2020 Festival Schedule
Thursday, July 23rd
Opening Night Performances
Outside Tent Area adjacent to the Cozy Cove and/or Inside Cozy Cove
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
Amanda Cook was just bestowed a 2nd Ballot Nomination for Female Vocalist of the year with the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). She is one of the most striking, upward trending female vocalist in Bluegrass Music today. Ms. Cook's increased air time on national radio programs like Sirius XM's Bluegrass Junction, has raised enough notice recently to have an interstate traveler pull over to check the screen and ask: who is that woman with that fresh, compelling to listen to sound?
The Amanda Cook Band is made up of six upbeat musicians: Amanda Cook Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo and vocals, Josh Faul, upright bass and vocals, Aaron Foster on lead guitar , Troy Boone on mandolin and George Mason on fiddle.
Known for their high energy performances more reminiscent of jambase, Feed The Dog is a band driven by the unique and progressive approach of each player. This quartet is hard to peg as imaginative melodies with graceful ambiance are skillfully crafted on the violin, and then move over to be wowed by an acoustic guitar that blends nimble Kottke-like finger picking with the strength of blues and rock. Simply put, Feed The Dog's genre bending, shake-your-hips, instrumental flair is a crowd-pleaser wherever they perform.
Down-Home Tomahawk Wisconsin Bluegrass: Precise Picking & Harmonious Vocals
Bluegrass to Swing...and Everything In Between
Amanda Cook was just bestowed a 2nd Ballot Nomination for Female Vocalist of the year with the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). She is one of the most striking, upward trending female vocalist in Bluegrass Music today. Ms. Cook's increased air time on national radio programs like Sirius XM's Bluegrass Junction, has raised enough notice recently to have an interstate traveler pull over to check the screen and ask: who is that woman with that fresh, compelling to listen to sound?
The Amanda Cook Band is made up of six upbeat musicians: Amanda Cook Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo and vocals, Josh Faul, upright bass and vocals, Aaron Foster on lead guitar , Troy Boone on mandolin and George Mason on fiddle.
Down-Home Tomahawk Wisconsin Bluegrass: Precise Picking & Harmonious Vocals
Bluegrass to Swing...and Everything In Between
Known for their high energy performances more reminiscent of jambase, Feed The Dog is a band driven by the unique and progressive approach of each player. This quartet is hard to peg as imaginative melodies with graceful ambiance are skillfully crafted on the violin, and then move over to be wowed by an acoustic guitar that blends nimble Kottke-like finger picking with the strength of blues and rock. Simply put, Feed The Dog's genre bending, shake-your-hips, instrumental flair is a crowd-pleaser wherever they perform.
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
Friday, July 24th
10 AM to 1 PM Performances
Outside Tent Area adjacent to the Cozy Cove and/or Inside Cozy Cove
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
Down-Home Tomahawk Wisconsin Bluegrass: Precise Picking & Harmonious Vocals
Bluegrass to Swing...and Everything In Between
GINSTRINGS is an acoustic progressive string band with roots in Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, and even Jambase. Dubbed "33 interchangeable strings and vibrant vocal harmonies," GINSTRINGS arouses audiences, including those amongst us weary with the constraints of our times.
1 PM to 11 PM Performances
Main Outdoor Stage
Amanda Cook was just bestowed a 2nd Ballot Nomination for Female Vocalist of the year with the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). She is one of the most striking, upward trending female vocalist in Bluegrass Music today. Ms. Cook's increased air time on national radio programs like Sirius XM's Bluegrass Junction, has raised enough notice recently to have an interstate traveler pull over to check the screen and ask: who is that woman with that fresh, compelling to listen to sound?
The Amanda Cook Band is made up of six upbeat musicians: Amanda Cook Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo and vocals, Josh Faul, upright bass and vocals, Aaron Foster on lead guitar , Troy Boone on mandolin and George Mason on fiddle.
Over the years, Heather Berry-Mabe has recorded several albums including two for Tom T. Hall & the late Miss Dixie Hall's label, Blue Circle Records. Miss Dixie was quoted: "Tom T. and I have had Heather pegged for some time now as being as awesome as Allison (Alison Krauss), of the caliber of Emmylou (Harris) and unassumingly sharing the legendary quality of Maybelle (Carter)." Peter Cooper, Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, and producer, had this to say of Heather: “In the music business, we spend a lot of time talking about purity, beauty, tone, pitch and heart. Then Heather Berry sings and we just shut up and listen.”
