Artwork by Courtney Schoeberlein of The Planted Pen
The Music City Bluegrass & Roots Festival is back! Presented by Sun Rider 9 Productions
Join us on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 from 12:00pm to 10:00 PM at The Vortex at CAA Park for an unforgettable day of music, food, and fun!
STAGE ONE
Kitchen Dwellers
Magoo
Dirty Grass Players
Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass
STAGE TWO
65 North Pickers
Geraldine
Rock Creek Revival
By & By
Dawg & Dell
Important Information:
Celebrate Catonsville’s first 12-acre outdoor music and event venue, a space designed for live entertainment and community gatherings. Explore local shops and restaurants within walking distance, and kick off your day at one of Catonsville’s finest taverns or eateries.
Come and enjoy our second annual presentation of The Music City Bluegrass & Roots Festival!
Thank you,
Music City Maryland Association
VIP TENT! 10 TICKETS, 10X15 POP UP TENT & 10 CHAIRS PROVIDED. INCLUDES COOLER OF SODAS & WATERS & 3 DRINK TOKENS PER PERSON. DRINK TOKENS FOR 21 AND OVER, TENTS ARE LIMITED
KITCHEN DWELLERS
Kitchen Dwellers continue to carve out their own lane in the world of progressive roots music, blending bluegrass, folk, and psychedelic grit into a sound as expansive as their Montana home. The Bozeman-born quartet of Shawn Swain (mandolin), Torrin Daniels (banjo), Joe Funk (upright bass), and Max Davies (acoustic guitar) has grown from regional upstarts into one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking bands in modern string music. Their catalog pairs instrumental virtuosity with emotional storytelling, an exploratory spirit, and a deep connection to the American West.
In 2024, Kitchen Dwellers released their latest full-length studio album, Seven Devils, which arrived on March 1 and debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart. The record expanded the band’s creative reach and reinforced their place at the forefront of progressive roots and bluegrass.
The band’s newest release, The Katabatic EP, highlights another side of their creative arc. Recorded in late November 2021 at Mighty Fine Studios in Denver and Peach Street Studios in Bozeman, the three-song EP captures a vivid snapshot of wintertime inspiration in Montana. Rooted in sweeping landscapes and natural contrasts, the EP blends mythic lyricism, atmospheric instrumental interplay, and a progressive blend of bluegrass, folk, and americana that has become the group’s signature.
The song “Madison” tells the story of a mystified angler on the Madison River, drawing parallels between love and the unpredictable rhythms of fishing. The instrumentals “Mimas and Ida” and “Katabatic” broaden the sonic palette with guest trumpeter Eric “Benny” Bloom of Lettuce, whose brass textures add lift, spark, and momentum. Shifting grooves, evolving tempos, and evocative melodies evoke mountain valleys, windswept terrain, and orbiting moons. The EP was produced by Kitchen Dwellers, mixed by Stephan Gueguen and Max Davies, and mastered by Stephan Gueguen.
Kitchen Dwellers have continued to earn national attention through consistent touring, acclaimed studio work, and an expanding grassroots following. Their studio album discography includes Ghost in the Bottle (2017), Muir Maid (2019), Wise River (2022), and Seven Devils (2024). Collectively, these releases have amassed more than 15 million streams across platforms, with recent NOCO releases accounting for more than 8 million.
Their vibrant live show has taken them to major festivals and iconic stages across the country. The band has performed at Bonnaroo Music Festival, Telluride Bluegrass, Under The Big Sky, WinterWonderGrass, Northwest String Summit, and more. They have also achieved career milestones by headlining Red Rocks Amphitheatre and headlining the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Along the way, Kitchen Dwellers have received praise from outlets such as Bluegrass Today, Huffington Post, Relix, American Songwriter, and additional national publications.
Kitchen Dwellers continue to evolve while staying rooted in the landscapes and creative curiosity that shaped them. With Seven Devils marking a major milestone and The Katabatic EP offering a distilled burst of artistic expression, the band remains committed to pushing the boundaries of modern bluegrass and exploring new musical terrain.
