Tony Rice

Tony Rice spans the range of acoustic music, from straight-ahead bluegrass to jazz-influenced new acoustic music, to songwriter-oriented folk. He is perhaps the greatest innovator in acoustic flatpicked guitar since Clarence White. Over the course of his career, he has played alongside J.D. Crowe and the New South, David Grisman (during the formation of “Dawg Music”), led his own groups, collaborated with fellow picker Norman Blake and recorded with his brothers. He has recorded with drums, piano, soprano sax, and with straight-ahead bluegrass instrumentation. Tony Rice remains one of bluegrass' top instrumentalists and singers, bringing originality and vitality to everything he plays. Website

The Barrel House Mamas

The Barrel House Mamas, a trio of women from
Asheville, NC, conjure the sweet and sultry sounds of the Appalachain mountains they call home in their robust three-part harmonies and original songs. Imagine the old-timey pluck of a jumbo-bodied guitar sliding between the bluesy roll of a classical guitar and the twang of claw-hammer, and sometimes contemporary funk, banjo. Now lace it with middle-eastern inspired flute lines, the wailing honk of harmonica, and the soulful belting of heartfelt poetry. The result is a sound that is all at once bluesy, rootsy, folk, americana, a touch of country, and truly these Mamas' own. Website

Gold Heart

Gold Heart is a creative young bluegrass band that features the distinctive talents of the Gold Sisters--Analise, Jocelyn & Shelby.  Pure family harmony, solid lead vocals and energetic pickin' describes just some of their musical abilities.  Their unique "slow drive" sound is unmistakable and captivating.  All three Gold sisters are gifted songwriters and arrangers with Jocelyn having penned most of the bands remarkable material.  Since the bands first stage performance in 2005, the girls have captured hearts & impressed audiences from coast to coast.  Website

Blades of Bluegrass

The strong local following of Blades of Bluegrass 
brought this group to the attention of Menokin
 festival organizers.  Based in 
King George County, this band brings high quality 
Northern Neck talent to the 2008 festival.

Thank you to all of our musical guests future, past 
and present!