Tony Mabe Jr. compliments the other side of the duet, and is a first class musician. His vocals are soulful, pure and harmonize well with Heather's gifted mountain clear voice. This husband-wife team brings blessing to the hearts of hearers everywhere they sing, play, and minister.
Tony and Heather's early afternoon set will be complimented by late afternoon and evening Friday/Saturday sets as members of The Junior Sisk Band.
Heather is a two time IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) award winner for her work with the Daughters of Bluegrass. As a festival bonus, Heather will join the Daughters of Bluegrass main stage act at 2 PM Saturday.
In conclusion, this graced couple, Tony and Heather, give new meaning and promise to the saying: Come early, stay late!
Known for their high energy performances more reminiscent of jambase, Feed The Dog is a band driven by the unique and progressive approach of each player. This quartet is hard to peg as imaginative melodies with graceful ambiance are skillfully crafted on the violin, and then move over to be wowed by an acoustic guitar that blends nimble Kottke-like finger picking with the strength of blues and rock. Simply put, Feed The Dog's genre bending, shake-your-hips, instrumental flair is a crowd-pleaser wherever they perform.
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
Down-Home Tomahawk Wisconsin Bluegrass: Precise Picking & Harmonious Vocals
Bluegrass to Swing...and Everything In Between
Known for their high energy performances more reminiscent of jambase, Feed The Dog is a band driven by the unique and progressive approach of each player. This quartet is hard to peg as imaginative melodies with graceful ambiance are skillfully crafted on the violin, and then move over to be wowed by an acoustic guitar that blends nimble Kottke-like finger picking with the strength of blues and rock. Simply put, Feed The Dog's genre bending, shake-your-hips, instrumental flair is a crowd-pleaser wherever they perform.
Amanda Cook was just bestowed a 2nd Ballot Nomination for Female Vocalist of the year with the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). She is one of the most striking, upward trending female vocalist in Bluegrass Music today. Ms. Cook's increased air time on national radio programs like Sirius XM's Bluegrass Junction, has raised enough notice recently to have an interstate traveler pull over to check the screen and ask: who is that woman with that fresh, compelling to listen to sound?
The Amanda Cook Band is made up of six upbeat musicians: Amanda Cook Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo and vocals, Josh Faul, upright bass and vocals, Aaron Foster on lead guitar , Troy Boone on mandolin and George Mason on fiddle.
Junior Sisk is highly decorated and widely recognized as one of today's top bluegrass vocalists, and a constant reminder that traditional bluegrass is still alive and well.
His album Heart of a Song earned the prestigious IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Album of the Year Award in 2012. Its single "A Far Cry from Lester and Earl," which Sisk co-wrote, became a rallying cry for a resurgence of traditional sounds in bluegrass and additionally, received the Song of the Year Award from the IBMA.
Sisk was further honored when he was named 2013 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, and in 2014 his band earned the SPBGMA Bluegrass Band of the Year award.
In 2016, "Longneck Blues," a collaboration with noted singer-songwriter Ronnie Bowman, was named Recorded Event of the Year by the IBMA. Most recently, Sisk received the 2017 Male Vocalist of the Year award from SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America).
In 2015, Sisk signed with Mountain Fever Records and has been happily turning out hit after hit for them ever since. His most recent album, Brand New Shade Of Blue boasts the chart topping single "Whiskey and the Guitar."
GINSTRINGS is an acoustic progressive string band with roots in Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, and even Jambase. Dubbed "33 interchangeable strings and vibrant vocal harmonies," GINSTRINGS arouses audiences, including those amongst us weary with the constraints of our times.
Amanda Cook was just bestowed a 2nd Ballot Nomination for Female Vocalist of the year with the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). She is one of the most striking, upward trending female vocalist in Bluegrass Music today. Ms. Cook's increased air time on national radio programs like Sirius XM's Bluegrass Junction, has raised enough notice recently to have an interstate traveler pull over to check the screen and ask: who is that woman with that fresh, compelling to listen to sound?
The Amanda Cook Band is made up of six upbeat musicians: Amanda Cook Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo and vocals, Josh Faul, upright bass and vocals, Aaron Foster on lead guitar , Troy Boone on mandolin and George Mason on fiddle.
11 PM to Closing Performances
Outside Tent Area adjacent to the Cozy Cove and/or Inside Cozy Cove
Junior Sisk is highly decorated and widely recognized as one of today's top bluegrass vocalists, and a constant reminder that traditional bluegrass is still alive and well.
His album Heart of a Song earned the prestigious IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Album of the Year Award in 2012. Its single "A Far Cry from Lester and Earl," which Sisk co-wrote, became a rallying cry for a resurgence of traditional sounds in bluegrass and additionally, received the Song of the Year Award from the IBMA.
