The Midtown Bluegrass Series, at Midtown Park, 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street in Raleigh, concludes with a free concert on Sunday, September 17th, 2017.
Here’s all the information:
Colorado-based band The Railsplitters (4:30-6 pm) and North Carolina’s own Fireside Collective (3-4 pm). The afternoon will begin with a facilitated youth jam with local musicians Lynda and Jamie Dawson.
With their newest album, The Faster It Goes, The Railsplitters are pushing the genre forward with an adventurous spirit, carrying on the tradition of breaking boundaries with their innovative sound. Featuring banjo player Dusty Rider’s songwriting and the powerfully distinct vocals of Lauren Stovall, The Railsplitters’ sound is distinctive. The band’s newest member, Joe D’Esposito, enriches the band’s sound with his New England-influenced fiddling alongside the masterfully executed mandolin playing of Peter Sharpe. The band is well supported by upright bassist Leslie Ziegler’s unique style. The Faster It Goes showcases The Railsplitters’ collaborative songwriting as well as the impressive talents of its members and the cohesive character of their sound. “Though they operate with the instrumentation of a bluegrass band, The Railsplitters are making music totally unlimited by tradition. This is music for the open road, the open dance floor, and open ears–music of the American West, made for all.,” writes Mindie Lind of Hearth Music.
Quickly blazing a name for themselves with their progressive approach to American folk music, Fireside Collective delights listeners with memorable melodies and contemporary songwriting. Formed in Asheville, the band plays original songs on stringed instruments, intended for a modern audience. Following the release of their debut album Shadows and Dreams, the band hit the road seeking to engage audiences with their energetic live show built on instrumental proficiency, colorful harmonies, and innovative musical arrangements. Last year, Fireside won the MerleFest band competition, and they performed more than 140 shows throughout 11 states. In July, the band opened for acoustic pioneers the Wood Brothers in Charlotte, as well as bluegrass legends Hot Rize in Steamboat Springs, CO. If you revel in the sounds of acoustic instrumentation, enjoy the excitement of energetic live performances, and delight in the creation of original songs, then follow the Fireside Collective as they journey on in their musical endeavors. Fireside Collective is: Jesse Iaquinto (mandolin, lead vocals), Tommy Maher (dobro, vocals), Carson White (bass guitar, vocals), and Joe Cicero (acoustic guitar, vocals).
Before the music starts on stage, from 2-3pm, musicians ages 18 and under who play guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass, or banjo are invited to participate in a facilited jam to kick off the afternoon. Local musicians Lynda Wittig Dawson & Jamie Dawson will be on hand to share some tips and tricks and answer questions about bluegrass jamming.
Cousins Maine Lobster and Fresh Local Ice Cream will be on-site on Sunday. And we will have a full bar available for purchase (21+ with I.D.) featuring Larceny Bourbon & Deep Eddy Vodka, Lonerider beer and Archer Roose wine.