More info at https://www.kitchendwellers.com/
MAGOO
Magoo is a progressive bluegrass quartet based in Denver, CO, redefining the boundaries of traditional bluegrass with a fresh, contemporary approach. Known for their electrifying live performances, the band creates a unique experience that blends extended improvisations, intricate original arrangements, and tight three-part harmonies. Their foot-stomping grooves and energetic stage presence leave audiences both inspired and enthralled.
Rooted in respect for the legends of bluegrass, Magoo pays homage to the genre’s rich history while fearlessly exploring its modern evolution. Their sound is a vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation, combining heartfelt storytelling with virtuosic instrumentation. From delicate melodies to powerful instrumental jams, Magoo’s music takes listeners on a dynamic journey through the past, present, and future of bluegrass.
The band’s success is a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication to the craft. Dobro player Dylan Flynn brought home the top prize at the Dobro Competition at RockyGrass Festival 2024, showcasing his soulful and resonant playing that forms the emotional backbone of Magoo’s music. Guitarist Erik Hill, who claimed second place in the Flatpicking Guitar Contest at the same festival, provides dynamic energy and innovative rhythms that drive the band’s arrangements. Mandolinist Courtlyn Bills, with his fiery solos and intricate precision, adds a distinct vibrancy to the band’s sound, while bassist Denton Turner’s steady groove and impeccable timing create the rhythmic foundation that powers Magoo’s signature style.
Magoo’s collective achievements reflect their growing reputation as a standout act in the bluegrass scene. In 2024, the band took 1st place at the UllrGrass Band Competition in Golden, CO, and won the Clash of the Strings battle of the bands, presented by Winter WonderGrass & Bandwagon. They also earned 2nd place at the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition, further establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Their sold-out headlining performance at Globe Hall in Denver on November 1, 2024, showcased their ability to captivate audiences, both musically and emotionally. In addition to these accomplishments, Magoo has graced the stages of renowned festivals like Winter WonderGrass, Grand Lake Folk Festival, RapidGrass Festival, and Huck Finn Jubilee, leaving a lasting impression with every performance.
Magoo’s unique ability to honor the roots of bluegrass while forging a modern path has earned them a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. Their combination of technical skill, heartfelt passion, and relentless innovation ensures they remain a leading force in the progressive bluegrass scene. With their impressive achievements, award-winning musicianship, and fresh energy in every performance, Magoo is redefining the future of bluegrass music.
More info at https://www.magootheband.com/
DIRTY GRASS PLAYERS
“It’s hard to match Billy Strings’ blend of traditional and progressive bluegrass with heady jams, but if anyone comes close it’s The Dirty Grass Players. The Baltimore-based group packed the DelFest Music Hall during the early afternoon on Saturday and did just that, mixing originals like ‘Shiny Side Up’ with reinvented covers of Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and New Grass Revival’s ‘This Heart of Mine’ that brought the burgeoning crowd to a fever pitch.”
“The Dirty Grass Players: One of only two bands to make a repeat appearance in Glide’s “Best of DelFest” list, the Baltimore-based Dirty Grass Players laid waste to the Music Hall for the second year in a row thanks to an explosive Saturday afternoon set. Once again performing in front of a capacity crowd whose numbers rivaled some of the wildly popular late-night shows held on the same stage, the quartet of progressive firebrands offered up a healthy mix of originals, including “Grand Voyager” and an intense set-closing rendition of “Shiny Side Up”, along with some rousing covers, such as New Grass Revival’s “This Heart of Mine” and Bill Monroe’s “Wheel Hoss.” With a pair of legendary DelFest appearances now under their belt, in addition to an increasingly rigorous touring schedule, it’s easy to see why the Dirty Grass Players are rapidly becoming one of DelFest’s most sought-after acts. ”
“Shiny Side Up perfectly captures the high-octane energy of their live shows which they have become known for. This is best exhibited by “Shiny Side Up” and “Riptide” (featuring fiddler Jason Carter) both which allow the Dirty Grass Players to showcase the strength of the band and what they do best, simply letting loose and ripping. The murder ballad “Bound to Die” closes the album, which is appropriate as it and the opening “Shiny Side Up” are the most complete songs on the album, both with their lyrical and musical composition. Both songs also best represent the dual nature of the Dirty Grass Players and the music, that ability to stay true to the roots of bluegrass while at the same time giving a peek into the soul of a string band who is known to play everything from Pink Floyd to Lourdes to the Grateful Dead with stunning conviction in their sets. Shiny Side Up validates the arrival of the Dirty Grass Players onto the scene and shows bluegrass is in good hands going forward.”