Sisk was further honored when he was named 2013 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, and in 2014 his band earned the SPBGMA Bluegrass Band of the Year award.
In 2016, "Longneck Blues," a collaboration with noted singer-songwriter Ronnie Bowman, was named Recorded Event of the Year by the IBMA. Most recently, Sisk received the 2017 Male Vocalist of the Year award from SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America).
In 2015, Sisk signed with Mountain Fever Records and has been happily turning out hit after hit for them ever since. His most recent album, Brand New Shade Of Blue boasts the chart topping single "Whiskey and the Guitar."
Junior Sisk, Guitar, Vocals, Heather Berry Mabe, Guitar, Vocals, Tony Mabe, Banjo, Guitar, Vocals, Johnathon Dillon, Mandolin, Vocals, Curt Love, Bass, Doug Bartlett, Fiddle, Vocals.
Known for their high energy performances more reminiscent of jambase, Feed The Dog is a band driven by the unique and progressive approach of each player. This quartet is hard to peg as imaginative melodies with graceful ambiance are skillfully crafted on the violin, and then move over to be wowed by an acoustic guitar that blends nimble Kottke-like finger picking with the strength of blues and rock. Simply put, Feed The Dog's genre bending, shake-your-hips, instrumental flair is a crowd-pleaser wherever they perform.
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
Saturday, July 25th
10 AM to 1 PM Performances
Outside Tent Area adjacent to the Cozy Cove and/or Inside Cozy Cove
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
GINSTRINGS is an acoustic progressive string band with roots in Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, and even Jambase. Dubbed "33 interchangeable strings and vibrant vocal harmonies," GINSTRINGS arouses audiences, including those amongst us weary with the constraints of our times.
1 PM to 11 PM Performances
Main Outdoor Stage
Down-Home Tomahawk Wisconsin Bluegrass: Precise Picking & Harmonious Vocals
Bluegrass to Swing...and Everything In Between
Each year at the Daughters of Bluegrass festival in Guyton, Georgia, a new daughter is inducted into the ranks. The festival celebrates female-led bluegrass acts, including many who had performed on the various Daughters of Bluegrass albums over the years, some of which Heather Berry-Mabe had recorded on. Within the past few years, both Amanda Cook and Carolyne VanLierop-Boone were also inducted.
One of the highlights of the 31st Annual Midsummer Bluegrass Festival is scheduled for 2 PM with the performance of the Daughters of Bluegrass Show. At that time you will see why Amanda, Carolyne and Heather’s talents were so credentialed by a jury of their peers to be included into the ranks of Daughters of Bluegrass, and why their act is offered for the patrons’ pure musical enjoyment.
Known for their high energy performances more reminiscent of jambase, Feed The Dog is a band driven by the unique and progressive approach of each player. This quartet is hard to peg as imaginative melodies with graceful ambiance are skillfully crafted on the violin, and then move over to be wowed by an acoustic guitar that blends nimble Kottke-like finger picking with the strength of blues and rock. Simply put, Feed The Dog's genre bending, shake-your-hips, instrumental flair is a crowd-pleaser wherever they perform.
3:15pm : Bluegrass Institute of the Northwoods Meet & Greet / Question & Answer
Featuring: Amanda Cook Band
Amanda Cook was just bestowed a 2nd Ballot Nomination for Female Vocalist of the year with the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). She is one of the most striking, upward trending female vocalist in Bluegrass Music today. Ms. Cook's increased air time on national radio programs like Sirius XM's Bluegrass Junction, has raised enough notice recently to have an interstate traveler pull over to check the screen and ask: who is that woman with that fresh, compelling to listen to sound?
The Amanda Cook Band is made up of six upbeat musicians: Amanda Cook Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo and vocals, Josh Faul, upright bass and vocals, Aaron Foster on lead guitar , Troy Boone on mandolin and George Mason on fiddle.
Down-Home Tomahawk Wisconsin Bluegrass: Precise Picking & Harmonious Vocals
Bluegrass to Swing...and Everything In Between
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
Amanda Cook was just bestowed a 2nd Ballot Nomination for Female Vocalist of the year with the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). She is one of the most striking, upward trending female vocalist in Bluegrass Music today. Ms. Cook's increased air time on national radio programs like Sirius XM's Bluegrass Junction, has raised enough notice recently to have an interstate traveler pull over to check the screen and ask: who is that woman with that fresh, compelling to listen to sound?
