DC BLUEGRASS UNION FEBFEST! For the month of February, Earp's Ordinary will be hosting Bluegrass bands every weekend!

Schedule:

Friday, February 9, 2024

OLD TOWN TRADITION/SHANNON LEIGH&GOOD BYGONES

OLD TOWN TRADITION - 6pm
Playing their own blend of Bluegrass, Folk, Blues and Americana Roots music, Old Town Tradition has been entertaining DC area audiences for many years. From the historic Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria VA to Gypsy Sally's in Georgetown, Old Town Tradition has been picking their high energy string music with delight. The band features Brian Renzella on guitar, Marlo Lewis on mandolin, Pam Ferguson on fiddle, Evan Sands on banjo, and John Werntz on bass.

SHANNON LEIGH REYNOLDS & GOOD BYGONES - 8pm
Shannon Leigh and The Good Bygones are a high-energy bluegrass band from Maryland. Shannon Leigh Reynolds fronts the band with powerful lead vocals and rhythm guitar. Shannon is a talented singer and songwriter, and recently released her debut album, Triple Shot, which stayed on the FAI album chart for three months, peaking at #4 and securing her spot at #5 on their album chart for September 2023. She is joined by exceptional instrumentalists and bluegrass veterans, including Keith Arneson on banjo, who is the former banjoist for the U.S. Navy Band Country Current. Mary Naden provides a driving rhythm on bass, and Will Sears rounds out the sound with his soaring fiddle solos. For this occasion, The Good Bygones are also joined by ultra-talented multi-instrumentalist Ryan Mullins on mandolin. With influence ranging across many genres, the band plays everything from hard-driving traditional bluegrass and Americana favorites to classic country tear-jerkers. Their set lists include covers and a growing number of heartfelt originals. The band is quickly becoming an area favorite, with excellent vocals and instrumental work, and they are known for putting on shows that are crowd-pleasing and fun.

Doors: 5:00 pm

Tickets

Saturday, February 10, 2024

BILLY HARRISON & HAYWIRE/FRANK SOLIVAN & FRIENDS

BILLY HARRISON & HAYWIRE - 6pm
This Brother/ Sister Duo features high energy, great harmonies, and excellent musicians.

With assistance from Terry Wittenberg and Billy’s “baby sister” Terry DiPaula, Billy Harison and Haywire have formed a bond with tight harmonies and great musical arrangements along with masterful instrumentation.

- Billy Harrison – Lead & Harmony Vocals, Lead Guitar
- Terry Wittenberg – Lead & Harmony Vocals, Banjo & Guitar
- Terry DiPaula – Lead & Harmony Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
- Tad Marks – Fiddle
- Heath Laird – Bass
- Garrett Wren – Mandolin

The band hails out of the old “bluegrass hot bed" which are the outskirts of Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD.

FRANK SOLIVAN & FRIENDS - 8pm
Multi-Grammy nominated Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen is a torrent of mind-blowing bluegrass. Known for their meaty pile-driving rhythms and Frank’s dynamic and bold vocals, the band’s last two albums have both received a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album. They have twice been named IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year and earned numerous other IBMA noms including Male Vocalist of the Year, Mandolin Player of the Year, and in 2013, received Banjo Player of the Year. Their massive sound and show stealing performances command the most prestigious stages in the country and abroad; from The Grand Ole Opry to the biggest international festivals across Europe, South America and Australia. The band has performed at the biggest bluegrass festivals including Telluride, MerleFest, Grey Fox, RockyGrass, Delfest, Strawberry Music Festival, Pickin’ in the Pines, ROMP, and countless more. Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen is among the most respected and sought-after bands in the business. FS&DK’s respect and deep understanding of the bluegrass tradition collides, live on stage, with rock-tinged fiery virtuosity that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Other influences include country, jazz, blues, southern rock, and soul.

More than a performer, Solivan is an award-winning songwriter, master cook, outdoorsman, leather craftsman, and entrepreneur, a bonafide Renaissance Man. Frank manufactures his own line of spice mix and hot sauce, handcrafts high end plectrums (picks), leather straps and belts used by the likes of Billy Strings and Trey Hensley and is an influencer and endorser of national brands such as Traeger Grills, Bonafide Kayaks, D’Addario, Bluechip Picks, and Grace Designs.
In 2022, Frank started a high-end boutique plectrum company with his partner David Welch called, ToneSlabs. They have spent decades performing, searching, tinkering, and experimenting to find a pick that will produce the perfect tone. ToneSlabs is THE premier pick across the plectrum landscape.