More info at https://thedirtygrassplayers.com/
65 NORTH PICKERS
Photo by JD Barth
Introducing the 65 north pickers, a high-energy bluegrass quartet that fuses the drive of traditional bluegrass with the exploratory spirit of jam band improvisation. fronted by mandolin player jake, banjoist nate, guitarist quinton, and bassist tali, this quartet is renowned for their lightning-fast picking and impressive improvisation. Their high-energy performances feature incredible original compositions that merge bluegrass with the nostalgic vibes of classic festival music, where the essence of the Grateful Dead meets the psychedelic flair of Jimi Hendrix. With listeners dancing out of their chairs and captivated by the music, 65 north pickers create an unforgettable experience that keeps fans coming back for more.
More info at https://65northpickers.org/
DANNY PAISLEY AND THE SOUTHERN GRASS
Danny Paisley and The Southern Grass continue to be deeply rooted in tradition but look to the future with enthusiasm and anticipation. The group’s latest release, Bluegrass Troubadour, was nominated for IBMA’s Album of the Year and earned significant chart action, with the song Blink of an Eye spending several months at the #1 spot on the Bluegrass music charts and was also nominated for IBMA Song of the Year.
Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass play powerful, unadorned, and intense traditional bluegrass. There is no hybrid or genre-bending music here. Their combination of instrumentation and vocals convey the energy and emotion of classic bluegrass and country music. Danny’s lead vocals will captivate your senses, so much so that many prominent musicians, including Alison Krauss, have considered Danny as one of their favorite singers. His voice combines powerful range and soulful blues with a sound like no one else in bluegrass today.
Since Danny’s father, Bob Paisley (founder of Southern Grass), passed away in 2004, Danny Paisley and The Southern Grass have made their niche in the bluegrass world, producing consecutive chart-topping albums. The group has been given over 20 Bluegrass Music Award Nominations and won the 2009 IBMA Song of the Year for Don’t Throw Mama’s Flowers Away. In 2024, Danny Paisley joined an elite group of vocalists to be awarded the IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year for the fourth time – an achievement bestowed only to three others in the history of Bluegrass music.
More info at https://www.dannypaisley.com/
GERALDINE
Geraldine’s mantra is ‘Good Time Old Time’. They are a roots-based string band bringing songwriting to the forefront, while blending elements of old time, American folk, bluegrass, and alternative country in a distinctive, enthusiastic sound. As stewards of Appalachian motifs in a modern framework, they bring banjo, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and Appalachian flat foot dancing to the front of the stage, accented with lush four-part harmonies, in a free-wheeling repertoire of both rare and wonderful gems from the past and original songs. They have released two albums of original songs – their debut album, Harvester (http://www.geraldineband.com/music/), in 2019, and their follow up second album, Paw Paw (http://www.geraldineband.com/bio/_wp_link_placeholder) in 2023. Anchored by John Bolten’s exceptional songwriting, compelling storytelling, and emotionally resonant lyrics, eight songs from their first two albums have earned honors in national song contests. Geraldine are mainstays on the regional festival circuit, including serving as the house band for the Annapolis Bay Grass Music Festival. You won’t want to miss their high energy performance of original ‘Good Time Old Time’.
More info at http://www.geraldineband.com/
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