. They are set to serenade your soul with their captivating melodies, and fun sibling banter. Get ready to be swept off your feet as they infuse their performances with a blend of faith, kinship, and a whole lot of heart. They played on the IBMA World of Bluegrass official youth stage in 2024 and 2025, Merlefest 2025, and won second place in the Blue Highway Fest ‘Rising Stars’ 2025 band competition.

Carolina Connection started playing in the 1970’s playing local get together and were originally known as “The Sounds of Bluegrass.” Around 1998 they changed their name to “Carolina Connection” and have played festivals all over North Carolina and beyond with top bands like 3rd Tyme Out, Mountain Heart, Lonesome River Band, James King, Bass Mountain Boys. The current line up has been together since 2005.

Screamin’ Bridge, started by Matthew Manning in Spring 2022, is a young, energetic, feel-good bluegrass group out of Eastern North Carolina. Growing up playing bluegrass in the family band(Dry Creek) and at bluegrass festivals, Manning, along with cousin Brendan Mobley were deeply rooted in the traditional music. Desiring to get back to bluegrass, Manning started Screamin’ Bridge, bringing along Mobley and two local musicians and bluegrass enthusiasts, Jacob Vaughan and Justin Edwards of the locally famed Martin County Ramblers. The band name comes from a local ghost story that you can hear about in the song “Screamin’ Bridge.” They have released two albums, Screamin' Bridge and You Gotta Dig.  They are currently working on a gospel album. Their lineup consists of Manning on guitar and vocals, Mobley on fiddle and vocals, Vaughan on upright bass and vocals, and Edwards on banjo. The group makes their home in rural Martin County, located in eastern North Carolina.

Travis Watts & Mountain Blessings is a high-energy, hard-driving bluegrass band that captivates with its dynamic harmonies and lightning-fast picking. This group originates from the historic town of Mount Airy, and they are deeply rooted in the Appalachian tradition but add their own unique flavor to the music. With a deep love for the genre, they breathe new life into classic songs from the past, while seamlessly incorporating fresh bluegrass sounds and original compositions. The band and its members have earned multiple first-place awards in both individual and band competitions, a testament to their talent, dedication, and musicianship. Their performances are not only a celebration of timeless Appalachian roots but also of their award-winning, innovative approach—ensuring an unforgettable experience for audiences everywhere.

Always a pleasure when Massive Grass takes the stage. Steeped in the bluegrass tradition of the Carolina Foothills with a rock twist that makes for a truly unique sound, guaranteed to keep your feet tapping and head banging. Massive Grass brought their own brand of rock and roll mountain music to Wilmington, NC in 2007 and has been delighting fans of all genres ever since. 

Folkstone Stringband highlights traditional bluegrass played for centuries & made popular in the early 20th century when recording became more prolific. Pulling from styles made popular by musicians such as Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Jimmy Martin, Charlie Poole, Don Reno and Red Smiley & more, the band continues to push the envelope to keep the tradition alive, continuing to provide hard-driving & fast-picking bluegrass, old time Americana & honky-tonk music to eastern North Carolina, and beyond.

Pickety Split is a lively new take on traditional bluegrass hailing from Charlotte, NC.  From the bluegrass standards, to jamgrass-infused originals, Pickety Split brings their own unique perspective into the acoustic music realm.

The Sail Away Ladies (SAL) have been playing music together for several years in various band configurations steeped in the oldtime and bluegrass traditions. Recently formed as a trio, they also bring to the mix Irish, Cajun, Hawaiian, Latino, and maybe a sea shanty or two, for good measure. As multi instrumentalists, the ladies provide a fun variety of instrumental blends accompanied by delightful harmonies!