The band’s highly anticipated new album, Hold On was released September 2, 2022, with high expectations as the band’s previous two releases have both been Grammy nominated for Best Bluegrass Album.

Doors: 5:00 pm

Tickets

Friday, February 16, 2024

DUNLAP & MABE/FURNACE MOUNTAIN

DUNLAP & MABE - 6pm
Jack Dunlap & Robert Mabe have been touring the country together since 2019; though collectively have performed and recorded with the likes of Larry Keel, Gina Furtado, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Scythian, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Bud’s Collective, The Fly Birds, Dry Mill Road, Old Town Flood, Shannon Bielski & Moonlight Drive, Tim and Savannah Finch and The Eastman Stringband, Lonesome Highway, Circa Blue and Jakobs Ferry Stragglers, to name a few. They have also graced prestigious stages such as The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Carnegie Hall in New York City, Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska, The Hamilton in Washington, DC and Forbes Center for the Performing Arts in Harrisonburg, VA. Both masters of their instruments, they play a mix of original tunes, classic bluegrass numbers, jazz favorites and covers anyone would recognize. With roots planted firmly in bluegrass, they stretch their sound in ways that all audiences will enjoy and leave the performance wanting more.

FURNACE MOUNTAIN - 8pm
The region is situated between the Appalachian hills of West Virginia and the culturally diverse and ever-changing Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and is known for producing musicians who transcend generic categories, deftly taking traditional music styles in new directions. Furnace Mountain Band, named for a mountain near where all the members grew up, consists of some of the most innovative and gifted musicians in Virginia.

Furnace Mountain consists of Aimee Curl on bass and vocals, , Dave Van Deventer on fiddle and vocals, and Morgan Morrison on guitar, bouzouki, and vocals, Danny Knicely on mandolin and fiddle. The band creates music that is at times lively and raucous, with spirited fiddle melodies weaving in and around the powerful rhythms of the bass and bouzouki, and other times poignant and poetic, with sublime vocal harmonies beautifully interpreting some of the oldest songs ever written.

Furnace Mountain Band has performed throughout the world, from the Yangtze River in China to the banks of the Shenandoah River, where they are the host band of Watermelon Pickers’ Festival. Furnace Mountain Band plays music from the American Appalachian traditions, as well as original compositions, and songs penned by their favorite song writing friends.

Doors: 5:00 pm

Tickets

Saturday, February 17, 2024

SHANNON BIELSKI & MOONLIGHT DR/VALERIE SMITH & LIBERTY PIKE

SHANNON BIELSKI & MOONLIGHT DRIVE - 6pm
Shannon Bielski and Moonlight Drive brings an original, fresh, and versatile bluegrass sound. Found in 2018, Shannon Bielski and Moonlight Drive has played in numerous music venues across the D.C. Maryland, and Virginia area, including the infamous Birchmere. The band has opened for many notable acts such as The Seldom Scene, The Lonesome River Band, and The Traveling McCoury's. In 2021, the band released their first full-length album titled "Tennessee Heart," after Shannon's original track. The band features Shannon Bielski for lead vocals and fiddle, Rob Benzing on Banjo, Jack Dunlap on guitar and vocals, and Cody Brown on bass and vocals. The band released their latest single Iris the first of this year, check out their music on any major platform.

VALERIE SMITH & LIBERTY PIKE - 8pm
Valerie Smith is a well-known Grassicana artist who blends bluegrass, country, and Americana music seamlessly. She has received multiple awards for her passionate and soulful performances. NPR radio host Dave Higgs aptly described her as "sassy, sultry, siren-like, sweet, smooth, soothing, and smoldering - sometimes just in one song!"