The Amanda Cook Band is made up of six upbeat musicians: Amanda Cook Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo and vocals, Josh Faul, upright bass and vocals, Aaron Foster on lead guitar , Troy Boone on mandolin and George Mason on fiddle.
Junior Sisk is highly decorated and widely recognized as one of today's top bluegrass vocalists, and a constant reminder that traditional bluegrass is still alive and well.
His album Heart of a Song earned the prestigious IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Album of the Year Award in 2012. Its single "A Far Cry from Lester and Earl," which Sisk co-wrote, became a rallying cry for a resurgence of traditional sounds in bluegrass and additionally, received the Song of the Year Award from the IBMA.
Sisk was further honored when he was named 2013 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, and in 2014 his band earned the SPBGMA Bluegrass Band of the Year award.
In 2016, "Longneck Blues," a collaboration with noted singer-songwriter Ronnie Bowman, was named Recorded Event of the Year by the IBMA. Most recently, Sisk received the 2017 Male Vocalist of the Year award from SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America).
In 2015, Sisk signed with Mountain Fever Records and has been happily turning out hit after hit for them ever since. His most recent album, Brand New Shade Of Blue boasts the chart topping single "Whiskey and the Guitar."
Known for their high energy performances more reminiscent of jambase, Feed The Dog is a band driven by the unique and progressive approach of each player. This quartet is hard to peg as imaginative melodies with graceful ambiance are skillfully crafted on the violin, and then move over to be wowed by an acoustic guitar that blends nimble Kottke-like finger picking with the strength of blues and rock. Simply put, Feed The Dog's genre bending, shake-your-hips, instrumental flair is a crowd-pleaser wherever they perform.
Down-Home Tomahawk Wisconsin Bluegrass: Precise Picking & Harmonious Vocals
Bluegrass to Swing...and Everything In Between
GINSTRINGS is an acoustic progressive string band with roots in Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, and even Jambase. Dubbed "33 interchangeable strings and vibrant vocal harmonies," GINSTRINGS arouses audiences, including those amongst us weary with the constraints of our times.
11 PM to Closing Performances
Outside Tent Area adjacent to the Cozy Cove and/or Inside Cozy Cove
Junior Sisk is highly decorated and widely recognized as one of today's top bluegrass vocalists, and a constant reminder that traditional bluegrass is still alive and well.
His album Heart of a Song earned the prestigious IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Album of the Year Award in 2012. Its single "A Far Cry from Lester and Earl," which Sisk co-wrote, became a rallying cry for a resurgence of traditional sounds in bluegrass and additionally, received the Song of the Year Award from the IBMA.
Sisk was further honored when he was named 2013 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, and in 2014 his band earned the SPBGMA Bluegrass Band of the Year award.
In 2016, "Longneck Blues," a collaboration with noted singer-songwriter Ronnie Bowman, was named Recorded Event of the Year by the IBMA. Most recently, Sisk received the 2017 Male Vocalist of the Year award from SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America).
In 2015, Sisk signed with Mountain Fever Records and has been happily turning out hit after hit for them ever since. His most recent album, Brand New Shade Of Blue boasts the chart topping single "Whiskey and the Guitar."
Junior Sisk, Guitar, Vocals, Heather Berry Mabe, Guitar, Vocals, Tony Mabe, Banjo, Guitar, Vocals, Johnathon Dillon, Mandolin, Vocals, Curt Love, Bass, Doug Bartlett, Fiddle, Vocals.
Known for their high energy performances more reminiscent of jambase, Feed The Dog is a band driven by the unique and progressive approach of each player. This quartet is hard to peg as imaginative melodies with graceful ambiance are skillfully crafted on the violin, and then move over to be wowed by an acoustic guitar that blends nimble Kottke-like finger picking with the strength of blues and rock. Simply put, Feed The Dog's genre bending, shake-your-hips, instrumental flair is a crowd-pleaser wherever they perform.
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
Sunday, July 26th - Gospel Hours
Vassar Clements performed at the 2nd Annual MidSummer Bluegrass Festival July 25-28, 1991
Ragtime John has dabbled in the history of the MisSummer Bluegrass Festival most recently as the bass player for The Sawdust Symphony, and as far back as the 2nd Annual as a participant in those incredible Vassar Clements' Open Mic jam sessions. Nowadays he dabbles in Ragtime, lively music that is often played on the piano and that was very popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
GINSTRINGS is an acoustic progressive string band with roots in Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, and even Jambase. Dubbed "33 interchangeable strings and vibrant vocal harmonies," GINSTRINGS arouses audiences, including those amongst us weary with the constraints of our times.