MainStage

2023 MainStage Musicians

Join us in the MainStage tent next to Hancock Park for two days of fabulous musicians! All performances are free. The 2024 schedule will be published in Spring 2024.

Saturday

9:30     Storytelling Kickoff

10:00     John Grimm
A fabulous performer and songwriter, as well as the owner of Vintage Music and a founder of Pick & Bow where he teaches fiddle.

11:00     Chuck Nation Band

With a repertoire that includes originals, traditional, gospel, and instrumentals, the band’s close harmony singing and superb instrumental playing are the hallmarks of their captivating sound. Chuck is a member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame, a two-time Georgia State Fiddle Champion, Georgia State Mandolin Champion and a Louisiana State Fiddle Champion.

12:15     Wil Maring and Robert Bowlin

For more than15 years award-winning singer-songwriter Wil Maring has been playing guitar and upright bass with multi-instrumentalist Robert Bowlin. As a duo, they have travelled coast to coast playing everywhere from the nation’s largest acoustic festivals to intimate house concerts.

1:30       Curtis & Kim Jones Mountain Gypsy Music
Guitarist, songwriter, composer, singer, artist and multi-instrumentalist Curtis Jones and his wife, Kim, who is an accomplished vocalist and multi- instrumentalist as well, call the interweaving styles of their dynamic duo MOUNTAIN GYPSY MUSIC          

2:45       BlueBilly Grit

BlueBilly Grit is an American bluegrass band composed of female and male vocals, acoustic guitar, upright bass, mandolin, fiddle, and banjo. In 2012 they placed first in the nationally renowned Telluride Bluegrass Competition in Colorado.

4:00       Ugly Cousin
A group of musicians with varied tastes who combine all those influences into one back-country moonshine still, and out drips a very refined blend of Americana. Ugly Cousin plays and writes music that speaks from the heart and hopes it resonates with listeners.

5:15        Mosier Brothers 

“The Rev” Jeff Mosier is one of the most popular banjo players in the southeast and his repertoire includes touring with Col. Bruce Hampton; Phish; Aquarium Rescue Unit and Peter Rowan, and on occasion, the Zac Brown Band. He and his guitar-playing brother, Johnny, are favorites in venues throughout Atlanta and festivals throughout the south, bringing a performance filled with bluegrass, folk and lively storytelling.

7:00 – 9:00    Contra Dance

Plan to join your fellow festival-goers in the MainStage tent for music by Glenda Pender’s Gold Town Pickers and calling by Marie Graham. No contra dance experience necessary!

Sunday

11:00   The Glenda Pender Gospel Jam

This Bear tradition is always standing room only as local musicians gather on the stage to perform gospel favorites.

12:30   Pick & Bow Students

Students in grades 4-12 learn fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin and ukulele in the after-school music programs offered by Georgia Pick & Bow.

1:15       Thomas Cassell Band

Cassell is the 2021 National Mandolin Champion, International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum award winner and founding member of the band, Circus No. 9.

2:30       Tom and Juli

Tom and Juli have myriad fans in North Georgia, having played numerous local venues over the years. One of Dahlonega’s favorite duos.

3:45       Bells and Whistles

Bells and Whistles provide joy through music, lyrics, and youthful energy.