Valerie's music journey began when she recorded her first album, "Patchwork Heart," with Alan O'Bryant, a Grammy award-winning composer, producer, instrumentalist, and recording artist of the Nashville Bluegrass Band. The album's release included a song called Red Clay Halo, written by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, which reached the top charts for Bluegrass Unlimited Radio Survey, Country Music, and Americana reporting, remaining on the list for five years. It was voted by the bluegrass community to be one of the top 60 songs of the decade. Valerie Smith owns Bell Buckle Records, Publishing, and Media and has produced many successful albums, including Julie Gold's Grammy-winning song "From a Distance." She has also produced a new musical called "Maggie's Journal," which will be out and included in some performances in 2024.

Valerie is working with Donna Ulisse on a new release called "Songbird Road," which will be released on Bell Buckle Records in late spring 2024. Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike have dominated the bluegrass music scene for over two decades with their electrifying performances and critically acclaimed recordings. The band's lineup includes Wally Hughes on dobro and fiddle, Lisa Kay Howard Hughes on mandolin, Joe Zauner on banjo and guitar, Stephen Hu on upright bass, and Valerie Smith on guitar and lead vocals. They are a powerhouse of talent and passion, combining traditional and contemporary styles to create a unique sound that embodies bluegrass music.

Valerie's latest album, "Renaissance," has charted on several roots, bluegrass, gospel, and country charts, showcasing her creative musical prowess with songs that touch on themes of hope, sorrow, love, and renewal.

Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike's music transcends boundaries and brings people together, creating an unforgettable experience. With numerous tour dates lined up for 2024, they continue to spread happiness and fun in the world of bluegrass music.

Doors: 5:00 pm

Tickets

Friday, February 23, 2024

SWEET YONDER/BOB PERILLA'S BIG HILLBILLY BLUEGRASS

SWEET YONDER - 6pm
Guts. Glory. Soul. With instrumental attitude and inspiring vocal harmonies, the women of Sweet Yonder present a driving mix of banjo, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and bass on compelling originals and bluegrass classics. They even include their own spin on American classic rock.

Mary DeGuire Romagnoli, mandolin, vocals; Carolyn Eyerly Sagatov, guitar, vocals; Rachael Vohrer, banjo, vocals; Sarai Rivera, bass, vocals, Janine Lewis: Fiddle, vocals.

BOB PERILLA'S BIG HILLBILLY BLUEGRASS - 8pm
International veterans of stage, screen, and television, “Bob Perilla’s Big Hillbilly Bluegrass” (BHB) performance highlights include an appearance in Chris Rock's film “Head of State”, a live television gig with Earl Scruggs, six Kennedy Center concerts, and a two-week residence at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. At the command of the U.S. Department of State, Big Hillbilly Bluegrass has toured Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Oman and the Dominican Republic over the years, crowning BHB as “America's Defacto Bluegrass Ambassadors”. One of most recent tours Brought Bluegrass music to Africa for a month, performing in Mauritania, Togo, Republic of Congo, and the Central Africa Republic. BHB recordings have achieved critical acclaim and BHB also appears in Ruth Oxenberg-Rob Schumer documentary film “Bluegrass Journey” Big Hillbilly Bluegrass has been entertaining music fans for more than 30 years on four continents. The ensemble boasts more than 200 years of combined musical experience. An exciting blend of bluegrass along with country, folk, and original material will please even the most discriminating listeners and make easy converts of those unfamiliar with bluegrass music. The band was heard every weekly for over twenty years at their home venue Madam's Organ in Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.

Equally at home on mandolin, fiddle, guitar & dancer Tina Kaarsberg was raised in Alberta Canada, and educated in the USA. As our newest member, Tina is proud to bring authentic vocals and a vibrant presence she is a genuine crowd pleaser everywhere she goes.

Bob Perilla was reared in rural Maryland and honed his craft by playing with the Baltimore bands Satyr Hill and Jackstraw, among others. He is an accomplished entertainer and Event MC with a voluminous body of bluegrass repertoire Perilla is a guitarist in the tradition of Jimmy Martin. He has performed with Don Stover, Buzz Busby, Bill Clifton, Leon Morris, Kenny Smith, Tom Gray, Jerry McCoury and Al Jones & Frank Necessary. He wrote the song “May's the Man,” which BHB performed on screen in the movie “Head of State”. Mr. Perilla composed and recorded the musical score for the hit play and TV movie “T-Bone & Weasel.”

Banjoist Mike Munford is a fiery soloist, yet simultaneously a real team player. His powerful technique, quicksilver improvisations, and seemingly inexhaustible reservoir of musical ideas have won him high-visibility gigs with the likes of Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, “Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen” and the DePuy Brothers. In a fruitful lifetime devoted to bluegrass, Mr. Munford has won innumerable friends and fans while acquiring an encyclopedic capability with all things banjo ). Mr. Munford was honored to appear on cover of the influential “Banjo Newsletter” Mike has been honored by being named “Banjo of the Year” by the IBMA.

Fiddler Tad Marks won his bluegrass spurs by touring with Del McCoury, Lynn Morris, Kate MacKenzie, Charlie Zahm and James King. His playing reveals a grand knowledge of bluegrass, old-time, swing, Celtic, and classical music and he can always be counted on for sly musical humor. With five solo discs to his credit, he is a prolific composer and an expert violinmaker.

Both prolific and admired, bassist “Jenkins” has his roots in South Carolina and came to DC for his final hillbilly polish. He is equally at home on bass, guitar or mandolin and is a fine songwriter. Noted for his Grammy nominated stint with Frank Solivan’s band and his current gigs in “Nothing Fancy” and “Carolyn Eyerly”, Jenkins is the number one call as DC’s reigning favorite hillbilly bassist.

Doors: 5:00 pm

Tickets

Saturday, February 24, 2024

PATUXENT PARTNERS/BOURBON MOON

PATUXENT PARTNERS - 6pm
In the world of bluegrass music, the high lonesome sound never goes out of style. When a great traditional band hits the stage with power and authenticity, the audience really pays attention. The Patuxent Partners command such attention wherever they perform. Since 1975, the Patuxent Partners have brought their exciting brand of bluegrass music to festivals, dances, concerts, and special events throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Bandleader Tom Mindte sings and plays mandolin.Tom's remarkable voice ranges from deep bass to soaring tenor, and he brings a wealth of traditional songs to the band's repertoire. Tom's phenomenal mandolin virtuosity, inspired by bluegrass greats Bill Monroe and Buzz Busby, is the driving force behind the band's instrumental sound. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Bryan Deere hails from southern Maryland. Whether the song is a country tear-jerker or a bluegrass classic, Bryan's expressive and powerful singing is pure and true to the roots of the music. Adding excitement and drive to the bluegrass sound is one of the jobs of the banjo picker, and John Brunschwyler is hard to beat. John's inventive approach to traditional banjo playing has made him a favorite of bluegrass audiences throughout the region. John also sings the baritone harmonies in the group's trios. Phenom fiddler, Willie Marschner, has been amazing audiences since he was 9 years old! He continues to marvel audiences now at 16 years old! Pulling it all together is the strong, dynamic rhythm generated by creative bassist, Jenkins. who is equally at home in a bluegrass, swing, or jazz setting, and contributes an unwavering sense of musicality to the band.

BOURBON MOON - 8pm
Bourbon Moon is an acoustic power trio of upright bass, guitar, fiddle and banjo. The band has performed at festivals, clubs, and private events around DC, Maryland and Virginia since 2014. Bourbon Moon brings high energy, roots-inspired interpretations of blues, bluegrass, classic rock, and Irish fiddle tunes with tight harmonies.

Doors: 5:00 pm

Tickets

Sunday, February 25, 2024

KING STREET BLUEGRASS

DC BLUEGRASS UNION FEBFEST! DCBU Birthday BASH! Celebrating the legendary Leon Morris!

NO CHARGE FOR THIS SHOW! PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR SEATED FREE TICKETS!

FEATURIING - KING STREET BLUEGRASS! - 6pm
“2023 WAMMIE award finalists. King Street Bluegrass has blues, folk, and country influences.
Though based near DC, they have rural, farm and coal miner family roots, from the mountains of W Virginia, Pennsylvania & Virginia, Regaling audiences since 2008”

Rob Waller, Banjo
Nacy Lisi, Vocals, Upright Bass
Donny Faulkner, Lead Vocals, Guitar
Robert Swain, Baritone
Roger Hart, Vocals, Harmonica, Spoons, Jaw Harp

Doors: 4:00 pm

Tickets

Date:
February 9-25, 2024

Location:
Earp's Ordinary, LLC,
10420 Main Street,
Fairfax, VA 22030

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